Arkansas vs Texas fishing license
For a visitor fishing fresh water for 3 days, Arkansas is $18 cheaper than Texas. For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, Texas is $2 cheaper than Arkansas. You need a license from age 16 in Arkansas and from 17 in Texas.
- 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 | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $15 | $16 |
| 3 days | $30 | $48 |
| 7 days | $60 | $58 |
| 1 year | $60 | $58 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $10.50 | $30 |
| Prices for | 2026-27 | 2026-27 |
Rules side by side
| Arkansas | Texas | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 16 | 17 |
| Senior residents | Resident 65 Plus annual fishing license: $3.50 (ages 65+) Resident 65 Plus lifetime fishing license: $10.50 (ages 65+) | Senior freshwater package: $12 (ages 65+) Senior saltwater package: $17 (ages 65+) Senior all-water package: $22 (ages 65+) |
| Senior visitors | Normal visitor prices | Normal visitor prices |
| Required stamps | None | None |
| Next free fishing day | Not yet announced | Sat, Jun 5, 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 | To August 31 |
| Last checked | Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 4, 2026 |
Full details and sources: Arkansas fishing license · Texas fishing license
Shared waters
Red River (Arkansas and Oklahoma waters) (Texas rules)
In the Arkansas or Oklahoma waters of the Red River, that state's license and rules apply. Secondary source: Texas fishing regulations (eRegulations)
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 | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass |
Black bass |
Black bass |
| Smallmouth bass |
Black bass |
Black bass |
| Crappie |
bag 30 |
10" minimum; bag 25 in total |
| Catfish |
Catfish (except bullhead) |
Channel and blue catfish Flathead catfish |
| Striped bass |
Striped bass and hybrid striped bass |
Striped and hybrid striped bass |
Questions
Is a Arkansas fishing license valid in Texas?
No. Each state needs its own license, except on shared waters covered by a border agreement: Red River (Arkansas and Oklahoma waters).
Which is cheaper for visitors, Arkansas or Texas?
1 day (fresh water): Arkansas $15, Texas $16. 1 year (fresh water): Arkansas $60, Texas $58.
At what age do you need a fishing license in Arkansas and Texas?
You need a license from age 16 in Arkansas and from 17 in Texas.