The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) manages the fishing license in AR. Wondering how much is a Arkansas fishing license? At just $10.50 for residents, Arkansas has one of the cheapest fishing licenses in America — and offers world-class trout fishing on the White River!
2025-2026 Arkansas Fishing License Cost — Resident
The Arkansas game and fishing license costs (source: AGFC Official):
| License Type | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fisheries Conservation License | $10.50 | Jul 1 – Jun 30 | All warmwater species — bass, crappie, catfish |
| 3-Day Trip License | $6.50 | 3 days | Resident weekend option |
| Senior 65+ Annual | $3.50 | Jul 1 – Jun 30 | Reduced rate |
| Senior 65+ Lifetime | $10.50 | Lifetime | Same as one annual — incredible value! |
| Arkansas Trout Permit (resident) | +$10.00 | Jul 1 – Jun 30 | Required for trout waters |
Out of State Fishing License Arkansas — Non-Resident
The out of state fishing license Arkansas costs:
| License | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NR Annual | $60.00 | Jul 1 – Jun 30 |
| NR 3-Day Trip | $30.00 | 3 days |
| NR Trout Permit | +$20.00 | Jul 1 – Jun 30 |
⚠️ License Year: Arkansas licenses run July 1 – June 30 (fiscal year, NOT calendar year). A May purchase gives you only ~2 months.
Compare Arkansas With Neighboring States
| State | Resident Annual | NR Annual | NR Short-Term | Senior Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $12.00 | $49.00 | 3-day $20 | 65+ $7.00 |
| Oklahoma | $25.00 | $55.00 | 1-day $15 | 64+ $3.50 combo |
| Louisiana | $9.50 | $60.00 | 3-day $18 | 60+ FREE |
| Mississippi | $8.00 | $30.00 | 3-day $15 | 65+ FREE |
| Tennessee | $34.00 | $81.00 | 3-day $40.50 | 65+ $10 |
Arkansas at $10.50 is one of the cheapest states in America! Only Louisiana ($9.50) and Mississippi ($8) are cheaper. But AR's trout waters add +$10 — still incredibly affordable at $20.50 total for world-class White River trout fishing.
FAQ
How much is a Arkansas fishing license for trout?
A resident fishing license ($10.50) plus trout permit ($10) = $20.50 total for world-class White River trout fishing. NR: $60 + $20 trout = $80 total. See AR fishing spots for White River details.
Is Arkansas really that cheap?
Yes! At $10.50, Arkansas is one of only 3 states under $12. Only Mississippi ($8) and Louisiana ($9.50) are cheaper. Yet Arkansas offers some of the finest trout fishing in America.