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 2024, Free Fishing Weekend is June 1 and 2. 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, partners, and/or communities across Kansas on these days. This will be updated as events are added. Visit the Outdoor Event Calendar on the main page or the Aquatic Education Calendar on this page for more events and details.
Walk With Wildlife at Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita
Cops and Bobbers at Pomona State Park
Kids Fishing Clinic at Crawford State Park
Spring Hill Annual Fishing Derby
Mound City Lake
Madison City Lake
Youth Tournament at Glen Elder State Park
Yates Center Kid's Pond
Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge
Cops and Bobbers at Larned City Pond
Milford Gather Pond (Milford Nature Center)
Pleasanton West (Stegge) Lake
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!
This list provides general information on equipment and items you need to start fishing today! You can take this into a tackle store and use to navigate the aisles, or you make sure you have packed everything for a fishing trip. Don't forget your fishing license!
Certified Angler Instructor Program
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 316-683-8069.
We have two classes scheduled. Space is limited, so please register with David Breth at david.breth@ks.gov:
- April 12, 2025 in Emporia, KS from 9am-1pm.
- May 31, 2025 in Wichita, KS from 1pm to 5pm.
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/EVENT 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
06/07/2025
Riverfest Derby
Location: Wichita
Type: Aquatic Education
Date: Saturday, June 07, 2025
Contact: Riverfest
Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Other Information:
Free fishing derby offered by Riverfest during the festival. Registration day of the event just east of Douglas Street Bridge, near Century II. Contact Riverfest for more information. If you are a Certified Angler Instructor and want to volunteer, please contact David Breth at david.breth@ks.gov
Walk With Wildlife
Location: Wichita
Type: Aquatic Education
Date: Saturday, June 07, 2025
Contact: Great Plain Nature Center
Phone No: 316-683-5499
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Other Information:
Annual Walk With Wildlife event. This is open to the public. For more information, please visit gpnc.org.
If you are a Certified Angler Instructor and want to volunteer, please contact David Breth at david.breth@ks.gov