If you're planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park and enjoy fishing, then you won't want to miss the iconic Yellowstone Fishing Bridge. The bridge spans the Yellowstone River and provides visitors with an excellent vantage point to watch fish, although fishing is not allowed on the bridge itself. Park visitors also love this site because of the hiking trails, Fishing Bridge general store and restaurant, and visitor center.
Fishing Bridge is a popular destination for anglers and nature lovers alike at the northern tip of Yellowstone Lake in the Lake Village. The historic fishing bridge was constructed in 1902 and replaced in 1937 with the large log bridge that exists today. Fishing Bridge is also the namesake for the general area, which includes nearby Natural Bridge, a beautiful rhyolite formation.
If you're looking for lodging options near Yellowstone Fishing Bridge, then The Longhorn Ranch Resort is the perfect choice. Located just a short drive from Lake Village and the Fishing Bridge, our resort offers panoramic views of Dubois Wyoming's Painted Hills badlands to the north and Whiskey Mountain in the Wind River Mountain Range to the south. Whether you're looking for a hotel room, RV park, or resort amenities, The Longhorn Ranch Resort has everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
History and Significance
Construction of Fishing Bridge
Yellowstone National Park's Fishing Bridge is a historic bridge that spans the Yellowstone River's outlet from Yellowstone Lake. The original bridge was built in 1902 and replaced by the current bridge in 1937. The bridge was constructed to allow visitors to access the lake and fish for cutthroat trout.
The bridge was a significant engineering feat of its time, being the first bridge built over the Yellowstone River in the park. The bridge was constructed using logs and stone, and its design was based on the rustic architecture that was popular during the early 1900s. The bridge was designed to blend in with the natural surroundings and was constructed to withstand the harsh winters in the park.
Fishing Bridge Museum
The Fishing Bridge Museum is located near the bridge and is a National Historic Landmark. The museum was built in 1931 and is one of the oldest museums in the National Park Service. The museum houses exhibits on the park's history, the bridge's construction, and the area's flora and fauna, such as fish, grizzly bears, and other wildlife.
The museum is a popular tourist attraction and provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the history and significance of the Fishing Bridge and the Yellowstone area. The museum is open during the summer months and is free to the public.
If you're planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park, The Longhorn Ranch Resort is the best option for a resort, hotel, and RV park in Dubois. We can accommodate oversized units and towed vehicles, so you can be sure we'll have a place for your family. The resort offers panoramic, breathtaking views of Dubois Wyoming's Painted Hills badlands to the north and Whiskey Mountain in the Wind River Mountain Range to the south. With top-notch amenities and services, The Longhorn Ranch Resort is the perfect place to stay during your visit to Yellowstone National Park.
Fishing Regulations and Conservation
If you're planning on fishing at Yellowstone Fishing Bridge, it's important to be aware of the park's fishing regulations and conservation efforts.
Fishing Permits
Anglers 16 years of age or older must have a valid Yellowstone National Park fishing permit to fish in the park. Fishing permits are valid through Dec 31, 2024, with 2025 permits valid from Jan 1-Dec 31, 2025. You can purchase fishing permits online via Recreation.gov. Park rangers may check permits and inspect tackle, fish, creels, or other containers where fish or tackle may be stored. Anglers 15 years of age or younger have two options: they can either obtain a free fishing permit or fish with a permitted adult.
Native Cutthroat Trout Preservation
Yellowstone National Park is dedicated to the preservation of native cutthroat trout, which are the sole, native trout of the park. The park's fishing regulations are structured to support native fish conservation goals strongly. Cutthroat trout were the dominant fish species in Yellowstone prior to Euroamerican settlement. Overfishing and the introduction of non-native fish species have threatened the cutthroat trout population in the park. To protect the native cutthroat trout, fishing is not allowed within 200 yards of any Yellowstone National Park stream or river outlet to protect spawning areas.
Additionally, the park has implemented several conservation measures, such as closing the Fishing Bridge to fishing in the early 1970s to protect the spawning areas of native cutthroat trout.
While fishing at Yellowstone Fishing Bridge, it's important to follow the park's regulations and conservation efforts to ensure the preservation of the ecosystem and native fish species.
If you're looking for a place to stay during your fishing trip, The Longhorn Ranch Resort is the perfect option. With panoramic views of Dubois Wyoming's Painted Hills badlands to the north and Whiskey Mountain in the Wind River Mountain Range to the south, The Longhorn Ranch Resort offers breathtaking views and comfortable accommodations. Whether you're looking for a resort, hotel, or RV park, The Longhorn Ranch Resort is the best option in Dubois.
