KCK stocks lake as parks thaw for spring season. Here’s how, when to go fishing
Local anglers itching to get back out on the water are about to get their wish. Local lakes in Wyandotte County will open for the first part of the 2026 fishing season this weekend.
And anyone planning to visit Wyandotte County Lake Park on Saturday, which marks opening day, will find a fresh stock of trout waiting for them.
Parks department officials gathered with community members and media at the local park on Thursday afternoon to show just how the Kansas City, Kansas, fishing spot is readied for the start of trout season.
That included rapidly funnelling numerous Rainbow trout into Wyandotte County Lake using a tube, something that more than 20 residents came out to see.
People interested in fishing throughout the season have their pick of wiper, crappie, trout, catfish, walleye and bass when they visit Wyandotte County Lake Park.
“Just catching fish and having fun,” is Eljin Her’s ideal way to spend the summer months. The freshman at F.L. Schlagle School came out to watch the trout release and encouraged anyone interested in spending time outdoors to join the community for opening day on Saturday.
While he didn’t clue The Star in on his favorite local fishing spot — it’s a secret he reserves only for his family members — he did encourage others to join in on the fun.
With warmer days ahead, Wyandotte County Lake won’t be the only spot in town to take the kids or a group of friends out for a fishing trip during the year. Pierson, Bonner and Big 11 lakes will also be open to fishers during the summer months.
Alex Gibson, who lives in KCK’s Argentine neighborhood, brought her 5-year-old son, Ky, out to see the release. He’s just starting to get interested in fishing, and Gibson thought it’d be a good opportunity to show him what’s in store, she said.
“We thought it would be a fun way to kick off the fishing season,” Gibson said.
People who want to fish in Wyandotte County should have a fishing permit issued by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and KCK and a state fishing license.
County residents must pay $10 or $20 for their local permits, depending on whether they want to fish for one day or the entire season. Non-resident permits cost either $20 or $40.
Anglers may only use two lines, with no more than two lures per line.
For details on other rules, like how many and what kinds of fish anglers can bring home, or where and how to get needed licenses and permits, visit the Unified Government’s Fishing and Boating website.
