Last Updated: July 28, 2026 | Verified against official 2026–2027 AGFC Regulations
An Arkansas resident fishing license costs $10.50, while a nonresident annual license costs $60. Nonresidents can also purchase short-term options including a 1-day license for $15 or a 72-hour license for $30. Depending on your age, residency, targeted species (such as trout), and trip length, additional permits or exemptions may apply under current Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) regulations.
Quick Answer
An Arkansas resident fishing license costs $10.50 per year, while nonresidents pay $60 annually, $30 for 3 days, or $15 for 1 day. A trout permit costs $10 for residents and $20 for nonresidents when keeping trout or fishing designated trout waters.
Key Takeaways
- Most anglers age 16 or older require a valid Arkansas fishing license.
- The standard resident license is $10.50 and remains valid for one full year from purchase.
- Nonresident choices include $15 for 1 day, $30 for 72 hours, or $60 for an annual license.
- A trout permit ($10 resident / $20 nonresident) is required to keep trout or fish in designated trout waters.
- Youth under 16, anglers during Free Fishing Weekend, and pay-lake anglers qualify for license exemptions.
Who Needs a Fishing License in Arkansas?
If you are 16 or older, you must carry a valid fishing license to take or attempt to take fish, frogs, or other aquatic wildlife in Arkansas public waters. The primary statewide exception is fishing in a licensed put-and-take pay lake.
To qualify for a resident license, you must have maintained a bona fide physical domicile in Arkansas for at least 60 consecutive days and declared Arkansas as your full-time residence. Owning real estate or land in Arkansas does not by itself qualify a nonresident for resident license rates. Full-time students attending Arkansas institutions and qualifying active-duty military personnel stationed in the state can obtain resident licenses under special AGFC rules.
If you plan to keep trout from any Arkansas water, you must purchase a trout permit. A permit is also legally required simply to fish in designated trout waters—even if you release every fish—including tailwaters below Beaver, Bull Shoals, Norfork, Greers Ferry, and Lake Greeson dams, as well as the regulated section of Spavinaw Creek. Always check current rules on the official AGFC fishing license and permit page before heading out.
Anyone who guides, aids, or assists anglers for monetary compensation or other value must hold an AGFC fishing guide license. Because a guide license does not grant personal fishing privileges, the guide must also hold a valid individual sport fishing license when actively fishing.
Note: AGFC guidebooks summarize common regulations, but the official AGFC Code of Regulations is the legal authority. Always verify water-specific rules prior to fishing.
How Much Is an Arkansas Fishing License? Costs Explained
The table below summarizes the core sport-fishing licenses and trout permits offered by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
| License or Permit | Current Fee | Main Use |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Fisheries Conservation License | $10.50 | Standard annual resident sport fishing |
| Resident Combination Sportsman’s License | $35.50 | Resident hunting and fishing privileges (trout permit sold separately) |
| Nonresident One-Day Fishing License | $15.00 | Valid for one specified calendar day |
| Nonresident Three-Day Trip Fishing License | $30.00 | Valid for 72 consecutive hours from selected start time |
| Nonresident Annual Fishing License | $60.00 | Full-year nonresident sport fishing |
| Resident Trout Permit | $10.00 | Required to keep trout or fish designated trout waters |
| Nonresident Trout Permit | $20.00 | Required alongside nonresident fishing license when applicable |
Products Worth Considering
This Arkansas Razorbacks Diamond license plate is an embossed metal (aluminum) auto tag.
Comes with pre-drilled holes for easy installation
Resident License Pricing
A standard resident annual fishing license costs $10.50 and is valid for exactly 365 days from the time of purchase. Arkansas does not issue short-term trip licenses for state residents, making the annual license the primary option for local anglers.
A resident targeting trout will pay $20.50 total ($10.50 license + $10 resident trout permit). The $35.50 Resident Combination Sportsman’s License combines hunting and basic fishing privileges, though trout permits remain a separate add-on.
