Author: Aerica

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Mosquito Control for Kansas Backyards: What Actually Works

By June, your Kansas backyard is hosting mosquitoes whether you want them or not. Here’s the straight playbook on what actually works to control them — from eliminating breeding spots to which treatments work best in our humid Kansas summers.

Step 1: Eliminate Standing Water (The Single Biggest Move)

Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water. One forgotten bucket can produce hundreds of mosquitoes a week. The #1 highest-impact thing you can do is dump every container that holds water.

Check weekly:

  • Kid pools
  • Plant saucers under flower pots
  • Bird baths (refresh water every 3 days)
  • Wheelbarrows, buckets, kiddie pools
  • Clogged gutters
  • Old tires
  • Tarps that pool water
  • Pet water bowls (refresh daily)
  • Recycling bins left outside

Step 2: Treat Water You CAN’T Drain

Decorative ponds, rain barrels, low spots — use Bti dunks (Mosquito Dunks brand or generic). These are bacterial pellets that kill mosquito larvae but are safe for fish, birds, pets, and people. One dunk lasts ~30 days in standing water.

Step 3: Treat the Yard Perimeter

Mosquitoes rest in shaded, humid vegetation during the day. Treating those resting spots knocks down the daytime population.

  • Permethrin or bifenthrin yard spray — apply to underside of shrub leaves, tall grass, fence lines, shaded areas
  • Reapply every 3–4 weeks during peak season (June–August)
  • Don’t spray flowering plants when bees are active (early morning or evening is safest)

We stock yard sprays in our Pests aisle.

Step 4: Personal Protection

  • DEET (20–30%) — gold standard, lasts hours
  • Picaridin — DEET alternative, less greasy, doesn’t damage plastics
  • Permethrin-treated clothing — spray clothes (not skin) and it lasts through multiple washes
  • Long sleeves + pants at dawn/dusk during peak season

What DOESN’T Work (Save Your Money)

  • Bug zappers — kill harmless insects, almost zero mosquitoes
  • Citronella candles — minor reduction in immediate area only
  • Ultrasonic repellers — proven ineffective in repeated studies
  • Bats / purple martins — eat mostly moths, not mosquitoes
  • Mosquito-repelling plants (citronella geraniums) — minimal effect unless crushed

🦟 West Nile Virus is in Kansas

West Nile virus is endemic in Kansas mosquitoes. Most infections are mild but some are serious. Use repellent when mosquito activity is high — dawn, dusk, and warm humid evenings. Don’t ignore mosquito control.

Yard Maintenance That Helps

  • Mow regularly — shorter grass = less daytime mosquito cover
  • Trim shrubs back from outdoor seating areas
  • Run a strong fan on the patio — mosquitoes are weak flyers, can’t fight wind
  • Replace exterior bulbs with yellow “bug lights” — fewer attractant photons

Related

Visit Mr. Mc’s Market

📍 1901 E 21st St N
Wichita, KS 67214

📞 (316) 265-9930

📧 admin@mrmcsmarket.com

🕐 Open 9 AM – 9 PM, 7 days a week

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Kratom Strain Guide for Beginners: Red, White, Green & Yellow

If you’re new to kratom and the strain names mean nothing to you, here’s the straight breakdown. We stock kratom in our Wichita smoke shop — multiple strains, multiple brands. This guide helps you pick which one to try first.

⚠️ Important — Read First

Kratom is a botanical product sold for personal use. It is NOT approved by the FDA for any medical use. NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Sold to adults 21+ only. Not for pregnant or nursing women. Talk to your doctor before use, especially if you take medications or have a health condition.

What Are the “Vein Colors”?

The vein color refers to the color of the central vein in the kratom leaf when it’s harvested. The harvest timing affects the chemical profile, which is why different colors are traditionally used differently:

🔴 Red Vein

The most mature leaf. Traditionally used in the evening or for relaxation. Generally the slowest-acting and longest-lasting of the four. Common starter strain for folks looking for calm.

⚪ White Vein

The youngest leaf. Traditionally used in the morning. More energizing profile. Folks looking for focus or to skip the afternoon slump often try white first.

