Arkansas Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
How much is a fishing license in Arkansas (AR)?
A resident annual Arkansas fishing license costs $10.50, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license is $60.00. Arkansas also offers short-term day passes for out-of-state visitors and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
How does Arkansas compare? See the 2026 fishing license cost by state price index.
🎫 Buy a Arkansas Fishing License →Fishing in Arkansas
Arkansas is trout-tailwater country layered over classic Southern bass and catfish water. The White and Little Red rivers below their dams are among the best trout fisheries in the country and have produced record brown trout. On the big Ozark lakes — Bull Shoals, Beaver and Ouachita — anglers chase largemouth, smallmouth and crappie, while the Arkansas and Mississippi rivers give up trophy catfish. Between the Delta and the Ozarks there's something biting in every season.
Arkansas Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$10.50
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$60.00
Non-Resident 3-Day
Freshwater
$30.00
Non-Resident 1-Day
Freshwater
$15.00
Senior (65+)
Freshwater
$10.50
AR resident 65+: one-time lifetime "65-Plus" license (not annual)
Youth (under 16)
Free✅ Prices verified October 2026 from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Arkansas fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Arkansas. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. Anglers under 16 need no fishing license (a license is required at 16 and older).
- Seniors (65+)
- Arkansas residents 65 and older can buy a $3.50 65-Plus Annual Fishing License (valid through June 30) or a one-time $10.50 65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License (one year residency required; may be purchased anytime during the year of the 65th birthday). Not free; trout permit sold separately.
- Anglers with disabilities
- A 3-Year Disability Fishing License is $10.50 for Arkansas residents certified 100% totally and permanently disabled (Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs or Railroad Retirement), with 60 days residency. A separate Mobility-Impaired Access Permit (an access permit, not a fishing license) is free.
- Veterans & military
- Arkansas resident veterans certified 100% totally and permanently disabled by the VA qualify for a $1.50 lifetime fishing license ($3.00 for the hunting+fishing combo). Resident disabled veterans rated 70%+ (or 50%+ with a Purple Heart) can buy a $52.50 lifetime combination license & permit. A Military Retiree Lifetime Fishing License is $10.50 for residents 60 and older. One year residency required.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- Arkansas' Free Fishing Weekend in 2026 ran June 12–14 (noon Friday June 12 through midnight Sunday June 14), when anyone could fish without a fishing license or trout stamp. All other regulations still apply.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified October 2026.
Where to buy a Arkansas fishing license
Online (cheapest): buy directly from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission — that’s the cheapest option, with no third-party markup.
In person: most sporting goods retailers (Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Walmart) and many tackle shops in Arkansas also sell licenses.
Arkansas Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Arkansas species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth BassStatewide black bass 10/day, 10-inch minimum (12-inch smallmouth in the Ozark Zone) | 10 | 10" | Year-round |
| CrappieCombined; some lakes have a 10-inch minimum | 30 | No limit | Year-round |
| TroutWhite/Little Red river sections have special brown-trout rules | 5 | No limit | Year-round (tailwaters) |
| BreamStatewide 50/day (unlimited only under 4 inches) | 50 | No limit | Year-round |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Arkansas Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Arkansas?
A resident annual fishing license in Arkansas costs $10.50, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license costs $60.00. Arkansas also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
How much is an out-of-state fishing license in Arkansas?
An out-of-state (non-resident) annual fishing license in Arkansas costs $60.00. For a shorter trip, Arkansas also sells 3-Day, 1-Day licenses. Buy online from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission before you fish.
Do you need a fishing license in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. Arkansas residents 65 and older can buy a $3.50 65-Plus Annual Fishing License (valid through June 30) or a one-time $10.50 65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License (one year residency required; may be purchased anytime during the year of the 65th birthday). Not free; trout permit sold separately. Always confirm current rules with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission before you fish.
Where do you buy a Arkansas fishing license?
Buy directly from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Arkansas.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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