Fish in Yellowstone's Northwest

Includes the Madison and Gallatin river drainages, including Firehole and Gibbon rivers and tributaries.

Permanently Closed to Fishing

• Firehole River from road bridge .5 mile (.8 km) upstream of Old Faithful to road bridge at Biscuit Basin, 200 yards (182 m) either side of Midway footbridge.
• Madison River from Seven Mile Bridge upstream 250 yards (226 m).

Expanded Fishing Access

The following park waterways are open for fishing beyond the standard fishing season:

May 1-Oct. 31:

• Firehole River downstream to the confluence with the Gibbon River at Madison Junction.
• Gibbon River from the bridge on Grand Loop Road at the entrance to Norris Campground downstream to the confluence with the Firehole River at Madison Junction.
• Madison River from the Montana-Wyoming state line upstream to the confluence with the Gibbon and Firehole rivers at Madison Junction.

Year-round:

• Madison River from the Montana-Wyoming state line downstream to the park boundary near the West Entrance in West Yellowstone, Montana.

Flyfishing Only

Use only artificial flies regardless of the type of rod or line.

• Madison River
• Firehole River
• Gibbon River below Gibbon Falls (not including their tributaries).

Possession Limits

Native Trout Conservation Area

• Catch and release all native fish.
• No possession limit on nonnative fish.

Nonnative Trout Tolerance Area

• Limit of 5 brook trout.
• Catch and release all rainbow and brown trout.

 

Where to take young anglers

• Norris: Gibbon River at Virginia Meadows or other meadows; Solfatara Creek near Norris campground; Ice Lake.
• Madison: Gibbon River near Tuff Cliffs; Large meadow areas of the Firehole, Gibbon, and Madison rivers near Madison Junction.
• Old Faithful: Firehole River at picnic areas; Nez Perce Creek.