Arkansas fishing license
Arkansas requires a recreational fishing license from age 16. The state licenses freshwater fishing. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission runs licenses from the date of purchase rather than on a license year: All fishing licenses expire one year from date of purchase unless otherwise noted.
Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission · Reviewed July 30, 2026
Your likely official license
Yes — a licence is required. For a 1-day non-resident freshwater trip in Arkansas, the official match is Nonresident 1-Day Fishing License (NT1).
- Nonresident 1-Day Fishing License (NT1)$15 · Valid for one specified day.
What it covers
- Nonresident 1-Day Fishing License (NT1) — freshwater. $15 fee for the "Nonresident 1-Day Fishing License (NT1)" row of the AGFC Fishing License Descriptions and Fees table.Limits on this license: A Nonresident Trout Permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain trout waters.
Required add-ons
No stamp or endorsement is attached to this licence for your residency, age and trip length. Check “You may also need” below for requirements that depend on where and what you fish.
You may also need
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission publishes these for the water you selected. Whether one applies depends on what you fish for and where — something this tool does not ask.
- Resident Trout Permit (TPR) — Required to retain trout from any Arkansas waters or to fish in certain trout waters (tailwaters below Beaver Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork Lake, Greers Ferry Lake and Lake Greeson, the Spring River, or east of Highway 59 on Spavinaw Creek). Not required for holders of the nonexpiring $1,000 Lifetime Resident Hunting and Fishing Sportsman's Permit or of the 65-Plus Lifetime License and Trout Permit. · $10
- Nonresident Trout Permit (TPN) — Required of a nonresident, in addition to a Nonresident Annual or Trip Fishing License, to retain trout or to fish in certain trout waters. · $20
- 65-Plus Lifetime Trout Permit (PLT) — Lifetime trout permit, purchased once at age 65 or older, for holders of 65-Plus Lifetime Licenses who want to fish certain trout waters or keep trout. · $10
- White River Border Lakes License (WRL) — Entitles Arkansas resident fishing license holders to fish in the Missouri waters of Bull Shoals, Norfork and Table Rock lakes without a nonresident Missouri fishing license. · $10
- Resident Recreational Netting Permit (RNP) — Required in addition to a valid resident fishing license to fish up to a combination of five hoop nets, fiddler-sized hoop nets or slat traps, or 100 yards of gill and trammel net webbing, or 100 yards of trotlines or snaglines, on waters open to commercial fishing. · $25
Why this answer
- You selected non-resident status, age 35, freshwater fishing, for 1 day.
- Nonresident 1-Day Fishing License (NT1) covers the full trip: Valid for one specified day.
Other options you are eligible for
- Nonresident 3-Day Trip Fishing License (NT3) — $30 for this trip · Three-day period, valid for 72 hours from the specified start time.A Nonresident Trout Permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain trout waters.
- Nonresident Annual Fishing License (NRF) — $60 for this trip · All fishing licenses expire one year from date of purchase unless otherwise noted.A Nonresident Trout Permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain trout waters.
Exceptions that may change it
- Arkansas's most recently published free fishing day was June 12, 2026 (Arkansas Free Fishing Weekend 2026); check the agency for the next one. No licence is required on a free fishing day; other rules still apply.
- Nonresident 1-Day Fishing License (NT1): A Nonresident Trout Permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain trout waters.
- No Arkansas fishing license is required when fishing in a licensed "put-and-take" pay lake.
- This answer covers the licence only. Season, size, bag and waterbody rules still apply and change through the year.
We do not sell licenses and take no commission. This goes to the state agency.
Check current Arkansas regulations(external, opens the official state website)Seasons, size limits, bag limits and waterbody closures are not covered by this tool and change through the year.
- Source
- Fishing License Descriptions and Fees - Arkansas Game & Fish Commission(external, opens the official state website) — Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
- Validity
- All fishing licenses expire one year from date of purchase unless otherwise noted.
- Reviewed
- July 30, 2026
Answers at a glance
Common trips, answered from the same official record the checker uses. These assume an adult with no special circumstances — set your own age, water and trip above.
