Where To Purchase A Fishing License In Kansas

Kansas Fishing License Online

You can purchase your license online here

 

Each county has licensed agents. These would include Walmart (if they have one) and other businesses.  There are over 600 spread across the state. Access the list here. Some of the smaller vendors may only operate seasonally so call ahead to make sure they are open.

Any Kansas Department Wildlife & Parks office.

Toll-Free Telephone: 1-800-918-2877

Kansas Fishing License – How To Get One And What You Need To Know

A state license can be purchased online. The cost will depend on any number of things such as age, resident-non resident, length of time wanting to fish ( 1 day permits up to lifetime-residents only). Residents of the state also have the option of purchasing a combo fishing-hunting lifetime license.  Additional permits can be purchased for activities such as trout, paddlefish, and hand fishing. The state also funds a program that provides free fishing and hunting licenses for active members of the Kansas National Guard. A vehicle permit for entry to all state parks is included. 

Fines for Fishing Without A License: 

Fines vary depending on the infraction. Bottom Line: Get a license. Fines plus court costs add up!  And remember. Fees generated from licenses and permits are used to preserve, protect and enhance fishing in Kansas for current and future generations.

A 365 Day License is available to both residents and non-resident as well as other groups.

Kansas Fishing License Online

You can purchase a fishing license from licensed agents, online or from the Department of Wildlife and Parks. If you’re aged between 16 and 74, have been a resident of Kansas for at least 2 months before purchasing the fishing license, you should also have a resident license with you while fishing in Kansas. For the nonresidents within the same age group who would love fishing in the state, they should always have a valid nonresident license as well as the fishing license. Of course, the nonresidents are excused if they are planning to fish on private ponds that have not been leased for public fishing.

 

Things to be aware of

All fishing licenses expire by 31st Dec, besides the 5-day licenses, lifetime licenses, and the Kansas 1 day fishing licenses, are limited to the respective durations. If you’re a Kansas resident aged between 65 and 74, you’re required to possess a hunting or fishing license or both. For the residents aged between 16 and 20, there is a youth license available with a one-time option or a multi-year license that will expire when the person turns 21 or on 31st Dec.

Active members of the National Guard have access to a free fishing and hunting license. You can get a  Kansas disabled veterans fishing license with at least 30% disability also have access to free hunting and fishing licenses. Of course, the applicant must provide a copy of the entitlement papers with proof of the 30% disability.

 

What Are The Costs Of Getting A Fishing License In Kansas?

• $42.50 to get a senior lifetime resident hunting or fishing license combination.

• $15 for a senior resident fishing license

• $25 for a senior resident fishing or hunting combination license.

• $6.00 for a one-day resident fishing license

• $27.50 for resident fishing license

• $47.50 for a combination of resident hunting or fishing license

• $42.50 for an early purchase of a resident fishing and hunting license which should be done before 1st February.

• $102.50 for a five year resident fishing license

• $502.50 for a lifetime fishing license for residents only with a quarterly payment plan of $69.

• $962.50 a combination license for fishing and hunting for residents only with quarterly payments of $131.50

• $52.50 for non-resident fishing license

• $137.50 for non-resident combination license for fishing and hunting

• $27.50 for a five day fishing license for non-residents.

• $14.50 for a one day fishing license for non-residents.

There are additional permits required alongside the fishing license and these include the following:

 

Kansas Trout Fishing License $14.50

• $12.50 for a paddlefish permit with $7.50 for those aged 15 years and below (youth permit)

• $27.50 for a hand fishing permit

• $14.50 for a bass pass

• $8.50 for a three pole permit

Finally, if you need duplicates and licenses for all permits, you have to pay a fee of $12.50.

What More Do You Need To Know About Getting A Kansas Fishing License?

• Have you lost your license? Are you looking to get a new one? Well, if you purchased the license from a licensed local vendor, you can always return to the store where it was purchased and get a new one or have the old one replaced. Alternatively, you can contact the county clerk in the specific county where the licensed was purchased and get it replaced. Finally, if you purchased it online, you can always contact the wildlife and parks department contact number and have your license replaced.

