In 2026, the standard annual fishing license cost in Arkansas is $10.50 for residents and $60 for nonresidents. Nonresidents can also buy a $15 one-day or $30 three-day license. Anglers age 16 or older generally need a license, and a separate trout permit costs $10 for residents or $20 for nonresidents when required.
Last updated: September 7, 2026 — AGFC fees, eligibility, purchase methods, and 2026-27 WMA/Lake access rules rechecked.
Quick Answer
A standard Arkansas resident annual fishing license costs $10.50. A nonresident annual license costs $60, with $15 one-day and $30 three-day options. Anglers age 16 or older generally need a license. Trout permits cost $10 for residents and $20 for nonresidents when required.
Key Takeaways
- Arkansas residents pay $10.50 for the standard annual fishing license.
- Nonresident options are $15 for one day, $30 for three days, or $60 for an annual license.
- A trout permit is required to retain trout or fish in certain designated trout waters.
- Children younger than 16 do not need an Arkansas fishing license.
- Fees, limits, closures, and special regulations can change, so check the current AGFC rules before fishing.
How Much Does an Arkansas Fishing License Cost in 2026?
The best license depends on residency and trip length. These are the main base-license and trout-permit prices most anglers compare.
| License or permit | Resident cost | Nonresident cost | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard annual fishing license | $10.50 | $60 | Frequent fishing or longer trips |
| Three-day trip fishing license | Not listed in the current AGFC catalog | $30 | Short visitor trips |
| One-day fishing license | Not listed as a standard resident option | $15 | One specified fishing day for a visitor |
| Trout permit | $10 | $20 | Required to retain trout or fish in designated trout-permit waters |
| 65-Plus Annual Fishing License | $3.50 | Not available | Qualifying Arkansas residents age 65 or older; valid through June 30 |
Best-value shortcut: For nonresidents, the base-license cost is $15 for one day, $30 for up to three days, and $45 for a four-day trip if a three-day and one-day license cover the planned dates. At five days or more, the $60 annual license is no more expensive than combining the standard short-term options. Add the appropriate trout permit when required.
Current-catalog note: AGFC’s current fishing-license fee page and 2027 purchase catalog do not list a resident three-day trip license. An older RT3 product page is still indexable but is labeled “License Year: 2026.” Use the current catalog shown at checkout rather than an older search result.
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Who Needs an Arkansas Fishing License?
Anyone age 16 or older generally must carry a valid Arkansas fishing license when taking or attempting to take fish, frogs, or other aquatic wildlife in the state.
The main exception is fishing in a licensed put-and-take pay lake. Arkansas also holds an annual Free Fishing Weekend when normal license and trout-permit requirements are temporarily waived. In 2026, Free Fishing Weekend ran from noon June 12 through midnight June 14. Future dates can change, so check the latest Arkansas Game and Fish Commission fishing announcements.
Children younger than 16 may fish without buying a state fishing license. They must still follow all applicable seasons, daily limits, size restrictions, equipment rules, and location-specific regulations.
Anglers age 16 or older need an additional trout permit when keeping trout from Arkansas waters or fishing in certain designated trout waters. A fishing guide license is also required when a person guides, aids, or assists another angler for pay or other compensation. A guide license does not include the guide’s personal fishing privileges.
Active-duty military personnel may receive resident annual or trip privileges when they are assigned to a duty station in Arkansas. A service member who was an Arkansas resident when entering active duty may also receive resident privileges even when stationed outside Arkansas.
Note: Effective July 1, 2026, people age 16 or older using AGFC-owned wildlife management areas and lakes generally need either a current Arkansas hunting or fishing license or a $10.50 WMA/Lake Conservation Permit. A licensed angler does not need to buy the separate conservation permit for those areas.
Warning: A fishing license does not give permission to enter private property, fish closed water, exceed a bag or size limit, or use restricted fishing equipment. Always check the current rules for the exact lake, river, stream, or management area.
How Much Does an Arkansas Resident Fishing License Cost?
The standard Resident Fisheries Conservation License allows an eligible Arkansas resident to fish with sport-fishing tackle for $10.50. The current AGFC fee page does not list a standard resident one-day or three-day trip fishing license.
| Resident license or permit | Cost | Main purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fishing license | $10.50 | Sport fishing in Arkansas waters, subject to current regulations |
| Resident trout permit | $10 | Keeping trout or fishing in specified trout waters |
| 65-Plus Annual Fishing License | $3.50 | Annual fishing privileges for qualifying residents age 65 or older; valid through June 30 |
| 65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License | $10.50 | Lifetime fishing privileges for qualifying residents |
| 65-Plus Lifetime Trout Permit | $10 | Lifetime trout privileges for qualifying 65-plus license holders |
| Three-year disability fishing license | $10.50 | Three years of fishing privileges for eligible residents with qualifying disabilities |
Arkansas residents can buy a standard annual fishing license for $10.50. Trout fishing may require a separate $10 permit.
Who Qualifies as an Arkansas Resident?
For general annual licensing, AGFC defines a resident as someone who has physically lived in a genuine Arkansas residence for at least 60 days and declares Arkansas as a full-time residence. Owning property in Arkansas without living there does not qualify a person for resident pricing.
Some students and active-duty service members qualify under separate rules. Lifetime licenses commonly require proof of one full year of Arkansas residency, even when the standard annual license requires only 60 days.
When Is the Resident Trout Permit Required?
The $10 Resident Trout Permit is required when an angler age 16 or older wants to keep trout from any Arkansas water. It is also required simply to fish in certain designated waters, including specified tailwaters below Beaver, Bull Shoals, Norfork, Greers Ferry, and Greeson lakes, as well as the regulated section of Spavinaw Creek east of Highway 59.
How Much Does an Arkansas Nonresident Fishing License Cost?
Visitors can choose a one-day, three-day, or annual Arkansas fishing license. Select the option that covers your entire fishing period, including the correct start time for a three-day license. For a visitor-focused breakdown, see the Arkansas nonresident fishing license cost guide.
| Nonresident license or permit | Cost | Validity or purpose |
|---|---|---|
| One-day fishing license | $15 | One specified day |
| Three-day trip fishing license | $30 | 72 hours from the specified start time |
| Annual fishing license | $60 | One year from the purchase date |
| Nonresident trout permit | $20 | Required to retain trout or fish in designated trout waters |
The current AGFC fee list does not show the previously advertised $40 seven-day trip license. Visitors needing more than three days should compare the cost and coverage of multiple short-term licenses with the $60 annual license before buying.
A nonresident trout permit does not replace the underlying fishing license. A visitor fishing for trout in regulated waters generally needs both the appropriate nonresident fishing license and the $20 trout permit.
What Special Fishing Licenses Does Arkansas Offer?
Arkansas offers several discounted or lifetime licenses for qualifying residents. Each option has separate documentation and residency requirements.
- 65-Plus Annual Fishing License, $3.50: Available to Arkansas residents age 65 or older. The current licensing portal lists it as valid through June 30, and a separate trout permit is required when applicable.
- 65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License, $10.50: Available to Arkansas residents age 65 or older. Applicants need proof of age and one year of Arkansas residency. A separate $10 lifetime trout permit is required for applicable trout fishing.
- Resident Three-Year Disability Fishing License, $10.50: Requires proof of a 100% total and permanent disability from the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, or Railroad Retirement Board. The certification must be dated within the previous three years, and the applicant needs at least 60 days of Arkansas residency. Recertification is required when renewing after three years.
- Resident Military Retiree Lifetime Fishing License, $10.50: Available to military retirees age 60 or older who provide a military retiree ID and proof of one year of Arkansas residency. A separate trout permit is still required when applicable.
- Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Fishing License, $1.50: Available to qualifying veterans who are certified as 100% totally and permanently disabled and provide proof of one year of Arkansas residency.
- Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Combination License and Permit, $52.50: Available to qualifying residents with a service-connected disability rating of at least 70%, or at least 50% with a Purple Heart. This broader option includes hunting, fishing, trout, and state waterfowl privileges.
- Other lifetime options: Arkansas also lists a $1,000 Resident Sportsman’s Lifetime Combination License and Permit and a $500 Natural State Lifetime Combination License and Permit for qualifying resident children age 10 or younger. The Natural State option is limited to 500 licenses per fiscal year and is issued first-come, first-served.
Arkansas resident fishing-license holders can also buy a $10 White River Border Lakes License to fish the Missouri waters of Bull Shoals, Norfork, and Table Rock lakes without buying a Missouri nonresident fishing license. It is an add-on privilege, not a replacement for the underlying Arkansas fishing license or any required trout permit.
Applications for several disability, military, and lifetime products are handled through AGFC offices or by mail rather than as a standard online purchase. Call 833-345-0325 for the current application process.
Note: The free Mobility-Impaired Access Permit is not a fishing license. AGFC describes it as a restricted vehicle-access permit for qualifying people using Commission-owned wildlife management areas, particularly under specified hunting-season conditions. A separate fishing license is still required when the person fishes and is not otherwise exempt.
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What Does an Arkansas Fishing License Cover?
A standard sport-fishing license allows the holder to fish Arkansas waters with lawful sport-fishing tackle, subject to current statewide and location-specific regulations. It also gives the license holder access to AGFC-owned wildlife management areas and lakes without purchasing the separate WMA/Lake Conservation Permit.
A standard license does not automatically include:
- A resident or nonresident trout permit
- A White River Border Lakes License for the Missouri portions of Bull Shoals, Norfork, and Table Rock lakes
- Permission to enter privately owned land
- A fishing guide license for paid guiding
- Commercial fishing privileges
- A recreational netting permit
- Special alligator gar or paddlefish tags
- Permission to ignore seasons, closures, daily limits, length limits, or tackle restrictions
Arkansas fishing regulation changes generally take effect on July 1 beginning with the 2026-27 regulation cycle. Review the current AGFC fishing regulations before every trip.
Where Can I Buy an Arkansas Fishing License?
