Here’s a deal for all you part-time anglers out there (like me) who never know whether this will be the year you actually use your fishing license. On Free Fishing Weekend in Kansas, you won’t need a license to fish any public Kansas waters. That’s right! Free fishing! No license required, no more handing the pole to your kid real quick before the Ranger comes by. (I’m kidding! You would never do that. :))
Although fishing is free (no license required), all other limits still apply. Each person can fish with up to two poles. A permit is required if you want to have three poles. This year’s dates are June 6 & June 7.
If you’re looking for a place to fish in Wichita, check out our tips here.
When is Free Fishing Weekend in Kansas?
Every year, Kansas has two free fishing days, now established as the first full weekend in June.
For the rest of the year, fishing licenses are required for people 16 and older. You can get fishing licenses at various locations – I usually get mine at sporting goods stores or Walmart.
Who Needs a Fishing License?
Everyone ages 16-74 in Kansas needs a fishing license unless you’re fishing on a private pond not leased for public fishing. Licenses used to be valid for a calendar year, but now the fishing license is valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. With the exception of multi-year, five-day, lifetime, and one-day fishing licenses.
Children under 16 years of age do not need a fishing license in Kansas. (However, there is something called a paddlefish permit that they have to have if they’ll be doing that kind of fishing.)
For young adults ages 16-20, Kansas now has a multi-year youth license that is only $42.50 – a great deal if you plan to use it every year.
Members of the Kansas National Guard and Kansas residents who are disabled veterans may qualify for a free fishing license. (That doesn’t mean every day is free fishing day for you, ha ha! You do need a license, but you may not have to pay for it.)
For complete information and applications, visit the Fishing Application Webpage.
So, where can you fish in Wichita?
We have numerous public fishing ponds and lakes in Sedgwick County, or you can visit the bigger lakes in Afton, Cheney, and El Dorado. Obviously, neighborhood ponds are easy to access, but before you drop your line, make sure it’s okay to fish there. It often is.
In town, you can fish at Sedgwick County Park and Watson Park, just to name a couple. You can find many more suggestions and ideas in my article on Where to Fish in Wichita.
Pro Tip: Kansas State Park Passport is a great deal if you are looking to visit all Kansas State Parks for one flat fee.
Source: KDWP News Release, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Announces Free Fishing and State Park Entrance Days for 2026
2 Responses
Do you know if Buffalo park has a pond again? I know they used to but do not recall if they kept it or filled it
I haven’t been by there recently, John. Maybe someone who has can tell us.
If I’m out and about tomorrow I’ll try to remember to check!