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Kansas Fishing Regulations for 2000
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Table of Contents |
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| Lawful Fishing | ||||||||||||||||||
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Legal Equipment Each angler is limited to two lines with not more than two baited hooks (single or treble) or artificial lures per line. In addition to two lines, a fisherman may set one trotline with not more than 25 hooks or, instead of a trotline, an angler may use eight setlines containing not more than two hooks each. Trotlines and setlines cannot be set within 150 yards of any dam. Setlines, trotlines, or any unattended lines must be checked at least once every 24 hours by the person fishing. Bank lines, limb lines, trotlines, and any unattended lines must be tagged securely and plainly with the fisherman's name and address. This provision does not apply to privately owned ponds. Trotlines and setlines are prohibited on all department managed waters under 500 surface acres. Other restrictions may be applied by posted notice. Except where snagging paddlefish and nonsport fish is permitted, fish may be hooked only in the mouth to be considered legally caught by hook and line. If hooked elsewhere, the fish shall be returned, unre-strained, to the water immediately. |
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Private Waters Before fishing private waters (except private waters enrolled in F.I.S.H. 2000 fishing access program), anglers must obtain permission from the landowner or tenant. This also applies to anglers fishing from roadways, bridges, or railroad rights of way. Unless otherwise posted, all streams in Kansas other than the Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas rivers are under private ownership of adjoining landowners. Those three large rivers are public property up to the normal high-water line; however, fishermen must obtain landowner or tenant permission before crossing private property to fish. |
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Ice Fishing Icefishing with baited hooks or lures is legal on lakes, reservoirs, and streams. In addition to the allowed two lines, eight tip-ups may be used to icefish, unless otherwise posted. Tip-ups may have a maximum of two hooks each. Unattended tip-ups must be tagged plainly with the fisherman's name and address. County or city lakes may have local laws controlling such activity. Holes cut in the ice of public waters may be no more than 12 inches in diameter or 12-inch square. |
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Bowfishing All waters are open to bowfishing, unless posted otherwise. Some bowfishing is permitted at city, county, township, or private lakes, but regulations vary, so bowfishermen should consult local rules. Fish which can be legally taken by bowfishing are nonsport fish (See definitions).Crossbows are legal. Bowfishermen must have in possession a valid Kansas fishing license, unless exempt by law. Arrows must have barbed heads, and each arrow must be attached by a line to the bow and must be shot from the bow. Water areas within 50 yards of an occupied boat dock or ramp, occupied swimming area, occupied picnic site or camping area, and other public use areas are closed to bowfishing. |
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Spearfishing & Gigging Unless otherwise posted, spearguns, without explosive charge, may be used to take nonsport fish while scuba or skin diving in waters posted "open to scuba and skin diving." Spears must be attached to speargun or person by a line. Nonsport fish may also be gigged unless waters are otherwise posted. |
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Bait Fish Bait fish may be taken for noncommercial purposes by the following methods: seine not larger than 15 feet long and four feet deep, with mesh not larger than one-fourth inch; fish trap with mesh not larger than one-fourth inch and throat no larger than one inch in diameter (must be tagged with fisherman's name and address); fishing line; or a dip or cast net with mesh no larger than three-eighths of an inch. Bait fish may not exceed 12 inches, and the possession limit is 500 per person. The taking of bait fish is allowed statewide, except that seining is prohibited on department-owned waters. Unless exempt by law, a fishing license is required. (See "Bait fish" in "Definitions") |
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Bullfrogs Bullfrog season extends from July 1 through October 31. Daily creel limit is eight. Possession limit is 24 bullfrogs on or after the third day. A valid fishing license is required for any person to take, catch, or kill bullfrogs, except persons exempt by law from having such license. Bullfrogs may be legally taken any time of day or night by dip net, gig, hook and line, hand, bow and arrow, or crossbow. A line must attach bow to arrow, and the arrow must have a barbed head. Any other method of taking bullfrogs is prohibited. |
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Turtles Common snapping turtles and soft shelled turtles may be taken year round. Daily creel limit is eight, single species or in combination. Possession limit is three creel limits. A valid fishing license is required (unless exempt). Legal equipment: hand, hook and line, setline, hand dip net, seine, turtle trap, or gig. |
