Arkansas is a top-tier fishing destination — from trophy rainbow trout on the White River to largemouth bass on Beaver Lake and massive catfish on the Arkansas River. Whether you’re planning a weekend float trip or a weeklong trout camp, here’s exactly what you’ll pay for an Arkansas fishing license in 2026.
2026 Arkansas Fishing License Costs at a Glance
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fisheries Conservation License | $10.50 | $60.00 |
| 3-Day Trip Fishing License | $6.50 | $30.00 |
| Trout Permit (add-on) | $10.00 | $20.00 |
| Combination Sportsman’s (hunt + fish) | $35.50 | N/A |
| 65+ Lifetime Fishing License | $10.50 | N/A |
| Nonexpiring Lifetime Sportsman’s | $1,000.00 | N/A |
Arkansas’s resident annual license at $10.50 is one of the most affordable in the country — less than most states charge for a single day of fishing.
Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), current as of March 2026.
Who Needs an Arkansas Fishing License?
- Residents age 16+: Required ($10.50/year)
- Non-residents age 16+: Required ($30–$60 depending on duration)
- Under 16: Free — no license or trout permit needed
- Residents 65+: Eligible for $10.50 lifetime license (one-time)
Understanding the Trout Permit
The Trout Permit is one of Arkansas’s most important add-ons — and a common source of confusion. Here’s what you need to know:
When you need it:
- To retain (keep) any trout, regardless of where you catch them
- To fish in designated trout waters — even if you plan to catch and release
Designated trout waters include:
- Tailwaters below Beaver Lake
- Tailwaters below Bull Shoals Lake
- Tailwaters below Norfork Lake
- Tailwaters below Greers Ferry Lake
- Tailwaters below Lake Greeson
- Several AGFC-stocked streams
Permit costs:
- Resident: $10.00 (annual)
- Non-Resident: $20.00 (annual)
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting Arkansas specifically for trout fishing, budget for both the fishing license AND the trout permit. Without the permit, even catch-and-release in tailwaters is illegal.
Cost Comparison: What You’ll Actually Pay
| Scenario | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Freshwater only (no trout) | $10.50 | $60.00 |
| Freshwater + Trout Permit | $20.50 | $80.00 |
| 3-Day Trip (no trout) | $6.50 | $30.00 |
| 3-Day Trip + Trout Permit | $16.50 | $50.00 |
| Hunt + Fish Combo | $35.50 | N/A |
| Hunt + Fish Combo + Trout | $45.50 | N/A |
Senior & Lifetime Options
Arkansas offers some of the best lifetime license deals in the country:
| License Type | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 65+ Lifetime Fishing | $10.50 | One-time purchase, covers fishing for life |
| 65+ Lifetime Fishing + Trout | $10.50 | Includes trout permit |
| Nonexpiring Lifetime Sportsman’s | $1,000.00 | Covers all hunting and fishing privileges |
Holders of the $1,000 Lifetime Sportsman’s Permit and the 65+ Lifetime License with Trout are exempt from purchasing annual trout permits.
License Validity
- Duration: Valid for one year from the date of purchase (not calendar year)
- Coverage: All publicly accessible waters in Arkansas
- Trout Permit: Also valid for one year from purchase
Where to Buy
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | AGFC Online Licensing — instant digital license |
| In Person | Sporting goods stores, Walmart, bait shops, AGFC offices |
| By Phone | Call AGFC at (501) 223-6300 |
2026 Free Fishing Weekend
Arkansas hosts an annual Free Fishing Weekend — typically the first full weekend in June (Friday noon through Sunday midnight). During this event, no fishing license or trout permit is required for anyone — residents and non-residents alike. It’s the perfect opportunity for beginners, families, and anyone who wants to try Arkansas fishing before committing to a license purchase. All bag limits, size limits, and gear restrictions still apply. Check agfc.com for 2026 dates.
Where Your License Fees Go
Arkansas fishing license revenue directly supports:
- Trout hatcheries — rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat trout stocking in world-class tailwaters
- Warm-water hatcheries — bass, crappie, catfish, and bream programs across the state
- Habitat restoration — stream bank stabilization, lake renovation, and aquatic habitat projects
- 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 and the Family & Community Fishing Program
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a resident Arkansas fishing license?
A resident annual Fisheries Conservation License costs $10.50 in 2026. Add $10.00 for the Trout Permit if you plan to fish trout waters.
How much is a non-resident Arkansas fishing license?
Non-residents pay $60.00 annually or $30.00 for a 3-day trip. The Non-Resident Trout Permit is an additional $20.00.
Do kids need a fishing license in Arkansas?
No. Anyone under 16 can fish without a license or trout permit, but must follow all regulations including bag and size limits.
Do seniors get a discount in Arkansas?
Yes. Residents 65 and older can purchase a Lifetime Fishing License for $10.50 — a one-time cost that covers fishing for life, including trout privileges.
Does Arkansas have free fishing days?
Yes. Arkansas hosts a Free Fishing Weekend annually, typically the first full weekend in June (Friday noon through Sunday midnight). No license or trout stamp is required. Check agfc.com for 2026 dates.
Related Guides:
How Much Is a Fishing License in Texas?
How to Get a Fishing License in Arkansas
Best Trout Fishing in Arkansas
