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Yellowstone National Park Bans Felt Sole Waders And Boots

Published Date

March 9, 2018
Fishing the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park/Kurt Repanshek

Anglers coming to Yellowstone National Park will have to leave their felt-soled waders and boots behind as the park works to halt the move of invasive species into park waters/Kurt Repanshek file

In a move to try to keep invasive species out of park waters, Yellowstone National Park officials are implementing bans on felt-soled waders and boots often used by anglers.

Aquatic invasive species could have devastating ecological, economic, and recreational impacts on Yellowstone's waters. They are costly to manage and extremely difficult to eradicate. Due to the urgent need to prevent these destructive species from entering the park, felt sole waders and boots worn by anglers will be banned permanently starting this year. The park will also implement a new boating season.

Felt Sole Ban

Felt sole waders and boots will be banned because they can carry microscopic organisms even after cleaning. Rubber sole boots will be allowed. They trap fewer organisms than felt and can be cleaned with water and a scrub brush. You can learn about the issue by reading the park's fishing regulations.

Boating Season

Boats will be allowed to enter park waters from 7 a.m. on Saturday, May 26, until 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 4.

All watercraft are required to have a boat permit and a Yellowstone AIS inspection before launching in the park. Watercraft include, but are not limited to, power boats, sail boats, canoes, kayaks, and angler float tubes. Permits and inspections are available seven days a week between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at various locations in the park.

If a boat does not pass the AIS inspection, it will not be allowed to enter park waters.

Instituting a boating season guarantees the park will have staff to provide timely boat inspections.  Take action. Ensure that you don’t transport AIS to Yellowstone and that your watercraft will be permitted to launch:

* Clean all plants, animals, mud, sand, and other debris from your boat, anchor, boots, and equipment. Use high-pressure, hot (120-140F) water if possible.

* Drain all water from your boat including the motor, bilge, livewell, and other compartments before you arrive. Leave drain plugs out during transport.

* Do not dump water or organisms from one water body into another.

* Dry all compartments and equipment in the sun for five days.

You can watch a video at this site that details the process.

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