OK, I know I can Google this and will when I have more time, but has anyone been to Yellowstone recently and know the current regulations?

Specifically, is lead allowed on flies and are felt boots still allowed?

My understanding is that lead is encouraged. Also felt soles.

I was there in 2013 - No felts in Yellowstone (eastern) drainage. I believe they were allowed in the Snake (Western) drainage. I did not wear felt though. The Snake had some cleaning stations at popular put-ins and access sites.


I did not use lead, but I know of no restrictions on it.

http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/upload/14FishReg.pdf
http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/fishingexotics.htm


Looks to me like lead is banned. Boots not specified, but clean and dry between watersheds.

Yep, looks like lead banned completely. But I still not sure about felt boots.

So, what does everyone use in place of lead shot? I know there are a lot of options out there, but I'm not which ones actually work.

If they make tungsten split shot yet that is the way to go. Now that I think about it I'm about to find out I just don't know how soft of metal it is. If they make it it will be all I carry lead is way more bulky. Bismuth is also way heavier than lead. Would love one small split shot on my nymph rig instead of three. Look forward to responses.

Ok just looked it up they make tungsten split shot and puffy ordering some now lol. Just don't forget when you look at it it weighs twice as much as lead. I have used tungsten exclusively for bass for almost ten years I am convened the smaller profile helps put more fish on the hook,and hey it's non toxic goodby lead split shot.

Puddy not puffy

No lead in Yellowstone. You can get tin split shots up there. Pretty easy to find in that part of the world. No rules against felt but they highly discourage it.

Every fly shop up there has tin and the camo (non toxic) shot. I had forgot about that.