Visiting for a day
Adult visiting from another state · freshwater · one day
Nonresident 1-Day Fishing License (NT1)
Published total: $15
Resident for the season
Adult Arkansas resident · freshwater · all year
Resident Fisheries Conservation License (FSH)
Published total: $10.50
Age and residency rules
Who counts as a resident. A resident is any person who physically inhabits a bona fide residence within Arkansas for at least 60 days and declares they are a full-time resident of Arkansas. Ownership of Arkansas real estate by a person living outside the state does not qualify the owner as a resident. Certain full-time students and active-duty military personnel assigned to duty stations in Arkansas are also eligible for resident privileges.
Age-based rules
- Anglers under 16 do not need an Arkansas fishing license; the requirement to carry a valid fishing license applies only from age 16.
License options
| License | Who | Water | Valid for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Fisheries Conservation License (FSH)(external, opens the official state website)Entitles a resident to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle. A Resident Trout Permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain trout waters. | ResidentIf you are 16 or older, you must carry a valid Arkansas fishing license to take or attempt to take aquatic wildlife in Arkansas. | freshwater | All fishing licenses expire one year from date of purchase unless otherwise noted. | $10.50 |
| Combination Sportsman's License (CS)(external, opens the official state website)Entitles the holder to the privileges of the Resident Sportsman's License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). A Resident Trout Permit is still needed for trout waters. | ResidentRequired from age 16 for fishing privileges. | freshwater | Expires June 30. | $35.50 |
| 65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License (PLF)(external, opens the official state website)Grants the privileges of the Resident Fisheries Conservation License. A 65-Plus Lifetime Trout Permit ($10, purchased once after age 65) must be bought to fish certain trout waters. | ResidentArkansas residents 65 or older; may be purchased any time during the year of the resident's 65th birthday. Proof of age and one year of Arkansas residency are required. | freshwater | Lifetime license. | $10.50 |
| 65-Plus Lifetime Combination License (PLC)(external, opens the official state website)Grants the privileges of the resident Sportsman's License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). A lifetime trout permit must be purchased separately for trout waters. | ResidentArkansas residents 65 or older; proof of age and one year of Arkansas residency are required. | freshwater | Lifetime license. | $35.50 |
| Resident 3-Year Disability Fishing License (RDF)(external, opens the official state website)Requires 100 percent total and permanent disability certification dated within the last three years from the Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs or Railroad Retirement, plus proof of 60 days Arkansas residency. Available from the AGFC Little Rock office and by mail. A Resident Trout Permit is still needed for trout waters. | Resident | freshwater | Valid for three years from date of purchase; recertification is required for renewal. | $10.50 |
| Resident 3-Year Disability Combination License (RDC)(external, opens the official state website)Hunting and fishing privileges. Requires 100 percent total and permanent disability certification and proof of 60 days Arkansas residency. | Resident | freshwater | Valid for three years from date of purchase; recertification is required for renewal. | $35.50 |
| Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Fishing License (VLF)(external, opens the official state website)Veterans must be 100 percent totally and permanently disabled with certification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, plus proof of one year Arkansas residency. A Resident Trout Permit is still needed for trout waters. | Resident | freshwater | Lifetime license. | $1.50 |
| Resident Military Retiree Lifetime Fishing License (MRF)(external, opens the official state website)Requires proof of military retirement (military ID card) and proof of one year Arkansas residency. A Resident Trout Permit is still needed for trout waters. | ResidentMilitary retirees must be 60 years of age or older. | freshwater | Lifetime license. | $10.50 |
| Resident Sportsman's Lifetime Combination License and Permit (LSP)(external, opens the official state website)Fees for trout permits, leased lands permits, alligator permits, elk permits, state waterfowl stamps and WMA permit hunts are included. Requires proof of one year of Arkansas residency. | ResidentPurchasers of any age. | freshwater | Nonexpiring lifetime permit. | $1,000 |
| Resident Natural State Lifetime Combination License and Permit (NSLL)(external, opens the official state website)Only 500 of these licenses are issued per fiscal year (July 1-June 30), filled first-come, first-served. Requires proof of the recipient's age and one year of Arkansas residency. | ResidentMay be purchased for a resident aged 10 and younger. | freshwater | Lifetime hunting and fishing privileges. | $500 |
| Nonresident Annual Fishing License (NRF)(external, opens the official state website)A Nonresident Trout Permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain trout waters. | Non-residentRequired from age 16. | freshwater | All fishing licenses expire one year from date of purchase unless otherwise noted. | $60 |
| Nonresident 1-Day Fishing License (NT1)(external, opens the official state website)A Nonresident Trout Permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain trout waters. | Non-residentRequired from age 16. | freshwater | Valid for one specified day. | $15 |
| Nonresident 3-Day Trip Fishing License (NT3)(external, opens the official state website)A Nonresident Trout Permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain trout waters. | Non-residentRequired from age 16. | freshwater | Three-day period, valid for 72 hours from the specified start time. | $30 |
Resident Fisheries Conservation License (FSH)(external, opens the official state website)
Entitles a resident to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle. A Resident Trout Permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain trout waters.
