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Snagging

Except for paddlefish and nonsport fish, which may be snagged in designated waters during designated seasons (See Page 10), fish hooked anywhere but in the mouth shall be returned immediately, unrestrained, to the water.

Nonsport fish (See definition Page 12) may be taken by gig, crossbow, and bow and arrow. Blue, channel and flathead catfish may be taken by bow and arrow where no length limits on catfish are in effect except in rivers and streams.

Legal Bait

Legal fish bait includes artificial lures, baitfish (as defined on Page 12), prepared bait, vegetable materials, artificial bait, worms, crayfish, leeches, amphibians and mussels. Species listed as prohibited may NOT be possessed live or utilized as live bait. Species which are listed as threatened, endangered, or in need of conservation may NOT be used as bait. Any other LEGALLY TAKEN wildlife, subject to the restrictions listed in “Wild-Caught Bait” below, may be used, including sport fish of legal length taken by hook and line.

WILD-CAUGHT BAIT

Bait may be taken for noncommercial purposes.

• Methods: seine not larger than 15 feet long and four feet deep, with mesh not larger than 1/4 inch; fish trap with mesh not larger than 1/4 inch and throat no larger than 1 inch in diameter (must be tagged with angler's name and address); fishing line; or a dip or cast net with mesh no larger than 1 inch

• Size: baitfish, except gizzard shad, silver carp and bighead carp may not exceed 12 inches in length. Silver and bighead carp may not be kept alive.

• Limit: 500 per person

• Legal waters: statewide, except that seining is prohibited on department-owned waters

• License requirement: unless exempt by law, a fishing license is required

• Use and movement: Live baitfish, crayfish, leeches, amphibians, and mussels may be caught and used as live bait only within the common drainage where caught. However, bluegill and green sunfish collected from non-designated aquatic nuisance species waters may be possessed or used as live bait anywhere in the state. Live baitfish shall not be transported and used above any upstream dam or barrier that prohibits the normal passage of fish. Live baitfish collected from designated aquatic nuisance waters shall be possessed or used as live bait only while on that water and shall not be transported from the water alive.

Commercial Bait

The following DEAD species of wildlife may be commercially sold in Kansas for fishing bait: gizzard shad, threadfin shad, silver carp, bighead carp, skipjack herring, emerald shiners. It is illegal to release live baitfish into any water or transport live baitfish from any waters. Baitfish should be disposed of on land or at designated disposal sites.

The Manhattan region offers plentiful public hunting and fishing lands with 100 miles of wooded shoreline around the 1,200- acre Tuttle Creek Lake. Anglers catch crappie, catfish, bass, saugeye and other sport fish in the reservoir.

LIVEWELLS/BILGES

Livewells and bilges must be drained and drain plugs removed from all vessels being removed from waters of the state before transport on a public highway. No person may possess any live fish upon departure from any designated aquatic nuisance body of water (see Page 40)

Unlawful Acts

It is unlawful to refuse to allow law enforcement officers to inspect fish or wildlife in possession or devices or facilities used in taking, possessing, transporting, storing, or processing any wildlife. It is also unlawful to sell fish except as specifically authorized under a commercial fishing permit. It is illegal to clip the fins, tag, or otherwise mark fish if they are to be released after catch.