National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Yellowstone National ParkCutthroat Trout leaping at LeHardy Rapids.
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Yellowstone National Park
Fishing and Fisheries Science
Angler kneeling in Yellowstone Lake and holding cutthroat trout with Absaroka Mountains in the background.
Photo by Joe Facendola

Fishing in Yellowstone

Yellowstone National Park is managed to protect cultural and natural resources and outstanding scenery, and to provide for visitor use. Fishing has been a major visitor activity for well over a century. Because of this history, fishing continues to be allowed and can complement, and in some cases even enhance, the park’s primary purpose to preserve natural environments and native species.

 
Composite image of park biologist listening for a radio-tagged cutthroat trout  park biologist holding a large cutthroat trout.
NPS Photos/Koel; Arnold
 

Fisheries Science in Yellowstone

Native cutthroat trout are the most ecologically important fish of the park and the most prized, and highly regarded by visiting anglers. Several factors, mostly related to exotic species introductions, are threatening the persistence of these fish. The Yellowstone Fisheries Program strives to use best available science in addressing these threats, with a focus on direct, aggressive intervention, and welcomed assistance by visiting anglers.

Summer Crowd at Old Faithful.  

Did You Know?
At peak summer levels, 3,500 employees work for Yellowstone National Park concessioners and about 800 work for the park.

Last Updated: November 06, 2007 at 09:04 EST