Buy Your Kentucky Fishing License
Purchasing your Kentucky Fishing License
If you are on this page, there’s a good chance that you would like to obtain a valid Kentucky fishing license. To legally fish in the Bluegrass State, you’ll definitely need one.
According to the Kentucky Departments of Fish and Wildlife Resources website, residents can purchase their fishing license in one of several different ways:
- Purchasing a License in Person: Residents can purchase their Kentucky fishing license at one of over 900 different locations throughout the state. Locations often include country clerk offices, grocers, markets, hardware shops, and major sporting retailers that carry fishing goods (Wal-Mart, Dick’s Sporting Goods). A complete list of all current vendors can be found here.
- Purchasing a License by Phone: For residents wanting to obtain their license by phone, they can do so at all hours of the day by calling 877-598-2401. It should be noted, however, that this option is not available to individuals wishing to purchase a youth license or permit or disability license.
- Purchasing a License Online: Perhaps the most convenient option available to residents is buying their license online. A convenience charge will be applied to the cost of the fishing license, and only major credit cards and e-checks will be accepted. Click here to buy your Kentucky fishing license online.
Why should you purchase a fishing license?
As is the case in most states, it is illegal to fishing public waters in Kentucky without a valid fishing license. This applies to both residents and non-residents.
For youth, the elderly, and even those with a disability, a license is still required. That said, they may be available at a considerable discount.
If you wish to avoid potential fines or legal issues, it is best to have your license purchased before hitting the water. However, there are other reasons why you should keep your license current. The funds received from the purchase of fishing licenses helps support wildlife and conservation efforts in Kentucky. By purchasing your fishing license, you are helping to ensure that there will be an abundance of fisheries available in the future.
Popular Fishing Species in Kentucky
Not only will your license help support existing fisheries, but is will also keep some of the most popular species in the state stocked.
Every year, anglers in Kentucky fishing for a variety of popular freshwater fish, including: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, bluegill, muskie, walleye, various species of catfish, carp, chain pickerel, rainbow trout, brown trout, and many others.