Arkansas Fish Size and Daily Limits

For many of us, the thrill of reeling in a beautiful fish in Arkansas is what keeps us coming back to the water, but let's be honest, figuring out all the rules and regulations can feel like trying to untangle a particularly stubborn fishing line. You want to do the right thing, protect our precious fisheries, and avoid a hefty fine, but sometimes it feels like you need a law degree just to understand what you can and can't keep. This guide is designed to cut through the confusion, offering a clear, comprehensive breakdown of Arkansas fish size and daily limits, ensuring you're well-equipped to enjoy your time on the water legally and responsibly.

Table of Contents

Understanding Arkansas's Fishing Regulations

Navigating the waters of Arkansas means more than just knowing where the fish are biting; it means understanding the rules that govern how many, and how big, of those fish you can take home. It's a system designed to keep our fisheries healthy and productive for generations to come, but the nuances can certainly be a head-scratcher.

The Importance of Creel and Size Limits

First, let's talk about why these limits even exist. It's not just to make your life harder, I promise! Creel limits, which dictate the maximum number of fish you can keep per day, and size limits, which specify minimum or sometimes maximum lengths, are fundamental tools for fisheries management. Without them, it would be far too easy for anglers to overharvest, leading to depleted fish populations, especially for popular game species like bass, crappie, and trout. Think about it: if everyone kept every fish they caught, regardless of size or number, our lakes and rivers would quickly become barren. These limits help ensure that enough fish survive to reproduce, that trophy-sized fish have a chance to grow, and that the delicate balance of the aquatic ecosystem is maintained. It's about sustainability, pure and simple.

Navigating the AGFC Regulations Guide

The official source for all these rules is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), and their annual fishing regulations guide is your bible on the water. While I'll break down the most common limits here, it's always a smart move to grab a physical copy or download the latest version from the AGFC website. These guides often include helpful maps, specific lake regulations, and detailed illustrations that can clarify any lingering questions. They even have sections detailing special regulations for certain bodies of water, which is where things can get a bit tricky. What applies statewide might not apply to your favorite cove on Lake Ouachita, for instance. Keeping a copy handy, perhaps even a digital one on your phone, is like having an expert fishing buddy in your pocket. Knowing your Arkansas Fishing Regulations Guide inside and out will save you a lot of headaches.

Recent Changes to Possession Limits

Now, if you've been fishing in Arkansas for a while, you might remember the concept of a "possession limit" – meaning how many fish you could have in your freezer or at your camp, not just in your livewell for the day. Well, here's some good news that simplifies things for multi-day trips! Starting with the 2026-27 season, the AGFC eliminated statewide possession limits for most species. This was a significant change aimed at reducing confusion and making it easier for anglers.

Previously, if you caught your daily limit on Friday, you couldn't fish for that species again on Saturday if you still had Friday's fish in your possession. It created a lot of logistical challenges, especially for those on extended fishing vacations. Now, the focus is solely on the "daily creel limit." This means you can keep your daily limit, take them back to your cabin or cooler, and then go out and catch another daily limit the next day, assuming you don't exceed the daily creel limit on any given day on the water. It's a much more straightforward approach. However, there's a crucial caveat: while the statewide possession limit is gone, you still cannot exceed the daily limit while actively fishing. All fish kept must be processed or reach their What Counts as a Final Point of Storage for Fish in Arkansas before you can resume fishing for that species on the same trip. This distinction is vital for avoiding issues with game wardens.

Statewide Daily Limits: What You Need to Know

When you head out to the vast and varied waters of Arkansas, the general statewide daily limits are your baseline. These are the rules that apply unless a specific body of water or a particular species has an exception. Ignoring these can lead to fines and even losing your fishing privileges, so it's always worth a quick refresher.