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Paddlefish Snagging A special paddlefish snagging season may be opened by posted notice sometime between March 15 and May 15 on the Neosho River below the Burlington and Chetopa dams, the Marais des Cygnes River below Osawatomie Dam, and the Browning Oxbow Lake of the Missouri River. Paddlefish may be snagged using pole and line with not more than two single or treble hooks of any size. The daily creel limit for paddlefish is two, and the possession limit is six on or after the third day of the season. Each paddlefish caught must be kept -- on a tagged stringer -- and must also be tagged at a designated check-in station. Snagging must be ceased once the daily paddlefish limit is reached. Nonsport fish (carp, drum, white amur, threadfin and gizzard shad, goldfish, gar, suckers including carpsucker and buffalo, eel, sturgeon, goldeye, and bowfin) may also be snagged in waters posted open to snagging. There are no limits on nonsport fish. |
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Trout Stamp The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks stocks rainbow trout in select waters throughout the state. ANYONE fishing for trout in these waters during the periods listed below must purchase AND SIGN an $8 trout stamp. In addition, all residents 16-65 years old and non-residents 16 and older must also have a valid fishing license. Trout Season: Oct. 15-April 15 Trout will be stocked throughout the state during this season. For more information, contact one of the regional offices. Year-round Trout fishing at Mined Land Wildlife Area #30 (Cherokee County) and Tuttle Creek Reservoir Seep Stream, where trout survive through the summer, requires a trout permit year round. Limit: The daily creel limit is 5 trout. The possession limit is 15. Trout stamps are available at offices of the Department of Wildlife and Parks, most county clerk offices, and some license vendors. Local trout programs may require a separate stamp. |
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Unlawful Acts It is unlawful to refuse to allow law enforcement officers to inspect wildlife in possession or devices or facilities used in taking, possessing, transporting, storing, or processing any wildlife or to sell fish taken by sport fishing methods, except as specifically authorized under a commercial fishing permit. |
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| Wildlife and Parks Offices | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Fishing Clinics | ||||||||||||||||||
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The small, freckle-faced 6-year-old boy with wispy brown
hair bit his lip as he struggled and grunted
with his task at hand. He had just hooked his first
fish and was intent on landing it, oblivious to the
shrieks and cheers of other children around him.
He finally beached his prize, a fat and flopping 2
pound channel catfish, and smiled with an ear to ear
toothless grin worth a thousand words. This is
a scene replayed countless times by many children
during fishing clinics sponsored by the Kansas
Department of Wildlife and Parks. Fishing clinics are given by department employees at state fishing lakes, parks, and city lakes and ponds. Most are geared towards younger children and others who may not have much experience with fishing techniques and tactics. They are held throughout the spring and summer months and occasionally in the fall. Content covered in a clinic varies by presenters, but all have fishing as a central theme. Fish identification, management, casting demonstrations, equipment, water safety, and even fish cooking are a few areas covered. Plenty of time is devoted to baiting hooks and catching fish, too. The primary species caught during fishing clinics include bluegill, green sunfish (often mistakenly called "perch"), channel catfish, and largemouth bass. Participants don't even need their own equipment. Rods, reels, and other necessary fishing equipment will be provided for use in fishing clinics. Fishing clinics serve to educate and entertain thousands of Kansas youngsters each year. Information and experience gained during these clinics remain with children forever. Those involved learn to appreciate the joys fishing can offer and the rewards of a fine day on the water. If you would like more information on fishing clinics in your area, contact the nearest office of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks or the Pratt Operations Office at (316) 672-5911. |
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| Fish Consumption Advisory | ||||||||||||||||||
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The Kansas departments of Health and Environment
(KDHE) and Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) recommend
that consumption of bottom-feeding and
bottom-dwelling fish (carp, blue catfish, channel
catfish, flathead catfish, freshwater drum, bullhead,
sturgeon, buffalo, carpsucker, and other sucker
species) from the following locations be avoided
