If you plan to go fishing in Arkansas in 2024, it’s important to understand the different types of fishing licenses available and which one you need based on your residency status and the type of fishing you intend to do. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) offers a variety of fishing licenses to ensure that anglers comply with state regulations and contribute to the conservation of aquatic resources.
Resident Fishing Licenses
Arkansas residents have several options when it comes to fishing licenses. The most common is the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (FSH), which entitles the holder to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle. This license is valid for one year and can be purchased online, at AGFC regional offices, or from authorized license dealers.
For residents aged 65 and older, the 65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License is available. This license entitles the holder to the privileges of the Resident Fisheries Conservation License for life. Proof of age and one year of Arkansas residency are required to purchase this license.
Residents with disabilities may be eligible for the Resident 3-Year Disability License (RDF) or the Resident 3-Year Disability Combination License (RDC). These licenses provide fishing and/or hunting privileges for three years and require certification from the Social Security Administration, Veteran’s Affairs, or Railroad Retirement, as well as proof of 60 days Arkansas residency.
Nonresident Fishing Licenses
Nonresidents who wish to fish in Arkansas must purchase a Nonresident Annual Fishing License (NRF). This license entitles the holder to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle for one year. In addition, a Nonresident Trout Permit must be purchased to retain trout or fish in certain waters.
For nonresidents who plan to fish for a shorter period, the Nonresident 3-Day Fishing License is available. This license entitles the holder to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle for the three-day period specified. A Nonresident Trout Permit is also required to retain trout or fish in certain waters.
Trout Permits
In addition to a fishing license, anglers who wish to fish for trout or keep trout from any Arkansas waters must purchase a trout permit. This permit is required to fish in certain waters, such as tailwaters below Beaver Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Greeson, or east of Highway 59 on Spavinaw Creek.
The Resident Trout Permit is available for Arkansas residents, while the Nonresident Trout Permit is required for nonresidents. These permits must be purchased in addition to the appropriate fishing license.
Other Fishing Licenses and Permits
The AGFC also offers several other fishing licenses and permits, such as the Commercial Fisherman’s Permit and Sport-fishing License (CFS), which entitles a resident to fish waters of the state with commercial fishing tackle. The White River Border Lakes License (WRL) allows Arkansas resident fishing license holders to fish in the Missouri waters of Bull Shoals, Norfork, and Table Rock lakes without a nonresident fishing license from Missouri.
Fishing guides, both residents and nonresidents, must obtain a Fishing Guide License to guide, aid, or assist another person for pay or other consideration in the taking of fish. This license does not include fishing privileges.
To ensure compliance with state regulations and support the conservation efforts of the AGFC, it’s essential for anglers to purchase the appropriate fishing license and permits before heading out on the water in Arkansas in 2024. By doing so, they can enjoy the state’s abundant fishing opportunities while contributing to the sustainability of its aquatic resources.