arkansas fishing license

Arkansas Fishing License

Arkansas’s diverse waters offer incredible fishing opportunities, from peaceful lakes to flowing rivers packed with bass, catfish, and trout. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, you’ll need a valid fishing license to legally cast your line in the Natural State’s abundant fisheries.

Getting your Arkansas fishing license isn’t just about following the law—it’s about supporting conservation efforts that keep these waters thriving for future generations. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission uses license fees to maintain fish habitats, conduct research, and carry out sustainable fishing programs across the state.

The good news? Securing your license is easier than ever. You can purchase it online instantly through the official AGFC website, visit authorized dealers like sporting goods stores, or even order by phone. With various license types available for residents and visitors alike, you’ll find the perfect option to match your fishing plans.

Understanding Arkansas Fishing License Requirements

Arkansas law requires all anglers aged 16 and older to possess a valid fishing license when fishing state waters. This requirement applies to both residents and visitors regardless of fishing location or duration.

Resident License Options

Arkansas residents have multiple license choices based on their fishing frequency and needs:

Annual Resident Fisheries Conservation License (FSH) – Costs $10.50 and permits year-round fishing in Arkansas waters using sport fishing tackle. This license serves as the foundation for most resident fishing activities.

Resident 3-Day Trip Fishing License (RT3) – Priced at $6.50 and provides three consecutive days of fishing privileges. This option works well for occasional anglers or those testing Arkansas waters before committing to an annual license.

65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License – Available to residents aged 65 or older who can demonstrate one year of Arkansas residency. This one-time purchase grants lifetime fishing privileges equivalent to the standard resident license.

Nonresident License Requirements

Visitors to Arkansas must obtain specific nonresident licenses:

Nonresident Annual Fishing License (NRF) – Allows nonresidents to fish Arkansas waters with sport fishing tackle for one full year from the purchase date.

Short-Term Nonresident Options – Multiple duration choices accommodate brief fishing trips including 3-day and 7-day permits.

Special Permit Requirements

Certain Arkansas waters require additional permits beyond the basic arkansas fishing license:

Trout Permits – Both residents and nonresidents must obtain separate trout permits to retain trout or fish in designated trout waters. These areas include tailwaters below Beaver Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Greeson, and waters east of Highway 59 on Spavinaw Creek.

Combination Licenses – Arkansas offers combination hunting and fishing licenses for residents who pursue both activities, providing cost savings compared to purchasing separate licenses.

Age and Residency Verification

License purchases require proof of age and residency status. Arkansas residents must demonstrate current state residency through valid identification. Senior citizens applying for lifetime licenses must provide additional documentation confirming one year of continuous Arkansas residency.

License Validity and Compliance

Arkansas fishing licenses expire annually on specific dates regardless of purchase timing. Digital and physical copies both serve as valid proof of licensure during fishing activities. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission mobile app provides convenient license storage and display options for smartphone users.

Types of Arkansas Fishing Licenses

Types of Arkansas Fishing Licenses

Arkansas offers distinct license categories to accommodate different fishing needs and residency status. Each license type comes with specific privileges and requirements that match your fishing plans.

Resident vs Non-Resident Licenses

Resident licenses apply to Arkansas residents who have physically inhabited a bona fide residence within the state for at least 60 days and declare themselves full-time residents. Property ownership alone doesn’t qualify you as a resident.

Arkansas residents can choose from:

  • Resident Fisheries Conservation License ($10.50)
  • Resident 3-Day Trip Fishing License ($6.50)
  • Resident 65 Plus Lifetime Fishing License ($10.50)
  • Resident 65 Plus Annual Fishing License
  • Disabled Lifetime Fishing License

Non-residents have access to:

  • Non-Resident Annual Fishing License ($50.00)
  • Non-Resident 3-Day Trip Fishing License
  • Non-Resident 14-Day Trip Fishing License

Non-resident licenses cost significantly more than resident options. The discounts and exemptions available to veterans, disabled individuals, and seniors typically don’t apply to non-resident license holders.

Lifetime License Options

Arkansas provides several lifetime fishing license options for eligible residents. These licenses remain valid as long as you maintain Arkansas residency.

Available lifetime licenses include:

  • Lifetime Resident Hunting and Fishing Sportsman’s Permit
  • Resident 65 Plus Lifetime Fishing License ($10.50)
  • Lifetime Combination Sportsman’s License ($35.50) for residents 65 and older
  • Disabled Lifetime Fishing License

Residents aged 65 and older can purchase a Lifetime Fishing License for $10.50 or a Lifetime Combination Sportsman’s License for $35.50. You can buy these licenses anytime during your 65th birthday year. Proof of age and one year of Arkansas residency are required for purchase.

