WIFA Benefits Landowners and Anglers

WIFA provides anglers with a place to fish while leaving the land in private ownership. By providing a place to fish, the tradition of fishing can be preserved, and rural-urban ties can be strengthened. And, of course, there is a financial incentive.

Many landowners own waters far from home or don’t have time to worry about who’s fishing on their property, It may be more convenient for them to enroll in the WIFA Program. The department annually publishes a Fishing Atlas outlining each body of water enrolled in the program and anglers are asked not to contact landowners.

The Kansas Recreational Use Statute also provides limited liability for landowners enrolled.

Conservation officers periodically patrol WIFA areas. Violators will be ticketed or arrested for offenses such as vandalism, trespassing, littering, or failing to comply with fishing regulations.

Landowners have the option to withdraw from the program at any time. They will be paid a prorated portion of the agreed payment and provided with signs denoting that the water has been removed from the program.