Arkansas Fishing Daily Limits: A Comprehensive Guide

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Arkansas fishing daily limits are essential regulations that help maintain healthy fish populations and ensure sustainable recreational fishing. These limits vary by species, water body, and season, covering a wide range of fish from bass and trout to catfish and panfish. Understanding these limits is crucial for anglers to enjoy responsible fishing while preserving Arkansas’s diverse aquatic ecosystems for future generations.

What Are the General Daily Limits for Popular Fish Species in Arkansas?

Arkansas has established specific daily limits for various fish species to maintain ecological balance and ensure fair fishing practices. Here’s a breakdown of the general daily limits for popular fish species:

  1. Black Bass:
  2. Combined daily limit: 10 (including largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth bass)

  3. Smallmouth bass: 4 (with length restrictions)

  4. Trout:

  5. Daily limit: 5 total

  6. Specific limits: No more than 2 brown trout, 2 cutthroat trout, and 2 brook trout

  7. Catfish:

  8. Combined daily limit: 10 (channel, blue, and flathead catfish)

  9. No limit on bullhead catfish

  10. Panfish (Bream):

  11. Daily limit: 50 (combined for bluegill, redear, longear, warmouth, and other sunfishes)

  12. No limit on bream shorter than 4 inches

  13. Crappie:

  14. Combined daily limit: 30 (black and white crappie)

How Do Daily Limits Vary for Other Fish Species?

Arkansas fishing regulations also cover a variety of other fish species, each with its own specific daily limits:

Species Daily Limit Additional Notes
Alligator Gar 1 Special tagging requirements for trophy-sized fish
Paddlefish 2 –
Rock Bass 10 –
Sauger and Saugeye 6 each –
Shovelnose Sturgeon No limit Must be 21 inches or longer; special rules for Mississippi River
Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass 6 combined –
Walleye 6 –
White Bass 25 –

What Are the Catch and Release Practices in Arkansas?

Catch and release practices are an important aspect of Arkansas fishing regulations:

  1. Possession Limit: The possession limit is triple the daily limit, except for fish stored at a residence.

  2. Specific Water Body Regulations: Some lakes and rivers have unique catch and release rules:

  3. Lake Poinsett: All game fish except catfish must be released immediately
  4. Mercer Bayou: All game fish must be released immediately

  5. Little Red River (specific section): Special trout limits apply

  6. Length Restrictions: Many species have minimum length requirements to protect young fish and ensure population sustainability.

Are There Regional Variations in Fishing Limits?

Yes, Arkansas fishing limits can vary by region and specific water bodies:

  1. Ozark Zone: Different length limits for smallmouth bass (12 inches) compared to statewide regulations (10 inches).

  2. Trout Streams and Lakes: Specific length and daily limits apply to various locations, such as the White River and Spring River.

  3. Special Lake Rules: Some lakes have unique regulations, like Amon’s Lake, where largemouth bass must be released immediately.

What Fishing License Requirements Should Anglers Be Aware Of?

Understanding fishing license requirements is crucial for legal angling in Arkansas:

  1. General Requirement: A valid Arkansas fishing license is required for most fishing activities.

  2. License Types:

  3. Resident licenses
  4. Non-resident licenses
  5. Special permits for trout fishing

  6. Alligator gar trophy tags

  7. Exemptions:

  8. Residents 65 years and older may be exempt
  9. Special permits required for certain activities (e.g., trout fishing, harvesting large alligator gar)

Have There Been Recent Updates to Arkansas Fishing Regulations?

While there haven’t been major recent changes to statewide daily limits, anglers should be aware of:

  1. Seasonal Restrictions:
  2. Alligator gar cannot be taken from noon, May 1 to noon, July 1

  3. Trophy alligator gar tag applications are accepted from December 1-31

  4. Specific Water Body Changes:

  5. Mercer Bayou now requires immediate release of all game fish

  6. Ongoing Updates: Regulations can change, so it’s essential to check the latest Arkansas Game and Fish Commission guidelines before fishing.

How Can Anglers Stay Informed About Arkansas Fishing Regulations?

To ensure compliance with current regulations:

  1. Official Resources:
  2. Regularly check the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website

  3. Review the annual Arkansas Fishing Guidebook

  4. Local Bait and Tackle Shops: Often have up-to-date information on local fishing regulations

  5. Mobile Apps: Some apps provide real-time updates on fishing regulations and limits

  6. Fishing Forums and Communities: Can be valuable for sharing recent changes and experiences

By staying informed about Arkansas fishing daily limits and regulations, anglers can enjoy responsible fishing while contributing to the conservation of the state’s aquatic resources. Remember that these limits are designed to maintain healthy fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing opportunities for years to come.

References:
1. https://www.eregulations.com/arkansas/fishing/daily-limits
2. https://www.agfc.com/education/statewide-lengths-and-daily-limits/
3. https://agfc-omnibus.s3.amazonaws.com/eregs/regulation_pdfs/small/agfc_regulation_N1.00_small.pdf

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