- Who
- Resident · If you are 16 or older, you must carry a valid Arkansas fishing license to take or attempt to take aquatic wildlife in Arkansas.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- All fishing licenses expire one year from date of purchase unless otherwise noted.
- Price
- $10.50
Combination Sportsman's License (CS)(external, opens the official state website)
Entitles the holder to the privileges of the Resident Sportsman's License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). A Resident Trout Permit is still needed for trout waters.
- Who
- Resident · Required from age 16 for fishing privileges.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Expires June 30.
- Price
- $35.50
65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License (PLF)(external, opens the official state website)
Grants the privileges of the Resident Fisheries Conservation License. A 65-Plus Lifetime Trout Permit ($10, purchased once after age 65) must be bought to fish certain trout waters.
- Who
- Resident · Arkansas residents 65 or older; may be purchased any time during the year of the resident's 65th birthday. Proof of age and one year of Arkansas residency are required.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Lifetime license.
- Price
- $10.50
65-Plus Lifetime Combination License (PLC)(external, opens the official state website)
Grants the privileges of the resident Sportsman's License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). A lifetime trout permit must be purchased separately for trout waters.
- Who
- Resident · Arkansas residents 65 or older; proof of age and one year of Arkansas residency are required.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Lifetime license.
- Price
- $35.50
Resident 3-Year Disability Fishing License (RDF)(external, opens the official state website)
Requires 100 percent total and permanent disability certification dated within the last three years from the Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs or Railroad Retirement, plus proof of 60 days Arkansas residency. Available from the AGFC Little Rock office and by mail. A Resident Trout Permit is still needed for trout waters.
- Who
- Resident
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Valid for three years from date of purchase; recertification is required for renewal.
- Price
- $10.50
Resident 3-Year Disability Combination License (RDC)(external, opens the official state website)
Hunting and fishing privileges. Requires 100 percent total and permanent disability certification and proof of 60 days Arkansas residency.
- Who
- Resident
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Valid for three years from date of purchase; recertification is required for renewal.
- Price
- $35.50
Veterans must be 100 percent totally and permanently disabled with certification from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, plus proof of one year Arkansas residency. A Resident Trout Permit is still needed for trout waters.
- Who
- Resident
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Lifetime license.
- Price
- $1.50
Resident Military Retiree Lifetime Fishing License (MRF)(external, opens the official state website)
Requires proof of military retirement (military ID card) and proof of one year Arkansas residency. A Resident Trout Permit is still needed for trout waters.
- Who
- Resident · Military retirees must be 60 years of age or older.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Lifetime license.
- Price
- $10.50
Fees for trout permits, leased lands permits, alligator permits, elk permits, state waterfowl stamps and WMA permit hunts are included. Requires proof of one year of Arkansas residency.
- Who
- Resident · Purchasers of any age.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Nonexpiring lifetime permit.
