Arkansas Fishing License
Issued by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Fishing in Arkansas
Arkansas is one of the most underrated trout destinations in the country. The White and Norfork tailwaters below Bull Shoals and Norfork dams produce trophy brown trout — the world record came from the White in 1992 — alongside steady rainbow fishing. Beaver, Bull Shoals, Greers Ferry, and Lake Ouachita hold stripers, walleye, and big largemouth. The Buffalo National River, Mississippi backwaters, and the Arkansas River round out a remarkably diverse freshwater fishery.
License Types & Fees
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Fisheries Conservation (FSH) Standard resident annual fishing license | $10.50 |
| Resident 3-Day Trip Fishing (RT3) | $6.50 |
| Resident Combination Sportsman's (CS) Adds hunting privileges | $35.50 |
| Resident Trout Permit (TPR) Required to keep trout or fish certain tailwaters | $10.00 |
| 65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License | $10.50 |
| 65-Plus Lifetime Trout Permit (PLT) | $10.00 |
| 65-Plus Lifetime Combination License | $35.50 |
| Nonexpiring Lifetime Sportsman's Permit Waives most permit fees for life | $1,000.00 |
| Resident 3-Year Disability License (RDF) | $10.50 |
| White River Border Lakes License (WRL) Adds Bull Shoals/Norfork/Table Rock MO waters | $10.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual Fishing (NRF) | $60.00 |
| Non-Resident 3-Day Trip Fishing (NT3) | $30.00 |
| Non-Resident Trout Permit (TPN) | $20.00 |
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current pricing on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website before purchasing.
Anglers age 16 and older need a license. Alligator Gar Trophy Tag and Paddlefish Trophy Tag are limited-entry permits issued free by lottery (each carries a $5 application fee).
Log Your Arkansas Catches
CatchVault is available on iOS. Identify species with AI, measure with LiDAR, and keep a private journal of every fish you land in Arkansas.