Arkansas is a trout angler’s paradise — from the legendary White River tailwaters to world-class bass fishing on Beaver Lake and Bull Shoals. Whether you’re a lifelong Arkansan or visiting for the first time, you’ll need a valid fishing license before casting a line. Here’s everything you need to know about getting your 2026 Arkansas fishing license.
Who Needs an Arkansas Fishing License?
Arkansas requires a fishing license for most anglers:
- Residents age 16+: Must purchase a Resident Fisheries Conservation License
- Non-residents age 16+: Must purchase a Nonresident Fishing License
- Children under 16: Free — no license required (must follow all regulations)
- Residents 65+: Eligible for a reduced-cost Lifetime Fishing License ($10.50)
Exemptions
- Under 16: No license needed
- 65+ residents: $10.50 lifetime license available (one-time purchase)
- Disabled veterans: May qualify for free or reduced-cost licenses — contact AGFC
- Landowners: Arkansas residents may fish on their own property without a license
- Free Fishing Weekend: One weekend per year — no license or trout stamp required
2026 Arkansas Fishing License Fees
Arkansas licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase.
Resident Licenses
| License Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Annual Fisheries Conservation License | $10.50 |
| 3-Day Trip Fishing License | $6.50 |
| Combination Sportsman’s License (hunt + fish) | $35.50 |
| 65+ Lifetime Fishing License | $10.50 |
| Nonexpiring Lifetime Sportsman’s Permit | $1,000.00 |
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Annual Nonresident Fishing License | $60.00 |
| 3-Day Trip Fishing License | $30.00 |
Trout Permits (Required Add-On)
A Trout Permit is required for all anglers 16+ who want to retain trout or fish in designated trout waters — regardless of whether you hold a fishing license.
| Trout Permit | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Trout Permit | $10.00 |
| Nonresident Trout Permit | $20.00 |
Designated trout waters include the tailwaters below Beaver Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, and Lake Greeson, plus several stocked streams. If you’re fishing any of these waters — even if you plan to catch and release — you need a Trout Permit.
Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), current as of March 2026.
How to Buy Your Arkansas Fishing License (Step-by-Step)
Method 1: Online (Fastest)
- Go to the AGFC Online Licensing Portal
- Create an account or log in
- Select your license type (annual, 3-day, or combination)
- Add a Trout Permit if you plan to fish trout waters
- Pay with a credit or debit card
- Print your license or save it to your phone — both are accepted
Pro Tip: Buy your license online before heading to the water. The AGFC app also lets you carry a digital copy.
Method 2: In Person
Visit any authorized AGFC license vendor, including:
- Sporting goods stores (e.g., Academy Sports, Bass Pro Shops)
- Walmart locations across Arkansas
- Local bait and tackle shops
- Convenience stores near popular fishing areas
- AGFC regional offices
Method 3: By Phone
Contact AGFC at (501) 223-6300 for licensing assistance.
What You’ll Need
| For Residents | For Non-Residents |
|---|---|
| Arkansas driver’s license or state ID | Government-issued photo ID |
| Date of birth | Home state address |
| Social Security Number (for online purchases) | Date of birth |
Residency: You must hold an Arkansas driver’s license or state-issued ID to purchase at resident rates. Military members stationed in Arkansas may qualify as residents.
2026 Free Fishing Weekend
Arkansas hosts an annual Free Fishing Weekend, typically the first full weekend in June. During this event:
- No fishing license or trout stamp is required for anyone — residents and non-residents alike
- All other fishing regulations (bag limits, size limits, gear restrictions) still apply
- Perfect opportunity for first-time anglers and families
2026 Date: The exact date is announced by AGFC each spring — check agfc.com for the official announcement. Based on past years, expect early June 2026 (Friday noon through Sunday midnight).
Key Arkansas Fishing Regulations
- Trout limits: Daily limit of 5 trout on most tailwaters (with a minimum size of 16″ for brown trout on the White River)
- Bass limits: Check specific lake and river regulations — limits vary by water body
- Gear restrictions: Some waters are fly-fishing only or artificial-lure only
- Catch & release zones: Certain sections of trout tailwaters have special catch-and-release regulations
- Paddlefish: Special archery/snagging permit required March–April
- License year: Valid one year from date of purchase
For complete regulations, visit the AGFC Fishing Regulations page.
Where Your License Fees Go
Arkansas fishing license revenue directly supports:
- Trout hatcheries — rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat trout stocking in tailwaters and lakes
- Warm-water hatcheries — bass, crappie, catfish, and bream programs
- Habitat restoration — stream bank stabilization, lake renovation, and aquatic habitat improvement
- Research — fish population surveys, tagging studies, and water quality monitoring
- Public access — boat ramps, fishing access sites, and handicap-accessible piers
- Education — youth fishing derbies, Family & Community Fishing Program
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Arkansas fishing license in 2026?
A resident annual Fisheries Conservation License costs $10.50. Non-residents pay $60.00 annually. 3-day trip licenses are available at $6.50 (resident) or $30.00 (non-resident).
Do I need a trout permit in Arkansas?
Yes, if you plan to retain trout or fish in designated trout waters (tailwaters below major dams). The permit costs $10.00 (resident) or $20.00 (non-resident) and is required in addition to your fishing license.
Do kids need a fishing license in Arkansas?
No. Anyone under 16 can fish in Arkansas without a license or trout permit, but they must follow all regulations.
Do seniors get a discount on Arkansas fishing licenses?
Yes. Arkansas residents 65 and older can purchase a Lifetime Fishing License for $10.50 — a one-time payment that covers fishing for life.
When is Arkansas’s Free Fishing Weekend in 2026?
Arkansas typically holds its Free Fishing Weekend in early June (Friday noon through Sunday midnight). The exact 2026 date will be announced on agfc.com.
Related Guides:
Best Trout Fishing in Arkansas
Arkansas Fishing License Costs 2026
How to Get a Fishing License in Missouri
