Kansas City has dozens of popular fishing spots in and around the city. The Missouri River is of course nearby and it is a haven. But, not everyone can wield their developing fishing skills in the mighty river. While you hear about South Lake Park, Frank Vaydik Park, Waterfall Park, Lake Jacomo Marina, Kill Creek Park, and Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, among other names, these are not exactly within the city limits. And, the likes of James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area, North Park Lake, and Cedar Lake are farther away.

There aren’t many natural water bodies where you could quickly drive to, but thanks to the parks and their conservations, there are over half a dozen amazing places to go fishing in Kansas City. 

Best Fishing Spots in Kansas City

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism along with Missouri Department of Conservation have toiled over the years to stock many lakes within the parks and recreational hotspots within the city. Some of these lakes have sufficient stocks of fish throughout the year. If you have your fishing gear ready, then you must get a license, choose a convenient spot among the following places and prepare for a pleasant treat.

• Troost Lake at The Paseo ; East 29th Street in the central park district spanning over three and a half acres is one of the better stocked lakes. It is usually open from four in the morning to ten in the night. It is a haven for channel catfish.

• Penn Valley Lake at West 27th Street ; Broadway in the neighboring council district spanning over two acres is equally enthralling. Also known for catfish in particular, Penn Valley Lake has the same hours of operation as Troost Lake.

• Lake of the Woods at Gregory Boulevard ; Oldham Road in the south park district spans almost nine acres. The lake is a hotspot for walleye, perch, northern pike, sauger, panfish, crappie, smallmouth and largemouth bass, lake sturgeon, muskellunge, and lake trout. Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club is based at this facility.

• Blue Valley Park at East 23rd Street ; Topping Avenue spans almost a massive two hundred and forty acres. It is in the central park district. The park is open from five in the early morning till midnight. The park also has a golf course, a playground, and a baseball field.  

• Chaumiere Lake at NE 43rd ; NE Chaumiere Road is in the north park district. It spans five acres and is a serene place to be, especially in the fall. The usual hours of operation are from four in the morning till ten in the night.

• Englewood Park at Englewood Road ; North Troost Avenue is not very far from Chaumiere Lake. Spanning five acres, Englewood is a great place for families with kids. In addition to catfish, the Zajic Lake within the park has plenty of largemouth bass and bluegill.

Best Fishing Spots Near Kansas City

There are several fishing hotspots within a short drive from Kansas City. If you are planning a weekend, then there are some awesome destinations a few hours away, such as Truman Lake and the Lake of the Ozarks. You can consider Blue Springs Lake and Lake Jacomo, if you are willing to go beyond the metro area. Across the state line you could go to James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area. If you don’t want to cross the state line for some reason, you can certainly head for Shawnee Mission and Kill Creek.

There are quite a few water bodies along the Missouri, but fishing in most subdivision lakes is prohibited. Smithville in Missouri and Hillsdale in Kansas are much closer to the city than the likes of Truman Lake or Lake of the Ozarks.

You should bear in mind that if you are crossing the state line, then you must have a fishing license in Missouri. Since you are a resident of Kansas City, you must apply for a nonresident fishing license in Missouri. There are licenses available with different validity periods. Choose one that fits your plan.

Fishing License in Kansas

You can apply for and get a fishing license from the office of Kansas Department Wildlife and Parks. There are licensed agents based in Kansas City, and most of them facilitate online application. Like other states, Kansas City residents and nonresidents will pay different fees for any fishing license in the state. Residents are those who have been living in the state for at least sixty consecutive days preceding the application for the license, and subsequent issuance. Children younger than sixteen do not need a license or permit. Residents aged sixteen and up to seventy four need a license. All nonresidents aged sixteen and older should have a license. Residents aged seventy five and older don’t need a license.

Residents can choose to have a fishing license, or one that includes hunting as well. Senior residents aged sixty five to seventy four can get a reduced fee for a combination license. There are licenses with validity of days, one season, and a lifetime. Young residents aged sixteen to twenty can get multiyear fishing license. This costs $42.50. A fishing and hunting combo license for these young residents costs $72.50. This license expires when the licensee turns twenty one.

There are several standard fishing licenses available for residents and nonresidents. Senior residents get fishing and hunting combo license valid for a lifetime at $42.50. Senior resident fishing license costs $15.00, and a combo permit costs $25.00. Residents can get a license valid for a day at $8.50. A seasonal or annual license for adult residents costs $27.50. There is a five year license available at $102.50. Only residents can apply for lifetime fishing license. For adults who are not seniors or disabled veterans, the price for this license is $502.50.

Nonresidents pay $52.50 for an annual fishing license in Kansas. A five day license costs $27.50 and a one day permit is priced at 14.50 for nonresidents. There are other permits required, such as for trout at $14.50, paddlefish at $12.50, and bass at $14.50.