Fishing License Descriptions and Fees
Which license do I need to fish for game fish in Arkansas?
If you are 16 or older, you must carry a valid fishing license to take or attempt to take aquatic wildlife in Arkansas, unless you are fishing in a licensed “put-and-take” pay lake.
Trout
A trout permit is required to fish for trout in certain waters (tailwaters below Beaver Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Greeson or east of Highway 59 on Spavinaw Creek) or to keep trout from any Arkansas waters. For more information, see Page 18.
Guides
If you guide, aid or assist someone else in fishing for hire, you must have a guide license.
Commercial
To find out if you need a commercial license, call 501-223-6386 for commercial fishing regulations.
How do I buy the licenses I need?
Licenses are available over the counter at AGFC regional offices and nature centers, sporting goods stores, some discount chains and boat docks. You also may buy a license by phone or online.
- Phone – Call 501-223-6300 or 800-364-GAME (4263) between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
- Online – Visit www.agfc.com, click “Buy Licenses,” 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Telephone and online purchases must be made by credit card. Your fishing privileges become effective immediately. A valid printed license or acceptable electronic format license must be in your possession.
Lifetime and commercial licenses are not available by phone or online.
Do I qualify for a resident license?
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.
Ownership of Arkansas real estate by a person living outside the state does not qualify the owner as a resident.
Also, the following students (who must carry proof of full-time enrollment in schools, colleges or universities while hunting or fishing in Arkansas) are eligible to purchase annual resident licenses: resident foreign exchange students attending school outside of Arkansas; nonresident foreign exchange students attending school in Arkansas; residents of Arkansas enrolled as full-time students in colleges and universities outside of Arkansas; and nonresidents enrolled as full-time students in colleges and universities in Arkansas.
Active-duty military personnel assigned to duty stations in Arkansas are eligible to purchase annual or trip resident privileges for hunting and fishing. Active-duty servicemen and women who were Arkansas residents at the time of entering service are eligible to purchase annual or trip resident privileges for hunting and fishing, regardless of where they are stationed.
65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License (PLF)
Residents 65 and older may purchase a Lifetime Fishing License for $10.50 or a Lifetime Combination Sportsman’s License (hunting and fishing) for $35.50 any time during the calendar year of their 65th birthday. Each license is valid as long as the holder resides in Arkansas. Proof of age and one year of Arkansas residency are required. These licenses are available from the AGFC Little Rock office and regional offices (Page 1).
65-Plus Lifetime
Trout Permit (PLT)
To fish for trout in certain waters or to keep trout,
a state lifetime trout permit (purchased once at 65
or older) is available to holders of 65-Plus Lifetime
Licenses ($10).
Resident Sportsman’s Lifetime Combination License and Permit (LSP2) ($1,000)
This entitles the holder of any age to the privileges of the Resident Sportsman’s Lifetime Combination License and Permit . Annual trout and state waterfowl permits are included. Proof of one year of Arkansas residency is required. This permit is available only from the AGFC Little Rock office.
Disability Licenses
Resident disabled anglers may purchase a 3-year disability fishing license ($10.50) or a 3-year combination license ($35.50), which includes hunting and fishing privileges. In addition to proof of 60 days’ Arkansas residency, proof of 100 percent disability from the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs or the Railroad Retirement Board is required to apply for this license. This license expires 3 years from the date of purchase. A resident trout permit must
be purchased annually to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. (See Page 18) These licenses are available from the AGFC office in Little Rock.
Mobility Impaired Access Permit
Licensed sportsmen who are permanently mobility impaired may be eligible for special access privileges in certain areas on WMAs, from the boardwalk and piers at Dry Run Creek, and from the piers on Collins Creek downstream of the wooden vehicle bridge in JFK Park. These privileges allow persons with certain medical conditions to receive a Mobility Impaired Access Permit. There is no charge for the initial card. Applications are available online at www.agfc.com or by calling 800-364-4263 during business hours.
Military Lifetime Licenses
Resident Military Retiree Lifetime Licenses are available at any AGFC regional office. Sportsmen must be at least 60 and show proof of one year of Arkansas residency and retirement from a branch of the U.S. Armed Services.
Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Licenses are available at the Little Rock office only. There is no age requirement for this license, but sportsmen must show proof of one year of Arkansas residency and proof of service-connected military disability.
Trout and state waterfowl stamp permits, federal waterfowl stamps, resident trapping permits and HIP registration also must be obtained to hunt, trap or fish for certain game species. These permits are available at all AGFC regional offices.
