To fish in Arkansas waters, you must obtain an AR fishing license from the state's Game and Fish Commission. Sport fishing licenses and commercial fishing licenses are the two main types of fishing permits available in Arkansas. Anglers are able to buy a fishing license in Arkansas via the commission's online license sales system, over the phone or in person. Apart from the regular fishing license rates, the AR Game and Fish Commission offers different rates for nonresident, military member and disabled individual licenses to fish.
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Before planning a fishing trip in Arkansas, decide on the type of fishing you will do and buy one of the below AR fishing permits.
Based on various factors, the AR Commission of Game and Fish offers the following sport fishing licenses:
Note: In addition to the fishing-only licenses, the commission also offers combination licenses that grant both hunting and fishing privileges.
The Commission of Game and Fish offers the following commercial fishing licenses for Arkansas fishing businesses:
Note: Arkansas fishing guide licenses grant the right to aid, assist or guide fishermen for wages in the fish-taking process. They do not include fishing privileges.
Arkansas fishing permits are recognized in neighboring states as well due to the reciprocal agreement between Arkansas on one side and Missouri, Tennessee and Mississippi on the other. The St. Francis and the Mississippi rivers respectively are the natural borders between Arkansas and the aforementioned states, therefore, fishing in these waters is permissible with a license from one of the bordering states.
To get an AR fishing license online, visit the AR GFC website and provide your personal information and a credit card number. You can also purchase a license to fish in Arkansas over the phone by calling 501-223-6349 and providing:
To buy an Arkansas fishing license in person, visit any AR sporting goods store, fishing supplies store or GFC office.
To buy an Arkansas fishing license in person, visit any AR sporting goods store, fishing supplies store or GFC office.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission offers AK anglers numerous fishing education opportunities. Visit the AR GFC webpage and learn how to register for one of the below AR GFC programs:
Project WILD organizes different outdoor activities for students including fishing workshops. The Fashion a Fish workshop allows students to:
Aligned with the school curriculum, The Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs program supports school fishing clubs in Arkansas. Some of the benefits include:
The Aquatic Resources Education initiative regulates Arkansas' Mobile Aquarium and Fishing Derby programs. The AR Game and Fish Commission provides state schools, community events and outdoor shows with free-of-charge mobile aquariums for education purposes. Furthermore, the Commission of Game and Fish co-sponsors fishing derby events with other organizations. A stocked fishing site with accompanying technical guidance is provided to residents of any age for the public fishing derbies.
Arkansas anglers can join various state fishing organizations and clubs. Some of the associations focus on youth education and natural resources conservation, whilst others only offer online fishing courses. Discover more about these organizations below.
The Arkansas Area Catfish Hunters website provides AK anglers with a forum to discuss catfishing-related topics. Anglers interested in catfishing can share new techniques, setups, and fishing experiences on the AACH website.
The AACH webpage is divided in the following sections:
The North Arkansas Fly Fishers is a non-profit organization focused on conserving the state's fishing resources and providing youth fly fishing education. Some of the activities include:
The Arkansas B.A.S.S. Nation's mission is the conservation of natural fishing resources. Cooperating alongside government agencies, the ABN protects the sport of fishing without compromising the state's fishing regulations. Some of the activities include:
