Which license do I need to fish for game fish in Arkansas?
If you are 16 or older, you must carry a valid fishing license to take or attempt to take aquatic wildlife in Arkansas, unless you are fishing in a licensed “put-and-take” pay lake. To fish for trout in certain waters or keep trout, a trout permit is required. Nonresidents may not possess a resident license. If you guide, aid or assist someone else in fishing for hire, you must have a guide license. To find out if you need a commercial license, call (501) 223-6386 for commercial fishing regulations.
How do I get the licenses I need?
Over-the-counter
You can buy many licenses over-the-counter at sporting goods stores, hunting and fishing supplies stores, some discount chains, boat docks or directly from the AGFC’s Little Rock or regional offices.
By phone
You can call (501) 223-6349 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in the Little Rock area or (800) 364-GAME 24 hours a day to buy a license. Please have your credit card and an identification number ready. Your identification number can be a driver’s license, Social Security number, hunter education number, state ID number or passport number. Your fishing privileges become effective immediately and your license will arrive in the mail in a few days. Lifetime and commercial licenses are not available by phone.
Online
Licenses can be purchased online at https://www4.wildlifelicense.com/ar/start.php. You will be asked to supply personal information and a Visa or Mastercard number. A license receipt, valid to fish, will be printed on your home printer.
Do I qualify for a resident license?
A resident is any person who has established a bona fide or actual residence for at least 60 days prior to applying for a license, and who declares intentions of becoming a resident of Arkansas. An Arkansas driver’s license or vehicle registration that has been issued for at least 60 days is acceptable proof of residency.
Also, the following students (who must carry proof of full-time enrollment in schools, colleges or universities while hunting or fishing in Arkansas) are eligible to purchase a resident license:
- Resident foreign exchange students attending school outside Arkansas;
- nonresident foreign exchange students attending school in Arkansas;
- residents of Arkansas enrolled as fulltime students in colleges and universities outside Arkansas; and
- nonresidents enrolled as full-time students in colleges and universities in Arkansas.
Active-duty servicemen and women permanently assigned in Arkansas are granted resident privileges for hunting and fishing. Active-duty servicemen and women who were Arkansas residents at the time of entering service also are granted resident privileges for hunting and fishing, regardless of where they are stationed.
Residency requirements for commercial fishing and lifetime licenses are more stringent.
Ownership of Arkansas real estate by a person living outside the state does not qualify the owner as a resident.
How do I replace a lost license?
You may be able to get a replacement for a lost license at a reduced cost. Call (501) 223-6349 or (800) 364-4263 during office hours for details. Replacement licenses are available from regional offices.
65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License
Residents 65 and older may purchase a Lifetime Fishing License for $10.50 or a Lifetime Combination Sportsman’s License (hunting and fishing) for $35.50 any time during the calendar year of their 65th birthday. Each license is valid as long as the holder resides in Arkansas. Proof of age and 60 days of Arkansas residency is required. These licenses are available from the AGFC office in Little Rock or our regional offices. More
65-Plus Lifetime Trout Permit
To fish for trout in certain waters or to keep trout, a state lifetime trout permit (purchased once at 65 or older) is available to holders of 65-Plus Lifetime Licenses ($5.00). More
Nonexpiring Lifetime Resident Fishing Sportsman’s Permit ($1,000)
This entitles the holder of any age to the privileges of the Resident Sportsman’s License and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License. Annual trout and state waterfowl permits are included. Proof of 60 days of Arkansas residency is required. This permit is available only from AGFC in Little Rock. More
Disability Licenses
Resident disabled anglers may purchase a three-year disability fishing license ($10.50) or a three-year combination license ($35.50), which includes hunting and fishing privileges. In addition to proof of 60 days Arkansas residency, proof of 100 percent disability from the Social Security Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs or the Railroad Retirement Board is required to apply for this license. This license expires three years from the date of purchase. A resident trout permit must be purchased annually to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. (See Page 81.) These licenses are available from the AGFC Office in Little Rock.
Mobility Impaired Access Permit
Licensed sportsmen who are permanently mobility impaired may be eligible for special access privileges in certain areas on WMAs. These privileges allow persons with certain medical conditions to receive a Mobility Impaired Access Permit. There is no charge for the initial card. Applications are available online at www.agfc.com or by calling (800) 364-4263 during business hours. More