Prices for Resident Military Retiree Lifetime Licenses
Resident Military Retiree Lifetime Fishing License (MRF) − $10.50
Resident Military Retiree Lifetime Combination License (includes hunting) (MRC) − $35.50
Resident Military Retiree Lifetime Trout Stamp (MRT) − $10
Prices for Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Licenses (100 percent disability)
Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Fishing License (VLF) − $1.50
Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Combination License (VLC) − $3
Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Trout Stamp (VLT) − $10
Prices for Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Licenses (70 percent disablility or 50 percent disability and have received the Purple Heart Medal)
Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Combination License (includes hunting, fishing, trout and state waterfowl stamp privileges) (VLL) − $52.50
Fishing Licenses and Costs
| License and Description | Cost | Obtain |
| Combination Sportsman’s License (CS) | ||
| Entitles holder to the privileges of the Resident Sportsman’s License (RS) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (FSH). Valid through June 30. | $35.50 | Online Dealers Regional Offices |
| Resident Fisheries Conservation License (FSH) | ||
| Entitles a resident to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle. A Resident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. | $10.50 | Online Dealers Regional Offices |
| Resident 3-Day Trip Fishing License (RT3) | ||
| Entitles a resident to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle for the three-day period specified. A Resident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. | $6.50 | Online Dealers Regional Offices |
| Resident Trout Permit (TPR) | ||
| Required to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. Not required for holders of the nonexpiring $1,000 Lifetime Resident Hunting and Fishing Sportsman’s Permit or for holders of the 65 Plus Lifetime License and Trout Permit. | $10.00 | Online Dealers Regional Offices |
| Nonresident Trout Permit (TPN) | ||
| Required of a nonresident to retain trout or to fish in certain waters in addition to a Nonresident Annual or Trip Fishing License. | $20.00 | Online Dealers Regional Offices |
| Alligator Gar Fishing Permit (AGP) | ||
| Required to fish for alligator gar. Permit expires Dec. 31. An Alligator Gar Trophy Tag (AGT) is also required to harvest an alligator gar over 36 inches. Apply Nov. 1-Dec. 31. | Free | Online |
| Nonresident Annual Fishing License (NRF) | ||
| Entitles a nonresident to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle. A Nonresident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. | $60.00 | Online Dealers Regional Offices |
| Nonresident 3-Day Trip Fishing License (NT3) | ||
| Entitles a nonresident to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle for the three-day period specified. A Nonresident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. | $30.00 | Online Dealers Regional Offices |
| Resident Fishing Guide License (GLF) | ||
| Required of a resident who guides, aids or assists another person for pay or other consideration in the taking of fish. This license does not include fishing privileges. | $25.00 | Online Dealers Regional Offices |
| Nonresident Fishing Guide License (GNF) | ||
| Required of a nonresident who guides, aids or assists another person for pay or other consideration in the taking of fish. This license does not include fishing privileges. | $500.00 | Online Dealers Regional Offices |
| White River Border Lakes License (WRL) | ||
| Entitles Arkansas resident fishing license holders to fish in the Missouri waters of Bull Shoals, Norfork and Table Rock lakes without a nonresident fishing license from Missouri. | $10.00 | Online Dealers Regional Offices |
| Resident 3-Year Disability License (RDF) | Application | ||
| Entitles a resident to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle. A Resident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. Holders of this license, along with another licensed individual to assist, may fish at Family Fishing locations. | $10.50 | AGFC Headquarters |
| Commercial Fisherman’s Permit and Sport-fishing License (CFS) | ||
| Entitles a resident to fish waters of the state with commercial fishing tackle. This license is available at the AGFC Little Rock Office. | $25.00 | AGFC Headquarters |
| 65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License | Application | ||
| Entitles Arkansas residents 65 or older to the privileges of the Resident Fisheries Conservation License. A lifetime trout permit (purchased once after age 65) must be purchased to fish in certain waters. Proof of age and one year of Arkansas residency are required. | $10.50 | Online Regional Offices Nature Centers |
| 65-Plus Lifetime Combination License | Application | ||
| Entitles Arkansas residents 65 or older to the privileges of the resident Sportsman’s License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License. A Resident Trapper’s Permit is required to trap furbearers. HIP registration is required to hunt migratory game birds. To hunt waterfowl, a state lifetime waterfowl permit (purchased once after age 65) and federal waterfowl stamps are required in addition to HIP. A lifetime trout permit (purchased once after age 65) must be purchased to fish in certain waters. Proof of age and one year of Arkansas residency are required. | $35.50 | Online Regional Offices Nature Centers |
| 65-Plus Lifetime Trout Permit (PLT) | | ||
| The lifetime trout permit is available from the AGFC Little Rock Office and AGFC regional offices. If you wish to purchase a license in person, bring proof of your age, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate or military record and proof of one year of Arkansas residency, in the form of an Arkansas driver’s license or state I.D. card. | $10.00 | Online Regional Offices |
| Nonexpiring Lifetime Resident Hunting and Fishing Sportsman’s Permit | Application | ||
