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Arkansas’s 600,000 acres of lakes and 90,000 miles of rivers teem with bass, trout, and catfish, but accessing these waters requires compliance with state licensing laws. In 2025, fishing license costs for Arkansas residents start at $10.50 annually, while non-residents pay up to $60 for year-round access. These fees directly fund conservation programs that sustain iconic fisheries like the White River and Bull Shoals Lake.
This guide delivers instant answers to license costs while exploring hidden fees, discounts, and critical regulations. Whether you’re a resident planning weekend trips to Lake Ouachita or a non-resident targeting trophy trout, we’ll decode every pricing tier and permit requirement to maximize your angling budget.
2025 Arkansas Fishing License Costs: Resident vs. Non-Resident Breakdown
Arkansas offers the South’s most affordable licenses, but fees vary by residency, duration, and species. Below are the 2025 rates verified through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC).
Resident Fishing Licenses
| License Type | Cost | Validity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fisheries Conservation | $10.50 | 1 year (July 1–June 30) | Year-round anglers |
| 3-Day Trip | $6.50 | 72 hours | Spontaneous weekends |
| Combination (Hunting + Fishing) | $35.50 | 1 year | Outdoor enthusiasts |
| Senior Lifetime (65+) | $10.50 | Lifetime | Retirees |
| Disabled Veteran Lifetime | $1.50 | Lifetime | VA-certified veterans |
Key Savings:
- Residents save 83% compared to neighboring Texas ($62 annual license).
- The $35.50 Combination License includes $20 Wildlife Management Area (WMA) access, ideal for exploring 120+ AGFC-managed zones.
Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
| License Type | Cost | Validity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $60 | 1 year | Frequent visitors |
| 7-Day Trip | $25 | 7 days | Week-long vacations |
| 3-Day Trip | $30 | 72 hours | Short getaways |
| Trout Permit | $20 | 1 year | White River anglers |
Pro Tip: Non-residents fishing border waters like Bull Shoals Lake can purchase a $10 White River Border Lakes License, avoiding Missouri’s $49 non-resident fee.
Special Permits and Hidden Fees: Trout, Guides, and Conservation
1. Trout Fishing Permits
Arkansas’s 11 cold-water habitats require a supplemental trout permit, even if you hold a standard license:
- Resident Trout Permit: $10/year
- Non-Resident Trout Permit: $20/year
- Youth Exemption: Free for anglers under 16
Where It’s Required:
- Tailwaters below dams: Bull Shoals, Norfork, and Greers Ferry
- Designated trout streams: Spring River (Mammoth Spring to Dam 3)
2. Guide Licenses
Professional guides must purchase specialized permits:
| License Type | Cost | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Guide | $25 | CPR/First Aid certification |
| Non-Resident Guide | $450 | $1M liability insurance |
3. Conservation Add-Ons
- Waterfowl Stamp: $10 (mandatory for fishing in WMAs)
- Non-Game Wildlife License: $15 (supports endangered species)
How to Buy an Arkansas Fishing License: 4 Approved Methods
1. AGFC Mobile App (Most Popular)
- Features:
- Instant digital license delivery
- Offline access to fishing regulations
- Real-time updates on trout stocking
- GPS-marked catch reporting
- Download: iOS / Android
2. Online Portal
- Steps:
- Visit AGFC’s Licensing System.
- Enter Social Security Number and residency proof.
- Pay via credit/debit card ($2.50 processing fee).
3. In-Person Vendors
- Locations:
- Walmart Sporting Goods (400+ stores statewide)
- Tackle shops (e.g., Backwoods Outfitters in Mountain Home)
- AGFC regional offices (8 locations)
4. Mail Application
- Required Documents:
- Completed Form AGFC-200
- Photocopy of ID (Arkansas driver’s license for residents)
- Check/money order payable to AGFC
Processing Time: 10–14 business days.
License Expiration and Renewal: Staying Legal in 2025
All Arkansas fishing licenses expire annually on June 30, regardless of purchase date, aligning with the state’s fiscal year. For example, a license bought on June 1, 2025, will expire 30 days later.
Key Renewal Rules:
- Auto-Renewal: Available through the AGFC Mobile App for annual licenses only.
- Grace Period: No penalties apply until July 15, but anglers risk fines of $100–$1,000 after this date.
- Multi-Year Options: Lifetime licenses ($10.50 for seniors) never expire, while 3-day licenses are tied to calendar dates.
Pro Tip: Set a reminder for June 1 to avoid missing trout season openings on July 1.
Critical Regulations: Size Limits, Seasons, and Protected Waters
Arkansas enforces strict conservation rules to protect its 23 game fish species. Violations can result in license revocation for 1–3 years.
1. Catch Limits
| Species | Daily Limit | Minimum Size |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 10 | 13″ |
| Rainbow Trout | 5 | 9″ |
| Blue Catfish | 10 | 12″ |
| Alligator Gar | 1 | 36″ |
Exception: Bull Shoals Lake has a 15″ minimum for bass.
2. Seasonal Restrictions
- Trout Stocking Zones: Closed March 15–April 15 for spawning.
- Spotted Gar: Catch-and-release only from May 1–July 31.
- Electrofishing Ban: Prohibited within 500 yards of AGFC hatcheries.
3. Gear Restrictions
- Fly-Fishing Only: 12-mile stretch of the Little Red River.
- No Jug Lines: On Lake Conway to protect endangered paddlefish.
Reference: Full regulations at AGFC 2025 Fishing Guide.
Free Fishing Days and Special Exemptions
Arkansas offers two free fishing weekends annually (June 7–8 and October 11–12 in 2025), where residents and non-residents can fish without licenses.
Who Doesn’t Need a License?
- Under 16: Except in trout zones (permit still required).
- Disabled Anglers: With AGFC-issued disability credentials.
- Military on Leave: Active-duty personnel during 30-day furloughs.
- Private Pond Owners: Fishing on their own property.
Plan Ahead: Use free days to explore premier spots like Bull Shoals Tailwater, but trout permits still apply.
