Kentucky Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources
How much is a fishing license in Kentucky?
A resident annual Kentucky fishing license costs $24.31, and a non-resident annual license is $58.14. Kentucky also offers short-term day passes and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources.
🎫 Buy a Kentucky Fishing License →Fishing in Kentucky
Kentucky is famous for its sprawling western reservoirs. Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley are national crappie destinations that also produce excellent bass and catfish. Below the dams, the Cumberland tailwater grows trophy brown trout, the free-flowing streams hold hard-fighting smallmouth, and spring sees sauger runs on the rivers. A trout permit covers the cold water; the warmwater fishing goes strong all year.
Kentucky Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$24.31
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$58.14
Non-Resident 7-Day
Freshwater
$37.00
Youth (under 16)
FreeAges 15 and under fish free
✅ Prices verified January 2026 from the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Kentucky fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Kentucky. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. Licenses and trout permits are required beginning at age 16; youths 15 or younger are exempt, residents and non-residents alike.
- Seniors (65+)
- $12.68 Senior Sportsman's license for residents 65+ — a combination license covering hunting and fishing plus deer, turkey, migratory bird and trout permits. There is no separate fishing-only senior license.
- Anglers with disabilities
- $12.68 Disabled Sportsman's license for residents certified totally and permanently disabled by the Social Security Administration, a state Workers' Compensation Board, the Kentucky Teachers' Retirement System, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, or the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board.
- Veterans & military
- Kentucky resident veterans at least 50% disabled from a service-connected disability qualify for the Disabled Sportsman's license. Separately, resident military personnel on furlough of more than 3 days need no fishing license when carrying ID and furlough papers.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- June 6–7, 2026 (Free Fishing Weekend — the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday in June each year). No fishing license or trout permit required; size limits and harvest limits still apply, and permission is still needed for private waters.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Kentucky Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Kentucky species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth BassStatewide general; many lakes have slot limits | 6 | 12" | Year-round |
| CrappieNo statewide minimum size (9-inch applies only on specific lakes); Kentucky/Barkley lakes differ | 20 | No limit | Year-round |
| TroutStatewide rainbow trout daily limit is 8; Cumberland tailwater has trophy-brown rules | 8 | No limit | Year-round (tailwaters) |
| SaugerRiver-specific limits apply | No limit | 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 Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Kentucky Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Kentucky?
A resident annual fishing license in Kentucky costs $24.31, and a non-resident annual license costs $58.14. Kentucky also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources.
Do you need a fishing license in Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. $12.68 Senior Sportsman's license for residents 65+ — a combination license covering hunting and fishing plus deer, turkey, migratory bird and trout permits. There is no separate fishing-only senior license. Always confirm current rules with the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources before you fish.
Where do you buy a Kentucky fishing license?
Buy directly from the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Kentucky.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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