KY Fishing Without a License — Penalties, Wardens & Creel Limits (2026)

KY fishing penalties: $50-$500 + Class A Misdemeanor! Report poachers to 1-800-25-ALERT. Crappie limit is 20, Bass is 6.

Fishing without a valid KY fishing license carries strict penalties from KDFWR Conservation Officers.

ViolationFine RangeNotes
No fishing license$50 – $500Class A Misdemeanor + Court Costs!
Over bag limit$100 – $500Plus wildlife restitution costs
Fishing closed waters$50 – $250Strictly enforced around dam tailwaters

Key Creel Limits

SpeciesDaily LimitNotes
Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass6 (Combined)12" minimum (lake regulations vary heavily)
Crappie20Often 10" minimum on large reservoirs
Trout (Rainbow/Brown)8Only 3 may be Brown Trout
Striped Bass215" minimum
Muskellunge136" minimum

Call the Report A Poacher hotline: 1-800-25-ALERT.

An KY resident license is just $23. Get yours.