What Kentucky Fishing Licenses Cost

A Kentucky resident fishing license costs $24.50 for a full year. If you want to fish for only 14 consecutive days, the short-term license is $10.50. A one-day license costs $7.50. Non-residents pay $48.50 for a full year, $24.50 for 14 days, and $10.50 for one day.

These prices cover freshwater fishing in Kentucky's lakes, rivers, and streams. If you want to fish in saltwater (which means traveling to coastal areas outside Kentucky), you do not need a separate Kentucky license, but you will need to follow the rules of whatever state's saltwater you are fishing in.

Kentucky also sells a trout stamp for an additional $7.50 if you plan to fish specifically for trout. This is separate from your base fishing license and is required only if you want to keep trout you catch. You do not need it if you are fishing for other species.

Key Takeaways

  • A Kentucky resident fishing license costs $24.50 per year, $10.50 for 14 days, or $7.50 for one day.
  • Non-residents pay $48.50 per year, $24.50 for 14 days, or $10.50 for one day.
  • A trout stamp costs an additional $7.50 and is required only if you plan to keep trout.
  • You can buy a license online through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website, by phone, or at authorized retailers.

Where to Buy Your License

The easiest way to buy a Kentucky fishing license is online through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website. You can purchase it when ready and print it at home or have it sent to your phone. The online system is open 24 hours.

You can also call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources at 1-800-858-1549 to buy a license over the phone. They accept credit cards and debit cards. Phone hours vary by season, so check their website before calling.

If you prefer to buy in person, you can visit any authorized retailer. These include sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations. Call ahead to confirm the retailer near you has licenses in stock.

What Information You Need to Provide

When you buy a license, you will need to provide your full name, date of birth, and Kentucky driver's license number (if you are a resident) or your state ID number (if you are a non-resident). You will also need a valid mailing address.

If you are buying online, you will create an account with your email address and password. This account lets you renew your license the following year without re-entering all your information. Keep your login details in a safe place.

For a trout stamp, you provide the same information. If you already have a fishing license, you can add the trout stamp to your account online or buy it separately at a retailer.

Who Does Not Need a License

Kentucky residents who are 65 years old or older do not need a fishing license. You will need to show proof of age (a driver's license or ID card) if a game warden asks, but you do not have to buy one.

Children under 16 do not need a license to fish. However, anyone 16 and older must have one, even if they are fishing with a parent or guardian.

You also do not need a license if you are fishing on your own private property (land you own) and the water is entirely on that property. If the water borders public land or another person's property, you need a license.

How Long Your License Lasts

A full-year resident license runs from January 1 to December 31 of that calendar year. If you buy a license in June, it still expires on December 31 of that same year — you do not get a full 12 months from the purchase date. Plan ahead if you want coverage through the end of the year.

A 14-day license is valid for 14 consecutive days starting the day you buy it. A one-day license is valid only for the calendar day you purchase it (midnight to midnight).

Your license is printed on a card or displayed on your phone. You must have it with you whenever you fish. A game warden can ask to see it at any time.

Fishing Rules and Seasons

Having a license lets you fish, but it does not mean you can fish anywhere or catch anything. Kentucky has specific seasons for different fish species, and some waters are closed to fishing at certain times of year. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources publishes an annual guide that lists all the rules.

You can read the guide free from their website or pick up a printed copy at any retailer that sells licenses. The guide tells you which fish you can keep, how many you can keep, what size they must be, and when you can fish for them. Trout season, for example, runs year-round in some waters and is closed in others during summer months.

Some lakes and rivers have special rules — catch-and-release only, fly-fishing only, or restrictions on the type of bait you can use. Always check the specific water you plan to fish before you go.

Renewing Your License

If you bought your license online and created an account, you can renew it the same way the following year. Log in to your account, and the system will let you renew with one click. Your new license will be ready to print or view on your phone when ready.

You can also renew by phone or at a retailer using the same methods you used to buy your first license. Renewal costs the same as a new license — there is no discount for renewing.

Your license does not renew automatically. If you forget to renew and fish without a valid license, you can be cited and fined. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar before your license expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in another state with my Kentucky license?

No. Your Kentucky license is valid only in Kentucky waters. If you travel to another state to fish, you must buy that state's license. Each state manages its own fishing licenses and rules.

Do I need a license to fish in a private pond on someone else's property?

You need permission from the property owner, but you do not need a state license if the water is entirely on private property and does not connect to public water. If you are unsure whether the water is private or public, ask the owner or contact the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license is a violation. A game warden can issue a citation, and you may face a fine. The amount varies depending on the violation, but it is always more expensive than buying a license. Carry your license with you every time you fish.

Can I buy a license as a gift for someone else?

Yes. You can buy a license online or at a retailer and give it to someone else. If you buy online, you can use the recipient's information to create the license in their name, or you can buy a gift card from some retailers and let them choose their own license type.

Is there a discount for military members or disabled people?

Kentucky offers a free lifetime license to honorably discharged veterans and active-duty military members. Disabled Kentucky residents may be may be able to access for a reduced-cost license. Contact the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources at 1-800-858-1549 to ask about your specific situation.