Special Permits and Tags

Certain fishing activities and locations require additional permits beyond your basic Arkansas fishing license. These specialized permits ensure compliance with conservation regulations.

Required special permits include:

  • Trout Permit: Required for fishing in tailwaters below Beaver Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Greeson, or east of Highway 59 on Spavinaw Creek
  • Commercial Fishing Permits: Required for commercial operations, including Sportfishing License and Helper Permit
  • Guide License: Necessary for anyone guiding fishing trips for hire ($25.00)

The Resident Trout Permit costs $10.00, while the Non-Resident Trout Permit costs $20.00. These permits are mandatory additions to your base fishing license if you plan to retain trout or fish in designated trout waters.

How to Purchase Your Arkansas Fishing License

How to Purchase Your Arkansas Fishing License

Arkansas makes acquiring your fishing license straightforward through multiple convenient methods. Anyone 16 years or older must obtain a valid arkansas fishing license before fishing in state waters.

Required Documentation

You must bring specific documents when purchasing your arkansas fishing license in person. Arkansas residents need proof of age through a driver’s license, birth certificate, or military record. You also must provide proof of Arkansas residency with an Arkansas driver’s license or state ID card.

Residents purchasing lifetime licenses or special permits for those 65 or older face additional requirements. These include proof of one year residency or documentation for lifetime trout permit purchases. Disabled anglers applying for special licenses must provide proof of 100 percent disability from the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, or Railroad Retirement Board.

Purchase Methods and Locations

Arkansas offers four primary methods to purchase your fishing license:

Purchase MethodLocations/Details
OnlineAGFC website portal; instant print or digital access
In PersonRegional AGFC offices, Little Rock headquarters, nature centers, sporting goods stores
PhoneCall 833-345-0325 (statewide) or 501-207-0326 (Little Rock area)
Authorized DealersLocal businesses, sporting goods stores, many retail outlets

Online purchases provide immediate access through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission secure platform. You receive a PDF license for printing or digital use instantly. An optional plastic card upgrade costs an additional $3 with delivery in approximately 3 weeks.

In-person locations include AGFC regional offices, the Little Rock headquarters, nature centers, and many retail outlets. These locations operate during regular business hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Phone purchases require calling during business hours with a processing fee applied. Special disability permits and some lifetime licenses are only available through AGFC offices or phone orders due to limited availability.

Payment Options

Credit cards serve as the primary payment method for online and phone purchases of your arkansas fishing license. In-person purchases typically accept cash, credit cards, or debit cards depending on the specific location.

Processing fees apply to phone orders, and plastic card upgrades cost an additional $3. License fees range from approximately $10.50 to $35.50 depending on the license type and duration. If you lose your license, you can reprint it free online or obtain duplicates from authorized vendors.

Arkansas Fishing License Costs and Fees

Arkansas Fishing License Costs and Fees

Arkansas fishing license costs vary based on residency status and license duration. Residents pay significantly less than nonresidents for most license types.

Resident License Pricing

The Resident Fisheries Conservation License costs $10.50 and allows Arkansas residents aged 16 and older to fish state waters with sport fishing tackle. This license grants access to most fishing areas but requires an additional trout permit for specific waters.

Short-term resident options include the 3-Day Trip Fishing License priced at $6.50 for three consecutive days of fishing. Senior residents aged 65 and older can purchase the 65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License as a one-time investment for permanent fishing privileges.

Nonresident License Pricing

License TypePriceDuration
Nonresident Annual Fishing License$50.001 year
Nonresident 3-Day Trip Fishing License$16.003 consecutive days
Nonresident Trout Permit$20.00Required addition

Nonresidents pay higher fees across all license categories. The annual nonresident license costs $50.00 compared to the $10.50 resident rate.

Additional Permit Requirements

Trout permits add extra costs for fishing in designated waters including tailwaters below Beaver Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Greeson, and east of Highway 59 on Spavinaw Creek. Residents pay $10.00 for trout permits while nonresidents pay $20.00.

Payment Methods and Processing

Credit cards serve as the primary payment method for online and phone purchases. In-person purchases at authorized dealers accept cash or debit cards. Phone orders through 800-364-4263 include processing fees plus to license costs.

