What a Five-Day Nonresident License Covers in Kansas
Kansas offers a five-day nonresident fishing license that lets you fish in Kansas waters for five consecutive calendar days without buying an annual permit. You can fish for any species open during those days — bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, and others — in public lakes, rivers, and streams across the state. The license is not species-specific and does not restrict where you fish within Kansas.
The five days run consecutively from the day you purchase the license. If you buy on a Thursday, your license is valid Thursday through Monday. You do not choose which five days; they begin immediately upon purchase. This makes the license useful for a long weekend trip or a short vacation, but not for fishing on scattered dates over a longer period.
The license is personal to you and cannot be transferred. Only the person named on the license can fish under it. If you are bringing family members or friends, each person needs their own license.
Key Takeaways
- A five-day nonresident license costs less than an annual permit and covers five consecutive calendar days starting the day you buy it.
- You can fish for any open species in any public Kansas water during those five days with no additional stamps or tags required.
- The license is available online through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website, by phone, or at authorized vendors across the state.
- You must carry your license with you while fishing and show it to a game warden if asked.
- Nonresidents under 16 and over 75 do not need a license, but everyone else fishing in Kansas must have one.
How Much the License Costs
The five-day nonresident license is priced lower than an annual nonresident permit, making it a practical choice if you are visiting for a short trip. Exact pricing changes periodically, so check the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website or call their licensing office before you buy to confirm the current rate.
You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check depending on where you purchase. Online purchases through the state website typically process immediately, while phone orders may take a day or two to arrive by mail.
Where and How to Buy Your License
You can purchase a five-day nonresident license through three main routes: online, by phone, or in person at a vendor. The fastest method is the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website, where you can buy and print your license in minutes. You will need a valid form of ID and a way to pay.
If you prefer to call, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks licensing office can process your order over the phone. They will mail the license to you, so order at least a week before your trip if you need it by mail.
Authorized vendors — including sporting goods stores, bait shops, and some convenience stores near fishing areas — also sell licenses in person. Having your license in hand before you arrive at the water saves time and eliminates the risk of a delayed order.
What You Must Carry While Fishing
You must have your license with you at all times while you are fishing. A game warden can stop you and ask to see it. If you purchased online and printed it, bring the printed copy. If you ordered by mail, carry the license document that arrived. A photo on your phone is not sufficient — you need the physical license or printed version.
Keep your license in a waterproof pocket or bag so it does not get damaged. A laminated copy is a good idea if you will be on the water for several days. Write your name and the dates on the back in case it gets separated from you.
Seasons and Species You Can Fish For
Kansas has year-round fishing for many species, but some have specific seasons. Bass season, for example, runs year-round in most waters, but walleye and pike have defined open dates. Before you fish, check the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website for the current season dates for the species you want to target and the water you plan to fish.
Your five-day license does not exempt you from bag limits or size restrictions. If the daily limit for bass is five fish, you can keep five per day during your five-day period. If a species is closed during part of your license period, you cannot fish for it on those dates, even though your license is valid.
Trout fishing in Kansas requires a separate trout stamp in addition to your fishing license. If you want to fish for trout during your five-day trip, you will need to purchase the trout stamp as well.
Who Does Not Need a License
Nonresidents under 16 years old and nonresidents over 75 years old do not need a fishing license in Kansas. Everyone else — including residents of other states aged 16 to 75 — must have one. If you are unsure whether you fall into an exempt category, contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to confirm.
Exemptions apply only to the fishing license itself. Trout stamps, habitat stamps, and other special permits may still be required depending on what and where you fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my five-day license if I want to stay longer?
No. Once your five days end, your license expires. If you want to fish beyond that period, you will need to purchase another five-day license or buy an annual nonresident license. You cannot add days to an existing license.
Do I need a separate stamp for catfish or other species?
No. The five-day license covers all fish species open during your license period, except trout. Trout require a separate trout stamp purchased in addition to your fishing license.
What happens if I lose my license while I am fishing?
Contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks immediately. They can issue a replacement, though there may be a fee. In the meantime, you cannot legally fish without a license. Keep your license in a secure, waterproof place to avoid this problem.
Can I buy a five-day license for someone else as a gift?
No. The license is issued in the name of the person who will fish. That person must be present or provide their information when the license is purchased. Each angler needs their own license in their own name.
Are there any water restrictions with a nonresident license?
No. A five-day nonresident license is valid on all public Kansas waters — lakes, rivers, and streams — during the open season for each species. There are no water-specific restrictions based on your license type.