Kansas Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
How much is a fishing license in Kansas (KS)?
A resident annual Kansas fishing license costs $27.50, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license is $77.50. Kansas also offers short-term day passes for out-of-state visitors and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
How does Kansas compare? See the 2026 fishing license cost by state price index.
🎫 Buy a Kansas Fishing License →Fishing in Kansas
Kansas is a reservoir-and-river state. Milford, Wilson and Cheney give up walleye, wipers (hybrid striped bass), white bass, crappie and channel and flathead catfish, and the rivers hold trophy blue cats. Largemouth and smallmouth fishing is solid on the rocky impoundments. In winter the state stocks rainbow trout into designated urban and community waters, extending the season for anglers who want something to chase in the cold.
Kansas Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$27.50
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$77.50
Non-Resident 5-Day
Freshwater
$27.50
Senior (65+)
Freshwater
$15.00
KS resident 65–74; residents 75+ are fully exempt
Youth (under 16)
Free✅ Prices verified October 2026 from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Kansas fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Kansas. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. Anglers under 16 (resident or nonresident) need no Kansas fishing license; trout and other permits still apply.
- Seniors (65+)
- Kansas residents 65–74 buy a discounted Senior fishing license: $15.00 for 1 year or $52.50 for 5 years (incl. $2.50 agent/transaction fees). Residents 75 and older need no fishing license.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Licensed facilities and nonprofit groups can buy group fishing licenses ($102.50 institutional, $52.50 nonprofit) covering up to 20 resident participants with disabilities.
- Veterans & military
- Free hunting and fishing licenses for Kansas-resident, honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 30% (K.S.A. 32-934); apply online or by mail with current VA entitlement papers. Active Kansas National Guard members get free one-year hunting and fishing licenses while annual funding lasts.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- Kansas holds Free Fishing Days annually (2026: June 6–7, now passed); anyone may fish without a Kansas fishing license, but length/creel limits and all other regulations apply. 2027 dates not yet announced.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified October 2026.
Where to buy a Kansas fishing license
Online (cheapest): buy directly from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks — that’s the cheapest option, with no third-party markup.
In person: most sporting goods retailers (Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Walmart) and many tackle shops in Kansas also sell licenses.
Kansas Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Kansas species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye/SaugerCombined walleye/sauger/saugeye; 15-inch minimum (not in rivers/tailwaters); reservoirs vary | 4 | 15" | Year-round |
| CrappieStatewide general limit | 30 | No limit | Year-round |
| Channel CatfishStatewide general limit | 10 | No limit | Year-round |
| Largemouth BassNo statewide length limit; many waters set a 15-inch minimum | 5 | No limit | Year-round |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Kansas Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Kansas?
A resident annual fishing license in Kansas costs $27.50, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license costs $77.50. Kansas also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
How much is an out-of-state fishing license in Kansas?
An out-of-state (non-resident) annual fishing license in Kansas costs $77.50. For a shorter trip, Kansas also sells 5-Day licenses. Buy online from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks before you fish.
Do you need a fishing license in Kansas?
Yes. Kansas requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. Kansas residents 65–74 buy a discounted Senior fishing license: $15.00 for 1 year or $52.50 for 5 years (incl. $2.50 agent/transaction fees). Residents 75 and older need no fishing license. Always confirm current rules with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks before you fish.
Where do you buy a Kansas fishing license?
Buy directly from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Kansas.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
Got your license — now find a fishing buddy in Kansas
MyFishingBuds matches you with anglers in Kansas by style, species, and schedule.
Find a fishing buddy →