Defining "Daily Creel Limit"

The "daily creel limit" refers to the maximum number of a particular species of fish an individual angler can legally harvest and possess in a single day. This is the number you need to pay closest attention to when you're out on the lake or river. For example, if the daily creel limit for largemouth bass is 5, you can only keep five largemouth bass between the time you start fishing and midnight. Once you've reached that limit, you must stop fishing for that species for the remainder of the day, or switch to catch-and-release only. This is a fundamental concept that applies across the board, from the mighty Arkansas River to the smallest farm pond. It's all about ensuring that enough fish are left in the water to maintain healthy populations.

Understanding the Shift from Possession Limits

As we touched on, the statewide possession limit is no longer a thing for most species in Arkansas, starting in 2026-27. This simplifies things immensely for traveling anglers or those on multi-day trips. Before this change, if you were staying at a lodge on Bull Shoals Lake for a week, you were restricted by the total number of fish you could have "in possession" at any one time, whether in your cooler, freezer, or livewell. That often meant you couldn't fish for certain species every day of your trip, even if you hadn't caught your daily limit on subsequent days.

Now, the focus is squarely on the daily creel. You catch your limit, you can take them back to your cabin, clean them, and store them. The next morning, you're free to pursue that same species again and harvest another daily limit. This change was largely driven by feedback from anglers who found the old possession limits cumbersome and confusing, especially those visiting from out of state who might not understand the intricacies. It allows for more consistent fishing throughout a vacation, without the headache of constantly calculating your "in possession" count. Just remember, this doesn't mean you can have 10 bass in your livewell at noon; it means you can have 5 bass today and 5 tomorrow stored at home. For more details on this important update, check out the New Possession Limit Rule for Arkansas Anglers guide.

How to Track Your Catch Throughout the Day

With the emphasis now entirely on daily creel limits, accurately tracking your catch is more important than ever. It sounds simple, but in the excitement of a hot bite, it's easy to lose count. Many anglers use clicker counters, often available at sporting goods stores or even on Amazon, that they can keep on their belt or lanyard. Each time you keep a legal fish, give it a click. This tactile method helps ensure you don't accidentally exceed your limit.

Another popular method is to use a dedicated stringer or livewell for each species, making it easy to see at a glance how many you've kept. Some anglers even use a simple note in their phone or a small waterproof notepad to jot down their catch. Whatever method you choose, make it a habit from the very first fish. It’s better to be overly diligent than to face the consequences of an accidental over-limit. Remember, ignorance of the rules is never an excuse if a game warden checks your cooler.

Largemouth Bass: Size and Daily Limits

The largemouth bass is arguably the most sought-after game fish in Arkansas, thriving in the state's numerous lakes and slow-moving rivers. Known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, they're a favorite among anglers, but their popularity also means they're carefully managed with specific daily and size limits.

General Statewide Largemouth Rules

Across most of Arkansas, the standard daily creel limit for largemouth bass is generous: you can keep up to 5 fish per day. Generally, there isn't a statewide minimum or maximum length limit for largemouths, which means any legal-sized bass you catch, up to your daily limit, can be kept. This open-ended length regulation is quite common in many states, allowing anglers more flexibility.

However, "legal-sized" often implies a fish that isn't unusually small, suggesting it has had a chance to grow. It also encourages anglers to use good judgment. While you can keep a very small bass, many choose to release them, allowing them to grow larger and contribute to the fishery. The key takeaway for most waters is to simply count your fish and stop at five. You can find more comprehensive details on the general rules in our guide to the Largemouth Bass Daily Limit in Arkansas.

Lake Monticello's Unique Bass Regulations

Now, here's where things get interesting, and why always checking specific lake regulations is crucial. Lake Monticello, located in southeast Arkansas, is a prime example of a water body with very specific and stricter regulations designed to create a trophy fishery. For largemouth bass on Lake Monticello, the daily limit is still 5 fish, but there's a significant length restriction: all bass must be 16 inches or longer to keep, and you can only keep one bass 16 inches or longer.

This "one over 16 inches" rule is quite specific. It means you could, for instance, keep five bass, but four of them would have to be exactly 16 inches (or just slightly over, up to 16.99 inches), and only one could be a true lunker, say 18 or 20 inches. This regulation is implemented to protect the middle-sized bass, allowing them to grow into larger, trophy-quality fish, which in turn boosts the lake's reputation as a premier bass fishing destination. It's a common strategy employed by fisheries biologists to enhance specific populations.

