Heads Up: Kansas’s Trout Season Has Changed To Be Better Than Ever

One great aspect of life in Kansas is how many opportunities for outdoor adventure there are. Whether you love hiking, hunting, or fishing, it feels like there's something to do just about all year-round outdoors in the Sunflower State. Many of us love to fish, and one of the state's most populous species is trout. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has been managing fishing in Kansas for three decades now, and there are an estimated 400,000 fishermen in the Sunflower State. Last year, the KDWP interviewed anglers to gain feedback on what they'd like to see changed. Based on the answers to these surveys, several changes have been made this trout season in Kansas that should affect fishing in a positive way.

The KDWP will be stocking trout on the first day of fishing season. In previous years, this was November 1, but recent seasons have seen warmer weather in November that can sometimes affect fish health.

As a result, this year's season will start on December 1.

Stocking will occur during the most-fished months of the season, whereas in previous years, stocking occurred throughout the season.

This year's trout season will run through March 31 instead of April 15.

Thirty lakes will be stocked in the fall and winter, with more than 62,000 pounds of rainbow trout.

If you're lucky, you may even nab a golden rainbow trout!

Anyone fishing for trout must be 16 or older, and you'll need a normal fishing license, plus a separate trout license. Youth trout permits are available for those under the age of 16. Up to five trout per day can be kept per permit.

For more information about trout licenses in Kansas, check out the KDWP website.

If you're looking to enjoy trout season in Kansas, make sure you check out all the great gear available through REI's fishing page.