Want to have an unforgettable summer? Pack your bags and head on the most amazing fishing road trip. Fishing is an extremely popular activity in the U.S. For some, it’s a beautiful childhood memory and for some, it’s a hobby. National Parks in the U.S offer many fishing opportunities. Some national park summers are the best time for fishing, but they also protect rare species. When you go fishing make sure to read all the rules and regulations.
Fishing in the spectacular view of the national parks gives you an amazing experience. You also get to learn about different species of fish and their behavior. Some parks allow fishing but some have restrictions. Summertime tends to be the best time of year for some of the fish species.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is located in the northwest region of the United States and is best for fishing in summer. The park covers over 3,472 square miles with several lakes, streams, and rivers providing a great opportunity for fishing. Yellowstone has 13 native fish species and six non-native species. The park preserves native species and maintains natural conditions, before you go fishing make sure to read the rule and regulations.
Fishing Regulations
Fishing regulations in Yellowstone National Park are planned to conserve native fish.
- You need to stay on the trails in thermal areas.
- Do not discard fish waste on the lakeshore or along stream banks as they can attract bears.
- Do not feed birds, squirrels, and any animals.
If you are 16 years of age or older you must have a valid Yellowstone National Park fishing permit to fish in the park. State fishing licenses are not required. Below we have mentioned the permit fee:
- For three-day permit cost $40
- For seven-day permit cost $55
- For season-long permit cost $75
- Children under the age of 15 can fish without a permit under the supervision of an adult.
- Children under the age of 15 can fish with a free permit signed by an adult.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is located in northwestern Montana, United States. The waters of Glacier Park are crystal clear, fishing is excellent here in the summer. Glacier has a number of lakes that are home to both native and non-native species. The park had 23 fish species with three endemic species. Glacier has 1,557 miles of streams making it one of the best places for fishing.
Fishing Regulations
- A fishing license is not required to fish in Glacier National Park
- You are not allowed to catch bull trout, in case caught it should be immediately released.
- If you are planning to eat the fish you need to check the fish consumption guidelines.
- Fishing in the park is allowed by hook and line, per person can use only one rod.
- The park permits only artificial flies and lures to reduce harm to native fish
- Fishing with nets, traps, drugs, or explosives is prohibited.
- You should not deposit fish eggs, roe, food, or other substances in waters to attract fish.
- Do not dispose of fish waste in the water.
Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains is a diversity of plant and animal life with the beauty of its ancient mountains. The park is located in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. The park covers over 500,000 acres with 50 lakes for people who like fishing Great Smoky Mountain is the perfect holiday destination. The park gives amazing fishing opportunities. Great Smoky Mountain is home to 67 species of fish in 12 different families. The park protects one of the last wild trout in eastern U.S.
Fishing Regulations
- You must have a valid fishing license or can have a permit from Tennessee or North Carolina
- Fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains is permitted year-round in open waters.
- In North Carolina under the age of 16 and in Tennessee are given an adult daily bag and need to follow all other regulations.
- Dispose of fish remains on land or water within 200 feet of a campsite is strictly prohibited.
- Make sure you don’t move any rock which can be harmful to fish and aquatic insects. Moving the rock can also destroy the nest and the fish eggs.
Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida, south of Miami. Biscayne is a saltwater preserve that features tropical islands, coral reefs, and bonefish flats. It is heaven for people who love fishing. The waters in Biscayne have amazing shades of aquamarine giving a breathtaking view during the sunsets. The park is home to an incredible diversity of over 600 native fish, including sea turtles.
Fishing Regulations
- Fishing by the use of drugs, poisons, explosives, or electricity is prohibited
- If you catch a fish that does not meet size or species restrictions you need to carefully retire to the water. If you fish you should not cross the legal limit of the fish.
- Do not throw trash or fish waste in any of the water bodies.
- You should not catch any tropical ornamental marine life species or any tropical ornamental marine plant within the park unless you have a valid collecting permit issued by the superintendent of the park.
- Fishing of lobster is prohibited in the five Coral Reef Protection Areas
Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota, near the Canadian border. If you want to experience world-class fishing Voyageurs is the best park. The park lets you fish anywhere except Beast Lake. Around 40% of the park has aquatic habitat with over 50 different species of fish.
Fishing is one of the most popular activities in Voyageurs. The park is a destination for fish-seekers because it has 30 lakes which consist of four large lakes and 26 smaller interior lakes. This makes the fish population in these lakes quite diverse.
Fishing Regulations
- Before you the shoreland clean all visible aquatic plants, zebra mussels, and other prohibited species from watercraft, trailers, and water-related equipment.
- You need to dispose of unwanted bait, minnows, leeches, and worms in the trash. Releasing bait in water bodies is prohibited.
- You can only use artificial bait in interior lakes
- A floatplane is not allowed in interior lakes
- Privately-owned watercraft are not allowed in interior lakes
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is located in South Florida, fishing is a popular activity in Everglades. One-third of the park is covered by water, giving an excellent opportunity for fishing. Everglades allows both freshwater and saltwater fishing. You also get to do some adventurous activities like paddle into the backwater.
Fishing Regulations
- You need a Florida freshwater fishing license to fish in freshwater.
- You need a Florida saltwater fishing license to fish in saltwater
- Live or dead fish, minnows and shiners or amphibians, and any non-preserved fish eggs or roe are not allowed.
- Fishing and taking of lobster and queen conch are prohibited.