Arkansas Fishing Licenses and Regulations

This Saturday was a gorgeous day. My family and I decided to visit Old Davidsonville State Park. The only thing I could think about was fishing. I didn't see fish leaping out of the water but I wanted to be out in the boat, with rod and reel, enjoying the sunshine. My dad introduced me to fishing before I began Kindergarten back in 1982. It has been four years since I went fishing and I want to go back. Here is a list of prices for Arkansas fishing licenses and regulations for 2010.

Before purchasing an Arkansas fishing license

If you live in the state, there are certain things you need to know if you want to make a fishing trip. People over the age of 16 are required to carry a valid license. A special trout permit may be required for fishing in certain waters and if you guide someone you may need a guiding license. To find out the specifics, call (501)223-6386.

There are several ways to buy a license in Arkansas for 2010. I purchase mine at Wal-Mart and they can be bought at other discount chains/sporting goods stores. Another way to purchase an Arkansas license for 2010 is by phone. Call (501)223-6349 between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm in the Little Rock area or (800)364-GAME 24 hours a day. You will need a credit card and identification number such as a driver's license, Social Security number, passport number, etc. Fishing privileges will not be effective until the license arrives by mail. Arkansas licenses can also be purchased online at https://www4.wildlifelicense.com/ar/start.php The license will be printed on your home computer so there will be no waiting period before you can fish. The 2010 cost of a fishing license in the state is $10.50 for the general population.

People who qualify to purchase state licenses must have actual residences in Arkansas for 60 days prior to application. The Arkansas driver's license or vehicle registration used for registration is used to show 60 days of residency. All students who carry proof of full-time enrollment in colleges and universities are eligible to purchase licenses whether or not their residence is in Arkansas. Active duty servicemen and women permanently assigned to Arkansas or who were residents at the time of entering service are available to have resident hunting and fishing privileges in Arkansas for 2010.

A lifetime state fishing license for those over the age of 65 years is $10.50 or $35.50 for both fishing and hunting in Arkansas. These licenses are valid only while the person resides in the state. The same proof of residency and 60 days of residency is required. These licenses are available from the AGFC office in Little Rock or regional offices. People who are 65 years or older are eligible for an Arkansas lifetime trout permit as well for $5.00 in 2010.

An Arkansas license that will not expire is available to the general population for $1,000 from the AGFC office in Little Rock. The same proof of Arkansas residency for 60 days is required.

Arkansas residents who are disabled can purchase a three-year disability fishing license for $10.50 or a combination license with hunting for $35.50. To purchase these licenses, proof of disability from the Social Security Board Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, or Railroad Retirement Board is required. These licenses are available from the AGFC office in Little Rock.

See here for information on costs for licenses of nonresidents.

2010 Fishing Regulations

It is important to follow general regulations for fishing in Arkansas or you will be assigned violation points. Eighteen violation points within three years may result in losing privileges for one year. Accumulating thirty of these points may cause a loss of privileges for three years. In certain cases, double points may be assigned such as when someone 21 years of age or older is committed of a violation while accompanying someone under 16 years of age, when a guide license holder commits a violation, or when violations occur in a trout catch-and-release area. Selling wildlife may result in a lifetime ban from hunting and fishing in Arkansas.

Many of these violations require common sense to avoid--such as fleeing from an officer. Some circumstances that are considered violations are refusing to let an officer inspect your license, wildlife, and tackle. Accompanying, or abetting someone else in a violation is a violation. Wasting the edible portion of fish or wildlife with the exception of rough fish (such as buffalo) is another violation. Taking wildlife for scientific studies without a permit or taking bait other than insects, freshwater shrimp, worms, and baitfish from public waters and offering to sell it is another violation. Feeding or luring alligators in the wild, possessing fish or wildlife from someone else without their signed statement including name, address, species, date taken, and license number and more instances of violations are listed here.