From Staff Reports
A dry, hot summer is prompting managers in Yellowstone National Park to close parts of some rivers to fishing.
In an attempt to ease the stress on fragile trout populations, Yellowstone’s public affairs office on Monday announced that the following waterways will be temporarily closed to fishing starting Aug. 1:
- Gibbon River below Gibbon Falls
- Firehole River below Kepler Cascades
- Madison River
Warmer than usual temperatures, particularly early in the summer season, along with limited rainfall, runoff from thermal features, and below average stream flows have all resulted in high water temperatures in these rivers.
Water temperatures in the Gibbon River have been above 73 degrees for most of the past two weeks, with water temperatures in the Firehole River above 78 degrees.
High water temperatures can be stressful and even fatal for trout.
Park officials say they will continue to monitor water temperatures and stream flows in these and other rivers and streams throughout Yellowstone.
Extended weather forecasts are generally calling for continued hot and dry conditions with only slight chances of isolated afternoon thunderstorms. Such conditions may contribute to continued low stream flows and high water temperatures, and could result in additional fishing restrictions, park officials warn.
Contact Yellowstone Gate at 307-213-9818 or [email protected].