🟢 Green Vein

The middle ground. Often described as “balanced.” A reasonable first choice if you’re unsure — sits between red and white.

🟡 Yellow & Gold

Specialty processed varieties, often made by drying or fermenting green or white leaf differently. Profiles vary by producer. Try these after you’ve tried the basics.

Common Strain Names

You’ll see names like Maeng Da, Bali, Borneo, Sumatra, Indo — these refer to the region where the kratom traditionally came from, with each region having its own profile.

  • Maeng Da — a strong/premium-grade strain. Comes in red, green, and white. Often the most “potent-feeling” variety.
  • Bali — typically a red, traditionally used for relaxation.
  • Borneo — strong red traditional profile.
  • Sumatra — known for long-duration effects.
  • Indo — mild, often considered beginner-friendly.

Forms We Stock

  • Capsules — pre-measured, no taste, easy to use. Most beginner-friendly.
  • Powder — best value per gram. Mix with juice or water. Acquired taste.
  • Extracts — concentrated. For experienced users only.

Picking Your First Strain

If you’ve never tried kratom and you’re looking for a starting point:

  • Want relaxation, evening use? Start with Red Bali or Red Maeng Da in capsule form.
  • Want focus, daytime use? Start with White Maeng Da or White Sumatra in capsules.
  • Not sure? Green Maeng Da is the most “middle ground” first try.

Start with the smallest serving size on the label. See how your body responds. Don’t combine with other substances. Don’t drive until you know how it affects you.

🪪 ID Required (21+)

Kansas requires ID for kratom purchase. Bring your driver’s license or state ID. We card everyone who looks under 30.

Where to Buy in Wichita

Mr. Mc’s Market stocks multiple strains, brands, and forms in our smoke shop kratom section. Stop in and talk to us — we’ll show you what’s in today and answer questions honestly.

Related

Visit Mr. Mc’s Market

📍 1901 E 21st St N
Wichita, KS 67214

📞 (316) 265-9930

📧 admin@mrmcsmarket.com

🕐 Open 9 AM – 9 PM, 7 days a week

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Best Kansas Lakes Within 30 Minutes of Wichita

If you live in Wichita, you’ve got serious water within 30 minutes in every direction. Here’s the rundown — what each lake is stocked with, where to launch, and what to bring.

El Dorado Lake (25 min east)

The Wichita angler’s go-to. 8,000 surface acres of solid fishing.

  • Stocked: Channel cats, blue cats, crappie, white bass, walleye, largemouth, smallmouth, wipers
  • Boat launch: Multiple — Walnut River Marina, Bluestem Point, Shady Creek
  • Camping: State park campgrounds, electric and tent sites
  • Best for: Spring crappie in the brush, summer blue cats in the river arm, white bass run in March-April

Cheney Reservoir (30 min west)

9,500 acres on the Ninnescah River. Bigger water, more wind, great fishing.

  • Stocked: Channel cats, white bass, wipers, walleye, largemouth, crappie
  • Boat launch: Cheney State Park marina + several public ramps
  • Camping: Full-service state park with hookups
  • Best for: White bass run on the Ninnescah arms, riprap dam crappie, summer wipers

Lake Afton (20 min west)

Sedgwick County park with a 270-acre lake. Family-friendly, great beginner water.

  • Stocked: Bluegill, channel cats, largemouth, crappie
  • Boat launch: Public ramp, electric motors only (no gas motors)
  • Camping: Sedgwick County campground
  • Best for: Bank fishing with kids, dependable bluegill, weekend cat fishing

Wilson State Fishing Lake (25 min east)

Small Sedgwick County lake — 100 acres. Quiet, easy access.

  • Stocked: Channel cats, bluegill, largemouth, crappie
  • Boat launch: Public ramp, electric motors only
  • Camping: Primitive sites
  • Best for: Quick after-work trip, dependable channel cats

Arkansas River (right in town)

You don’t even have to leave Wichita. The Arkansas runs through downtown.

