State

Free fishing weekend is coming up in Kansas — and free state park entrance days

Free fishing weekend in Kansas is June 6-7, 2026.
Free fishing weekend in Kansas is June 6-7, 2026. Provided photo, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

For one weekend a year, you don’t need a fishing license to legally fish in the Sunflower State.

This year, free fishing weekend is Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7.

Anglers who take advantage of the free days must still follow all other Kansas fishing regulations, including size limits, equipment requirements and bait restrictions.

Typically, a Kansas resident fishing license for ages 16 to 64 is $3.50 per day or $25 per year.

Free State Park Days

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is also hosting free state park days throughout the year.

“These free days are a great opportunity for Kansans and visitors alike to get outside and enjoy Kansas’ natural resources,” KDWP Secretary Christopher Kennedy said in a news release. “Whether you’re fishing, hiking, picnicking, or simply spending time outdoors, we hope these days encourage people to connect with nature and with each other.”

The remaining free 2026 days include:

  • June 6 – Prairie Dog State Park
  • June 13 – Cedar Bluff State Park
  • June 13 – Historic Lake Scott State Park
  • June 20 – Wilson State Park
  • July 3 – Cross Timbers State Park
  • July 11 – Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park
  • Sept. 12 – Sand Hills State Park
  • Sept. 13 – Lovewell State Park
  • Sept. 13 – Webster State Park
  • Sept. 19 – Clinton State Park
  • Sept. 19 – Hillsdale State Park
  • Sept. 26 – Cheney State Park
  • Sept. 26 – Crawford State Park
  • Sept. 26 – Fall River State Park
  • Oct. 10 – Meade State Park
  • Oct. 17 – Eisenhower State Park
  • Oct. 24 – Kanopolis State Park
  • Oct. 24 – Perry State Park
  • Oct. 24 – Pomona State Park

On other days, entrance into a Kansas State Park is $5 per vehicle, with a discounted rate available for seniors and people with disabilities.

The state also sells annual vehicle permits for $25, or $13.75 for seniors and people with disabilities.

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Kaitlyn Alatidd
McClatchy DC
Kaitlyn Alatidd is a service journalism reporter for The Wichita Eagle. She is a graduate of agricultural communications & journalism at Kansas State University. 
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