Arkansas Fishing License 2026: Trout Permit, Lifetime 65+, and Prices
Arkansas fishing license 2026: age 16+ rule, trout permit, 65+ lifetime, White River border lakes, new AGFC WMA access permit, official prices and buy link.
Arkansas fishing starts with one hard rule: anglers 16 and older need a valid fishing license before anything else applies. On top of that base card, a separate Trout Permit kicks in on designated trout waters or whenever trout are kept, and 2026-27 also added a brand-new AGFC WMA/Lake Conservation Permit for anyone using AGFC-owned lands who doesn’t already hold a hunting or fishing license.
Buy directly from the AGFC License Purchase Portal — this is the only source that reflects live prices and product codes.
Age 16+ Rule
Anyone 16 or older must carry a valid Arkansas fishing license to take or attempt to take aquatic wildlife, unless fishing a licensed “put-and-take” pay lake. Anglers under 16 are exempt from both the base license and the trout permit.
Trout Permit — When It’s Required
A trout permit is required to fish for trout in these specific waters, or to keep trout caught anywhere in Arkansas:
- Tailwaters below Beaver Lake
- Bull Shoals Lake
- Norfork Lake
- Greers Ferry Lake
- Lake Greeson
- Spring River
- Spavinaw Creek, east of Highway 59
Catch-and-release trips on these waters still require the trout permit if the water is on the list — it’s not just about keeping fish.
65 Plus Lifetime and Military Products
Arkansas residents 65 and older can buy a Lifetime Fishing License ($10.50) and, separately, a one-time Lifetime Trout Permit ($10) — these are two distinct SKUs, not a bundle. Military retirees (60+, one year of AR residency) have their own parallel lifetime fishing and trout products at the same price points, and 100%-disabled veterans qualify for steeply discounted lifetime fishing ($1.50) and trout ($10) permits.
White River Border Lakes License
This $10 annual product lets Arkansas resident license holders fish the Missouri waters of Bull Shoals, Norfork, and Table Rock lakes without a Missouri nonresident license. It only covers impounded water (the stretch between Beaver Lake Dam and Houseman Access is excluded), trout cannot be taken under this license, and anglers under 16 don’t need it. It’s sold only to Missouri or Arkansas residents.
New for 2026-27: AGFC WMA/Lake Conservation Permit
Effective July 1, 2026, anyone 16+ using an AGFC-owned wildlife management area or lake — including for hiking, birding, paddling, or camping, not just fishing — must hold either a current hunting/fishing license or this new $10.50 WMA/Lake Conservation Permit (WMC). Holding a valid hunting or fishing license already covers this; only non-license holders need to buy it separately. It applies specifically to AGFC-owned WMAs and lakes — it does not apply to state park lakes.
2026 Arkansas Price Table
Prices below are from AGFC’s official license code book; confirm any change on the live AGFC fees page before purchase.
| Product | Resident | Nonresident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fisheries Conservation License (annual) | $10.50 | Base resident sport-fishing card. | |
| 3-Day Trip Fishing License | $6.50 | $30 | Nonresident row valid for the specified 3-day period. |
| Annual fishing license | $60 | Base nonresident annual row. | |
| Trout Permit | $10 | $20 | Required on designated trout waters or when retaining trout. |
| 65 Plus Lifetime Fishing License | $10.50 | Non-expiring; requires proof of age and one year of residency. | |
| 65 Plus Lifetime Trout Permit | $10 | Non-expiring; one-time purchase for 65+ lifetime license holders. | |
| White River Border Lakes License | $10 | AR or MO residents only; excludes trout retention. | |
| 3-Year Disability Fishing License | $10.50 | Requires proof of 100% disability. | |
| Sportsman’s Lifetime Combination License and Permit | $1,000 | Includes hunting, fishing, trout, and waterfowl permits. | |
| Military Retiree Lifetime Fishing License | $10.50 | Age 60+, one year AR residency, military retiree. | |
| Military Retiree Lifetime Trout Permit | $10 | Non-expiring companion to the retiree lifetime fishing license. | |
| Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Fishing License | $1.50 | 100% service-connected disabled veterans. | |
| AGFC WMA/Lake Conservation Permit (WMC) | $10.50 | $10.50 | New for 2026-27; not needed if you already hold a hunting/fishing license. |
There is no official nonresident 7-day product in AGFC’s current fee schedule — only annual and 3-day nonresident rows exist. Treat any site quoting a nonresident 7-day price as unverified until it matches the live AGFC table.
Common Pitfalls
- Buying the base license and assuming it covers trout. The trout permit is a separate purchase, and it’s required even on catch-and-release trips in the seven listed waters.
- Confusing the two 65+ products. Lifetime Fishing and Lifetime Trout are sold separately — one doesn’t include the other.
- Assuming the White River Border Lakes License covers trout. It explicitly excludes trout retention and only covers three named Missouri lakes.
- Skipping the new WMA/Lake Conservation Permit. Anyone visiting an AGFC-owned WMA or lake without a hunting or fishing license — even just to hike or paddle — now needs this $10.50 permit as of July 1, 2026.
- Trusting a stale nonresident 7-day price. AGFC’s own code book lists only 3-day and annual nonresident rows; a “$45 7-day” figure floating around some guides isn’t in the official schedule.
FAQs
Do kids under 16 need an Arkansas fishing license or trout permit?
No. Anglers under 16 are exempt from both the base fishing license and the trout permit.
When is an Arkansas trout permit required?
Whenever fishing designated trout waters — tailwaters below Beaver Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork Lake, Greers Ferry Lake, Lake Greeson, Spring River, or Spavinaw Creek east of Highway 59 — or whenever trout are kept from any Arkansas water.
What does the White River Border Lakes License cover?
It lets Arkansas resident license holders fish the Missouri waters of Bull Shoals, Norfork, and Table Rock lakes without buying a Missouri nonresident license; trout retention is not covered.
Is there a nonresident 7-day Arkansas fishing license?
No. AGFC’s official fee schedule lists only nonresident annual ($60) and 3-day trip ($30) fishing licenses — no 7-day product exists.
Do I need a new permit just to hike or paddle on AGFC land in 2026?
Yes, if you don’t already hold a hunting or fishing license. The $10.50 AGFC WMA/Lake Conservation Permit, effective July 1, 2026, covers non-consumptive recreation on AGFC-owned WMAs and lakes.
