Kentucky Fishing License Cost 2024: The Breakdown

The cost of a Kentucky fishing license is as varied as the fish you can catch in our beautiful waters. It depends on a few factors, like your age, whether you call Kentucky home, and the type of license you’re after. Here’s the 2024 KY fishing license fee structure:

  • Resident Combination License (includes hunting and fishing): $42
    • Resident Annual Fishing License: $20
    • Resident Junior Fishing License (ages 12-15): $5
    • Non-Resident Combination License (includes hunting and fishing): $230
    • Non-Resident Annual Fishing License: $50
    • Non-Resident 7-day Fishing License: $30

If you’ve served our country or have celebrated more than 65 birthdays as a Kentucky resident, you might be in for a discount or even get to fish for free. Check with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to see if you qualify. They’re nice folks!

When can you give the license a miss?

While most of us need a fishing license to enjoy Kentucky’s aquatic bounty, there are some exceptions. For instance:

  • Kids under 12 can fish without a license. Start ’em young, we say!
    • Everyone can fish without a license on the first Saturday in June, which is National Fishing and Boating Day. Mark your calendars!
    • Free Fishing Weekend usually happens in early June, when everyone can fish without a license. It’s like Christmas in June for anglers!

Remember, even if you don’t need a license, you still need to follow other regulations, like size and bag limits. We love our fish; let’s keep it sustainable!

Special Fishing Events and Exemptions

Kentucky also hosts special fishing events that might keep you off the hook (pun intended) from needing a license. The two most popular ones are:

During these events, everyone can fish without a license, no matter their age or where they’re from.