  • Stocked: Channel cats, blue cats, flatheads, white bass, drum, carp
  • Access: Multiple parks — Riverside, Sim, Murdock, Pawnee Prairie. Walk-in bank fishing
  • Best for: Below the Lincoln Street dam (year-round cats), white bass run in spring, big flatheads at night

See our Arkansas River catfishing guide for spots and tactics.

Bonus: Just Over 30 Minutes

  • Kingman State Fishing Lake (45 min west) — small, quiet, good catfish
  • Marion Reservoir (60 min north) — crappie destination, worth the drive
  • Council Grove Reservoir (75 min north) — flathead factory

🎣 Gear Up Before You Drive

Pick up live minnows, stink bait, tackle, and ice all in one stop at Mr. Mc’s. Browse the Bait & Tackle Shop →

Related

Visit Mr. Mc’s Market

📍 1901 E 21st St N
Wichita, KS 67214

📞 (316) 265-9930

📧 admin@mrmcsmarket.com

🕐 Open 9 AM – 9 PM, 7 days a week

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How to Set Up Your First Fishing Rod & Reel (Wichita Edition)

Brand new to fishing? Picking your first rod and reel feels like more choice than it should be. Here’s the no-nonsense walkthrough — what to buy, how to string it, and what rig to tie on for your first trip on Kansas water.

Pick the Right Combo

For your first setup, get a medium-action spinning combo. It’s the most forgiving for beginners and handles 90% of Kansas freshwater fish.

  • Rod length: 6′ to 7′ — long enough to cast far, short enough to control
  • Power: Medium (versatile)
  • Action: Medium-fast (good hooksets without being stiff)
  • Reel size: 2500–3000 series
  • Budget: $40–$80 buys a quality combo you won’t outgrow in year one

Spool It With the Right Line

Skip braided line for now. Start with 10 lb monofilament — forgiving, easy to tie knots, cheap to replace when you snag it on Wichita brush.

To spool:

  1. Open the reel bail
  2. Tie the line to the spool with an arbor knot
  3. Close the bail
  4. Have a friend hold the new line spool (label side up) with a pencil through the center
  5. Reel slowly with light pressure on the line — about 30 seconds of reeling fills it
  6. Stop when the line is 1/8″ from the spool’s outer edge

Tie a Basic Rig

For your first trip, use a slip bobber rig. It catches almost everything and you’ll see the bite.

  • Thread a bobber stop onto your line
  • Thread a bead, then a slip bobber
  • Tie on a #4 baitholder hook with an improved clinch knot
  • Pinch a split shot 12–18 inches above the hook
  • Set the bobber stop to your target depth (4–6 ft is a good starting point)

Pick a Bait

First-Trip Spots Around Wichita

  • Sedgwick County Park ponds — easy access, stocked, friendly to beginners
  • Lake Afton — west of Wichita, family-friendly, lots of bluegill and catfish
  • Cheney State Park beaches — bank fishing, dependable
  • Local farm ponds — if you’ve got friends with access, ponds turn on first in spring

📋 Don’t Forget Your Kansas Fishing License

Anyone 16 or older needs one. See our Kansas fishing license guide for how to get one in Wichita.

Pick up your first combo, line, hooks, bobber, and bait all in one trip at Mr. Mc’s Bait & Tackle. We’ll help you rig your first rig if you bring it in — no charge.

Related

Visit Mr. Mc’s Market

📍 1901 E 21st St N
Wichita, KS 67214

📞 (316) 265-9930

📧 admin@mrmcsmarket.com

🕐 Open 9 AM – 9 PM, 7 days a week

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Setting Up Your First African Cichlid Tank: A Wichita Beginner’s Guide

African cichlids are some of the most colorful freshwater fish you can keep — but they need specific conditions to thrive. Here’s a no-nonsense walkthrough of setting up your first Lake Malawi tank without losing fish in week one.

Pick the Right Tank Size

African cichlids are aggressive and territorial. The bigger the tank, the better the social dynamics.

  • 55 gallons: Minimum for Mbuna (smaller Malawi cichlids). 6 fish max.
  • 75 gallons: Comfortable for 8–10 Mbuna or a small peacock community.
  • 125+ gallons: Ideal. Larger groups, more species, fewer fights.

