License agreements with adjacent states
Mississippi and Arkansas recognize the resident fishing and commercial fishing licenses of the two states on flowing waters of the Mississippi River and all waters between the main levees of the Mississippi River, excluding the St. Francis, White and Arkansas rivers and oxbow lakes accessible from the mouths of the St. Francis, White or Arkansas rivers. Licensees abide by the regulations of the state in which they are fishing. The agreement does not include frog hunting.
Missouri and Arkansas recognize the sportfishing, resident commercial fishing and commercial mussel-taking licenses of the two states on the flowing waters of the St. Francis River that form a common boundary between the two states. A sportfishing licensee or legally exempt resident of either state abides by the regulations of the state issuing the license. The agreement does not apply to tributaries, bayous and backwaters of the St. Francis River. Refer to next column for details about the White River Border Lakes License, which provides certain reciprocal fishing privileges.
Tennessee and Arkansas recognize the fishing licenses of both states on the fl owing waters of the Mississippi, adjacent sloughs, bayous, old river runs (if accessible by boat from the river proper) and old river chutes that form a common boundary. Not included are wildlife management areas and the Wolfe, Loosahatchie, Hatchie, Forked Deer and Obion rivers. Anglers abide by the regulations of the state issuing the license. Commercial fishermen abide by the regulations of the state issuing the license, however, closures by either state are recognized by both states. The agreement does not apply to tributaries, bayous or backwaters.
The White River Border Lakes License (WRL) is available for a $10 annual fee. This license allows Arkansas resident fishing license holders to fish in the Missouri waters of Bull Shoals, Norfork and Table Rock lakes without having to purchase a nonresident fishing license from Missouri. The permit is valid for impounded waters (the waters between Beaver Lake Dam and Highway 62 in Arkansas are excluded). Trout may not be taken with this license. Anglers younger than 16 do not need to buy this license to fish in Missouri waters. The WRL is available to holders of Missouri or Arkansas resident fishing licenses and may be purchased in either state. Anglers are required to abide by the fishing regulations of the state where they are fishing. The only differences in regulations are: On Table Rock Lake, spotted bass must be at least 12 inches long to keep (Arkansas) or at least 15 inches long to keep (Missouri). On Lake Norfork, anglers may take up to three stripers and hybrids and 25 white bass of any size per day in Arkansas. In Missouri, anglers may take up to 15 stripers, hybrids, white and yellow bass under 18 inches, only four of which may exceed 18 inches long.