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Big Blue River

Boat Ramps
3
Access Points
3
Species
29

The Big Blue River, flowing through Nebraska and Kansas, is one of the most significant tributaries of the Kansas River. Beginning in central Nebraska near Aurora, it flows approximately 359 miles south and east until joining the Kansas River near Manhattan, Kansas. The watershed drains nearly 9,600 square miles, with 2,484 of those miles in Kansas. Given the Kansa tribe name Great Blue Earth River, this prairie-based waterway features diverse habitats ranging from wide, sandy-bottomed main channels to clear, gravelly tributaries. The river system supports an excellent fishery, particularly known for its catfish populations that attract anglers from throughout Kansas and neighboring states.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Big Blue River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Fester's Bait & Tackle

Fester's Bait & Tackle

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Wildcat Marina

Wildcat Marina

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Know where you can legally fish on Big Blue River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Kansas licenses and regulations

Kansas Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Kansas Fishing License

Anglers age 16 through 74, who have been bona fide residents of the state for 60 days immediately prior to buying a license, must have a resident license in possession while fishing in Kansas. All nonresidents 16 and older must have a valid nonresident license to fish in Kansas (unless fishing on a private pond not leased for public fishing). All licenses expire 365 days from the date of purchase, except for multi-year, five-day, lifetime, and one-day fishing licenses.

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Kansas Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Kansas Stream Access Laws

Most streams and rivers in Kansas are privately owned. The public rivers are the Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri. They are open to the public between the ordinary high water marks on each bank. This is the line that can be seen where high water has left debris, sand, and gravel during its ordinary annual cycle. When these rivers flow through private land, permission is needed from adjacent landowners to access the rivers as well as when picnicking, camping, portaging or engaging in any other activity on the adjacent private lands. Except where they pass through the legal limits of a government entity, the rest of our streams and rivers are privately owned, and permission is needed from the landowners to access and use the streams and adjacent lands for any purpose.

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Take Big Blue River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Big Blue River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Big Blue River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Big Blue River and check the forecast before you go.

Big Blue River near Crete, Nebr.

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