due to levels of the insecticide chlordane: 1. The lower Kansas River from the I-435 Highway crossing (Holliday) to the confluence with the Missouri River in Kansas City, Kansas (Johnson and Wyandotte counties). Since 1987, a "no consumption" advisory has been in effect for the lower 10.5 miles of the Kansas River. The new advisory applies to the lower 18 miles of the river. 2. Antioch Park Lake (south) in Antioch Park, Overland Park/Merriam (Johnson County). 3. Cow Creek and major Cow Creek branches in Pittsburg and Cow Creek downstream of Pittsburg to Lawton (Crawford and Cherokee counties). In addition, KDHE and KDWP recommend a limitation of one 5-ounce meal per month, or twelve 5 ounce meals per year, on the consumption of the above fish from the following locations due to the insecticide chlordane: 1. The Arkansas River within the City of Wichita and downstream to the confluence with Cowskin Creek southeast of the City of Belle Plaine (Sedgwick and Sumner counties). 2. The Little Arkansas River from the Main Street bridge immediately west of Valley Center to the confluence with the Arkansas River in Wichita (Sedgwick County). 3. Cowskin Creek within the City of Wichita and downstream to the confluence with the Arkansas River southeast of the City of Belle Plaine (Sedgwick and Sumner counties). 4. Cow Creek in Hutchinson and downstream to the confluence with the Arkansas River (Reno County). 5. The mainstem of the Blue River from U.S. 69 to the Kansas-Missouri state line (Johnson County). 6. The Kansas River from Lawrence (below Bowersock Dam) downstream to Eudora (Douglas and Leavenworth counties). 7. The mainstem of Kill Creek from the confluence of Spoon Creek to the Kansas River (Johnson County). 8. The Cottonwood River in Emporia and downstream to the confluence with the Neosho River (Lyon County). People eating fish from any urban stream should limit consumption to one 5-ounce meal per month or twelve 5-ounce meals per year. For more information, contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, (785) 296-5565. |
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| Assistance Permits | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Anyone with a permanent physical disability that prevents them from fishing may apply for a Disability Assistance Permit. The permit allows a designated person to actually harvest game while accompanying the permit holder. (This law also applies to hunting.) For more information or applications, contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Law Enforcement Division, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124, (316) 672-5911 | ||||||||||||||||||
| General Information | ||||||||||||||||||
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This publication is not intended to be a complete
listing of all Kansas fishing regulations. It
covers the most frequently asked questions about
non-commercial fishing. Detailed information is
available from local Wildlife and Parks offices listed
in this document. All regulations are subject to change. Also, you should inquire about special permits and other regulations prior to fishing local community lakes. Restrictions listed in this publication -- other than trespass and laws dealing with bullfrogs, turtles, threatened and endangered species, and species in need of conservation -- do not apply to private impoundments as classified by state law. Individual reservoirs, state fishing lakes, community lakes and other waters may have fishing and boating regulations specific to these areas. Be sure to check posted notices at all waters for such information. |
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| License and Park Fees | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Definitions | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Zebra Mussel Alert | ||||||||||||||||||
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Zebra mussels are small bi-valve mollusks that
have invaded this country through the ballast waters
of large ships that visit the Great Lakes. First
found in 1988, they have spread throughout much
of the Northeast and the entire length of the Mississippi
River in a few short years. Unlike other freshwater
mussels, these mussels attach themselves
to hard surfaces and can cause extensive damage
to water works and power plants by clogging inlet
pipes. They also damage boat motors by clogging
cooling systems and decrease fuel efficiency by
fouling the hulls of boats. Zebra mussels look like small clams with yellowish-brown, D-shaped shells that usually have alternating dark and light stripes. Usually, they are less than 1 inch long and grow in clusters. Kansas boaters who visit any state where zebra mussels exist can help prevent their spread to Kansas by taking the following protective measures before moving their boats from one body of water to another:
1) drain the bilge water, live wells, and bait buckets; If you moor your boat in water for extended periods, frequently check the drive and hull for mussels. If you discover zebra mussels in Kansas waters, note the location and date, and notify the nearest Wildlife and Parks office or contact the Emporia Research and Survey Office, 1830 Merchant, P.O. Box 1525, Emporia, KS 66801, (316) 342-0658. Save a sample in rubbing alcohol. Do not put them back in the water.
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| Common Concerns | ||||||||||||||||||
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The following items are just a few of the most common concerns
of anglers regarding activities that may or may not
be illegal. By no means does this cover all illegal activities,
but it should help quickly answer a few of the most
commonly-asked questions. Most of these issues are covered in more
detail elsewhere in this document. For more
information, contact your local conservation officer or office of
the Department of Wildlife and Parks.
