FishKillFlea The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) manages the KY fishing license. For $23 annually, residents gain access to some of the greatest bass and crappie lakes in America, including Kentucky Lake and Dale Hollow!
2025 KY Fishing License Cost — Resident
| License | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing | $23.00 | Mar 1 – Feb 28 | Base freshwater |
| 3-Year Fishing | $55.00 | 3 Years | Saves $14 over three years |
| Joint/Spouse | $42.00 | Mar 1 – Feb 28 | Married couples save $4 |
| 1-Day Fishing | $7.00 | 24 hours | Perfect for a single trip |
| 7-Day Fishing | $12.00 | 7 days | — |
| Resident Senior (65+) | FREE | Lifetime | Just carry your KY ID! |
| Trout Permit | $10.00 | Mar 1 – Feb 28 | Required if keeping trout |
KY Non-Resident Fishing License
| License | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NR Annual | $55.00 | Mar 1 – Feb 28 |
| NR 15-Day | $30.00 | 15 consecutive days |
| NR 1-Day | $15.00 | 24 hours |
The March 1st License Year
Unlike states that use calendar years or rolling 365-day periods, Kentucky licenses are strictly valid from March 1 through the end of February of the following year. This aligns perfectly with the spring crappie and bass spawn on Kentucky Lake!
Compare KY With Neighboring States
| State | Res Annual | NR Annual | Seniors 65+ | Trout Permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $34.00 | $50.00 | $10.00 | +$22.00 |
| Indiana | $23.00 | $60.00 | $3.00 | +$11.00 |
| West Virginia | $19.00 | $37.00 | $3.00 | +$10.00 |
| Ohio | $25.00 | $50.96 | $10.00 | N/A |
Kentucky's $23 resident fishing license hits the sweet spot for the Midwest/South. What makes KY truly special is the treatment of its seniors — residents 65 and older fish for completely free. Compare this to Tennessee ($10) or Ohio ($10). Only Indiana is close ($3), but KY literally charges $0!
FAQ
Do Kentucky Seniors Need a License?
NO! If you are a Kentucky resident aged 65 or older, you do not need to purchase a fishing license. You simply need to carry your Kentucky driver's license or state ID card while fishing to prove your age and residency. See KY exemptions.