Measuring your bass accurately becomes paramount here. A good, reliable measuring board is essential, especially one that floats if it accidentally goes overboard. Many anglers rely on specific measuring boards found at local tackle shops or online at Amazon to ensure they are compliant.

Why Specific Lakes Have Different Rules

You might wonder why some lakes have these highly specific and seemingly complex rules while others stick to a simple statewide limit. The answer lies in fisheries management, which is far from a one-size-fits-all approach. Lake Monticello, like many other water bodies with special regulations, is often a focus for specific management goals. These goals might include:

Creating a Trophy Fishery: By protecting a certain size class of fish, biologists encourage growth to larger sizes, attracting anglers seeking big bass.
Addressing Stunted Populations: Sometimes, a lake might have too many small fish. Specific slot limits (where fish between certain sizes must be released) can reduce the number of small, slow-growing fish, allowing the remaining ones to grow larger.
Unique Ecological Factors: Water chemistry, forage availability, and habitat structure can vary greatly from one lake to another. Regulations are tailored to these unique conditions to ensure the health of that specific fishery.
High Fishing Pressure: Highly popular lakes might need stricter rules to prevent overharvesting, even if their fish populations are otherwise healthy.

These special regulations are a testament to the AGFC's commitment to fine-tuning conservation efforts, ensuring that each unique body of water in Arkansas can offer the best possible fishing experience while remaining sustainable. Always, always double-check the local rules for the specific lake you're targeting.

Smallmouth Bass: Navigating River-Specific Rules

Smallmouth bass are incredible fighters, famous for their bronze bodies and preference for clear, flowing water. In Arkansas, you'll find them primarily in the cooler, rockier streams of the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, where they provide a thrilling challenge to anglers. Unlike their largemouth cousins, smallmouths often have more specialized regulations, particularly concerning length, to protect their unique riverine populations.

Smallmouth Limits on Moving Waters Statewide

If you're heading to any of Arkansas's moving waters – think rivers and larger streams – the statewide daily creel limit for smallmouth bass is 2 fish per day. This is significantly lower than the largemouth limit, reflecting the more sensitive nature of smallmouth populations and their specific habitat requirements. Smallmouths tend to grow slower and are often concentrated in smaller, more accessible areas of rivers, making them more vulnerable to overharvest.

The 2-fish limit encourages conservation and promotes catch-and-release, especially for the larger, more mature breeding fish. This is particularly important in the often-pristine environments where smallmouths thrive, as these ecosystems can be more delicate. Anglers who target smallmouths are often passionate about protecting these fisheries, understanding that a responsible approach ensures future generations can enjoy the same incredible fishing. For detailed insights into these rules, consult our guide on Smallmouth Bass Rules on Arkansas's Moving Waters Statewide.

Minimum Length Requirements Explained

In addition to the daily limit, there's a crucial minimum length requirement for smallmouth bass on moving waters: all smallmouth bass kept must be 12 inches or longer. This 12-inch minimum length limit is a cornerstone of smallmouth management in Arkansas. It's designed to protect juvenile fish, allowing them to reach sexual maturity and reproduce at least once before being harvested.

Fish that are too small, typically under 12 inches, are often the most abundant, and if removed, could significantly impact the recruitment of new fish into the population. By letting these smaller fish go, you're directly contributing to a healthier, more robust fishery with better chances for future trophy catches. This is a common conservation strategy for many species, ensuring that the breeding stock remains strong. When you land a smallmouth, make sure to lay it flat against your measuring board or tape, ensuring the tail is naturally pinched, before deciding whether it makes the cut.

Protecting Ozark Stream Smallmouth Populations

The smallmouth bass found in Arkansas's Ozark streams are truly a treasure. These are often wild, native fish, adapted to the clear, cool, and often nutrient-poor waters of these highland rivers. Regulations like the 2-fish daily limit and 12-inch minimum are specifically crafted to safeguard these unique populations. The AGFC works hard to monitor these streams, often conducting surveys to assess population health, growth rates, and reproductive success.

