Big change takes effect statewide in Kansas for blue catfish

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Kansas anglers will need to read up on a new catfish regulation before heading down to their favorite fishing spots this year.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) said a new statewide regulation for blue catfish is in effect as of Friday, July 25. The KDWP shared a reminder of the new regulation on social media.

"Effective today, July 25, 2025, the statewide regulation for Blue Catfish changes to allow anglers to keep 10 fish of any size but only one of those fish may be greater than 30 inches. For example, all ten fish could be 23" or you may have nine 20" fish and one 40" fish."

KDWP social media statement excerpt

The KDWP said the new regulation applies to all waters in the State of Kansas. However, there are some exceptions for the following bodies of water:

• Milford Reservoir - daily creel of 10 fish, protected slot 28-40 inches, only one fish above 40"
• Kanopolis Reservoir - 35" minimum, 5 fish daily
• Pomona Reservoir - daily creel of 5 fish any size
• LaCygne Reservoir - daily creel of 5 fish any size
• Missouri River - daily creel of 5 fish, only one over 30"
• Browning Oxbow - daily creel of 5 fish, only one over 30"
• Several rivers in Southeast and South Central Kansas - 10 fish, any size (see page 12 of regulation booklet for full list of rivers and streams;

The KDWP said the new regulation is meant to increase fishing opportunities while also thinning populations down to allow for increased growth opportunities. You can learn more about current fishing regulations in Kansas by heading to the KDWP's website where you can also download a copy of the latest fishing regulations for 2025.

KDWP commissioners made multiple changes last year to Kansas creel limits. You can learn more about the blue catfish harvest changes made in 2024 by clicking here.

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