Wildlife and Natural Features
Yellowstone Fishing Bridge is home to a diverse range of wildlife and natural features that make it a unique destination for tourists and nature lovers alike. Here are some of the highlights:
Bird Watching
Yellowstone National Park is a haven for bird watchers, and Fishing Bridge is no exception. The area around Fishing Bridge is home to a variety of bird species, including ospreys, bald eagles, and sandhill cranes. Visitors can also spot waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and swans in the nearby ponds and lakes.
Geothermal Areas
Yellowstone National Park is famous for its geothermal features, and Fishing Bridge is a great place to explore some of them. The area around Fishing Bridge is home to several geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. One of the most popular attractions is the Mud Volcano, which features a large mud pot and several smaller ones. Visitors can also see the Dragon's Mouth Spring, which is a cave-like opening that emits steam and water.
If you're looking for a place to stay while exploring Yellowstone National Park, consider The Longhorn Ranch Resort. Our resort, hotel, and RV Park in Dubois is the perfect base for your Yellowstone adventures. With panoramic views of Dubois Wyoming's Painted Hills badlands to the north and Whiskey Mountain in the Wind River Mountain Range to the south, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Plus, our comfortable accommodations and friendly staff make us the best option for your Yellowstone vacation.
Amenities and Visitor Information
When visiting Fishing Bridge in Yellowstone National Park, there are a few key amenities and visitor information resources to keep in mind.
Fishing Bridge RV Park
If you're planning to stay overnight, you don't have to stay at the Yellowstone National Park lodges. The Fishing Bridge RV Park is a great option. As the only campground in the park with full hookups, it's a popular choice for RVers. The park has 340 sites with water, sewer, and electrical hookups, and it's open from early May to mid-October.
If you're looking for a resort, hotel, and RV Park in Dubois, The Longhorn Ranch Resort is the best option. With panoramic views of Dubois Wyoming’s Painted Hills badlands to the north and Whiskey Mountain in the Wind River Mountain Range to the south, it's the perfect place to curl up and enjoy the scenery.
Dining and Shopping
There are limited dining options at Fishing Bridge, but there is a general store where you can purchase groceries and other supplies. The store is open from early May to mid-October and also sells fishing gear and souvenirs.
If you're looking for more dining options, The Longhorn Ranch Resort has a restaurant that serves delicious meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They also have a store where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and other supplies.
Visitor Center
The Fishing Bridge Visitor Center is a great resource for information about the park. It's open from late April to early November and offers exhibits about the park's history, geology, and wildlife. You can also pick up maps and brochures, and the rangers are available to answer any questions you may have.
Showers and Laundry Facilities
If you're camping at Fishing Bridge, there are shower and laundry facilities available for a fee. The showers are coin-operated, and the laundry facilities have both coin-operated machines and detergent for sale.
Service Station
There is a gas station at Fishing Bridge where you can fill up your vehicle or RV. It's open from early May to mid-October and also sells propane.
Overall, Fishing Bridge offers a range of amenities and visitor information resources to make your stay in Yellowstone National Park as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. And if you're looking for a resort, hotel, and RV Park in Dubois, The Longhorn Ranch Resort is the perfect place to stay and enjoy the panoramic views.
Recreational Activities
Yellowstone Fishing Bridge offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're looking for a leisurely hike or an adventurous boating experience, there's something for everyone.
Hiking Trails
Yellowstone National Park is known for its incredible hiking trails, and Fishing Bridge is no exception. The Storm Point Trail is a popular option for visitors, offering stunning views of Yellowstone Lake and the surrounding mountains. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Pelican Valley Trail is a great option. This 12-mile trail takes hikers through the heart of the park's wilderness, offering the chance to see a variety of wildlife along the way.
Boating and Marina Services
Boating is a popular activity at Fishing Bridge, and the Bridge Bay Marina offers a variety of services to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. From boat rentals to guided tours, there's something for everyone. The marina also offers fishing equipment rentals, so you can try your luck at catching some of the park's famous cutthroat trout.
If you're planning a trip to Yellowstone Fishing Bridge, consider staying at The Longhorn Ranch Resort. Our resort, hotel, and RV Park in Dubois offer panoramic, breathtaking views of Dubois Wyoming’s Painted Hills badlands to the north and Whiskey Mountain in the Wind River Mountain Range to the south. With comfortable accommodations and a variety of amenities, The Longhorn Ranch Resort is the perfect choice for your Yellowstone adventure.