Yellowstone National Park’s rivers and streams are closed to fishing daily from 2 p.m. to sunrise due to high water temperatures and low stream flows.

These restrictions, put into effect Wednesday, are in addition to the existing full fishing closures on the Madison, Firehole and Gibbon (downstream of Norris Campground) rivers that have been in effect since July 15.

These closures will remain in effect until conditions improve to protect the park’s native and wild trout fisheries.

Anglers can fish on most park rivers and streams daily from sunrise to 2 p.m.

Yellowstone Lake and other lakes will remain open to fishing from sunrise to sunset as specified in the 2026 Fishing Regulations booklet.

Water temperatures have exceeded 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) in recent days, and flows on many rivers are below long-term averages. These conditions are extremely stressful and can be fatal to fish.

The extended forecast calls for continued hot and dry conditions with a slight chance of isolated afternoon thunderstorms, which contribute to continued low stream flows and high water temperatures.

Staff will continue to monitor water temperatures. The closure may be lifted, or additional restrictions and closures may be put in place, depending on condition assessments.

Anglers are asked to fish during the coolest times of day and land fish quickly. Do not play hooked trout to exhaustion. Gently handle fish in the water as much as possible and let them recover before release.

Cooperation will protect the park’s fisheries and may preclude the need to prohibit fishing at all times of the day on some rivers and streams if conditions worsen.