You can purchase most Arkansas fishing licenses and permits through four official channels:
- Online: Use the official Arkansas licensing portal. AGFC lists Visa, Mastercard, and Discover as accepted online payment methods.
- Authorized license dealer: Purchase from a participating sporting-goods store or other authorized business.
- AGFC location: Visit an AGFC regional office, nature center, or the Little Rock headquarters during normal business hours.
- Phone: Call 833-345-0325, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Information Needed to Purchase a License
AGFC may request your first and last name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, basic identifying information, and an optional driver’s license number. The licensing system has an exemption process for a customer who has never been issued a Social Security number.
Pro Tip: Save the emailed license PDF or a clear screenshot directly to your phone before leaving home. Do not depend on opening an email beside the water because cellular service may be limited.
Replacing a Lost License
A lost or damaged license can be reprinted at no cost through the licensing portal. You may also call 833-345-0325 during regular business hours for help. An electronic PDF, printed copy, or eligible license displayed through the AGFC mobile system can serve as proof of purchase.
License Validity, Cancellation, and Refund Questions
An Arkansas annual fishing license is valid for one year from its purchase date. A nonresident one-day license covers the specified day, while the three-day trip license runs for 72 hours from its selected start time. Disability and lifetime products follow the validity rules stated for those specific licenses.
AGFC states that an online order may be canceled until the buyer clicks the “Complete Purchase” button. Current AGFC license-product pages state that licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable after purchase. Contact AGFC directly at 833-345-0325 if a duplicate purchase, technical problem, or other unusual situation occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish without a license in Arkansas?
Anglers younger than 16 do not need a state fishing license. Other limited exceptions include licensed put-and-take pay lakes and Arkansas’s annual Free Fishing Weekend. Everyone must still follow applicable limits, closures, and equipment rules.
Are seniors exempt from Arkansas fishing-license requirements?
No. Arkansas residents age 65 or older can buy a 65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License for $10.50, but they are not automatically exempt. One year of Arkansas residency is required, and a separate $10 lifetime trout permit may also be needed.
What happens if I fish without a required license?
A wildlife officer may issue a citation, and fines or other court penalties may apply. The exact consequence depends on the violation and current regulations. Buy the correct license and permit before taking or attempting to take fish.
How long is an Arkansas fishing license valid?
A standard annual fishing license is valid for one year from the purchase date. A nonresident one-day license covers one specified day, and a nonresident three-day license is valid for 72 hours from the selected start time.
Can I get a refund for an Arkansas fishing license?
An online purchase can be canceled before the “Complete Purchase” button is clicked. Current AGFC license-product pages state that licenses are non-refundable after purchase, so call 833-345-0325 about duplicate purchases, technical errors, or other unusual situations.
Do I need a trout permit if I release every trout?
You still need a trout permit when fishing in one of Arkansas’s designated trout-permit waters, even if you plan to release every fish. On other waters, the permit is required when retaining trout.
Can I carry my Arkansas fishing license on my phone?
Yes. You can save the emailed PDF or use an eligible electronic copy. Saving it directly to your device is safer than relying on an email connection while fishing.
Does an Arkansas fishing license include a trout permit?
The standard resident and nonresident fishing licenses do not include the ordinary trout permit. Most qualifying anglers must add the $10 resident or $20 nonresident trout permit when fishing in designated trout waters or retaining trout.
Does Arkansas still sell a resident three-day fishing license?
The current AGFC fishing-license fee page and 2027 purchase catalog do not list a resident three-day trip license. An older RT3 product page remains indexable but is labeled “License Year: 2026,” so check the current catalog rather than relying on an older search result.
Does Arkansas sell a seven-day fishing license?
The current AGFC standard license list does not show a seven-day fishing license. Nonresidents can choose a $15 one-day, $30 three-day, or $60 annual license. The standard resident annual fishing license is $10.50.
Sources
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: Fishing License Descriptions and Fees — current resident, nonresident, trout, guide, and special-permit fees.
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Licensing System: Current Fishing Catalog — current products and checkout availability.
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Licensing System: RT3 Product Page — older resident three-day product page labeled License Year 2026.
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Licensing System: 65 Plus Annual Fishing License — current senior annual fishing license details and validity.
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: Licensing Frequently Asked Questions — residency, military eligibility, purchase methods, phone hours, digital licenses, and reprinting.
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: Disability and Lifetime Licenses — disability, senior, veteran, military-retiree, mobility, and lifetime-license qualifications.
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: General Fishing Regulations — current statewide regulations and guidebook access.
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: WMA/Lake Conservation Permit — July 1, 2026 permit requirements and fishing-license exception.
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: 2026-27 Fishing Regulation Changes — new July 1 regulation-change schedule.
Conclusion
For most Arkansas residents, the standard annual fishing license costs $10.50. Nonresidents can choose a $15 one-day, $30 three-day, or $60 annual license. Add the correct trout permit when fishing in designated trout waters or keeping trout. Check the current catalog before buying, carry a saved copy, and review the latest AGFC regulations before heading to the water. Happy fishing!
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