It’s ‘free fishing days’ in Kansas this Saturday, Sunday. Here’s what you need to know
With the first weekend of June upon us, it’s time again for an annual Kansas tradition:
Free fishing.
This weekend, Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 6, no fishing license is required to hit the lakes, rivers and ponds in the Sunflower State. Weather is supposed to be great, too, with most of the region expected to see daytime highs in the mid-80s both days.
Anglers do not need to buy a license but still must adhere to all other state regulations enacted and enforced by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, including minimum-length limits, creel limits (the number of fish you’re allowed to keep, which varies by species), equipment requirements, etc.
A full rundown of KDWPT regs and restrictions can be found here, and it’s worth checking out the details before you grab your rod and reel.
After that, get out there and get fishin’. It’s free all day Saturday and Sunday, and that’s pretty cool.
Oh, and here are a few spots you might try within a relatively easy drive of the KC metro:
Clinton Lake: A stone’s throw from KU and enough fish to frizzle-fry your depth finder. Start at the well-stocked marina for tips and latest conditions on the water.
Coffey County Reservoir (Wolf Creek Reservoir): Bit of a drive from KC, but certainly a fun spot. The entrance-gate phone number is (620) 364-2475. Call ahead for most current conditions.
El Dorado Lake: If you can’t find it here, it probably doesn’t swim in Kansas. Blue cats, walleye, crappie, white bass, you name it.
Glen Elder (Waconda Lake): Try Walnut Creek, the flats south of the Cawker City golf course or the south shore between Gibbs Point and Mill Creek.
Hillsdale Lake: Hit the upper end of the lake, troll the dam or scour the flats and mud banks. Many ways to attack this pretty body of water.
Kill Creek Park: Located off K10 on the way to Lawrence, this lake is on the small side, but with the right approach and conditions, it’s often productive.
La Cygne Reservoir: Fishing in the shadow of the power plant is picturesque (we’re not kidding!). Try worms off the shoreline later in the day.
Melvern Lake: Get in touch with Melvern Lake Marina for most up-to-date conditions at this Sunflower State gem.
Milford Lake: Folks have been known to scare up some killer cats on the wind-blown flats and river-channel ledges here.
Perry Lake: Head west on Interstate-70 for a morning (or afternoon) at this good-sized lake. It can get windy here, but Perry usually produces.
Pomona Lake: There are two parks here that provide good shorelines for bank fishing. Around the rock quarry is good for jigging.
Shawnee Mission Park Lake: A suburban oasis! Try your luck at fishing for trout, crappie, panfish ... and there’s even an awesome off-leash dog park with its own beach.
Tuttle Creek Lake: Particular spots of note here can include McIntyre Cove, River Pond and Rocky Ford.
This story was originally published June 2, 2021 at 4:01 PM.