Yellowstone National Park Visit     July - August 2003

yellowstone-river_002

The present Fishing Bridge was built in 1937 replacing a 1902 construction. It spans the Yellowstone River at a major spawning area for cutthroat trout.  They spawn just like salmon and hence fishermen crowded to the Fishing Bridge to catch them in their weakened state.  However, because of the popularity of this, the cutthroat population declined, and in 1973 fishing from the bridge was banned; it is now for viewing the spawning phenomenon.  Fishing areas along the river are numerous, and fly fishermen can be seen at all times of the day and evening.  The view from the bridge is quite beautiful, and some of the park’s white pelicans are usually hanging around to amuse the tourists.