Arkansas Fisheries Conservation License: Requirements, Cost, and Age Limits (2026)
Anglers age 16 or older generally need an Arkansas fishing license. The resident Fisheries Conservation License costs $10.50 and the nonresident annual license costs $60; trout fishing may also require a separate permit.
Last verified 29 Aug 2026 against Arkansas Game and Fish Commission — Fishing License Descriptions and Fees.
| Rule | Answer | Source | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| License required? | Yes Anyone age 16 or older must carry a valid Arkansas fishing license to take or attempt to take aquatic wildlife, unless fishing in a licensed put-and-take pay lake. | Arkansas Game and Fish Commission — Fishing License Descriptions and Fees | 29 Aug 2026 |
| Resident annual license | USD 10.50 The resident Fisheries Conservation License costs $10.50. | AGFC | 29 Aug 2026 |
| Nonresident annual license | USD 60.00 The nonresident annual fishing license costs $60. | AGFC | 29 Aug 2026 |
| Senior resident lifetime license | USD 10.50 An Arkansas resident age 65 or older with at least one year of state residency may buy the $10.50 lifetime fishing license. A separate $10 lifetime trout permit is needed to fish the designated trout waters. | AGFC | 29 Aug 2026 |
| Nonresident one-day license | USD 15.00 The nonresident one-day fishing license costs $15 and is valid for one specified day. A separate nonresident trout permit may still be required. | AGFC | 29 Aug 2026 |
| Nonresident short-term licenses | USD 30.00 The nonresident three-day trip license costs $30 and is valid for 72 hours from its specified start time. A separate nonresident trout permit may still be required. | AGFC | 29 Aug 2026 |
| Anglers younger than 16 | Yes An angler younger than 16 does not need an Arkansas fishing license. | Arkansas Game and Fish Commission — Licensing Frequently Asked Questions | 29 Aug 2026 |
| Trout Permit | USD 10.00 The trout permit costs $10 for a resident or $20 for a nonresident. It is required in addition to the applicable base license to retain trout from any Arkansas water or to fish the designated trout waters listed by AGFC. | Arkansas Game and Fish Commission — Fishing License Descriptions and Fees | 29 Aug 2026 |
| 2026 Free Fishing Weekend | Yes Arkansas's 2026 Free Fishing Weekend ran from noon Friday, June 12, through midnight Sunday night, June 14. The fishing-license and trout permit requirements were waived during that period. | AGFC | 29 Aug 2026 |
| License year | 1 year An Arkansas annual fishing license expires one year from its purchase date. The June 30 expiration used by annual hunting licenses does not apply to the fishing license. | AGFC | 29 Aug 2026 |
| Beaver greers ferry trout limits | 2 trout daily The Beaver and Greers Ferry tailwaters each have a two-trout daily limit, and both retained trout must be shorter than 14 inches. | AGFC 2026–2027 Fishing Regulations — trout tailwaters | 29 Aug 2026 |
| Bull shoals lower trout limit | 2 trout daily On the Bull Shoals tailwater from Norfork Access to the Arkansas Highway 58 bridge, the daily limit is two trout, and only one may be longer than 14 inches. | AGFC 2026–2027 Fishing Regulations — trout tailwaters | 29 Aug 2026 |
| Bull shoals norfork trout limits | 2 rainbow trout daily From Bull Shoals Dam to Norfork Access, and throughout the entire Norfork tailwater, the daily limit is two rainbow trout. Trout over 14 inches and all other trout species must be released. | AGFC 2026–2027 Fishing Regulations — trout tailwaters | 29 Aug 2026 |
| Resident disability 3yr | USD 10.50 The three-year disability fishing license costs $10.50. The applicant needs proof of 100% total and permanent disability dated within the last three years from SSA, VA, or the Railroad Retirement Board, plus proof of 60 days of Arkansas residency. Recertification is required at renewal. | AGFC | 29 Aug 2026 |
| Resident disability combo 3yr | USD 35.50 The three-year disability combination hunting-and-fishing license costs $35.50 and uses the same disability certification and 60-day residency requirements. Recertification is required at renewal. | AGFC | 29 Aug 2026 |
| White river border lakes license | USD 10.00 An Arkansas resident license holder may add the $10 White River Border Lakes License to fish the Missouri portions of Bull Shoals, Norfork, and Table Rock lakes without buying a Missouri nonresident fishing license. AGFC's public description states no separate day limit for this product. | Arkansas Game and Fish Commission — White River Border Lakes License | 29 Aug 2026 |
Can an Arkansas license cover the Missouri side of a border lake?
Yes, if you live in Arkansas and already hold an Arkansas fishing license. The $10 White River Border Lakes License adds the Missouri portions of Bull Shoals, Norfork, and Table Rock lakes without requiring a full Missouri nonresident fishing license. That is a narrow three-lake product, not general Arkansas–Missouri reciprocity. AGFC’s public description does not give it a separate day limit, so don’t read one into the product. (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission — Fishing License Descriptions and Fees)
Is the senior lifetime license really $10.50?
Yes. An Arkansas resident age 65 or older may buy the lifetime fishing license for $10.50 after meeting the one-year residency requirement. It is a one-time, non-expiring license rather than an annual senior discount. If you fish the designated trout waters, add the separate $10 lifetime trout permit. Even with that add-on, Arkansas’s senior lifetime option is unusually inexpensive. (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission — 65-Plus Licenses)
When do I need the separate trout permit?
The base fishing license does not finish the purchase for every trout trip. The trout permit costs $10 for a resident and $20 for a nonresident. You need it to retain trout from any Arkansas water or to fish AGFC’s designated trout waters, including the listed tailwaters. Buying only the $10.50 resident base license or the $60 nonresident annual license can therefore leave you short of the required privilege. (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission — Fishing License Descriptions and Fees)
What changed for trout in 2026?
The February 1, 2026 changes are tied to water segments. From Bull Shoals Dam to Norfork Access, and throughout the Norfork tailwater, you may keep two rainbow trout daily; trout over 14 inches and every other trout species must be released. On Bull Shoals from Norfork Access to the Arkansas Highway 58 bridge, the daily limit is two trout, with only one over 14 inches. Beaver and Greers Ferry tailwaters each allow two trout daily, both under 14 inches. Check where you are on the tailwater before applying a limit. (AGFC 2026–2027 Fishing Regulations)
How long does an Arkansas annual license last?
It runs for one year from the purchase date. June 30 is the expiration date for Arkansas’s annual hunting licenses, not its annual fishing licenses. That rolling term makes the $10.50 resident annual license useful even when you buy after midsummer. Visitors can instead pay $15 for one specified day, $30 for 72 hours, or $60 for the annual product. (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission — Licensing)
Anglers younger than 16 do not need a fishing license. Arkansas also offers a $10.50 three-year disability fishing license and a $35.50 three-year combination license to qualifying residents. Both require recent proof of 100% total and permanent disability from SSA, VA, or the Railroad Retirement Board, plus 60 days of Arkansas residency; recertification is required at renewal. (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission — Disability Licenses and Permits)
Where to buy the license
- AGFC license portal Arkansas's official online hunting and fishing license portal.
- AGFC fishing-license descriptions and fees Current license products, fees, and eligibility information from AGFC.
- 2026–2027 Arkansas Fishing Guidebook Current statewide fishing regulations and guidebook downloads.
What if you're fishing across a state line?
Check the rules for the neighbouring state where you'll fish:
We haven't covered Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma or Tennessee yet — check with those states directly.