Photo : Forest Service - Northern Region, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
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Arkansas
State, United States. Authority : Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC).
2026 rules, checked on 23 September 2026.
- Licence
- US$60Nonresident Annual Fishing License (NRF)
- Next opening
- —
- Minimum sizes
- 30.5 cmSmallmouth bass
Useful gear for this area
Chosen from the species and size limits regulated in this area.
Responsible gearDigital Hanging Scale 50 kgTo check the minimum size: Smallmouth bass 30.5 cm here.
€30.90£16.90Not shipped to the United States
Jointed Loach Imitation Lures 10 cm, Pack of 5For : northern pike, zander, walleye · crankbait and hard-lure fishing
€32.90£18.90Not shipped to the United States
Floating Spinning-Tail Lures, Pack of 4For : european perch, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass · crankbait and hard-lure fishing
€42.90£27.90Not shipped to the United States
Where to fish
© OpenStreetMap
2026 season calendar
Not published by the authority: check with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC).
Minimum sizes
| Species | Minimum size | 0–60 cm |
|---|---|---|
| Smallmouth bass2 statewide reservoirs and flowing waters; 15 in on the 10 Blue Ribbon Smallmouth Streams | 30.5 cm |
To check the minimum size: Smallmouth bass 30.5 cm here. Digital Hanging Scale 50 kg €30.90£16.90Not shipped to the United States
Bag limits
| Species | Fish you may keep |
|---|---|
| Black bass (combined)2 statewide | 10 per day |
| Smallmouth bass2 reservoirs; 2 in flowing waters; 1 (15 in min) on Blue Ribbon streams — new 2026-27 | 6 per day |
| Walleye2 statewide (Greers Ferry minimum raised to 16 in) | 6 per day |
| Sauger2 statewide | 6 per day |
| Trout2 max 2 brown, 2 cutthroat, 2 brook; reduced limits on Bull Shoals, Norfork, Greers Ferry, Beaver tailwaters (from Feb 1 2026) | 5 per day |
| Crappie2 statewide, combined | 30 per day |
Licence
| Licence | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Fisheries Conservation License (FSH)1 | annual | US$10.50 |
| Resident Combination Sportsman's License (CS, hunt+fish)1 | annual | US$35.50 |
| Resident Trout Permit (TPR, add-on to keep trout / fish certain waters)1 | annual | US$10 |
| 65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License (PLF2)1 | lifetime | US$10.50 |
| Nonresident Annual Fishing License (NRF)1 | annual | US$60 |
| Nonresident 1-Day Fishing License (NT1)1 | 1-day | US$15 |
| Nonresident 3-Day Trip Fishing License (NT3, 72 h)1 | 3-day | US$30 |
| Nonresident Trout Permit (TPN, add-on)1 | annual | US$20 |
- Ages and exemptions2
- Anyone 16 or older must carry a valid Arkansas fishing license (under 16 exempt). Residents 65+ may buy a $10.50 lifetime fishing license.
Good to know
2026-27 guidebook effective July 1, 2026: possession limits abolished (daily limits remain); new Blue Ribbon Smallmouth Streams (1/day, 15 in); tailwater trout limits cut (e.g. Norfork 2 rainbows, all trout ≥14 in released). Trout permit needed to keep trout or fish the tailwaters. No statewide black bass length limit (except smallmouth 12 in). Northern pike not regulated in the guidebook.
What the authority does not publish
Points we could not find in the official texts: check with the authority.
- No resident trip / 1-day fishing license found (resident annual only)
- No nonresident 7-day license (1-day and 3-day only)
- No statewide trout season (year-round not stated explicitly)
- Northern pike: not covered by Arkansas regulations
Rules change every year and can be amended during the season. Before fishing, check the text in force with the authority listed.
Where to fish
Fishing places listed in the official sources.
- Conway Lake lake View on the map
- Chicot Lake lake View on the map
- Langhofer Lake lake View on the map
- Harris Brake Lake lake View on the map
- Grand Lake lake View on the map
- White Oak, Lower lake View on the map
- Hinkle Lake lake View on the map
- Overcup Lake lake View on the map
- White Oak, Upper lake View on the map
- Saracen Lake lake View on the map
- Ashbaugh Lake lake View on the map
- Wallace Lake lake View on the map
- Poinsett Lake lake View on the map
- Frierson Lake lake View on the map
- Grand Cypress Lake lake View on the map
Frequently asked questions
How much is a fishing licence in Arkansas in 2026?
The “Nonresident Annual Fishing License (NRF)” licence costs US$60 (annual). Other options and prices are in the table above, with the official source.
What is the minimum size for smallmouth bass in Arkansas?
Smallmouth bass: 30.5 cm. Any smaller fish must be released immediately.
Official sources
- AGFC Fishing License Descriptions and Fees (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- AGFC Fishing Guidebook 2026-27 (PDF linked by AGFC) (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- Arkansas 2026-27 Fishing Regulations Changes in Effect, New Guidebook Released (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- Statewide Lengths and Daily Limits (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- www.agfc.com/regulations/guidebooks/
Last checked : 23 September 2026.