Nonresident License Costs
Out-of-state anglers can select a $15 1-day license, a $30 3-day (72-hour) license, or a $60 annual license. If trout fishing is on your itinerary, add the $20 nonresident trout permit.
Common Nonresident Out-of-Pocket Totals:
- 1-Day Weekend Trip (Warmwater): $15.00
- 1-Day Trout Fishing Trip: $15.00 license + $20.00 permit = $35.00
- 3-Day (72-Hour) Trout Vacation: $30.00 license + $20.00 permit = $50.00
- Annual Nonresident Trout Angler: $60.00 license + $20.00 permit = $80.00
Pro Tip: Check whether your target lake, river, or tailwater requires a trout permit even if you plan to catch and release. Certain designated waters enforce the permit rule for all anglers on the water.
Who Is Exempt From Needing a Fishing License in Arkansas?
Arkansas provides specific legal exemptions under which an angler may fish without purchasing a standard license.
Age Exemptions
Youth under age 16 do not need an Arkansas fishing license or trout permit to fish recreationally. Once an angler reaches their 16th birthday, standard licensing rules apply.
Residents age 65 and older are not automatically exempt from licensing, but qualify for a 65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License for $10.50. A separate $10 lifetime trout permit covers designated trout waters or keeping trout for life.
Special Exemptions and No-License Events
- Free Fishing Weekend: Held annually by governor proclamation (June 12–14 in 2026). Anyone may fish public waters without a license or trout permit during this weekend. All bag and size limits remain enforced.
- Licensed Put-and-Take Pay Lakes: Anglers may fish without a state license on commercial pay lakes licensed by AGFC.
- Disability Licenses: Certified 100% permanently disabled Arkansas residents can obtain a 3-year disability fishing license for $10.50 (discounted rate, not a total exemption).
- Mobility-Impaired Access Permit: Grants specific land/water access privileges on AGFC properties but does not replace the required fishing license.
- Active-Duty Military: Qualified active-duty service members stationed in Arkansas can purchase resident-rate licenses but must hold the valid license while fishing.
Warning: Never assume age, military status, or possession of an access permit waives license requirements. Always verify active privileges on your official AGFC customer profile before casting.
What Special Fishing Licenses Are Available in Arkansas?
AGFC offers specialized licenses for seniors, disabled veterans, lifetime buyers, netting, and commercial guides.
| License Type | Fee | Who It Is For |
|---|---|---|
| 65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License | $10.50 | Resident seniors age 65+ (Lifetime trout permit is $10.00 extra) |
| 65-Plus Lifetime Combination License | $35.50 | Resident seniors wanting lifetime hunting and fishing privileges |
| Resident 3-Year Disability Fishing License | $10.50 | Residents with certified 100% total and permanent disability |
| Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime License | $1.50 | Qualifying veterans with 100% service-connected disability |
| Sportsman’s Lifetime Combination License | $1,000.00 | Non-expiring lifetime hunting, fishing, and permit privileges |
| Natural State Lifetime Combination (Youth) | $500.00 | Qualifying resident youth age 10 or younger |
| White River Border Lakes License | $10.00 | Arkansas residents fishing Missouri portions of Bull Shoals, Norfork, and Table Rock |
| Resident Fishing Guide License | $250.00 | Commercial resident fishing guides ($350 for combination guide) |
| Nonresident Fishing Guide License | $500.00 | Commercial out-of-state fishing guides |
Trophy harvest opportunities may require permit drawings. An Alligator Gar Trophy Tag is required for gar over 36 inches, and a Paddlefish Trophy Tag covers snagging seasons ($5 drawing fee per application).
Products Worth Considering
Souvenir collectible from Arkansas
Enough to Use: you will receive 6 pieces of fishing license holders, and 6 pieces of safety pins, abundant in quantity, enough for you to choose and replace, can meet your different needs; You can also share them with your friends
Embossed aluminum license plate in team colors
What Are the New Arkansas Fishing License Rules for 2026–2027?