License prices remain subject to change, so verify current rates through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission before purchasing. All licenses expire one year from the purchase date unless otherwise specified.

License Validity and Renewal

License Validity and Renewal

Your Arkansas fishing license remains valid for 12 months from the purchase date, giving you a full year of fishing access across the state’s waters. This differs from hunting licenses that expire on June 30 each year – your fishing license starts immediately when you buy it and continues for exactly one year.

Arkansas residents aged 16 and older must carry a valid fishing license while fishing in state waters. Children under 16 can fish without obtaining a license, making family fishing trips more affordable and accessible.

The renewal process offers multiple convenient options through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission system. You can renew your Arkansas fishing license online at the AGFC website, call the licensing phone line, or visit authorized retail locations throughout the state. Online renewal provides the fastest service, with instant digital access to your updated license.

Creating an account with an email address during your initial purchase enables you to receive digital copies of your license. This feature lets you store your license on your smartphone for easy access during fishing trips, eliminating concerns about forgetting or losing physical copies.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission mobile app provides additional convenience for license management. iPhone and Android users can download the app to carry their digital fishing licenses, check renewal dates, and access current fishing reports and weather conditions. The app also displays season information and regulation updates.

License TypeValidity PeriodRenewal Method
Annual Fishing License12 months from purchaseOnline, phone, or retail locations
3-Day Trip License3 consecutive daysNew purchase required
Lifetime LicenseLifetime of holderNo renewal needed

Some Arkansas waters require additional permits beyond your basic fishing license. Trout permits become necessary for fishing in Beaver Lake tailwaters, Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Greeson, and areas east of Highway 59 on Spavinaw Creek. These special permits also follow the same renewal schedule as your primary license.

Residents qualify for Arkansas fishing licenses after living in the state for at least 60 days and declaring full-time residency. Students attending Arkansas schools and active-duty military personnel stationed in the state receive special consideration for resident license eligibility, even if they haven’t met the standard 60-day requirement.

Your digital Arkansas fishing license serves as legal proof of your fishing authorization. Game wardens accept smartphone displays of valid licenses, making the mobile app and email copies practical alternatives to carrying physical licenses during fishing activities.

Important Fishing Regulations to Follow

Important Fishing Regulations to Follow

Having your Arkansas fishing license represents just the first step in legal fishing compliance. Arkansas enforces specific regulations that protect fish populations and maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems across the state’s waters.

Daily Creel and Possession Limits

Each fish species has designated daily limits that determine how many fish you can keep during a single fishing trip. Bass fishing allows you to keep 6 largemouth bass per day with a 14-inch minimum length requirement. Crappie fishing permits 30 fish per day with a 9-inch minimum length. Catfish regulations allow 20 fish per day with no minimum length restrictions.

Possession limits typically equal two daily limits when you’re on multi-day fishing trips. You must count fish stored in coolers, live wells, or at your campsite toward your possession limit. Review the Arkansas Fishing Regulations Guide before each fishing trip since limits change based on water body and season.

Fishing Methods and Gear Restrictions

Arkansas waters have specific rules governing fishing methods and tackle types. Live bait fishing is legal in most waters, but some lakes prohibit certain bait species to prevent invasive species introduction. Artificial lures remain legal statewide with few exceptions.

Noodling for catfish is legal in designated waters like Millwood Lake but only during June through August. Multiple hook restrictions apply on certain waters, with treble hooks limited to three points maximum. Trotlines and limb lines require special permits in some areas.

Trout Fishing Special Regulations

Trout fishing requires an additional Arkansas fishing license supplement called a trout permit. This permit is mandatory for fishing in tailwaters below Beaver Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Greeson, and portions of Spavinaw Creek east of Highway 59.

Trout waters often have reduced daily limits, with many areas allowing 5 trout per day. Some catch-and-release sections prohibit keeping any trout. Barbless hooks are required in designated fly-fishing-only areas.

Seasonal Restrictions and Closures

Certain fish species have closed seasons when fishing for them is prohibited. Spring spawning closures protect bass reproduction during March and April in select waters. Some areas close to all fishing during waterfowl hunting seasons.

Special regulations apply to specific lakes throughout the year. Lake Ouachita has unique regulations for striped bass fishing. Buffalo National River maintains different rules than other state waters.

License Carrying Requirements

You must carry your valid Arkansas fishing license while fishing in all state waters. Acceptable forms include printed copies, digital copies on your phone, or the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission mobile app display.

Conservation officers regularly check licenses during routine patrols. Fishing without a proper license results in citations and fines. The mobile app provides convenient access to your license information and eliminates concerns about losing paper copies.

Compliance and Enforcement

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission officers enforce fishing regulations statewide. They conduct routine water patrols and respond to violation reports. Penalties for fishing without proper licenses include fines starting at $100 plus court costs.

Violation of daily limits, possession limits, or seasonal closures can result in higher fines and potential loss of fishing privileges. Repeat offenders face increased penalties and may lose their right to purchase fishing licenses for specified periods.

Where to Display Your License While Fishing

Where to Display Your License While Fishing

Arkansas requires you to keep your fishing license readily accessible and visible while fishing in state waters. You must carry proper documentation of your valid arkansas fishing license at all times during fishing activities to comply with state regulations.

Physical Display Requirements

Your fishing license must be displayed prominently on your person or kept in an easily accessible location. Conservation officers recommend attaching your license to your fishing vest or jacket where it remains visible throughout your fishing trip. You can also secure your license in a waterproof holder attached to your tackle box or fishing gear.

Acceptable Forms of License Display

Arkansas accepts three forms of license documentation while fishing:

  • Printed copy: A physical printout of your license serves as valid proof
  • Digital copy: A saved image or PDF file stored on your smartphone
  • AGFC mobile app: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission app stores and displays your license digitally

Storage and Protection Methods

Store your arkansas fishing license in a waterproof container or plastic sleeve to protect it from water damage. Laminating your printed license provides additional protection against weather conditions. Keep backup copies in your tackle box and vehicle in case your primary license gets lost or damaged.

Inspection Requirements

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission officers conduct routine license checks at fishing locations throughout the state. You must present your license immediately upon request during these inspections. Officers can verify digital licenses through the AGFC database system using the license number and your personal information.

Boat and Shore Fishing Guidelines

Boat anglers must keep their fishing license accessible to all passengers who are fishing. Each angler aboard requires their own valid license regardless of who owns the boat. Shore anglers should attach their license to their fishing vest or keep it in their front pocket for quick access during inspections.

Common Questions

Common Questions

Arkansas fishing license regulations can raise specific questions for anglers. These frequently asked questions address common concerns about penalties, purchase locations, and fishing methods.

How much is a ticket for fishing without a license in Arkansas?

Fishing without a valid Arkansas fishing license results in citations that can carry penalties up to several hundred dollars. Conservation officers enforce these regulations throughout the state and may issue fines during routine inspections at fishing locations. The exact penalty amount varies based on circumstances and court costs may apply plus to the base fine. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission officers conduct regular patrols at popular fishing spots including lakes, rivers, and streams to ensure compliance with licensing requirements. Avoiding these substantial penalties by purchasing a proper Arkansas fishing license costs significantly less than paying violation fines.

Does Walmart sell fishing licenses in Arkansas?

Walmart stores throughout Arkansas serve as authorized dealers for fishing licenses through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. You can purchase your Arkansas fishing license at the outdoor section of most Walmart locations across the state. The stores offer both resident and nonresident licenses along with required trout permits for designated waters. Store associates can process license applications and provide immediate access to fishing privileges. Walmart accepts credit cards and cash for license purchases, though availability may vary by location. Checking with your local Walmart store confirms their current licensing services and operating hours for outdoor department sales.

Can you fish with two poles in Arkansas?

Arkansas fishing regulations permit anglers to use two poles or lines simultaneously for sport fishing in most state waters. This dual-pole fishing method applies to standard sport fishing tackle and techniques across lakes, rivers, and streams. Specific waters may have additional restrictions on the number of poles allowed, so checking local regulations before fishing ensures compliance. Certain fishing areas or species may require single-pole fishing, particularly in designated trout waters or during specific seasons. The Arkansas Fishing Regulations Guide provides detailed information about pole limits for different water bodies and fishing zones. Each pole must comply with standard tackle regulations including hook limits and bait restrictions.

Ready to Get Your License?

Follow the steps above to obtain your Arkansas fishing license.

Apply Now

About the Authors

Published July 16, 2025
Deborah White

Deborah White

Founder & Lead Guide

30+ years of fishing experience across North America

Matt White

Matt White

Assistant Bait Hooker & Fish getter offer

Expert in baiting, retrieval

Bank Fishers

Bank Fishers

Your trusted fishing resource

Learn more about our team