Arkansas Fishing Licenses, Laws, and Regulations

Fishing, even during the winter season, is one of the reasons why Arkansas is a popular destination for eager anglers. Its waters welcome both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts who are hoping to reel in a hefty catch. Visitors may choose to drop their line in a secluded and silent cove or at MacArthur Park and Murphy Pond Park.

It is easy to apply for and secure your fishing license online. This can be done through the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission or you may personally buy one from authorized retailers like tackle shop or at a local athletic shop.

Once you have your fishing license, you must read up on the different do's and don'ts of fishing in the area. Make sure to keep an eye out for updates as certain rules and regulations change depending on the location and state. These protocols help regulate the population of the different fish in the area to avoid overfishing.

Arkansas Fishing Regulations

By working together, we can create and sustain an environment that would benefit us and the various wildlife in the region. Its best to research and equip ourselves about healthy fishing practices and how we can contribute in the proliferation of marine life.

Do you want to experience the fun fishing for largemouth bass at places like MacArthur Park in downtown Little Rock or Murphy Park Pond near Fort Smith? Well, Arkansas is one of the best places to fish around in the United States, and whether you are an experienced angler or just starting with the hobby, Arkansas is a perfect place for you.
Before you get to experience the fun fishing in the State's abundant waters, you need first to secure a fishing license. Every angler is required a fishing license, with some exemptions, before you're allowed to go near the waters and catch fish. However, getting a fishing license - especially for beginners - can be a bit confusing. There are different types of licenses, and it can be daunting for some to know which one to get.

But fret not because, in this article, we will be discussing the different types of licenses that you can get from the State of Arkansas -- all requirements including exemptions. This will also cover some of the essential fishing regulations that you need to follow to make sure that you do your part in conserving fish populations across the State.

How to purchase an Arkansas Fishing License?

There are different ways that you can purchase a fishing license in Arkansas. One is through the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, the State agency tasked to regulate and protect sports fishing across the State of Arkansas. You can easily purchase the necessary fishing license from them or a state fishing license agent such as a tackle shop or outdoor sporting goods store.

Furthermore, the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission has also set up an online marketplace where you procure a fishing license. All you need to do is to go to the Arkansas Licensing website by following this link.

After that, you need to create a profile and provide information such as your name, birth date, age, social security number, and your driver’s license to proceed. The platform accepts payment made through major debit and credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard.

Different type of licenses in Arkansas and how much they cost

The licenses in Arkansas -- its type and grants -- depends on various factors such as your residency status, age, duration, and so on. Here is the summary of all the available licenses that you can purchase in the State of Arkansas:

Resident Fisheries Conservation License (FSH)

If you are planning to fish the waters of Arkansas with sport fishing tackle, then this license is what you need to purchase. This license can be purchased for $10.50. It is also worthy to note that if you are fishing for trout, you also need to buy a Resident Trout Permit to retain trout or to fish in certain waters.

Combination Sportsman’s License (CS)

This license is provided to all entitled holders of the privileges of the Resident Sportsman’s License (RS) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (FSH). This license costs $35.50 and is only valid through June 30.

Resident 3-Day Trip Fishing License (RT3)

This license entitles a resident to fish the waters of the State with sport fishing tackle for the three days specified. A Resident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. This license is sold for $6.50.

Resident Trout Permit (TPR)

For only $10.00, you can purchase a TPR which would allow you to trout or to fish in certain waters. However, this permit is not required for holders of the non-expiring $1,000 Lifetime Resident Hunting and Fishing Sportsman’s Permit or holders of the 65- Plus Lifetime License and Trout Permit.

Non-resident Trout Permit (TPN)

If you are a non-resident and want to retain trout or to fish in certain waters in addition to a Non-resident Annual or Trip Fishing License. Non-residents need to pay $20.00 to procure this permit.

Non-resident 3-Day Trip Fishing License (NT3)

Entitles a non-resident to fish the waters of the State with sport fishing tackle for the three days specified. It is important to note that a Non-resident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. This license costs $16.00.

Non-resident 7-Day Trip Fishing License (NT7)

Entitles a non-resident to fish the waters of the State with sport fishing tackle for the seven days specified. It is important to note that a Non-resident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. This license costs $25.00.

