Yellowstone National Park was the first national park in the entire US and is widely considered to be the most well-known, boasting incredible wildlife and stunning scenery. Spread across the states of Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, Yellowstone has a fascinating history, having been home to Native Americans for many millennia, and the park itself covers an area of almost 3,500 square miles. A popular spot for all sorts of outdoor activities like camping and hiking, Yellowstone is also a super location for fishing.


This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.

1. Fishing in Yellowstone Overview

Fishing in Yellowstone Overview

© Alexander/stock.adobe.com

  • What bodies of water are in Yellowstone National Park?
    • The park boasts several rivers and lakes, including the enormous Yellowstone Lake, as well as the Yellowstone River and Snake River.
  • How many fish species are found in Yellowstone's waters?
    • There are 13 native species of fish in the waters of Yellowstone National Park and half a dozen additional species that have been introduced over the years.
  • What are some of the most highly prized fish species?
    • Some of the most highly prized species include:
      • Yellowstone cutthroat trout
      • Mountain sucker
      • Longnose sucker
      • Brook trout
      • Lake trout
      • Rainbow trout
  • What makes fishing at Yellowstone special?
    • With almost twenty different species to catch in total, Yellowstone offers a lot of fishing variety, but certain species are prized more highly than others.

2. Types of Fish to Find at Yellowstone

Types of Fish to Find at Yellowstone

© Rostislav/stock.adobe.com

  • What is special about Yellowstone cutthroat trout?
    • Before non-native species were added to Yellowstone, this was one of the most popular fish to catch in the area. The addition of other trout species has diminished their numbers significantly, but they can still be found in parts of the park. Slough Creek and Yellowstone River provide some of the best cutthroat fishing in the park. These fish, like all other native species, must be released upon capture.
  • Why are lake trout significant in Yellowstone?
    • Lake trout are the biggest fish in all of Yellowstone, with some regularly growing to 30+ pounds and the park's record catch weighing 42 pounds. They were among the first non-native species introduced to the park and are commonly found in the Lewis River, Heart Lake, and Lewis Lake. Due to their impact on native species, all lake trout must be killed to prevent them from overtaking the ecosystem.
  • Where can rainbow trout be found in Yellowstone?
    • One of the most popular fish to catch in America, rainbow trout were introduced to Yellowstone in the late 19th century and have thrived throughout the park. They can be found in the Yellowstone River and Trout Lake.

3. Fishing Spots at Yellowstone

Fishing Spots at Yellowstone

© emu/stock.adobe.com

  • What are some of the best fishing spots in Yellowstone National Park?
    • There are many different water sources throughout Yellowstone National Park, each home to its own variety of fish. Over decades, fishermen have identified the best locations. Here are some of the top fishing spots:
  • 1. What makes Trout Lake a great fishing spot?
    • Trout Lake has always been a hotspot for anglers in Yellowstone. Located a short walk from the Northeast Entrance Road, it has provided some huge Yellowstone cutthroat trout and rainbow trout over the years, along with many rainbow/cutthroat hybrids. Fishing is good from the shoreline, but anglers with a boating permit can use tubes to access deeper waters.
  • 2. What makes Yellowstone River a top fishing destination?
    • Divided into the Upper and Lower sections, Yellowstone River is one of the biggest attractions in the park. The lower section is easier to access and provides similar fishing opportunities as the upper section, without requiring as much effort to reach. The upper section, being harder to access, remains one of the purest and most natural fishing spots in the park. Both sections are great for catching rainbow and cutthroat trout.
  • 3. Why is Heart Lake famous for lake trout fishing?
    • Named for its heart shape, Heart Lake is one of the best spots for lake trout fishing in Yellowstone. It is where the park’s record catch, a 42-pound lake trout, was found. Other fish species found in the lake include mountain whitefish and cutthroat trout. Like many other areas in the park, only fly fishing is allowed here.
  • 4. What makes Yellowstone Lake unique?
    • The largest lake in the entire park, Yellowstone Lake has a surface area of 136 square miles and a shoreline of over 100 miles. Its depth reaches up to 390 feet, making it the largest lake on the continent. It was once a great spot for cutthroat trout, but their numbers are declining due to the spread of lake trout.

Plan Your Trip


Table of Contents: