KS · KDWP

Kansas fishing regulations.

  • Landlocked
  • 7 popular species

Kansas fishing is reservoir fishing — wiper, walleye, and white bass dominate, with seasonal trout stockings adding winter variety in a state without natural coldwater rivers.

Verify with the agency before fishing

Fishing regulations change every season. This page is a summary maintained by Bield — bag limits, exact dates, and species-specific rules must be verified with KDWP before each trip.

License requirements

Anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid fishing license to fish in Kansas. Resident and non-resident licenses are sold online through the KDWP and at most sporting goods retailers. Annual, multi-day, and lifetime licenses are typically available. Senior, military, and youth discounts apply in most cases. A trout permit is required to harvest trout from designated trout waters. License costs and exact age thresholds change — verify with the KDWP before purchase.

Freshwater seasons and limits

White bass, walleye, wiper (white/striped bass hybrid), crappie, and channel catfish anchor reservoir fishing on Tuttle Creek, Milford, Glen Elder, Cheney, and Wilson. Stocked trout fisheries in select waters during the winter months. Year-round on most species.

River and stream regulations

Smallmouth bass on the Verdigris and Ninnescah rivers. Channel catfish on most state rivers. Few wild trout — winter trout stocking creates seasonal trout fisheries on designated urban and rural waters.

Special regulations

Trout permit required for designated trout waters in season. Fish attractor maps available from KDWP.

Popular species

  • Walleye
  • White bass
  • Wiper
  • Channel catfish
  • Crappie
  • Largemouth bass
  • Stocked trout

Official source · KDWP

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

This page is a regulatory summary maintained by Bield — not the official rulebook. Verify season dates, bag limits, and special regulations with the agency above before each trip.

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