Regulations & Licenses

Kentucky fishing licenses expire on February 28 each year, meaning permits bought in late February last only a few weeks instead of twelve months.

Kentucky annual fishing licenses expire on February 28 or 29, concluding a cycle that consistently begins every March 1.

Kentucky Free Fishing Weekend waives state fishing licenses while keeping bag limits and size restrictions fully in effect.

Kentucky Free Fishing Weekend dates for 2025 are Saturday, June seventh and Sunday, June eighth, requiring no license.

Kentucky free fishing weekend on June 6-7 waives state licenses while keeping all other regulations and trout permits active.

Kentucky free fishing weekend rules allow kids and seniors to fish public waters without a license on June six and seven.

Bag and size limits do not vanish during Kentucky’s two license-free days, and believing otherwise can lead to an unexpected citation for unsuspecting anglers.

Kentucky nonresident fishing license rules state that visitors from out of state must still buy a license during the free fishing weekend.

An annual event removes the license barrier for a relaxing day by the water, a chance to introduce kids or grandkids to fishing in Kentucky on June 6-7, 2026.

The Kentucky license year cycle runs steadfastly from March 1st to February 28th, so anglers on a lake or stream can always know if theirs is still valid.