At ten dollars fifty the Arkansas resident licence is among the two or three cheapest in the country, and the state throws in something genuinely useful for anglers on the northern border: the White River Border Lakes licence lets Arkansas residents fish the Missouri side of Bull Shoals, Norfork and Table Rock for ten dollars, instead of buying a full Missouri non-resident licence. It does not cover trout, which is the catch.
What it costs you
Set your situation and the figure below is the one you will actually pay at checkout.
Every Arkansas fishing fee
Annual licences run by calendar year.
| Licence | Who | Length | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident three-day trip | Resident | 3 days | $6.50 |
| Non-resident three-day trip | Visitor | 3 days | $30.00 |
| White River border lakes Lets Arkansas residents fish the Missouri side of Bull Shoals, Norfork and Table Rock. | Resident | Annual | $10.00 |
| Resident fisheries conservation licence | Resident | Annual | $10.50 |
| Non-resident annual fishing | Visitor | Annual | $60.00 |
| Resident three-year disability | Resident | 3 years | $10.50 |
At $10.50 the Arkansas resident licence is among the two or three cheapest in the country.
Stamps and add-ons
The base licence is often not the whole ticket. These are the Arkansas extras, and missing one is the commonest way to get written up with a valid licence in your pocket.
| Add-on | When you need it | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Trout permit | Required to keep trout. $20.00 for visitors. | $10.00 |
Who fishes free in Arkansas
- Anglers under 16.
- Everyone on the state free fishing weekend.
Exemptions are narrower than they sound and the burden of proof is on you. Carry whatever document the exemption rests on.
How to buy it
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission sells online, by phone and through licence agents: tackle shops, sporting goods stores and county offices. Buying online takes about ten minutes and you can print or screenshot the confirmation immediately.
Official AGFC licensing page →
We link the agency and never resell licences. If a site charges you a "processing fee" on top of the state fee, you are not on the state's own system.
Where to use it
We track 18 Arkansas waters daily, with live flow, tides and conditions. A sample of what your licence covers:
- Lake Ouachita — Garland County
- Greers Ferry Lake — Cleburne County
- Bull Shoals Lake — Boone County
- White River — Desha County
- Beaver Lake — Washington County
- Norfork Lake — Baxter County
- DeGray Lake — Clark County
- Little Red River — Cleburne County
- Lake Hamilton — Garland County
- Millwood Lake — Little River County
- Lake Greeson — Pike County
- Nimrod Lake — Yell County
Questions
How much is a fishing licence in Arkansas?
$10.50 for a resident annual all waters licence and $60.00 for a non-resident. Stamps and endorsements cost extra where the species or water calls for one.
What age do you need a fishing licence in Arkansas?
From age 16. Anglers under 16 fish without one, though some states still require a catch record card.
Can I buy a Arkansas fishing licence online?
Yes. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission sells online and through licence agents. Buy before you rig up and keep the confirmation on your phone: wardens check ramps at dawn.
What is the White River Border Lakes licence?
A ten-dollar add-on that lets Arkansas residents fish the Missouri portion of Bull Shoals, Norfork and Table Rock. It does not cover trout, so the tailwaters still need a Missouri permit.
Do I need a trout permit in Arkansas?
To keep trout, yes: $10.00 for residents and $20.00 for visitors, on top of the licence.