Arkansas vs Mississippi fishing license
For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, Arkansas is $8 cheaper than Mississippi. You need a license from age 16 in Arkansas and in Mississippi.
- Free
- Official sources first
- Checked monthly
- Independent, not a state website
What visitors pay
Cheapest way for an adult non-resident to cover the trip, including required stamps, worked out from each state's price list. The cheaper state is marked.
| Trip | Arkansas | Mississippi |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $15 | $10 |
| 3 days | $30 | $30 |
| 7 days | $60 | $68 |
| 1 year | $60 | $68 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $10.50 | $10 |
| Prices for | 2026-27 | 2026-27 |
Rules side by side
| Arkansas | Mississippi | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 16 | 16 |
| Senior residents | Resident 65 Plus annual fishing license: $3.50 (ages 65+) Resident 65 Plus lifetime fishing license: $10.50 (ages 65+) | Free (fresh): Mississippi residents aged 65 or over (fresh water only; salt water needs the $5 senior lifetime saltwater license) Resident senior lifetime saltwater license (65+): $5 (ages 65+) |
| Senior visitors | Normal visitor prices | Normal visitor prices |
| Required stamps | None | None |
| Next free fishing day | Not yet announced | Not yet announced |
| On a charter | Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license | Usually not: the boat's license covers its passengers |
| License on your phone | Accepted | – |
| Annual licenses last | 12 months from purchase | 12 months from purchase |
| Last checked | Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 4, 2026 |
Full details and sources: Arkansas fishing license · Mississippi fishing license
Shared waters
Neither state lists a special agreement for waters shared with the other. Where you fish decides which license you need.
Limits for fish found in both states
Guide only. Statewide rules; many waters have their own. Check each state's official rules before you keep a fish.
| Fish | Arkansas | Mississippi |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass |
Black bass |
Black bass (largemouth, spotted, smallmouth) |
| Smallmouth bass |
Black bass |
Black bass (largemouth, spotted, smallmouth) |
| Walleye |
bag 6 |
bag 3 |
| Crappie |
bag 30 |
Crappie (black and white) |
| Catfish |
Catfish (except bullhead) |
bag No limit (Statewide; 2 more) |
| Striped bass |
Striped bass and hybrid striped bass |
Striped bass and hybrids |
Questions
Is a Arkansas fishing license valid in Mississippi?
No. Each state needs its own license. There's no general agreement between the two states.
Which is cheaper for visitors, Arkansas or Mississippi?
1 day (fresh water): Arkansas $15, Mississippi $10. 1 year (fresh water): Arkansas $60, Mississippi $68.
At what age do you need a fishing license in Arkansas and Mississippi?
You need a license from age 16 in Arkansas and in Mississippi.