Fishing License Descriptions and Fees
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.
Trout
A trout permit is required to fish for trout in certain waters (tailwaters below Beaver Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Greeson or east of Highway 59 on Spavinaw Creek) or to keep trout from any Arkansas waters.
| BASE REsident fishing licenses | cost | obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Combination Sportsman’s License (CS) | ||
| Entitles holder to the privileges of the Resident Sportsman’s License (RS) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (FSH). Expires June 30. | $35.50 | Online License Agents Regional Offices |
| Resident Fisheries Conservation License (FSH) | ||
| Entitles a resident to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle. A Resident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. | $10.50 | Online License Agents Regional Offices |
| 65-Plus Annual Fishing License (PAF) | ||
| Entitles the holder, who must be an Arkansas resident 65 years of age or older, to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle. A Resident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. Valid through June 30. | $3.50 | Online License Agents Regional Offices |
| 65-Plus Annual Combination License (PAC) | ||
| Entitles the holder, who must be an Arkansas resident 65 years of age or older, to hunt all game species during open seasons and to take a total bag limit of deer, turkey, and bear. Also allows the holder to hunt furbearers and 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 waters. Valid through June 30. Six deer tags, 2 turkey tags, and 1 bear tag are included with this license. | $4.50 | Online License Agents Regional Offices |
| base nonresident fishing licenses | ||
|---|---|---|
| Nonresident Annual Fishing License (NRF) | ||
| Entitles a nonresident to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle. A Nonresident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. | $60 | Online License Agents Regional Offices |
| Nonresident 1-Day Fishing License (NT1) | ||
| Entitles a nonresident to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle for one specified day. A Nonresident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. | $15 | Online License Agents Regional Offices |
| Nonresident 3-Day Trip Fishing License (NT3) | ||
| Entitles a nonresident to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle for the three-day period valid for 72 hours from the specified start time. A Nonresident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. | $30 | Online License Agents Regional Offices |
| add-on stamps/permits | cost | obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Trout Permit (TPR) | ||
| Required to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. Not required for holders of the nonexpiring $1,000 Lifetime Resident Hunting and Fishing Sportsman’s Permit or for holders of the 65 Plus Lifetime License and Trout Permit. | $10 | License Agents Regional Offices |
| Nonresident Trout Permit (TPN) | ||
| Required of a nonresident to retain trout or to fish in certain waters in addition to a Nonresident Annual or Trip Fishing License. | $20 | Online License Agents Regional Offices |
| Alligator Gar Trophy Tag (AGT) | ||
| An Alligator Gar Trophy Tag (AGT) is required to harvest an alligator gar over 36 inches. Apply Nov. 1-Dec. 31. There is a $5 fee to apply, but the permit is free if awarded. | Free | Online |
| Resident Recreational Netting Permit (RNP) | ||
| In addition to a valid resident fishing license, allows the holder to fish up to a combination of five hoop nets or 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 with no commercial tackle tags required. | $25 | Online License Agents Regional Offices |
| Paddlefish Trophy Tag (PFT) | ||
| Required for limited entry snagging season on the White River above Beaver Lake. April 15-June 15, with up to two paddlefish allowed to be harvested (minimum 34-inch eye-to-fork length). $5 application fee. Application period is March 1-30. Drawing will be held March 31. | Free | Online License Agents Regional Offices |
| 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 fishing license from Missouri. | $10 | Online License Agents Regional Offices |
| guide licenses | cost | obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Fishing Guide License (GLF) | ||
| Required of a resident who guides, aids or assists another person for pay or other consideration in the taking of fish. This license does not include fishing privileges. | $250 | Online License Agents Regional Offices |
| Resident Combination Guide License (GLC) | ||
| Allows for guiding for both hunting and fishing at a reduced price compared to purchasing separate licenses. | $350 | Online License Agents Regional Offices |
| Nonresident Fishing Guide License (GNF) | ||
| Required of a nonresident who guides, aids or assists another person for pay or other consideration in the taking of fish. This license does not include fishing privileges. | $500 | Online License Agents Regional Offices |