Arkansas Fishing License Information: What Anglers Need to Know
Before heading out for a day of fishing in Arkansas, it is important to make sure you have the correct fishing license. Whether you live in Arkansas or are visiting from another state, purchasing your license before your trip can help you avoid delays and enjoy more time on the water.
At Action Fishing Trips, we want our guests to arrive prepared for a fun and relaxing fishing experience. This guide explains who needs an Arkansas fishing license, the available license options, current costs, trout permit requirements and where you can purchase your license.
Do You Need a Fishing License in Arkansas?
Anyone who is 16 years of age or older must carry a valid Arkansas fishing license when taking or attempting to take fish or frogs in the state. One exception is fishing at a licensed put-and-take pay lake.
Children younger than 16 generally do not need an Arkansas fishing license. However, all anglers must still follow applicable fishing regulations, including daily limits, length restrictions and rules for particular bodies of water.
Do You Still Need a License on a Guided Fishing Trip?
Yes. Booking a trip with a professional fishing guide does not replace the fishing license required for each guest.
Your fishing guide carries a separate Arkansas fishing guide license, but that license does not provide fishing privileges for customers. Every guest who is 16 or older should purchase the appropriate individual fishing license before the trip.
Getting your license ahead of time will make the morning of your trip easier and allow everyone to get on the water without unnecessary delays.
Arkansas Resident Fishing License
The standard Resident Fisheries Conservation License allows an Arkansas resident to fish the waters of the state using sport fishing tackle.
The current cost of a Resident Fisheries Conservation License is $10.50.
Arkansas generally considers someone a resident for licensing purposes when that person has physically maintained a genuine residence in the state for at least 60 days and declares themselves a full-time Arkansas resident.
Owning property in Arkansas while living in another state does not automatically qualify someone for a resident license.
Certain students and active-duty military personnel may qualify for resident licensing privileges under special circumstances. Anyone unsure about their residency status should confirm their eligibility with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission before purchasing a license.
Arkansas Nonresident Fishing Licenses
Visitors from outside Arkansas have several fishing license options. Choosing the right one will depend on how long you plan to fish in the state.
Current nonresident fishing license options include:
- Nonresident One-Day
- Fishing License: $15
- Nonresident Three-
- Day Trip Fishing License: $30
- Nonresident Annual Fishing License: $60
The three-day license is valid for 72 hours beginning at the start time selected during the purchase process. This can be a convenient option for visitors planning a weekend getaway or several days of fishing.
A one-day license may be the best option for someone joining Action Fishing Trips for a single day and who does not plan to fish again during the visit.
Do You Need a Trout Permit?
A standard fishing license does not always cover trout fishing.
Anglers who are 16 or older must have a trout permit to keep trout from Arkansas waters. A trout permit is also required when fishing in certain designated trout waters, including the tailwater below Lake Greeson.
Current trout permit costs are:
- Resident Trout Permit: $10
- Nonresident Trout Permit: $20
The trout permit is an additional permit and must accompany the appropriate resident or nonresident fishing license.
Most Action Fishing Trips targeting crappie, bass, bluegill, catfish, striper or walleye on the main body of Lake Greeson will not require a trout permit. However, a trout permit may be necessary when specifically fishing for trout, retaining trout or fishing designated trout waters below the lake.
Ask your guide before purchasing your license if you are unsure whether your planned trip requires a trout permit.
Fishing License Options for Arkansas Residents 65 and Older
Arkansas residents who are 65 or older may qualify for a 65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License.
The current cost is $10.50, and the license provides the privileges of the standard Resident Fisheries Conservation License. Proof of age and at least one year of Arkansas residency are required.
A separate lifetime trout permit may also be required for residents 65 and older who want to fish designated trout waters or retain trout.
Where Can You Buy an Arkansas Fishing License?
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission provides several ways to purchase a fishing license.
Purchase Your License Online
The fastest option for many anglers is to purchase a license through the official Arkansas Game and Fish Commission licensing system.
Online purchases require a credit card. After completing the purchase, you can save a digital copy of the license to your phone or print a paper copy.
Visit an Authorized License Dealer
Many sporting-goods stores, outdoor retailers and other businesses throughout Arkansas are authorized to sell fishing licenses.
Buying from a local license dealer may be helpful if you prefer assistance selecting the correct license.
Visit an AGFC Location
Licenses can also be purchased at Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regional offices, nature centers and the Little Rock headquarters during regular business hours.
Purchase by Phone
Licenses and permits may be purchased by calling the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission at 833-345-0325 during regular office hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What Information Do You Need?
When purchasing an Arkansas fishing license, you may be asked to provide:
- Your first and last name
- Home address
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Basic identifying information
- Driver’s license number, when available
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission requires identifying information to establish your customer profile and issue the correct license.
Make sure all information is entered accurately, especially your date of birth, address and residency status.
Do You Need to Print Your Fishing License?
You do not necessarily need a paper copy.
Arkansas fishing licenses can be emailed as PDF documents and saved to a smartphone or another electronic device. Licenses may also be accessed through the AGFC mobile app after creating an account.
Because cellular service may be limited in some areas around the lake, save the license directly to your phone before leaving. Taking a screenshot is another easy way to make sure your license remains available without an internet connection.
A printed copy can also be carried as a backup.
How Long Is an Arkansas Fishing License Valid?
The expiration date depends on the type of license purchased.
A one-day nonresident license is valid for the specified day. A three-day nonresident license is valid for 72 hours from the selected start time. Annual, lifetime and special licenses follow the validity period listed during purchase.
Always review the start and expiration dates shown on your license before your fishing trip.
Review the Current Arkansas Fishing Regulations
A fishing license allows you to fish legally, but it does not replace the need to follow fishing regulations.
Anglers should review the current Arkansas Fishing Guidebook for information about:
- Daily creel limits
- Minimum and maximum length restrictions
- Protected fishing areas
- Seasonal rules
- Legal fishing methods
- Species-specific regulations
- Regulations for individual lakes and rivers
Beginning in 2026, Arkansas fishing regulation changes take effect on July 1. The current 2026–2027 Arkansas Fishing Guidebook became effective on July 1, 2026.
Fishing rules may change, so check the latest Arkansas Game and Fish Commission information before every trip instead of relying on an older guidebook.
Purchase Your License Before Your Trip
We recommend purchasing your Arkansas fishing license at least one day before your scheduled trip. This gives you time to confirm that you selected the right license, save a copy to your phone and contact your guide if you have any questions.
Before leaving home, check that:
- Your name and personal information are correct
- The license will be valid on the date of your trip
- You purchased a resident or nonresident license correctly
- You added a trout permit when necessary
- A digital or printed copy is easily accessible
Plan Your Lake Greeson Fishing Trip
Once your Arkansas fishing license is ready, it is time to enjoy the water.
Action Fishing Trips offers guided fishing experiences on Lake Greeson for anglers of different ages and skill levels. Depending on the season and current fishing conditions, guests may have opportunities to target crappie, bass, bluegill, catfish, striper, walleye and other popular Arkansas fish.
Your guide will help with equipment, fishing techniques and locating productive areas of the lake. Guests are responsible for purchasing and carrying the fishing licenses and permits required for their trip.
Contact Action Fishing Trips today to schedule your guided Lake Greeson fishing trip and experience a memorable day of fishing in Arkansas.