Arkansas vs Oklahoma fishing license
For a visitor fishing fresh water for 3 days, Arkansas is $48 cheaper than Oklahoma. For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, Arkansas is $21 cheaper than Oklahoma. You need a license from age 16 in Arkansas and from 18 in Oklahoma.
- 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 | Oklahoma |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $15 | $26 |
| 3 days | $30 | $78 |
| 7 days | $60 | $81 |
| 1 year | $60 | $81 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $10.50 | $31 |
| Prices for | 2026-27 | 2026-27 |
Rules side by side
| Arkansas | Oklahoma | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 16 | 18 |
| Senior residents | Resident 65 Plus annual fishing license: $3.50 (ages 65+) Resident 65 Plus lifetime fishing license: $10.50 (ages 65+) | Senior citizen lifetime fishing license: $30 (ages 65+) |
| Senior visitors | Normal visitor prices | Normal visitor prices |
| Required stamps | None | None |
| Next free fishing day | Not yet announced | Jun 5–6, 2027 Not yet announced |
| On a charter | Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license | Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license |
| License on your phone | Accepted | 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 · Oklahoma fishing license
Shared waters
Red River (Texas and Arkansas) (Oklahoma rules)
There is no reciprocal deal on the Red River. Each state's rules apply in its own waters, so you need an Oklahoma license in Oklahoma waters unless exempt. Just below Denison Dam, you need a Texas license to fish from the Texas bank between the dam and Shawnee Creek, but an Oklahoma license to wade or fish from a boat there. Official source
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 | Oklahoma |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass |
Black bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
| Smallmouth bass |
Black bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
| Trout |
bag 5 in total; no more than 2 brown, 2 cutthroat and 2 brook |
Rainbow and brown trout |
| Walleye |
bag 6 |
Walleye, sauger and saugeye |
| Crappie |
bag 30 |
No minimum; bag 37 in total |
| Catfish |
Catfish (except bullhead) |
Channel and blue catfish Flathead catfish |
| Striped bass |
Striped bass and hybrid striped bass |
Striped bass Hybrid striped bass |
Questions
Is a Arkansas fishing license valid in Oklahoma?
No. Each state needs its own license, except on shared waters covered by a border agreement: Red River (Texas and Arkansas).
Which is cheaper for visitors, Arkansas or Oklahoma?
1 day (fresh water): Arkansas $15, Oklahoma $26. 1 year (fresh water): Arkansas $60, Oklahoma $81.
At what age do you need a fishing license in Arkansas and Oklahoma?
You need a license from age 16 in Arkansas and from 18 in Oklahoma.