Ky.gov

Kentucky Trophy Fish & Master Angler Programs

​Anglers who catch, by pole and line, any fish species meeting the minimum length requirements shown below, may qualify for the Trophy Fish/Master Angler Awards Program. When an angler submits their first qualifying trophy fish, they will receive an initial Trophy Fish Award patch and sticker as well as a Fish Species patch and sticker depicting the species caught.  The self-printable Trophy Fish certificate will be available on the angler’s My Profile account. For each additional submission of qualifying trophy fish of a different species, an angler will receive a Fish Species patch and sticker for those fish.  Additional fish of the same species will not receive additional patches and stickers, but the angler may still print out a Trophy Fish certificate for each qualifying fish.

After an angler submits their third different species of qualifying fish and it is approved, they are eligible to apply for the coveted Master Angler Award. Anglers will receive the Master Angler Award patch and sticker as well as the ability to print the Master Angler Award certificate.  There is no time limit in which the three different species must be caught, but each catch must be documented and registered as a trophy fish with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife since the program began in 1987. 

Anglers will apply for Trophy Fish and Master Angler awards through their My Profile account on fw.ky.gov.  Each submission must include a clear, identifiable photograph of the fish (side view) and fish submissions must be received within 60 days of the catch to qualify for the respective award(s). The department may use submitted photos for promotional purposes.  Fish from pay lakes, hatcheries, or taken from commercial propagation facilities are not eligible.

Submissions are reviewed throughout the month, and you will receive an email notification once it’s reviewed.  Patches and stickers will be mailed out after approval.  

General Program Guidelines 


  1. Applications must be submitted within 60 days after each catch. Applications can be submitted by logging into your profile.
  2. A clear, identifiable photograph of the fish (side view) is required with each application.
  3. The KDFWR retains the right to make final decisions regarding authenticity, qualifications, and acceptance of an application for award.
  4. Anglers must possess a valid resident or non-resident Kentucky fishing license. Persons exempt from license requirement must provide a Social Security Number.
  5. Fish must be taken by handheld pole and line only.  Catches using trot lines, set lines, and jug lines are not eligible.
  6. Fish from pay lakes, hatcheries or taken from commercial propagation facilities are not eligible.
  7. Species of fish and their respective minimum lengths are listed in the eligible species list below​.

For more detailed steps on how to apply for the Trophy Fish and Master Angler Programs, click here.​

Eligible Species and Minimum Lengths in Inches:

​
  • Blue Catfish: 35
  • Bluegill: 10
  • Bowfin: 25
  • Brook Trout: 15
  • Brown Trout: 20
  • Bullhead Catfish: 14
  • Common Carp: 35
  • Chain Pickerel: 24
  • Channel Catfish: 28
  • Crappie: 15
  • Flathead Catfish: 35​
  • ​ Freshwater Drum: 25
  • Gar: 40
  • Hybrid Striped Bass: 23
  • Kentucky Bass: 16
  • ​ Largemouth Bass: 23
  • Muskellunge: 40
  • Rainbow Trout: 20
  • Redbreast Sunfish: 10
  • Redear Sunfish: 10
  • Rock Bass: 10
  • Sauger: 18
  • Saugeye: 23
  • Smallmouth Bass: 20
  • Striped Bass: 36
  • Walleye: 25
  • White Bass: 16
  • Yellow Perch: 10
​

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