Fishing in Arkansas. About fish. lakes, licenses and regulations

What kind of fish can you catch in Arkansas

Below are 37 types of fish that can be caught in Arkansas. The data have been collected based on fishing reports from Arkansas and have undergone serious moderation. Explore the map of Arkansas to find out where a particular type of fish is biting.

Lakes and reservoirs for fishing in Arkansas

Below are the largest and most popular lakes, reservoirs, and bays for fishing in Arkansas. Each Arkansas body of water includes information on fish species, analytics, and a map with fishing spots

Bull Shoals Lake (AR, MO)

Table Rock Lake (AR, MO)

Beaver Lake (AR)

Greers Ferry Lake (AR)

Lake Dardanelle (AR)

Lake Ouachita (AR)

Norfork Lake (AR, MO)

DeGray Lake (AR)

Lake Maumelle (AR)

Lake Conway (AR)

Beaver Fork Lake (AR)

Lake Georgia Pacific (AR)

Lake Atkins (AR)

Lake Flint Creek (AR)

Lake Sequoyah (Washington, AR)

Pickthorne Lake (AR)

Shadow Lake (AR)

Licenses for fishing in Arkansas

Residents and non-residents aged 16 and older need a valid fishing license to fish in Arkansas. Special permits are available for anglers with disabilities, seniors, and military retirees. For more detailed information and to purchase a license, you can visit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website.

License Type	Resident Fee	Non-Resident Fee
General Fishing	$10.50	$50.00
Trout Permit	$10.00	$20.00
3-Day Trip Fishing	$6.50	$30.00
Fishing Guide License	$25.00	$500.00
White River Border Lakes License	$10.00	-
65-Plus Lifetime Fishing License	$10.50	-
65 Plus Lifetime Combination License	$35.50	-
65 Plus Lifetime Trout Permit	$10.00	-
Resident 3-Year Disability License	$10.50	-
Resident 3-Year Disability Combination License	$35.50	-
Mobility-Impaired Access Permit	Free	-

Fishing Regulations in Arkansas

Prohibited Gear and Fishing Methods

Use of explosives, poisons, or electrical devices for fishing is illegal.
Fishing with nets, traps, or seines is restricted to specific permits and designated areas.
Use of live fish as bait is limited in certain waters to protect native species and ecosystems.
Snagging fish is not allowed except in designated areas during specific seasons.
Spearing and bowfishing are permitted for certain species in specified waters.

Catch Limits

Bass (Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted): Daily limit varies, generally 10, with size restrictions in some waters.
Crappie: Daily limit of 15-30, with a minimum size of 10 inches in many waters.
Catfish: Daily limits vary, often no more than 10 fish, with size restrictions for larger specimens.
Trout: Daily limit varies by area and species, typically 5 fish with size restrictions.
Bream (Bluegill, Sunfish): Daily limit generally 50, no size limit.
Striped Bass: Daily limit and size restrictions vary, especially in major lakes and rivers.
Walleye: Daily limit varies, often 4-6 fish with size restrictions.
Pike: Daily limit varies, with size restrictions in some waters.
Carp: No daily limit, no size limit.
Paddlefish: Seasonal fishing with specific limits and regulations.

Restrictions on Access to Water Bodies

Access to some waters may be restricted for environmental conservation or public safety reasons.
Fishing on private property requires explicit permission from the landowner.
Special regulations for fishing in state parks and wildlife management areas.
No fishing zones enforced around certain infrastructures like dams and fish hatcheries.
Seasonal access restrictions in certain areas for fish spawning and habitat management.

Zones of Special Regulation

Catch-and-release areas for certain species, especially trout and bass.
Areas with gear restrictions, such as artificial lures only or fly fishing zones.
Slot limits for bass and other species in certain lakes and rivers.
Special regulations in waters with high fishing pressure or ecological sensitivity.
Trophy fisheries with enhanced size and bag limits in selected areas.

Protection of Rare Species

Fishing for endangered or threatened species is strictly prohibited.
Special regulations in habitats of rare or sensitive aquatic species.
Research fishing for rare species requires special permits and adherence to guidelines.
Conservation efforts for native fish species and habitat restoration projects.
Monitoring and enforcement to protect critical habitats and vulnerable species.

Seasonal Restrictions

Closed seasons for specific species during spawning or migration periods.
Seasonal fishing regulations for certain species to ensure sustainability.
Temporary closures of specific waters for conservation or emergency reasons.
Regulations adjusted based on fish population surveys and environmental conditions.
Special rules for ice fishing, including gear and shelter regulations, in colder regions.

Most popular cities for fishing in Arkansas

The largest and most popular fishing cities in Arkansas. Cities in Arkansas include information on fishing, as well as a map with fishing spots. Explore the cities to know what fish are caught and in which bodies of water.