CONSERVATION OFFICERS:
POSSESSION AND PROCESSING
CHUMMING
EQUIPMENT
LICENSES
STOCKING |
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| Department Lands and Waters - Special Rules | ||||||||||||||||||
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Alcohol
The consumption of cereal malt beverages containing no more than 3.2 percent alcohol is permitted on department lands and waters, unless otherwise posted. Check local posted regulations. Boating under the influence (BUI) of alcohol is illegal, and BUI laws will be strictly enforced.
Motorboats
Wading |
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| Special Programs | ||||||||||||||||||
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Public Fishing on Private Property
The Fishing Impoundments and Stream Habitat (FISH 2000) program has gained unexpected popularity, with landowners and anglers alike. In only its second year in 1999, the program enrolled more than 1,000 acres of ponds and more than 30 miles of streams on private land for public fishing access. The program featured more than 60 sites, including ponds and lakes ranging in size from five acres to more than 100 acres, as well as access to several stream reaches formerly unavailable to the public. In 1999, FISH waters were found in Brown, Chautauqua, Clay, Coffey, Crawford, Dickinson, Doniphan, Elk, Graham, Greenwood, Harper, Jackson, Jefferson, Labette, Lane, Lincoln, Lyon, Marshall, Mitchell, Montgomery, Morris, Nemaha, Neosho, Ness, Osage, Pawnee, Pottawatomie, Rice, Riley, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Sedgwick, Shawnee, Smith, Sumner, and Woodson counties. Hopefully, the year 2000 will bring even more waters into the program. The FISH 2000 sites are open to public access from March 1 through October 31. There is a creel limit of two (2) channel catfish on all FISH 2000 waters. Otherwise, all Kansas fishing regulations and statewide creel limits apply. It's especially important for anglers using the sites to respect and follow the rules that apply on FISH properties. You do not need to contact the landowner for permission on F.I.S.H. waters. Anglers who want more information should contact the nearest regional KDWP office or the department's Pratt Operations Office at (316) 672-5911 for a printed guide to FISH properties. That information is also available on the KDWP web site, www.kdwp.state.ks.us. Landowners who are interested in enrolling waters in the program should also phone (316) 672-5911. Outdoors Woman If you wanted to learn how to cook a mouth-watering duck, tie a surgeon's knot, apply a J-stroke, and identify a rufous-sided towhee, where would you go? The answer is simple -- the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks' Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program. In 1999, it's scheduled for Oct. 1-3. Each fall, more than 100 women gather at Rock Springs 4-H Center, near Junction City, to learn these skills and many more. For the past four years, the department has provided this three day workshop developed to teach women basic outdoor skills in a comfortable, fun, and challenging atmosphere. Why do women want to learn outdoor skills? The answers are as diverse as the individuals attending. Some are looking for personal fulfillment, others a way to combat the stress of everyday life. Many women cite their reason for attending as an opportunity to learn skills that will help them share in their husbands' interests. Others want to offer their children an alternative to TV and video games. Fishing, hunting, shooting sports, canoeing, birdwatching, wild game cooking, botany, camping, and orienteering are a few of the alternatives provided during this exciting weekend. For more information on any of these courses, contact the Connie Elpers, Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 E. 29th St. North, Wichita, KS 67220, (316) 683-5499. Urban Fishing Program In an effort to improve fishing opportunities in urban areas where the demand for fish exceeds the supply, the Department created an urban fish stocking program. Fifty seven lakes currently in program are stocked with catchable 3/4- to 1 1/2-pound channel catfish as often as every two weeks from April through September. All metropolitan areas that have a human population over 40,000, with available public fishing waters, are served by this program. If you live in the following counties, you have an urban lake near you. These are great locations for a quick family fishing trip. Just throw the gear in the car and make the short drive to the nearest designated urban fishing lake. The counties served by the program are Atchison, Douglas, Johnson, Leavenworth, Pottawatomie, Reno, Saline, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte. To get a complete list of the individual lakes, contact your nearest Wildlife and Parks Office or our web-site at http:// www.kdwp.state.ks.us/ Volunteers Needed The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is here to serve the hunters, fishermen, and park users of the Sunflower State. The Outdoor Mentors Program is one of the best ways we can accomplish this mission, but we can't do it without your help. If you are interested in becoming an outdoor mentor, or if you have equipment you would like to donate to the cause, please fill out this form and send it to Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Outdoor Mentors, 512 SE 25th Ave., Pratt, KS 67124. You may also contact us by phoning (316) 672-5911 or through e-mail at feedback@wp.state.ks.us.
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