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. |