LivewellKansas · Sedgwick County · River
Little Arkansas River
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Little Arkansas River, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
2 species with advisories · contaminants: PCBs
Kansas also has statewide guidance
Kansas publishes rules that apply to rivers across the state — 9 recommendations covering 9 species — in addition to anything listed for Little Arkansas River below.
Strictest statewide rule: Flathead Catfish — For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: limit to two meals per month due to elevated Mercury.
What's safe to eat from Little Arkansas River
Channel Catfish
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to two meals per month due to elevated PCB. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-07-09
Common Carp
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to two meals per month due to elevated PCB. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-07-09
How to prepare fish from Little Arkansas River
Some contaminants build up in fat and skin, so cleaning and cooking can lower your exposure. Others — mercury and PFAS — are in the muscle itself and trimming does nothing.
PCBs
- Skin the fish — most of the contaminant sits in the fat just under the skin.
- Trim the fatty areas away: the belly flap, the top of the back, and the dark lateral line down each side.
- Cook on a rack — grill, broil, or bake — so the fat drips off the fillet.
- Throw the drippings out; don't use them for soup, sauce, or chowder.
- Choose smaller, younger fish — they've had less time to build it up.
Is it legal to keep?
These are Kansas's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 15" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Smallmouth Bass | 15" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Spotted Bass | 15" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Walleye | 15" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Black Crappie | — | 50 | Year-round | Same as open |
| White Bass | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| Hybrid Striped Bass | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Striped Bass | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Channel Catfish | — | 10 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Blue Catfish | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Flathead Catfish | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Bluegill | — | — | Year-round | Same as open |
| Rainbow Trout | — | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: Kansas — Kansas KDWP
Getting on the water
- Boat ramp boat ramp 3.9 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.