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Pick your trip and we'll work out the cheapest licenses to buy, including any required stamps.
Licenses and prices
Checked Nov 4, 2026Prices for 2026-27. Listed prices are AGFC license fees. No online or phone fee was listed.
Where these prices come from: Prices from the AGFC fishing license fee page and the AGFC Code Book (current as of April 1, 2026), with the July 1, 2026 changes (resident 3-day trip license dropped, non-resident 1-day license added).
How long annual licenses last: The resident fishing license and non-resident annual license run one year from purchase. Combination and 65 Plus annual licenses expire June 30. Official source2
Non-residents (visitors)
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age-limited licenses | ||||
| Non-resident annual fishing license Ages 16+ | Fresh | Annual | $60 | Official source |
| Non-resident 1-day fishing license Ages 16+ | Fresh | 1 day | $15 | Official source2 |
| Non-resident 3-day trip fishing license Ages 16+ | Fresh | 3 days | $30 |
Valid 72 hours from the start time you choose. Official source |
Residents
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age-limited licenses | ||||
| Resident fisheries conservation (fishing) license Ages 16–64 | Fresh | Annual | $10.50 | Official source |
| Resident 65 Plus annual fishing license Ages 65+ | Fresh | Annual | $3.50 |
Valid until: June 30 Official source |
| Resident 65 Plus lifetime fishing license Ages 65+ | Fresh | Lifetime | $10.50 | Official source |
| Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator) | ||||
| Resident combination sportsman's license | Fresh | Annual | $35.50 |
Only for: Hunting and fishing combined; expires June 30. Shown for hunters. Official source |
| Resident 65 Plus annual combination license | Fresh | Annual | $4.50 |
Only for: Residents 65+; hunting and fishing with deer, turkey and bear tags; expires June 30. Official source |
| Resident disabled fishing 3-year license | Fresh | 3 years | $10.50 |
Only for: Residents with a qualifying disability. Official source |
| Resident military retiree lifetime fishing license | Fresh | Lifetime | $10.50 |
Only for: Resident military retirees. Official source |
| Resident disabled military veteran lifetime fishing license | Fresh | Lifetime | $1.50 |
Only for: Resident disabled military veterans. Official source |
| Lifetime resident hunting and fishing sportsman's permit | Fresh | Lifetime | $1,000 |
Only for: Residents; covers hunting, fishing, trout and waterfowl. Shown for hunters. Includes the trout permit. Official source |
Extra stamps and permits
Checked Nov 4, 2026-
Resident trout permit
$10Age 16 and over, to keep trout from any water or to fish certain trout waters. Not needed with the $1,000 sportsman's lifetime permit or the 65 Plus lifetime license and trout permit.
Residents · fresh water Official source
-
Non-resident trout permit
$20Age 16 and over, with an annual or trip license, to keep trout from any water or to fish certain trout waters.
Non-residents · fresh water Official source
-
White River Border Lakes license
$10Arkansas residents fishing the Missouri parts of Bull Shoals, Norfork and Table Rock lakes, instead of a Missouri non-resident license.
Residents · fresh water Official source
-
Alligator gar trophy tag
FreeFree tag needed to keep an alligator gar over 36 inches; $5 application, Nov 1 to Dec 31.
Everyone Official source
Who doesn't need a license
Checked Nov 4, 2026-
Anyone under 16 (no license or trout permit needed)
Fresh Everyone Official source2
-
Anyone fishing a licensed put-and-take pay lake
Fresh Everyone · check this applies to you Official source
-
Everyone, during Free Fishing Weekend (no license or trout permit)
Fresh Everyone Official source
Fishing licenses from other states aren't valid in Arkansas, except under the border-water agreements below.
Free fishing days
Checked Nov 4, 2026Dates can move, and some free days are for residents only. Confirm with AGFC before you go.
Next dates not yet announced. Check the official page.
Residents and non-residents can fish without a license or trout permit. All limits still apply. 2027 dates not yet announced.
Secondary source: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (Arkansas.com)
Residents and visitors
Checked Nov 4, 2026- Who counts as a resident
- A resident physically lives in a bona fide residence in Arkansas for at least 60 days and declares themselves a full-time Arkansas resident. Owning Arkansas land while living elsewhere does not count. (at least 60 days)
- Military
- Active-duty personnel stationed in Arkansas, and Arkansans who entered service as residents, get resident annual or trip privileges.
- Students
- Arkansas residents studying full-time out of state, and non-residents studying full-time at Arkansas colleges, can buy annual resident licenses; carry proof of enrollment.
How to buy a Arkansas fishing license
Checked Nov 4, 2026Sold online at agfc.com (Visa, Mastercard or Discover), by phone on 833-345-0325 (weekdays 8am-5pm), through the AGFC app and at license dealers.
- Online
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission license sales
- Phone
- 833-345-0325
- App
- AGFC mobile app
- License on your phone
- Accepted
An emailed PDF saved to your phone can be used as proof of purchase; save a copy in case there's no signal.
From July 1, 2026, Arkansas dropped possession limits; daily limits still apply.
