Kansas anglers need to be aware that big changes have taken effect in regards to
the blue catfish regulations they must follow. (Photo by Sam Stukel, USFWS)
New Kansas Blue Cat Rule Now in Effect
Source: Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks
A new statewide fishing regulation aimed at managing blue catfish populations in Kansas went into effect July 25. Anglers across the state are now allowed to keep up to 10 blue catfish per day of any size, but only one of those fish can be longer than 30 inches, according to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP).
For example, fishermen can keep 10 blue catfish all under 30 inches or nine fish under 30 inches and one fish exceeding that size. The regulation applies to most waters statewide, but there are a few notable exceptions:
- Milford Reservoir: daily limit of 10 fish; slot limit protects fish 28 to 40 inches; only one fish can be over 40 inches
- Kanopolis Reservoir: five fish per day; 35-inch minimum
- Pomona and LaCygne Reservoirs: five fish per day, any size
- Missouri River and Browning Oxbow: five fish per day; only one may be over 30 inches
- Select Southeast and South Central Kansas rivers: 10 fish per day, any size. A full list is available on page 12 of the 2025 Kansas Fishing Regulations booklet.
These new regulations are aimed at increasing harvest opportunities while also reducing populations to allow for increased growth potential.