• Are you unable to print your license after purchasing it online? If your computer restarts before you can print your license or if there are issues with your printer or anything else on the website prohibiting you from printing your license, you can always contact the Kansas wildlife and parks service for some help printing your license.

• Do you have a fishing license but happened to purchase a second one by mistake? Are you looking for a refund? Well, you can always contact the wildlife and parks service and after a careful assessment of the facts in question, you should be able to get your refund if applicable.

• Is it possible to purchase a license through the phone? Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, the licensed local vendors or the wildlife and parks department, you can always purchase your license through the phone. Contact the wildlife and parks department and you will be taken through the procedure of purchasing your license through the phone.

• Is it important to read the Kansas fishing laws before getting one?  Scroll down until you see the word “fish” and click on the link for the latest fishing laws for the state of Kansas.  Remember, it is illegal to go fishing without a license. Therefore, before purchasing the license, you’re required to go through the regulations and license requirements thoroughly. You can find numerous copies of these documents from the local vendors as well as a few PDF versions online. Read through these documents to avoid any hefty fines while fishing in Kansas.

• Is a license necessary if you’re taking kids fishing? Yes, you might be spending some quality time with your kids while fishing but if you’re teaching them how to fish, you will end up holding the fishing pole in your hand. Therefore, you need to buy the fishing license in your name if that’s the case. It’s irrelevant whether or not your kids are below the minimum age of 16 years eligible for a fishing license.

• Is a fishing license necessary for disabled individuals? If you have a permanent physical disability that prohibits you from fishing, you can always apply for a disability assistance permit. It allows a designated and licensed person to harvest the fish while accompanying you, as the permit holder.

• Can you fish at night with the fishing license? In most of the public waters in Kansas, you’re allowed to fish at night if you have the license with you. However, there might be some local rules that prevent you from doing that. As such, it is prudent to read the local rules before going fishing at night.

• Is it possible to help another person with catching his/her limit of fish? If you had gone fishing with a group of friends or colleagues, some people might fail to apply for a fishing license but opt to assist their counterparts with catching their limit of fish. Well, if you’re planning on doing that, you should know that the behavior is very illegal and can result in hefty fines or jail time if discovered.

• Is there a limit to the number of fish in any freezer? Once you have gone fishing and stored the fish in your freezer, you should be aware of the restrictions on the number of fish allowed in there. You should know that the possession limit on all species of fish is 3 times the daily creel limit allowed for that species.

• Are you allowed to fish with light lures? In some places fishing with light lures as well as other deceptive mechanisms to gather more fish is always frowned upon. However, in Kansas, as long as you have your fishing license ready in hand, you are allowed to use light lures to catch as many fish as possible.

• Do you need a license to catch crawdads in Kansas? If you’re running a restaurant or running a fish-mongering business, you need a license to catch crawdads in any of the public waters. However, if you’re catching them for your own personal consumption, there is no fishing license or permit required.

• Are military personnel exempt from applying for a fishing license? If you’re currently an active member of the military and entered the service while you’re a Kansas resident, you’re required to purchase a resident fishing license. For the nonresidents who are active in the military and stationed in Kansas, a resident fishing license should be purchased and always be in their possession as well as any evidence of the individuals being in active military duty.

• Do non-resident children require a fishing license? Any non-resident children aged 15 years and below don’t need to purchase a fishing license. However, all non-residents who are 16 years and above need to have a license to fish in the state, unless they are doing so in a private pond. Note that, any guest of landowners who are fishing on rivers or streams are also required to have a fishing license.

Kansas Bait Fish

• Are you allowed to bait or chum fish while on public waters? Yes, it is legal to bait or chum so as to attract fish. However, you need to check the laws provided by the county and city in these localities. There are a few cities that might have a few ordinances against those who chum.

With this useful information, you can enjoy your fishing trip with a valid Kansas fishing license.