Water Chemistry Is Everything

Lake Malawi water is hard, alkaline, and warm. Most Wichita tap water needs adjustment.

  • pH: 7.8–8.6
  • Hardness (GH): 10–20 dGH
  • Alkalinity (KH): 10–18 dKH
  • Temperature: 76–82°F

Buffer with crushed coral substrate, aragonite sand, or commercial cichlid buffers. Test before you stock and check weekly after.

🌡️ Cycle the Tank First

Never add fish to a brand-new tank. Cycle it for 4–6 weeks first to grow the bacteria that handle ammonia. Or use bottled bacteria + a small ammonia source to fishless-cycle in 2–3 weeks.

Substrate & Decor

Use crushed coral or aragonite sand. Both buffer your pH naturally. Plain pool sand or gravel won’t.

Stack real rock — slate, limestone, or texas holey rock — into caves and crevices. African cichlids spend their lives darting in and out of rock structure. The more cover, the less fighting.

Skip live plants for most Malawi setups — Mbuna will eat them. Plastic plants if you want greenery.

Filtration

African cichlids are messy eaters and heavy waste producers. Over-filter:

  • Canister filter rated for 2x your tank size
  • OR two HOB (hang-on-back) filters running together
  • Strong flow is fine — these fish handle it

Stocking Strategy

African cichlids do best overstocked. Counterintuitive but true — high stocking spreads aggression so no single fish gets picked apart.

  • Add fish in one or two groups, not one at a time
  • Aim for 1 male to 3–4 females per species
  • Don’t mix Mbuna and Peacocks/Haps — different aggression levels
  • Don’t mix Malawi and Tanganyika — different water chemistry preferences

Feeding

Quality cichlid pellets sized to the fish. Twice daily, only what they eat in 30 seconds. Veggie-based food for Mbuna (they’re algae grazers in the wild). Protein for predatory Haps and Peacocks.

🐠 Get Your Cichlids at Mr. Mc’s

We stock African cichlids in Wichita — multiple species, color varieties, and sizes. See our cichlids & koi page for details, or stop in and see what’s in the tanks today.

Visit Mr. Mc’s Market

📍 1901 E 21st St N
Wichita, KS 67214

📞 (316) 265-9930

📧 admin@mrmcsmarket.com

🕐 Open 9 AM – 9 PM, 7 days a week

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Behind the Jar: What Makes Mr. Mc’s Magical Catfish Stink Bait Work

There are a hundred stink baits on the market. They’re not all the same. Here’s what goes into a jar of Mr. Mc’s Magical Catfish Stink Bait — and why it puts more channel cats in the cooler than the mass-produced stuff.

Made Right Here in Wichita

Most stink bait on the shelf at the big-box stores comes out of a factory somewhere in Texas or Missouri. Ours is made by hand, in small batches, right here in Wichita, Kansas. We use real ingredients because that’s what produces real fish on real lines.

Real Fish. Real Oils. Real Minnows.

Three things matter in stink bait:

  • Scent strength — how far it pulls fish in
  • Hook hold — how long it stays on under casting and current
  • Scent dispersion — how the smell spreads through the water

We hit all three with real fish oils (not synthetic flavoring), actual ground minnows (not “fish meal” filler), and a binding system that holds thick on a treble hook but releases scent steadily into the water.

Why Ingredients Matter More Than Marketing

Walk down the bait aisle at any chain store. You’ll see jars with cartoon catfish, bold claims about “secret formulas,” and prices that suggest you’re paying for the label more than the bait. Half of those jars have synthetic fish flavoring, soy meal, and a thick gel binder. The catfish know.

Catfish hunt by smell. Their nostrils are wired to detect amino acids, fish oils, and protein breakdown. Synthetic flavoring smells like food to humans — not to catfish. Real fish + real oils smell like food to catfish.

Three Formulas, Three Uses

  • Punch bait: Thick and sticky. Pushes onto a treble hook with a stick. Holds in current and through hard casts. Best for moving water.
  • Dip bait: Thinner. Coats a plastic dip worm or tube. Creates a bigger scent cloud, best for slack water and ponds.
  • Dough bait: Soft and moldable. Molds around a treble hook with a spring coil. Beginner-friendly.

