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.

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

Quick Links:

• Asian Carp Ha​rvest Program
  
• Commercial Roe Buyers L​ist
  
• Restricted entanglement fishing gear zones on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers
• Navigation Information for Commercial Fishing on the Ohio River

Regulations:

• 301 KAR 1:152 Asian Carp Harvest Program
• 301 KAR 1:115 Propagation of aquatic organisms
  
• 301 KAR 1:125 Transportation of Fish
  
• 301 KAR 1:140 Special commercial fishing permit for Kentucky and Barkley lakes
• 301 KAR 1:146 Commercial fishing gear
  
• 301 KAR 1:150 Waters open to commercial fishing
• 301 KAR 1:155 Commercial fishing requirements

Reporting Forms:

• Monthly Report of Commercial Fish Harvest
• Monthly Roe-Bearing Fish Buyer's Report
• Daily Roe-Bearing Fish Harvester's Transaction Report
• Daily Harvest and Release Summary Card for Asian Carp

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