Fishing is available at over 20 public lakes in the Wichita metro area. Fishing can be a fun family activity that lets everyone get outside in nice weather, requires minimal equipment, and is practically free (outside of the cost of a fishing license and worms). Plus, those Kansas sunsets over lakes and ponds are the best!
Who needs a fishing license in Kansas and how much does one cost?
Children under 16 years of age are not required to have fishing licenses.
For young adults (ages 16-20), there is now a multi-year youth license for fishing or fishing/hunting available for $42.50, which is a big savings compared to buying a license every year.
Adult fishing licenses are $20.50 per year. Additional permits may be required and additional discounts are available, so be sure to check Kansas Fishing Application and Fees for all the details.
Senior citizens can now get a lifetime license, which is a great deal.
Also, the first full weekend in June is usually a FREE fishing weekend in Kansas. No license required!
Where in Wichita can you fish?
Several Wichita-area parks have fishing ponds:
Click the links to read important and very useful information.
- Sedgwick County Park
- Watson Park
- Buffalo Park (lake may be closed now, during renovations; re-opening soon)
- Chisholm Creek Park (catch & release only; artificial lures only)
- High Park in Derby
- Riggs Park in Haysville
The Cowskin Creek Water Reclamation Facility in northwest Wichita has two fishing ponds. The facility is located at 4182 N 135th Street West.
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has a downloadable map with information about Wichita-area ponds and lakes that are open to fishing. Find it here on the Kansas Outdoors website.
There are also other smaller community and neighborhood ponds in the city limits, just be sure to ask for permission before you fish.
