Obtaining a fishing license in Kentucky is a mandatory step before organizing a fishing trip in the Bluegrass State. The KY Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources offers licenses to fish to both residents and nonresidents. Learn how to get a fishing license, by visiting the department's website and choosing either a regular fishing license or a commercial fishing license. The state also offers special licenses to disabled individuals and veterans. Look at the topics below to read more information about fishing licenses and fishing permits in Kentucky:
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Obtaining one of the following KY licenses to fish is a state requirement for any type of fishing performed on state waters.
The KY Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources makes available the subsequent licenses and permits to fish:
Kentucky senior, resident and disabled licenses to fish are generally more cost-effective than regular licenses. However, children younger than 16 years of age are exempt from buying a fishing license.
Note: The trout permit is an attachment to a valid license to fish. In addition, it is included in the package sportsman's, senior and disabled licenses.
In an effort to preserve Kentucky's fishing heritage, state commercial fishing is regulated by the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Any interested fishing businessman must follow the department's rules and regulations and submit a KY commercial fishing license application for one of the following:
Buy a KY fishing license by choosing one of the following methods:
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources provides both amateur and experienced anglers with numerous fishing education opportunities. After obtaining a KY fishing license, visit the department's website and learn more about the following fishing education programs:
The KY DFWR website abounds with educational resources in the form of fishing books, guides and posters. Let the below publications introduce you to Kentucky's aquatic world:
Established by the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the Angler's Legacy program aims to provide adult fishermen and women with courses on self-sustainable fishing. Conceived with the goal to create lifelong anglers, the program teaches how to:
The internationally recognized BOW program, organized by the KY DFWR and other partners, is intended to develop the outdoor skills of adult women. The following fishing workshops (among others) are available across the state:
Kentucky anglers – who strive to refine their fishing skills, participate in tournaments or fish in a group – can join one of several fishing clubs and organizations across the state. These clubs and associations offer everything from a meeting forum for fishermen to programs for sustainable fishing. Read about a couple of them below:
The Bluegrass Yakmasters's focus is to promote kayak fishing. The organization provides anglers with opportunities to partake in kayak fishing whilst preserving the state's fishing resources. Fishermen can take advantage of photograph and release tournaments that occur throughout the years. The individual who is ranked the highest at the end of the year receives the prize for best BGYM Kentucky angler.
Formed by individuals who enjoy fishing and the great outdoors, the H&H Bass Club holds a meeting forum for avid KY anglers. The club is open to anyone interested in sharing fishing experiences and participating in fishing tournaments as a group. Potential members can expect the following:
