Complete Guide to Kansas Fishing Licenses

If you’re considering a fishing holiday in Kansas or just want to get out on the water and cast a line, then the first thing you’ll need is a fishing license. A fishing license will allow you to take advantage of all the fantastic fishing opportunities in Kansas while also allowing you to directly contribute to fish preservation, management, and conservation efforts.

In the following guide to Kansas fishing licenses, we’ll cover:

If you just bought a boat and you have a child considering getting a boat license, be sure to read How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Boating License? A Comprehensive Guide, which covers everything you need to know about youth boat licenses in the USA.

All anglers, especially anglers fishing in a new location, will need a little help the first few times they head out onto the water. The premium Fish Finder App, will tell you the best times to go fishing in Kansas when the fish are biting, tidal conditions, weather, and much more, giving you accurate and reliable fish forecasting and location data.

Types of KS Fishing Licenses

Kansas offers several different types of licenses, and in the following section, we’ll break down the various types available so that you can purchase the best option for your next fishing trip. For a detailed breakdown, including any updates or changes, please visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks.

Annual Fishing Licenses 

• Resident.
• Non-Resident.
• Resident Youth (16-20).
• Resident Senior (65-74).

One-Day Fishing Licenses

• Resident.
• Non-Resident.

Five-Day Fishing Licenses

• Non-Resident.

Five-Year Fishing Licenses

• Resident.
• Resident Kids.
• Resident Senior.

Three Rod Exemption

• Three Rods.

Trout Permit/Stamp

• Resident.
• Non-Resident.
• Resident Youth.
• Non-Resident Youth.

Hand Fishing Permit

• Hand Fishing Permit.

Cost of Kansas Fishing Licenses

Kansas offers several different types of licenses, and each license type has its own costs, so be sure to choose a license that suits your next fishing trip. Please note license fees are subject to change. For a detailed breakdown, including any updates or changes, please visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks.

Annual Fishing Licenses 

• Resident – $27.50.
• Non-Resident – $77.50.
• Resident Youth (16-20) – $42.50.
• Resident Senior (65-74) – $15.

One-Day Fishing Licenses

• Resident – $6.
• Non-Resident – $12.50.

Five-Day Fishing Licenses

• Non-Resident – $27.50.

Five-Year Fishing Licenses

• Resident – $102.50.
• Resident Kids Lifetime Hunt/Fish – $302.50.
• Resident Senior – $42.50.

Three Rod Exemption

• Three Rods – $8.50.

Trout Permit/Stamp

• Resident – $14.50.
• Non-Resident – $14.50.
• Resident Youth – $7.
• Non-Resident Youth – $7.

Hand Fishing Permit

• Hand Fishing Permit – $27.50.

Age Requirements for KS Fishing License

Kansas offers several different breakdowns for fishing licenses and permits based on age and resident status.

Anglers who are aged between 16 and 74 and are residents of Kansas must have a valid fishing license to fish in any of Kansas’s waterways. All non-residents who are aged 16 years and over must have a valid non-resident fishing license if they want to fish in Kansas.

For Kansas senior residents aged between 65 and 74, there is a license requirement, but there are also reduced fees available.

Where to Obtain a Kansas Fishing License

Kansas offers three convenient ways to purchase a fishing license or permit, which makes it easy to get a license before you head out onto the water. You can purchase your license online, via a licensed agent, or in person at any Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks office during regular business hours.

Purchasing Online

If you want to purchase your fishing license online, you can do so 24/7 via the Online Portal. Please have a valid form of identification and payment ready before completing your online application.

Purchasing from Licensed Agents

If you’re traveling around Kansas and would like to purchase a fishing permit, you can do so at one of the many licensed and authorized agents. For a complete list and map which details the locations of authorized vendors, please click here.

Purchasing from Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks Offices

If you’re close to a Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks Office, you can call in and purchase your fishing license during business hours. Please provide a valid form of identification and payment.

Complete Guide to Kansas Fishing Licenses – Conclusion

There you go! Everything you ever wanted to learn about Kansas fishing licenses and permits, including the different types, how much they cost, who needs one, and where to buy them.

By purchasing a license, your license fees go straight back into the state fisheries management, including fish breeding and stocking programs, conservation, research, monitoring, access, and habitat improvement. As responsible anglers, it’s just a small way that we can all do our part to ensure the ongoing health and wellness of the fishery for future generations.

The Fishbox analyzes weather patterns, fish behavior, and tidal and lunar conditions to predict the best times to go angling. It allows anglers to accurately track weather conditions.

If you have any questions about fishing licenses or permits in Kansas, please feel free to comment below. Our team of fishing experts and enthusiasts loves answering any fishing-related questions and enjoys reading feedback from readers.