RT Fishing Bridge

Historic river crossing and visitor area located where Yellowstone Lake flows into the Yellowstone River, offering wildlife viewing, lodging, camping, and access to major park attractions.

General Information

Hours:

Open 24 hours a day year-round, though visitor services, campground facilities, and nearby attractions operate seasonally.

Fees:

Yellowstone National Park entrance fees apply
Private vehicle: $35 (7-day pass)
Motorcycle: $30 (7-day pass)
Individual (walk/bike): $20 (7-day pass)
Annual Yellowstone Pass: $70

Pet Policy:

Pets are permitted in developed areas when leashed but are not allowed on most trails, boardwalks, or in thermal areas.

Closest cities with hotels:

Cody, Wyoming (approximately 57 mi)

Seasons:

Late spring through fall offers the greatest range of visitor services and access, though the area can be viewed year-round depending on road conditions.

Location:

Fishing Bridge, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Website:

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How to Get There

From Cody (57 mi): Follow US-14/16/20 west through Yellowstone's East Entrance, continue along the Grand Loop Road past Yellowstone Lake, and follow signs directly to Fishing Bridge and the surrounding visitor facilities.

Overview

The Fishing Bridge area occupies one of Yellowstone National Park's most important geographic locations, where the waters of Yellowstone Lake flow northward into the Yellowstone River. The current bridge, completed in 1937, replaced earlier crossings and became famous for the large numbers of native cutthroat trout that once gathered below it during spawning migrations. Although fishing from the bridge is now prohibited to protect native fish populations, the structure remains one of Yellowstone's best-known landmarks and provides excellent opportunities to observe river wildlife and scenic views.

Today, the Fishing Bridge district serves as a major visitor hub that includes lodging, a campground, visitor services, and easy access to Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, and the Mud Volcano area. The surrounding wetlands and waterways attract pelicans, trumpeter swans, river otters, elk, and occasionally bears, making the area a favorite destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Combining historical significance, natural beauty, and a strategic location within the park, Fishing Bridge remains an essential stop for travelers exploring Yellowstone's lake region.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fishing_Bridge and , which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.

Visitors on Fishing Bridge, Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone National Park from Yellowstone NP, USA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

Yellowstone River near Fishing Bridge, Yellowstone National Park, James St. John, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted