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Do you need an Arkansas fishing license?
Yes. Any angler age 16 or older must have a current Arkansas fishing license to fish in public waters. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) issues all licenses and sets state regulations.
Residents under 16 and non-residents under 16 fish free. Arkansas residents age 65 and older qualify for a heavily reduced Resident 65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License.
Arkansas fishing license cost in 2026
Resident annual fishing licenses cost $10.50. A Resident Trout Permit (needed only when fishing trout waters or keeping trout) is $10. Resident lifetime fishing licenses cost $35.50 for ages 65+ or $1,000 for younger lifetime applicants.
Non-residents pay $50 for an annual fishing license, $16 for a 3-day trip license, and $25 for a 7-day trip license. A Non-Resident Trout Permit is $20. Non-residents fishing only on Beaver, Norfork, or Bull Shoals tailwater trout streams may opt into trout-only short-term packages.
AGFC offers a Resident Sportsman's License combo that covers hunting and fishing, and discounted disabled veteran licenses are free for qualifying applicants.
Where to buy an Arkansas fishing license
Buy online through the AGFC license portal at agfc.com. You can print or store your license digitally and add a trout permit during checkout. You can also call 1-800-364-4263 to buy by phone.
In person, licenses are sold at AGFC regional offices, sporting goods retailers, Walmart, marinas, and many bait-and-tackle shops near Bull Shoals, Greers Ferry, and the White River. Licenses run from a 365-day window from purchase.
Arkansas free fishing days in 2026
Arkansas's Free Fishing Weekend is Friday, June 5 through Sunday, June 7, 2026. Residents and non-residents can fish without a license or trout permit during these three days.
Bag, size, and creel limits remain in effect during free fishing weekend, including the daily 5-trout limit and special tailwater regulations. AGFC hosts free clinics at Family and Community Fishing Program ponds during the weekend.
Key Arkansas fishing regulations
Largemouth bass have a 12- to 16-inch slot limit on many lakes, with a 5-fish daily limit. Crappie limits are 30 per day with a 10-inch minimum on most major lakes including Lake Conway and Lake Ouachita. Catfish daily limits are 10 channel cats and 10 blue/flathead, with trophy size restrictions.
Trout on the White, North Fork, Little Red, and Spring rivers have special slot limits and gear rules. The Bull Shoals tailwater is catch-and-release for brown trout over 24 inches. Striped bass on Lake Ouachita and Norfork Lake have a 2-fish daily limit and 20-inch minimum.
Trotlines, jugs, and yo-yos require tags with the owner's name and address. Bowfishing for rough fish is open year-round on most waters.
Best fishing in Arkansas
The White River below Bull Shoals Dam is a world-class trout fishery, producing brown trout over 30 pounds and steady rainbow trout action. The Norfork tailwater holds the state record brown trout.
Lake Ouachita is famous for striped bass and clear-water smallmouth and largemouth bass. Lake Conway, Greers Ferry, and Lake Dardanelle round out Arkansas's top bass and crappie destinations.
Plan your trip with GilledIt's Arkansas directory at /us/fishing-pond-directory/arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions
A resident annual license is $10.50, a trout permit is $10. Non-residents pay $50 annual, $16 for 3 days, or $25 for 7 days, plus a $20 trout permit.
Anglers age 16 or older must have a fishing license in Arkansas. Children under 16 fish free, and residents 65+ qualify for a $35.50 lifetime license.
Free Fishing Weekend runs June 5-7, 2026. No license or trout permit is required, but bag, size, and trout-water rules still apply during those three days.
Arkansas sells annual, 3-day, 7-day, trout-permit add-ons, sportsman combo, 65+ lifetime, and standard lifetime licenses. Disabled veterans qualify for free licenses.
Yes. Arkansas residents can buy a Lifetime Fishing License for $1,000 at any age, or a discounted Resident 65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License for $35.50.
You need a trout permit only when fishing the designated trout waters (White, North Fork, Little Red, Spring) or possessing trout. It costs $10 resident, $20 non-resident.