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Get your Arkansas fishing license with our step-by-step guide! Enjoy hassle-free fishing and discover tips suitable for all skill levels.
Arkansas, known as The Natural State, offers anglers over 600,000 acres of lakes and 90,000 miles of rivers and streams teeming with bass, trout, crappie, and catfish. Whether you’re casting a line in the legendary White River or exploring family-friendly spots like Lake Ouachita, securing a 2025 Arkansas fishing license is your gateway to these pristine waters. This guide simplifies the licensing process, clarifies regulations, and provides insider tips tailored for beginners. Let’s ensure you’re fully prepared for a seamless and enjoyable fishing season.
By law, anyone aged 16 or older must carry a valid Arkansas fishing license to fish in public waters. This applies to residents and nonresidents alike. Exceptions include:
Your residency status determines license costs and eligibility:
Key Tip: Active-duty military personnel stationed in Arkansas qualify for resident licenses.
A Trout Permit ($10 for residents, $20 for nonresidents) is mandatory if you:
Arkansas offers flexible options for all anglers:
License Type | Resident Cost | Nonresident Cost | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
Annual Fishing License | $12.50 | $50 | 1 Year |
3-Day Trip License | N/A | $20 | 3 Consecutive Days |
Trout Permit | $10 | $20 | 1 Year |
Disability Fishing License | $2.50 | N/A | 1 Year |
Note: Seniors (65+) qualify for a $6.50 lifetime fishing license.
Why Buy Online? Instant access, automatic renewal reminders, and reprints via the AGFC portal.
Call the AGFC hotline at 833-345-0325 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.).
Fishing rules change annually. Before your trip:
For beginners or those with limited mobility:
Arkansas fishing regulations are updated annually to protect fish populations and habitats. In 2025, key changes include:
Essential Resources:
Arkansas offers 20+ ADA-compliant fishing piers and family-friendly spots:
Pro Tip: Use Free Fishing Days (June 7–8, 2025) to introduce kids to angling without a license.
Arkansas requires anglers to:
Conservation Impact: License fees fund 3.2 million fish stocked annually in Arkansas waters .
Season | Target Species | Top Locations | Tactics |
---|---|---|---|
Spring | Crappie, Walleye | Lake Ouachita, Bull Shoals | Vertical jigging near brush |
Summer | Catfish, Bluegill | Mississippi River Backwaters | Night fishing with cut bait |
Fall | Trout, Striped Bass | White River, Beaver Lake | Fly fishing with streamers |
Winter | Yellow Perch | Lake Dardanelle | Ice fishing (northern zones) |
2025 Highlight: AGFC’s new Winter Trout Program stocks 50,000 rainbow trout in Lake Atalanta from December–February .
Securing your 2025 Arkansas fishing license is the first step to exploring the state’s world-class fisheries. From the trophy bass of the Ozarks to serene trout streams, Arkansas offers unparalleled diversity. Always cross-check regulations via the AGFC website and consider a lifetime license if you plan to fish long-term. For nonresidents, our Arkansas Non-Resident Fishing License Guide simplifies the process. Tight lines and happy fishing!