Hand Fishing

Handfishing, for flathead catfish only, is legal from sunrise to sunset June 15 through Aug. 31 at three locations:

• the entire length of the Arkansas River in Kansas,
• all federal reservoirs from beyond 150 yards of the dam to the upper end of the federal property,
• and on the Kansas River from its origin downstream to its confluence with the Missouri River.

A special permit ($27.50) is required in addition to a fishing license. Anyone handfishing may not use:

• hooks
• snorkeling or scuba gear,
• any other man-made device OR possess any fishing gear except a stringer.
• Stringers may not be used until the fish are caught by hand and are at or above the surface of the water.
• No man-made object — such as a barrel, box, or bathtub — may be used to attract fish.

Each permit holder must complete and submit a department-provided questionnaire within 30 days after the handfishing season closes.