Beginner's Guide to Fishing in Kansas

by Aakriti (Nepal) Aerospace Engineering | Mar 30, 2025

Ablah Library

SPRING IS BACK!!!

Spring is here, and summer is near! If you're looking for some exciting things to do during this season, fishing might be one of the many options you should try.

I started fishing last summer, and I absolutely love it. It might feel a little tricky at first, especially as a beginner, but don鈥檛 worry鈥擨鈥檝e got some tips to help you get started! Here are a few common questions answered if you鈥檙e ready to give it a try:

Where to go fishing?

鈥婯ansas offers a diverse array of fishing opportunities across its lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and ponds. Some popular fishing locations to consider are:

  1. Horseshoe Lake 
  2. K-96 fishing lake park
  3. KDOT east lake
  4. Chisholm North Lake
  5. Santa Fe Lake

Things to purchase before fishing:

As a new fisher person, you may have a hard time reading out so many blogs and yet miss on some things to consider before you move for your fishing trip. Here are some ideas I would like to list:

  1. Fishing License
  2. Fishing rod and reel
  3. Bait - live or artificial
  4. Hooks- to catch fish
  5. Bobbers- to help detect bites and keep bait at desired depth
  6. Sinkers or weights- for bait to go down to catch prey
  7. Scissors, knife
  8. Cooler/ bucket - to store the fish caught
  9. Chair or stool - optional, but if you are planning to fish longer, I would recommend foldable chair
  10. Trash bag - collect your trash always
  11. Personal Care- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, band aid, water, snacks, full clothes sometimes if the area has tall grass around. Sun protection t-shirts have always come in handy for me.
  12. Fishing gloves - this is especially for someone who doesn鈥檛 like holding fish or bait with bare hands.

More about FISHING LICENSE

Fishing License is pretty easy to get. If you are planning to get a fishing license for and from Kansas, follow either of these steps: 

  1. Online Purchase: It is one of the easiest purchase processes. Visit  through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks' . Purchase, save in email and you can print a copy for yourself.
  2. Phone Purchase: You can also acquire licenses by calling the toll-free number: 1-833-587-2164. This service operates daily from 6 AM to 9 PM.

I hope you all have a great FISHING this spring and summer!