Walk-in Fishing Access (WIFA), formerly known as the F.I.S.H. program, has gained popularity with landowners and anglers alike. The program enrolled 1,900 acres of ponds and more than 70 miles of streams on private land for public fishing access. The program includes ponds and lakes ranging in size from 1 acre to more than 70 acres, as well as access to stream reaches formerly unavailable to the public.

WIFA sites are open to the public from March 1 through Oct. 31, with some open year-round. Impounded WIFA waters have a creel limit of two channel catfish, a creel limit of two largemouth bass, and an 18-inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass. Otherwise, all Kansas fishing regulations and statewide creel limits apply. It’s especially important for anglers using the sites to respect and follow the rules that apply on WIFA properties. You do not need to contact the landowner for permission on WIFA waters.

Highlights of the program

• KDWP pays you to allow fishing access on your land.

• KDWP posts signs to inform anglers of property boundaries.

• KDWP game wardens patrol the land.

• Access is by walk-in only. No vehicles are allowed.

• State law limits normal liability.

• A printed and online atlas shows all properties enrolled.

• Visit ksoutdoors.gov/private-lands for more information.

Anglers who want more information should contact the nearest KDWP office or the Pratt Operations Office at 620-672-5911 for a Kansas Fishing Atlas, also available at ksoutdoors.gov/fish-atlas.

Landowners who are interested in enrolling waters in the program should also phone the nearest regional KDWP office or the Pratt Operations Office.