FishKillFlea Kentucky Fishing License Guide (2026)
Kentucky requires a fishing license for anyone 16 through 64. Residents 65+ fish free! The state features world-class bass fishing on Kentucky Lake and Lake Cumberland, plus excellent trout streams and smallmouth on the Green River.
Official KY Website →16+
Min Age
Yes
Free Days
$23
Resident/yr
$55
Non-Res/yr
💰 License Costs (2026)
Resident Licenses
| License Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Annual Resident Fishing Mar 1 – Feb 28 | $23 |
| 3-Year Resident Fishing Great value — saves over 3 years | $55 |
| Joint/Spouse Annual Fishing Both spouses on one license | $42 |
| 7-Day Fishing Permit | $12 |
| 1-Day Fishing Permit | $7 |
| Combination Hunt/Fish Hunting + fishing combined | $42 |
| Sportsman License All hunting + fishing + stamps + trout | $95 |
| Lifetime Resident | $500 |
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Annual Non-Resident | $55 |
| 15-Day Non-Resident | $30 |
| 1-Day Non-Resident | $15 |
Senior & Special Licenses
| License Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Senior (65+) FREE FREE basic fishing — carry ID | $0 |
| Senior Sportsman (65+) $12 — all privileges | $12 |
| Senior Lifetime Sportsman $180 — all privileges for life | $180 |
Additional Stamps & Permits
| Stamp | Price | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Trout Permit Required for trout fishing in designated trout waters. Included in Sportsman License. | $10 | Required |
📍 Where to Buy
Explore all Kentucky purchase options →📅 Timing & Free Fishing Days
Free Fishing Days 2026
Jun
6
License Validity
👤 Age Requirements & Exemptions
👶
Under 16 Exemption
👴
FREE License for Seniors (65+)
🎖️
Military on Leave & Disabled Vets
✅
Landowner Exemption
⚖️ Penalties for Fishing Without a License
$50–$
500
misdemeanor
🔧 How to Get Your License
-
1
Visit the Official Portal
-
2
Select Your License Type
-
3
Complete Payment & Download