- Price
- $1,000
Only 500 of these licenses are issued per fiscal year (July 1-June 30), filled first-come, first-served. Requires proof of the recipient's age and one year of Arkansas residency.
- Who
- Resident · May be purchased for a resident aged 10 and younger.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Lifetime hunting and fishing privileges.
- Price
- $500
Nonresident Annual Fishing License (NRF)(external, opens the official state website)
A Nonresident Trout Permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain trout waters.
- Who
- Non-resident · Required from age 16.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- All fishing licenses expire one year from date of purchase unless otherwise noted.
- Price
- $60
Nonresident 1-Day Fishing License (NT1)(external, opens the official state website)
A Nonresident Trout Permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain trout waters.
- Who
- Non-resident · Required from age 16.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Valid for one specified day.
- Price
- $15
Nonresident 3-Day Trip Fishing License (NT3)(external, opens the official state website)
A Nonresident Trout Permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain trout waters.
- Who
- Non-resident · Required from age 16.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Three-day period, valid for 72 hours from the specified start time.
- Price
- $30
Stamps, endorsements and report cards
- Resident Trout Permit (TPR) — Required to retain trout from any Arkansas waters or to fish in certain trout waters (tailwaters below Beaver Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork Lake, Greers Ferry Lake and Lake Greeson, the Spring River, or east of Highway 59 on Spavinaw Creek). Not required for holders of the nonexpiring $1,000 Lifetime Resident Hunting and Fishing Sportsman's Permit or of the 65-Plus Lifetime License and Trout Permit. · $10
- Nonresident Trout Permit (TPN) — Required of a nonresident, in addition to a Nonresident Annual or Trip Fishing License, to retain trout or to fish in certain trout waters. · $20
- 65-Plus Lifetime Trout Permit (PLT) — Lifetime trout permit, purchased once at age 65 or older, for holders of 65-Plus Lifetime Licenses who want to fish certain trout waters or keep trout. · $10
- White River Border Lakes License (WRL) — Entitles Arkansas resident fishing license holders to fish in the Missouri waters of Bull Shoals, Norfork and Table Rock lakes without a nonresident Missouri fishing license. · $10
- Resident Recreational Netting Permit (RNP) — Required in addition to a valid resident fishing license to fish up to a combination of five hoop nets, fiddler-sized hoop nets or slat traps, or 100 yards of gill and trammel net webbing, or 100 yards of trotlines or snaglines, on waters open to commercial fishing. · $25
Exemptions worth knowing
- No Arkansas fishing license is required when fishing in a licensed "put-and-take" pay lake.
- During Arkansas's Free Fishing Weekend anyone may fish in Arkansas without a fishing license or trout permit. All other regulations, including daily creel limits and length restrictions, remain in effect, and areas with special access conditions such as youth- and mobility-impaired-only fishing locations stay restricted.
Free fishing days
- Arkansas Free Fishing Weekend 2026 — June 12, 2026. AGFC: anyone may fish in Arkansas without a fishing license or trout stamp from noon, Friday, June 12, through midnight Sunday night, June 14, 2026. Traditionally proclaimed by the governor for the second weekend in June.
Where this comes from
- Primary source
- Fishing License Descriptions and Fees - Arkansas Game & Fish Commission(external, opens the official state website) — Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
- Retrieved
- July 26, 2026
- Reviewed
- July 30, 2026
- Also consulted
- Licensing Frequently Asked Questions(external, opens the official state website)
- Disability, Mobility-impaired, 65-Plus, Military Retiree, Lifetime Licenses(external, opens the official state website)
- General Fishing Regulations and 2026-27 Arkansas Fishing Guidebook(external, opens the official state website)
- Arkansas Free Fishing Weekend June 12-14, family fishing derbies June 13(external, opens the official state website)
Found something out of date? Email corrections@fishinglicensecheck.com and tell us which figure and which page — see corrections.
Nearby states
Licenses are issued state by state — a Arkansas license does not carry its own rules across the border, so if your trip crosses one, check both states.