Effective July 1, 2026, updated AGFC regulations govern access to state-owned management areas. Anyone age 16 or older utilizing an AGFC-owned wildlife management area (WMA) or AGFC lake must hold at least one of the following:
- A valid Arkansas sport fishing license;
- A valid Arkansas hunting license; or
- An annual AGFC-Owned WMA/Lake Conservation Permit ($10.50).
If you already possess a valid fishing license, you are fully compliant and do not need to buy the separate WMA Conservation Permit. Review property-specific details on the official AGFC permit page.
A valid Arkansas fishing license automatically satisfies the access permit requirement for AGFC-owned lakes and WMAs under the July 1, 2026 rule.
Where Can You Buy an Arkansas Fishing License?
You can purchase an official AGFC fishing license through four primary distribution channels:
- Online Portal: Purchase 24/7 via the official AGFC licensing website using Visa, Mastercard, or Discover.
- Authorized Retailers: Available at bait shops, Walmart, sporting goods stores, and local tackle retailers statewide.
- AGFC Offices: Buy in person at AGFC regional offices, nature centers, or Little Rock headquarters during business hours.
- By Phone: Call AGFC customer support at 833-345-0325 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM CST).
Applicants must provide personal identification, date of birth, residential address, and Social Security Number (mandated by federal law for child support enforcement compliance). Digital licenses stored as a PDF or within the official AGFC mobile app are legally valid across Arkansas waters.
Pro Tip: Always double-check your effective start dates prior to completing your online purchase. Digital transactions are non-refundable once finalized.
Products Worth Considering
Package length: 0.508 cm
FISHING LICENSE HOLDER W/ZIP CLOSURE
Made of zinc alloy metal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish without a license in Arkansas state parks?
No. State park waters follow standard AGFC regulations. Anglers age 16 and older need a valid license unless fishing during Free Fishing Weekend or on a licensed pay lake.
How do I renew my Arkansas fishing license?
Renew online at the AGFC portal, through the mobile app, at an authorized retail dealer, or by calling 833-345-0325. Standard annual licenses remain valid for 365 days from purchase.
Are Arkansas fishing licenses valid for multiple years?
Standard resident and nonresident licenses are annual (365 days). However, AGFC offers a 3-year disability license for eligible residents and lifetime options for seniors, disabled veterans, and youth.
What happens if I fish without a required license?
Fishing without a valid license is a misdemeanor AGFC violation punishable by court fines, restitution fees, and potential suspension of hunting/fishing privileges.
Can I get a refund for an Arkansas fishing license?
Generally no. AGFC online purchases cannot be refunded once completed. If an error occurs during checkout, contact AGFC licensing support immediately at 833-345-0325.
Do I need a trout permit if I release every trout?
Yes, if you are fishing in designated trout waters (such as White River tailwaters or Spavinaw Creek). In those waters, a trout permit is required regardless of harvest intent.
Can a nonresident buy a short-term Arkansas fishing license?
Yes. Nonresidents can purchase a 1-day license for $15 or a 3-day (72-hour) trip license for $30. Add the $20 nonresident trout permit if fishing trout waters.
Conclusion
Arkansas offers accessible sport fishing rates starting at $10.50 for residents, alongside 1-day ($15), 3-day ($30), and annual ($60) choices for visitors. Match your license selection to your residency, trip duration, and target species, carry a digital or paper permit, and follow all 2026–2027 AGFC regulations prior to fishing.
Sources
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: Fishing License Descriptions and Fees — Official license costs, trout permits, and guide license rules.
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: Licensing FAQ — Age limits, residency definitions, military options, and mobile license rules.
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: Disability & Special Licenses — Guidelines and documentation requirements for senior, veteran, and disability licenses.
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission: 2026–2027 Regulation Changes — Effective July 1, 2026 rule updates and WMA access permits.
