Commercial fisherman netting carp

Commercial Fishing

​The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife is charged with maintaining and enhancing fisheries resources within the Commonwealth and bordering waters.  As part of this mission, the Department regulates commercial fishing of various species.  A variety of commercial permits are available.


PermitSeasonPriceForm
Resident Commercial Fishing License with 10 gear tagsMarch 1 through February 28$150.00 (Additional Resident Gear Tags can be purchased in blocks of 10 for $15.00)Commercial Fishing License Application Form
Non-Resident Commercial Fishing License with 10 gear tagsMarch 1 through February 28$600.00 (Additional Non-Resident Gear Tags can be purchased in blocks of 10 for $100.00)Commercial Fishing License Application Form
Resident Roe-Bearing Fish Buyer PermitOctober 15 through June 5$500.00Roe-bearing Fish Buyer Permit Application Form
Non-Resident Roe-Bearing Fish Buyer PermitOctober 15 through June 5$1000.00Roe-Bearing Fish Buyer Permit Application Form
Resident Roe-Bearing Fish Harvester PermitOctober 15 through May 31$500.00Roe-Bearing Fish Harvester Permit Application Form
Non-Resident Roe-Bearing Fish Harvester PermitOctober 15 through May 31$1500.00Roe-Bearing Fish Harvester Permit Application Form
Resident Special Net Fishery Permit (For Kentucky Lake and Barkley Lake only)November 1 through March 31$600.00Special Net Fishery Permit Application Form
Non-Resident Special Net Fishery Permit (For Kentucky Lake and Barkley Lake only)November 1 through March 31$900.00Special Net Fishery Permit Application Form


Kentucky also has special regulations for the transport, propagation and sale of live fish/live bait.


PermitSeasonPriceForm
Live Fish Transportation PermitValid for one (1) year from the date of issue
$25.00Live Fish Transportation Permit Application Form
Fisheries Propagation Permit
January 1 through December 31$50.00Fish Propagation Permit Application Form
​Live Bait and Fish Dealer's license
​January 1 through December 31
​$50/R, $150/NR
Live Bait and Fish Dealer's License Application Form