Email to david.breth@ks.gov
Aquatic Education Program
Most fishing clinics are hosted by partners and Certified Angler Instructors and are geared towards those with little or no experience. Content covered in a clinic varies by presenter and audiences, but all have fishing as a central theme. Fish identification, management, casting demonstrations, equipment, water safety, and even fish cooking are a few areas covered.
Participants don't even need their own equipment. KDWP can provide rods, reels, and other necessary fishing equipment when available.
The Aquatic Education Program, FishKS, has a program similar to Hunter Education where volunteers can become Certified Angler Instructors. These instructors coordinate and assist with fishing events statewide. To become a Certified Angler Instructor, you must attend a 4-5 hour class (Free) and complete supervised instruction. KDWP recognizes certification courses and programs from other organizations, such as Boy Scouts of America. If you are certified through one of these, please contact David Breth at 316-683-8069 to learn how to join FishKS!
KDWP does not provide on-demand events. Please visit the Aquatic Education Calendar to find events scheduled in your area. If you would like more information on FishKS or fishing clinics in your area, contact David Breth at 316-683-8069 or your nearest KDWP office.
Free Fishing Weekend Events
For 2023, Free Fishing Weekend is June 3 and 4. This means anglers do not need a state fishing license to fish public waters, but all other privileges, regulations, and harvest restrictions are in effect. Below is a list of events hosted by KDWP, Fishing's Future, Kansas Wildscape Foundation, other partner's, and communities across Kansas on these days. This will be updated daily as events are added.
OK Kids Day at Great Plains Nature Center, 10am to 1pm
Glen Elder Youth Fishing Tournament, 8am to 3pm
Cedar Lake Park - Olathe Kids Fishing Derby, 7:30am to 11:30am
Event Request Form
If you are hosting a fishing education event, or wanting to include fishing education as part of your event, use the links below. The first option is to print a PDF form and email to david.breth@ks.gov
The second link is an online submission form you can fill out and submit.
Helpful Resources to get started Fishing
Interested in fishing? Download this brochure to help you get started with information on what you need to start fishing, including what equipment and tackle you need, how to get a license, where to go, and more!
Certified Angler Instructor Program
In order to offer quality fishing education and meet the demand of the public, KDWP created a Certified Angler Instructor program similar to the highly successful Hunter Education program. Volunteers who attend a FREE certification class and pass a background check are able to use KDWP resources to conduct fishing education events including clinics, derbies, and school programs. Classes are offered by request and are limited to 25 participants. This 4 to 5 hour class is designed to teach those that are familiar with fishing, how to teach others about the sport using both hands-on activities and literature. This is not for those new to fishing and wanting to learn how to fish. For more information regarding this instructor program, please contact David Breth at 620-672-5911.
Current certified instructors can find forms and information using the links below.
Instructors and Volunteers - please use this form to record volunteer hours at FishKS events. Please verify printed names are legible and signatures are present when event concludes. Only ONE DATE per form. If event spans multiple days, please use a new form for each day. This is the only way we can receive in-kind match for the grant. Submit to David Breth via email, mail, fax, or text.
Instructors - please use this form when requesting supplies for either a specific event OR for supplies needed in general. If for a specific event, please list the name of the event, location, date. Submit this form to David Breth via email, mail, text, or fax. Please note, not all items may be available when requested.
Aquatic Education Calendar
09/30/2023
Greater Andover Days
Location: Andover
Type: Aquatic Education
Date: Saturday, September 30, 2023
Contact: City of Andover
Phone No: 316-733-1303
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Other Information:
Contact the City of Andover to register for the fishing clinics during the Great Andover Days event. Each clinic is limited to 20 participants, will run for 50mins, and start on the hour (1pm, 2pm, and 3pm). Fishing is FREE and equipment is provided.