Arkansas Fish and Game Pursuit: A Comprehensive Guide

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Arkansas offers a diverse array of fishing and hunting opportunities across its six geographical regions. With 332 public fishing areas and numerous wildlife management zones, the state provides ample chances for anglers and hunters to pursue their passion. Recent regulatory changes by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission aim to enhance conservation efforts and improve the overall outdoor experience for enthusiasts.

What Are the Latest Arkansas Fishing Regulations?

How Have Size and Bag Limits Changed?

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has implemented several changes to size and bag limits:

  • Largemouth bass:
  • Daily limit: 10 fish
  • Only one bass longer than 16 inches allowed in most waters
  • Lake Barnett and Lake Brewer: No minimum length limit, but only one bass over 16 inches permitted

  • Cane Creek Lake: 15-inch minimum length limit established

  • Crappie:

  • Daily limit: 15 fish

  • Cutthroat trout:

  • North Fork of the White River: 24-inch minimum length limit

What Are the New Seasonal Restrictions?

  1. Paddlefish snagging season:
  2. Location: White River below Beaver Dam
  3. Minimum length: 34 inches from tail fork to eye

  4. Season limit: 2 paddlefish above Beaver Lake (permit required)

  5. Smallmouth bass:

  6. Special regulation areas on Crooked Creek removed

  7. Beaver tailwater:

  8. Houseman Access designated as downstream boundary

  9. Community Fishing Program:

  10. Waters previously under “Family Fishing Program” transferred
  11. Affects regulations at Bishop Park in Saline County

What Are the Rules for Passive Fishing Devices?

  • Limb lines: Maximum of 25 allowed at a time
  • All passive devices (yo-yos, noodles, limb lines):
  • Must be checked every 24 hours
  • Limited to 2 hooks per device

How Can Anglers Obtain Licenses and Permits?

What Are the Fishing License Requirements?

  • Age requirement: 16 years or older
  • Purchase options:
  • Online
  • Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regional offices
  • Nature centers
  • Sporting goods stores

  • Select discount chains and boat docks

  • Special license options available for:

  • Seniors
  • Active and retired military
  • Disabled residents

  • Non-residents

  • License validity: One year from purchase date

  • Non-refundable and non-transferrable

What Additional Permits Are Required?

  1. Trout Permit:
  2. Required for fishing trout in designated waters

  3. Needed to keep trout from any waters

  4. Recreational Netting Permit:

  5. New permit for personal use of commercial tackle
  6. Eliminates need for monthly harvest reports

What Are the Recent Game and Fish Commission Rule Changes?

How Has Enforcement Been Enhanced?

  • Over 150 regulation changes implemented from July to March 2024
  • Prohibitions:
  • Use of “can” and “pipe” traps for fish capture
  • Reclassified violations:
  • Non-residents illegally possessing resident fishing licenses

What Are the Key Changes to Fishing Practices?

  1. Passive fishing devices:
  2. 24-hour check requirement
  3. Two-hook limit per device

  4. Aim: Reduce non-target fish mortality

  5. Bass Management Assistance Program:

  6. Allows private landowners to harvest beyond statewide daily limits
  7. Applies to private water bodies without public access

Where Can Anglers Find Amenities and Facilities in Arkansas?

What Are the Notable Fishing Locations?

Arkansas offers a wide range of fishing opportunities across its six geographical regions:

  1. Ozarks
  2. River Valley
  3. Central
  4. Delta
  5. Ouachitas
  6. Timberlands

Each region provides unique fishing experiences in various water bodies:

  • Lakes
  • Rivers
  • Bayous
  • Ponds
  • Parks

How Accessible Are These Fishing Areas?

  • Interactive maps available for all 332 public fishing areas
  • Disability access details provided for many locations
  • Community fishing program updates regularly shared

What Unique Conditions Should Anglers Be Aware Of?

  • Catch-and-release only waters exist
  • Seasonal fishing restrictions apply to certain areas
  • Annual Arkansas Fishing Guidebook details specific regulations

By understanding and adhering to these regulations, anglers can fully enjoy the diverse fishing opportunities Arkansas has to offer while contributing to conservation efforts.

References:

  1. https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2024/feb/04/agfc-presents-fishing-regulations-proposals/
  2. https://afbic.com/2021/03/arkansas-fishing-season/
  3. https://www.arkansas.com/articles/arkansas-game-and-fish-commission-guidebooks

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