| Entitles purchasers of any age to the privileges of the Resident Sportsman’s License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). Fees for trout permits, leased lands permits, alligator permits, elk permits, state waterfowl stamps and wildlife management area permit hunts are waived with this license. License holders must apply, however, for WMA hunts, be successfully drawn and return notification of acceptance before being issued a permit. HIP registration is required to hunt migratory game birds. To hunt waterfowl, federal waterfowl stamps are required in addition to HIP. This license is available at the AGFC Little Rock Office. | $1000.00 | AGFC Headquarters Regional Offices |
| Resident 3-Year Disability Combination License (RDC) | ||
| Entitles all totally and permanently disabled persons privileges of the Resident Sportsman's License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration is required to hunt migratory game birds. To hunt waterfowl, state and federal waterfowl stamps are also required. A trout permit must be purchased to fish in certain waters. Disability certification from Social Security Administration, Veteran's Affairs or Railroad Retirement and proof of 60 days Arkansas residency is required. Valid for three years from date of purchase; recertification is required for license renewal. This license is available at the AGFC Little Rock Office. | $35.50 | AGFC Headquarters |
| Mobility-Impaired Access Permit | ||
| Mobility impaired classificaiton: cannot walk without the permanent use of a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or walker; permanently restricted by lung disease to such an extent that the person’s forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one (1) liter, or the arterial oxygen tension is less than (60) mm/hg on room air at rest; permanent condition which requires the use of portable oxygen or that the person’s functional limitations are classified in severity as Class III or Class IV according to standards set by The American Heart Association. This license is available at the AGFC Little Rock Office. | Free | AGFC Headquarters |
License Agreements With Adjacent States
Mississippi and Arkansas recognize the resident fishing and commercial fishing licenses of the two states on flowing waters of the Mississippi River and all waters between the main levees of the Mississippi River, excluding the St. Francis, White and Arkansas rivers and oxbow lakes accessible from the mouths of the St. Francis, White or Arkansas rivers. Licensees abide by the regulations of the state in which they are fishing. The agreement does not include frog hunting.
Missouri and Arkansas recognize the sport fishing, resident commercial fishing and commercial mussel-taking licenses of the two states on the flowing waters of the St. Francis River that form a common boundary between the two states. A sport-fishing licensee or legally exempt resident of either state abides by the regulations of the state issuing the license. The agreement does not apply to tributaries, bayous and backwaters of the St. Francis River.
A White River Border Lakes License is available for a $10 annual fee. This license allows Arkansas residents who hold a valid license to fish in the Missouri waters of Bull Shoals, Norfork and Table Rock lakes without a fishing license from Missouri. The permit is valid for impounded waters (the waters between Beaver Lake Dam and Houseman Access in Arkansas are excluded). Trout may not be taken with this license. Anglers younger than 16 do not need to buy this license to fish in Missouri waters. The WRL is available to residents of Missouri or Arkansas only and may be purchased in either state.
Anglers are required to abide by the fishing regulations of the state where they are fishing. The only differences in regulations are:
On Table Rock Lake, spotted bass must be at least 12 inches long to keep (Arkansas) or at least 15 inches long to keep (Missouri).
On Norfork Lake, anglers may take up to three stripers and hybrids and 25 white bass of any size per day in Arkansas, except for striped bass, which must be over 20 inches. In Missouri, anglers may take up to 15 stripers, hybrids, white and yellow bass, only four of which may exceed 18 inches long.
Tennessee and Arkansas recognize the fishing licenses of both states on the flowing waters of the Mississippi, adjacent sloughs, bayous, old river runs (if accessible by boat from the river proper) and old river chutes that form a common boundary. Not included are wildlife management areas and the Wolfe, Loosahatchie, Hatchie, Forked Deer and Obion rivers. Anglers abide by the regulations of the state in which they are fishing. Commercial anglers abide by the regulations of the state in which they are fishing. Arkansas resident commercial anglers fishing commercial tackle in Tennessee waters under the terms of this agreement shall comply with Tennessee commercial tackle tagging requirements. Tennessee resident commercial angler’s tackle tagging requirements are legal in Arkansas under the terms of this agreement. The agreement does not apply to tributaries, bayous or backwaters except as specifically provided herein. It shall be incumbent on each individual hunter or angler to identify the state line on the Mississippi River.
Sport anglers on Ikes Chute, Hopefield Chute, Dacus Lake, Mosquito Lake, Mound City Lake, Island 40 Chute and Lake Neark shall comply with Arkansas game fish, size and daily limits. Anglers and waterfowl hunters may not attach any device or equipment to, nor trespass on, private property without the landowner’s permission.
Angling on the Arkansas-Oklahoma State Line
Arkansas and Oklahoma do not have a reciprocal license agreement for waters along their shared border. Anglers fishing on the Arkansas side of the official state line must have an Arkansas fishing license, and anglers fishing on the Oklahoma side of the official state line must have an Oklahoma fishing license. The state line runs from the second rock jetty downstream of the Garrison Avenue Bridge (U.S. Highway 64) on the west side of the river to approximately the third bridge support column of the same bridge from the east side (the Arkansas side) of the river. It continues from the bridge support to the mouth of the Poteau River and up the center of the Poteau River to the old Port of Fort Smith.
