Yellowstone National Park--Advice to Anglers

Yellowstone National Park Fishing Regulations
General Regulations
Area Specific Regulations
Species Regulations
Exotic Threats
Advice to Anglers

Releasing Fish

The following suggestions will insure that a released fish has the best chance for survival:

1. Play fish as rapidly as possible, do not play to total exhaustion.
2. Keep fish in water as much as possible when handling and removing hook.
3. Remove hook gently - do not squeeze fish or put fingers in gills. The use of barbless hooks is encouraged to make release easier.
4. If deeply hooked - cut line - do not pull hook out. Most fish survive with hooks left in them.
5. Release fish only after its equilibrium is maintained. If necessary, gently hold fish upright, facing upstream.
6. Release fish in quiet water, close to area where it was hooked.

Bears, Backcountry, and Anglers

Yellowstone is bear country, and there is no guarantee of your safety. Bears often utilize trails, streams, and lakeshores. Entry into some areas may be restricted; check with a ranger for specific bear management information. Traveling alone in bear country is not recommended. Make enough noise to make your presence known to bears. If you should encounter a bear, give it plenty of room, detour if possible, or wait for the bear to move on. If a bear should charge or attack and the situation allows, climb a tree. If you are caught by a bear, try playing dead. Do not run; this may excite the bear. Carefully read all bear country guidelines and regulations and be prepared for any situation.

Garbage Disposal and Fish Cleaning

Please pick up all trash, including items such as monofilament fishing line and six pack holders, which may cause injury to wildlife, and properly dispose in trash receptacles.

When fish cleaning and disposal areas are not provided, dispose of fish entrails by puncturing the air bladder and dropping into deep water.