Tenkara fishing Yellowstone National Park can be a very enjoyable experience if you’re up for it, but planning ahead is key. Here’s what you need to know before you go. Pay particular attention to the native vs. non-native catch and release maps.

#1 Look at and become familiar with the Yellowstone National Park Fishing regulations (pdf) and their Catch a Fish guide.

“Fishing regulations in Yellowstone National Park are structured to strongly support native fish conservation goals. Cutthroat trout are the sole, native trout of the park and were the dominant fish species here prior to Euroamerican settlement. Cutthroat trout, Arctic grayling, mountain whitefish, and other native fishes are important to the ecology of Yellowstone.”

 

#2 Purchase yourself a Yellowstone fishing permit. Yes, you need a special permit to fish inside the park – your Montana or Wyoming state fishing licenses are not valid.

• Permits can be purchased online at www.recreation.gov or locally in several places outside/inside the park.

#3 Take your tenkara rod and have fun. Keep it simple, leave the extra gear and your worries behind at the truck and focus on the experience.