From July 1, 2026, anyone 16 or over fishing on an AGFC area needs an annual Lake Conservation Permit or another valid Arkansas hunting or fishing license.
Charters, guides and piers
Checked Nov 4, 2026Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license.
Fishing guide licenses don't include fishing privileges, and no client exemption was found, so guided anglers 16 and over need their own license (and trout permit for trout).
Charter rules depend on the boat and where you fish. Ask the captain, and check AGFC's rules before you book.
Border waters
Bull Shoals, Norfork and Table Rock lakes (Arkansas-Missouri)
Arkansas residents can fish the Missouri parts of these lakes with the $10 White River Border Lakes license instead of a Missouri non-resident license. Official source
Seasons and limits
Checked Nov 4, 2026Limits change, and many lakes, rivers and coastal areas have their own rules. Check AGFC's current rules before you keep a fish.
Statewide daily limits. Many lakes, rivers and trout waters have their own length and daily limits. Daily limits only: possession limits were removed from July 1, 2026.
| Species | Where | Size | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black bass Fresh | Statewide | – | 10 in total; no more than 4 smallmouth | – |
| No statewide length limit, but smallmouth minimums apply by zone (10" Ouachita/Boston Zone, 12-13" in parts of the Ozark Zone) and many lakes have their own limits. Official source Largemouth bass limits in other states | ||||
| Crappie Fresh | Statewide | – | 30 | – |
| Official source Crappie limits in other states | ||||
| Bream (sunfish) Fresh Also: bluegill, redear |
Statewide | – | 50 (fish over 4") | – |
| Official source | ||||
| Catfish (except bullhead) Fresh | Statewide | – | 10 in total | – |
| Official source Catfish limits in other states | ||||
| Trout Fresh | Statewide | – | 5 in total; no more than 2 brown, 2 cutthroat and 2 brook | – |
| Trout permit needed to keep trout. Special minimum lengths and catch-and-release areas on many trout waters. Official source Trout limits in other states | ||||
| Walleye Fresh | Statewide | – | 6 | – |
| Official source Walleye limits in other states | ||||
| Sauger Fresh | Statewide | – | 6 | – |
| Official source | ||||
| Striped bass and hybrid striped bass Fresh | Statewide | – | 6 in total | – |
| Official source Striped bass limits in other states | ||||
| White bass Fresh | Statewide | – | 25 | – |
| Official source | ||||
| Paddlefish Fresh | Statewide | – | 2 | – |
| Trophy tag needed for the limited snagging season on the White River above Beaver Lake. Official source | ||||
| Alligator gar Fresh | Statewide | – | 1 under 36" and 1 over 36" a year | No fish over 36" may be kept from noon May 1 to noon July 1 |
| A free trophy tag is needed for fish over 36". Official source | ||||
Compare Arkansas with other states
Neighboring states, side by side: prices, age rules, free days and shared waters.
Questions
Do I need a fishing license in Arkansas?
Yes, if you are 16 or older and fish public waters in Arkansas, unless an exemption applies. No license is needed for: Anyone under 16 (no license or trout permit needed).
How much is a non-resident fishing license in Arkansas?
For an adult fishing fresh water, the cheapest options for 2026-27 are $15 for one day (Non-resident 1-day fishing license); $60 for seven days (Non-resident annual fishing license); $60 for a year (Non-resident annual fishing license). Listed prices are AGFC license fees. No online or phone fee was listed.
Do seniors need a fishing license in Arkansas?
Senior options for residents: Resident 65 Plus annual fishing license: $3.50 (ages 65+); Resident 65 Plus lifetime fishing license: $10.50 (ages 65+). Non-resident seniors pay the normal non-resident prices.
How do I get a fishing license in Arkansas?
Buy it from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: Sold online at agfc.com (Visa, Mastercard or Discover), by phone on 833-345-0325 (weekdays 8am-5pm), through the AGFC app and at license dealers.
Do I need a license to fish on a charter in Arkansas?
Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license. Fishing guide licenses don't include fishing privileges, and no client exemption was found, so guided anglers 16 and over need their own license (and trout permit for trout).
Sources and checks
Every fact on this page comes from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission unless it's marked secondary. We use a secondary source only when the official site doesn't show something, and we name it.
- Licenses and prices
- Checked Nov 4, 2026 (prices for 2026-27)
- Free fishing days
- Checked Nov 4, 2026
- Seasons and limits
- Checked Nov 4, 2026
All 8 source pages
- apps.agfc.com/regulations/pdf/a42aa1e4-55c3-47ee-b321-52a2fc70f139
- www.agfc.com/resources/licensing/disability-mobility-impaired-65-plus-military-retiree-lifetime-licenses/
- www.agfc.com/resources/licensing/fishing-license-descriptions-and-fees/
- www.agfc.com/resources/licensing/licensing-frequently-asked-questions
- www.arkansas.com/state-parks/experiences/park-events/arkansas-free-fishing-weekend
- www.eregulations.com/arkansas/fishing/fishing-license-descriptions-and-fees
- www.ky3.com/2026/07/03/new-arkansas-fishing-regulations-take-effect/
- Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism (Arkansas.com) secondary
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