Pick the one that matches the water you fish.

How to Actually Fish It

For the full rigging guide, mistakes to avoid, and timing tips, see our how to use stink bait guide.

👃 Stir Before Every Trip

Stink bait separates if it sits. The oils rise, the solids settle. Stir it for 30 seconds before you head out — gets the scent and binder back in suspension.

Where to Buy

Pick up Mr. Mc’s Magical Catfish Stink Bait at our bait & tackle shop at 1901 E 21st St N in Wichita. We also carry live minnows by the pound, treble hooks, dip worms, and everything else you need to fish stink bait properly.

Wholesale accounts welcome — we ship case quantities to marinas, tackle shops, and convenience stores across the region. See our wholesale page.

Visit Mr. Mc’s Market

📍 1901 E 21st St N
Wichita, KS 67214

📞 (316) 265-9930

📧 admin@mrmcsmarket.com

🕐 Open 9 AM – 9 PM, 7 days a week

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How to Build & Stock a Backyard Koi Pond in Wichita

Building a backyard koi pond turns a corner of your yard into a quiet living space. Here’s how to design, build, and stock one that survives Kansas summers and winters.

Pick the Right Size

For koi specifically: minimum 1,000 gallons and at least 4 feet deep. Koi grow big — adults hit 18–24 inches — and they need space, depth, and cool water in summer plus protection from freezing in winter.

Quick rule: 250 gallons per adult koi. A 1,000-gallon pond comfortably holds 4 mature koi or 6–8 juveniles.

Picking the Location

  • Partial shade — direct all-day Kansas sun cooks the water and grows algae like crazy
  • Away from large trees — leaves and roots are a nightmare
  • Visible from where you sit — what’s the point of a pond you can’t see?
  • Power access — pumps and filters need outlets
  • Not at the lowest point in the yard — runoff brings fertilizer and chemicals from your lawn

Liner vs. Preformed

  • Flexible EPDM liner: Custom shape, larger size, longer lifespan (20+ years). The standard choice for serious koi ponds.
  • Preformed plastic shells: Cheaper, faster to install, but limited in size and shape. Good for smaller starter ponds.

Filtration — Don’t Skimp Here

Koi are heavy waste producers. Under-filter and you’ll fight algae, ammonia, and dead fish all summer.

  • Mechanical filter — catches leaves, sludge, debris (skimmer + pre-filter)
  • Biological filter — bacteria that convert ammonia to nitrate
  • UV clarifier — kills suspended algae, keeps water crystal clear
  • Pump rated to turn the entire pond volume every 1–2 hours

Kansas Winter Prep

Wichita winters freeze ponds. Koi survive under ice if:

  • Pond is at least 4 feet deep at the deepest point
  • You keep a hole open in the ice for gas exchange — pond de-icer or floating heater
  • You stop feeding once water drops below 50°F — koi metabolism shuts down

🧊 Don’t Smash the Ice

Hitting the ice with a hammer to break it sends shockwaves through the water that stun or kill your fish. Use a de-icer or pour hot water to melt a hole gently.

Stocking Your Pond With Koi

Mr. Mc’s Market stocks koi in multiple varieties — Kohaku (white/red), Sanke (white/red/black), Showa, butterfly koi, metallic yellow Yamabuki Ogon, and more. See our cichlids & koi page for details.

Start with juveniles (4–6 inches) — they’re cheaper, healthier, and you’ll watch them grow into the pond. Add fish in groups of 2–4 over several weeks, not all at once.

Pond Supplies

We stock everything for backyard ponds in our Pond section — koi food, water treatments, bacterial cultures, algae control, and de-icers for winter. For algae issues, see our Kansas pond algae guide.

Visit Mr. Mc’s Market

📍 1901 E 21st St N
Wichita, KS 67214

📞 (316) 265-9930

📧 admin@mrmcsmarket.com

🕐 Open 9 AM – 9 PM, 7 days a week

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Catfishing the Arkansas River Through Wichita: Spots, Bait & Tips

The Arkansas River runs right through Wichita and holds channel cats, blue cats, and flatheads year-round. Most folks drive past it on their way to a lake — here’s why you should stop instead.

Why Fish the Arkansas River in Wichita

The Arkansas is overlooked by most weekend anglers who head to El Dorado or Cheney. That means less pressure, fewer crowds, and a year-round bite for anglers who know where to drop a line.

The river holds:

  • Channel catfish in every kind of water — riffles, deep holes, eddies
  • Blue catfish in deeper holes, especially below dams
  • Flathead catfish tucked into log jams and undercut banks
  • Carp and drum as bonus catches

Best Wichita-Area Access Points

  • Below the Lincoln Street dam — classic Wichita catfish hole. Deep, structure-heavy, fish hold year-round.
  • Riverside Park area — bank access, holes and structure throughout.
  • Below Big Arkansas/Little Arkansas confluence — current breaks where the rivers join concentrate fish.
  • Murdock Park & Sim Park — easy walk-in, multiple holes.
  • Pawnee Prairie Park — quieter water on the west side.
  • South of town near the railroad bridges — deeper, less pressure.

When to Fish

  • Spring (April–May): Pre-spawn channels move shallow. Best daytime bite of the year.
  • Summer (June–August): Night fishing wins. Big channels and the occasional blue come out after dark.
  • Fall (Sept–Oct): Stink bait season. Fish feed heavy before winter.
  • Winter: Slower but not dead. Deep holes below the dams stay productive.

Bait That Works

For channel cats: Mr. Mc’s Magical Catfish Stink Bait on a treble hook. Cut shad or cut bluegill also produce.

For blue cats: Cut shad, cut skipjack, or fresh dead bait. Bigger bait, bigger blues.

For flatheads: Live bluegill, live bullheads, live perch. Flatheads only eat live bait.

Grab live and cut bait at our bait & tackle shop on the way to the river.

Tackle & Gear

  • 7′ medium-heavy rod, fast action
  • 4000-series reel, smooth drag
  • 15–20 lb mono or 30 lb braid
  • Circle hooks 4/0 to 8/0
  • Slip sinker, 1–2 oz (lighter for slow water, heavier for current)
  • Headlamp if you’re staying past dark
  • Rod holders — set the rod, wait for the bend

⚠️ River Safety

The Arkansas can rise fast after upstream rain. Check the river gauge before you walk in, especially near the dams. Don’t wade in low-visibility water — Wichita’s rivers have soft mud and drop-offs.

For broader Kansas catfish tactics: read our full catfishing guide. For flathead-specific tips: flathead guide.

Visit Mr. Mc’s Market

📍 1901 E 21st St N
Wichita, KS 67214

📞 (316) 265-9930

📧 admin@mrmcsmarket.com

🕐 Open 9 AM – 9 PM, 7 days a week

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Smoking Ribs for a Wichita Crowd: Cuts, Timing & Sides

Smoking ribs for a crowd is half cooking, half logistics. Here’s how to nail the timing, pick the right cuts, and round out the spread so nobody leaves hungry.

How Many Ribs Do You Need?

Rule of thumb for adults: half a rack per person. For a 20-person cookout, that’s 10 full racks. Hungry crowd or mostly men? Bump to 3/4 rack per person.

For kids or mixed gatherings with sides, you can stretch — 1/3 rack per person works if you’ve got hotlinks and other meats on the table.

Pick Your Cut

  • St. Louis-cut spare ribs: Bigger, meatier, easier to time consistently. Best for crowds.
  • Baby backs: Smaller, faster, more tender. Pricier per pound.
  • Full spare ribs: Cheapest. Has the rib tips attached — trim them off or smoke them separately.

The 3-2-1 Method (For St. Louis Cut)

  • 3 hours at 225°F unwrapped, on the smoker
  • 2 hours wrapped in foil with a splash of apple juice or beer
  • 1 hour unwrapped, glazed with sauce

For baby backs, run 2-2-1 instead — they cook faster.

Timing Plan for a 6 PM Cookout

  • 10 AM: Smoker fired, ribs going on
  • 1 PM: Wrap in foil
  • 3 PM: Unwrap, glaze with sauce
  • 4 PM: Pull ribs, rest in cooler (no ice) — they’ll hold hot for 2+ hours
  • 6 PM: Serve

Resting in a cooler is the secret. The ribs stay hot, the juices redistribute, and you can keep working on sides without juggling the smoker.

Sides That Round Out the Spread

  • Mac and cheese — the side everyone wants seconds of
  • Collard greens — slow-cooked with smoked turkey
  • Coleslaw — cuts the richness of the ribs
  • Potato salad — old-school, with eggs and pickle
  • Cornbread or rolls — to mop up the sauce
  • Hotlinks — pick from Wichita’s largest selection for guests who want variety

Or Let Fat Boyz Handle It

If smoking 10 racks for 20+ people sounds like more than you signed up for — Fat Boyz catering at Mr. Mc’s Market does this all day. Ribs, mac, greens, cornbread, the whole spread for any size event. We deliver hot or set up. Call (316) 265-9930 for a quote.

🥩 Pick Up Supplies at Mr. Mc’s

Rubs, sauces, hotlinks, sides, cold drinks, charcoal — grab it all in one trip. We stock everything a Wichita cookout needs.

Visit Mr. Mc’s Market

📍 1901 E 21st St N
Wichita, KS 67214

📞 (316) 265-9930

📧 admin@mrmcsmarket.com

🕐 Open 9 AM – 9 PM, 7 days a week

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How to Get a Kansas Fishing License in Wichita (2026 Guide)

If you’re 16 or older and fishing in Kansas, you need a license. Here’s the straight breakdown on how to get one in Wichita — online, in person, by phone — plus what kind to buy for your situation.

Do You Need a Kansas Fishing License?

Yes if: You’re 16 or older and fishing on public water in Kansas. This includes lakes, rivers, reservoirs, state fishing lakes, and most public ponds.

No if: You’re under 16. Or you’re fishing on private water where you have the owner’s permission and the water doesn’t connect to public water. Or you’re a Kansas resident 65+ fishing in the county where you live (with senior pole-and-line privileges).

Even if you’re exempt, it’s smart to carry proof — Kansas wardens check.

Types of Kansas Fishing Licenses

  • Annual resident license — covers all of Kansas for a calendar year. The standard pick.
  • Annual nonresident license — same coverage, higher price for out-of-state anglers.
  • 5-day nonresident — short trip option.
  • 1-day permit — for the rare day-only trip (locals usually skip this in favor of annual).
  • Lifetime license — pay once, fish forever in Kansas. Often the smart move long-term.
  • Combo hunt/fish — discount if you do both.

Trout permits are separate — required if you fish KDWP trout-stocked water during the season. Paddlefish, sturgeon, and certain other species need extra permits too.

Where to Buy in Wichita

1. Online (fastest): Go to gooutdoorskansas.com. Buy, print, and you’re done in 5 minutes. Kansas accepts a phone screenshot as proof at most lakes.

2. By phone: Call KDWP’s licensing line at 1-833-587-2164.

3. In person at a licensed vendor: Major sporting goods stores, some Walmart locations, and bait shops sell licenses. Call ahead — not every Wichita location sells them.

4. At a KDWP office: The Region 5 office covers south-central Kansas including Wichita.

Carry Your License

Kansas accepts paper or digital. Most folks just screenshot the PDF on their phone and call it done. If you’re going to a remote spot with no signal, print a backup.

⚠️ Prices Change

Kansas fishing license prices update yearly. Check the current rates at gooutdoorskansas.com before you buy.

After You Get Your License — Gear Up

Stop into Mr. Mc’s Market on your way to the lake. Pick up live minnows by the pound, a jar of Mr. Mc’s Magical Catfish Stink Bait, tackle, and a sandwich for the bank — all under one roof.

For where to go: see our Fishing in Wichita guide with species, spots, and seasonal tips.

Visit Mr. Mc’s Market

📍 1901 E 21st St N
Wichita, KS 67214

📞 (316) 265-9930

📧 admin@mrmcsmarket.com

🕐 Open 9 AM – 9 PM, 7 days a week