Fishing is available at over 20 public lakes in the Wichita metro area. 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. Children under 16 years of age are not required to have fishing licenses. There is now a multi-year youth (ages 16-20) license for fishing or fishing/hunting available for $42.50, which is a big savings. Adult 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.
Also, the first full weekend in June is usually a FREE fishing weekend in Kansas. No license required!
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