Non-resident Annual Fishing License (NRF)

A non-resident can have an extended Fishing permit for an entire year if they purchase an NRF for $50.00. It is important to note that a Non-resident Trout Permit also must be obtained to retain trout or to fish in certain waters.

Resident Fishing Guide License (GLF) and Nonresident Fishing Guide License (GNF)

If you are a resident who wants to guide, aid, or assist another person to fish in Arkansas, then you need to secure the GLF license for $25.00. The same is also required for non-residents for $150.00. Please note that purchasing this license does not include fishing privileges, and you also need to procure other permits to be allowed to fish. There are different ways that you can purchase a fishing license in Arkansas. One is through the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, the State agency tasked to regulate and protect sports fishing across the State of Arkansas. You can easily purchase the necessary fishing license from them or a state fishing license agent such as a tackle shop or outdoor sporting goods store.

Special Type of Licenses

There are other special licenses that you can purchase, depending on your needs. A special permit is available for anglers with disabilities, those who want to fish in special places and rivers, as well as for commercial purposes. For more information, you can read up this post from the AGFC.

How to renew an Arkansas license?

The renewal of the license is pretty straightforward. Once the permit you procured has already expired, all you need to do is to purchase another one.

Other Fishing Regulations

The State of Arkansas has set daily limits for several fishes to maintain the sustainability of the operations. Here’s a summary of all the restrictions imposed by the State:

Type of Fish Daily Limit

Alligator Gar	1/day	Only one alligator gar greater than 36 inches may be taken per year with an Alligator Gar Tag. Alligator Gar may not be taken from noon, May 1-noon, July 1, statewide. An Alligator Gar Permit is required to take alligator gar less than 36 inches, which is available at regional offices.
Black Bass	10/day	Largemouth, spotted, smallmouth combined.
Smallmouth Bass	4/day	The length limit in the Ozark zone is 12 inches long; otherwise, the length limit is 10 inches long. See Map of Ozark Zone.
Rock Bass	10/day	Rock bass, Ozark bass, and shadow bass, combined
Bream	50/day	Bluegill, redear, longear, warmouth, and other sunfishes combined. No daily limit on bream shorter than 4 inches.
Catfish	10/day	Channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish combined. No daily limit on bullhead catfish.
Crappie	30/day	Black crappie and white crappie, combined.
Paddlefish	2/day
Pickerel	6/day
Sauger	6/day
Saugeye	6/day
Shovelnose Sturgeon	No limit	The length limit is 21 inches or longer; harvest restricted between the main levees of the Mississippi River.
Striped Bass	6/day	Hybrid stripers and striped bass combined.
Trout	5/day	Rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout, combined. The limit may include any combination of the following: 5 rainbow trout, two cutthroat trout, two brown trout, two brook trout. Trout may not be released or culled once placed in a live well, stringer or creel basket, statewide.
Walleye	6/day
White Bass	25/day
Yellow Bass	No limit
Important Notes:
Daily Limit		The total limit of a certain fish species that may be taken in one day.
Possession Limit	Double Daily Limit	The maximum number of a certain fish species allowed in a person's possession at any time, whether on their person or stored in another location. Fish that have been processed and are stored at a person's legal residence do not count toward their possession limit.
Snagging Limit	Half Daily Limit
Spearfishing Limit	Half Daily Limit

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who qualifies as a resident of Arkansas?

A resident is any person who physically inhabits a bona fide residence within Arkansas for at least 60 days and declares themselves a full-time resident of Arkansas. Other considerations include students who are enrolled in schools, colleges, and universities around the State, as well as active-duty military personnel who are on active duty and are stationed in the state, are also qualified as residents of Arkansas in the context of fishing licenses.

Q: What information is required when purchasing a license in Arkansas?

First and Last Name
Address
Date of Birth
Social Security Number
Basic Demographic Information (Gender, Height, Eye Color, Race)
Driver’s License Number (optional)

Q: What type of payments does the AGCF accept when purchasing a license?

The license online sales site of the AGCF accepts payments made online by Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.

Q: Is it possible to cancel internet purchases anytime?

An online purchase may be canceled up to the point the “Complete Purchase” button is clicked.

Q: How to replace lost and damaged licenses?

Licenses are available to be reprinted at no cost. Please go to licensing.agfc.com and select the option “Reprint your License or Permit.” Or, you may call 1-800-364-4263 during regular business hours Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm.