Permit Fees for Boating and Fishing Increasing in Yellowstone

If you want to purchase a permit for boating or fishing in Yellowstone National Park. beginning today, it will cost you a bit more.

According to a press release from YNP, fees for fishing and boating permits in the park will increase. The cost of a fishing permit hasn't increased since 2012, and the cost of a boating permit hasn't increased since 1993.

Anglers will be able to purchase fishing permits online at Recreation.gov starting today for the upcoming season in addition to in-park stores and surrounding communities beginning this spring.

Fishing permit details:

• A new online system will allow anglers to plan ahead and purchase permits before their trip to Yellowstone.
• The new fees were determined by taking the average of resident and non-resident fishing permit fees from Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. The Recreation.gov fee is also included.
• The cost of a fishing permit has not changed since 2012.

Boating permit details:

• Boaters can obtain a permit and aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspection ONLY in-person at various locations in the park. Permits are not available online.
• The new fees are comparable to those of state and other national park permits.
• In addition, the permit fee will include an AIS fee for inspections.
• The cost of a boating permit has not changed since 1993.

According to park officials, the number of boats on Yellowstone Lake increased nearly 10% in 2020. The resulting increase in revenue from the fee increases will guarantee funding and provide a sustained revenue source that will contribute to continued efforts to reduce non-native lake trout and increase the park’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspection capacity.

To see all of the fee options, learn more about how the revenue will support conservation efforts, and read the full news release, click here.