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?
A resident annual Kansas fishing license costs $27.50, and a non-resident annual license is $77.50. Kansas also offers short-term day passes and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
🎫 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)
FreePrices verified via the eRegulations Kansas mirror (ksoutdoors.gov 403-blocks automated fetch).
✅ Prices verified January 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. Kansas residents under 16 need no fishing license.
- Seniors (65+)
- $15.00 Senior Resident fishing license for residents 65–74 (or $50.00 for a 5-year). Kansas residents 75 and older need NO hunting or fishing license — a full exemption.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Kansas publishes no separate general disabled fishing license on its fee schedule; the disability route runs through the free disabled-veteran program (see veteran).
- Veterans & military
- FREE hunting and fishing licenses for resident disabled veterans with at least a 30% VA service-connected disability rating — a copy of current VA entitlement papers showing 30%+ disability is required. Funded by the state Disabled Veterans program.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- June 6–7, 2026 — Kansas Free Fishing Days; no fishing license required statewide. All other regulations still apply.
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 August 2026.
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 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.
Do you need a fishing license in Kansas?
Yes. Kansas requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. $15.00 Senior Resident fishing license for residents 65–74 (or $50.00 for a 5-year). Kansas residents 75 and older need NO hunting or fishing license — a full exemption. 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
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