Kansas · Fishing license · Age
What age do you need a fishing license in Kansas?
From 16 until you turn 75, if you live in Kansas.
The ages that matter
Under 16
No license needed
Children can fish without one. Everything else still applies though — limits, sizes and seasons do not change with age.
16 to 74
License required
Carry it with you while fishing.
75 and up
Exempt, residents only
Visitors 75 and over still need one — the exemption is for Kansas residents.
How KDWP words it
K.S.A. 32-906: "A valid Kansas fishing license is required to fish or to take any bullfrog in this state," with exemptions for "a person who is less than 16 years of age" and for "a resident of this state who is 75 years of age or older". Between 65 and 74 a resident pays half — $12.50 instead of $25 — so Kansas discounts for ten years and then stops charging altogether.
Quoted rather than paraphrased. With rules that carry a fine, the exact wording is the point.
Optional licenses for children
- Youth fishing licence, ages 16 to 20 — $40. Bought once and valid from 16 through 20 — five years of fishing for less than two annual licences.
Other ways to be exempt
Age is one route. KDWP lists these as well.
- Kansas residents 75 and over
- Landowners and tenants fishing on land they own, lease or rent for agricultural purposes, and the immediate family living with them
- Anyone fishing a private water impoundment
- Residents of licensed adult care homes
- Facility-sponsored group outings, up to 20 people at a time
- Participants in department-sponsored fishing clinics, for the duration of the clinic
- Everyone on the two free fishing days the secretary designates each calendar year