Beyond official regulations, many smallmouth enthusiasts practice voluntary catch-and-release for all smallmouth bass, recognizing their ecological value and the sporting experience they provide. It's a testament to the community's commitment to these beautiful fish. Preserving the genetic integrity of these wild smallmouths is paramount, as they are a vital component of the Ozark aquatic ecosystem. These rules aren't just about fish numbers; they're about preserving a unique natural heritage for Arkansas.

Crappie: Statewide and Lake-Specific Limitations

Crappie—both black and white varieties—are incredibly popular panfish in Arkansas, known for their delicious fillets and tendency to congregate in large schools. They're often one of the first species new anglers learn to catch, and a favorite for family fishing trips. However, like other popular game fish, crappie populations are carefully managed with daily and size limits, which can vary significantly by lake.

Standard Crappie Daily and Size Limits

For most of Arkansas's lakes, rivers, and impoundments, the standard daily creel limit for crappie (which includes both black crappie and white crappie combined) is a generous 20 fish per day. This allows anglers to take home a substantial catch, making crappie trips very rewarding.

In addition to the daily limit, there's a statewide minimum length requirement: all crappie kept must be 9 inches or longer. This 9-inch minimum is crucial for conservation. It ensures that crappie have sufficient time to mature and spawn at least once, contributing to the next generation of fish. Without this minimum, anglers might remove too many small, juvenile crappie, impacting the overall health and future productivity of the fishery. The 9-inch rule is a sweet spot that balances angler harvest with strong population management. If you want to dive deeper into the specifics, our Crappie Size and Daily Limit in Arkansas article has even more information.

Lake Monticello and Lake Cargile Exceptions

Just like with largemouth bass, some lakes have specific crappie regulations that differ from the statewide rules. Lake Monticello, for instance, known for its excellent fishing, has a slightly reduced crappie limit: 15 fish per day, with a 9-inch minimum length. This reduction in the daily creel from 20 to 15 helps manage pressure on the lake's crappie population while still offering a great fishing experience.

Lake Cargile is another interesting case with a unique crappie limit. Here, the daily limit is also 15 fish, but it comes with an additional length restriction: only 7 of those 15 crappie can be 12 inches or longer. This is a form of "slot limit" or "protected slot" but applied in reverse. It encourages anglers to keep smaller crappie (between 9 and just under 12 inches) while limiting the harvest of larger crappie. This kind of regulation is often used to address issues of slow growth or overpopulation of smaller fish, aiming to improve the average size of crappie in the lake by allowing more of the larger, healthier individuals to remain and reproduce. These lake-specific nuances highlight why it's always best to check the AGFC regulations for your specific destination.

Tips for Measuring Crappie Accurately

With length limits being so important for crappie, accurately measuring your catch is non-negotiable. A common mistake new anglers make is not laying the fish flat or pinching the tail properly. Here’s how to do it right:

Use a Reliable Measuring Device: A stiff, flat measuring board is ideal. Many are marked with inches and often have a stop at one end to butt the fish's nose against. You can find excellent options at any tackle shop or quickly order one from Amazon.
Lay the Fish Flat: Place the crappie on its side on the measuring board, with its mouth against the end stop.
Pinch the Tail: Gently squeeze the tail fin together to extend it to its maximum length. Read the measurement at the very end of the longest caudal fin ray. This is the standard "total length" measurement used by the AGFC.
Measure Quickly and Safely: If you intend to release the fish, measure it quickly to minimize stress. Keep your hands wet when handling fish, and avoid touching their gills or eyes.

Getting into the habit of proper measurement ensures you comply with the law and contributes to good conservation practices. It’s a small effort that makes a big difference.

Trout Species: Tailwater Regulations and Special Zones

Arkansas is famous for its world-class trout fishing, particularly in the cold, oxygen-rich tailwaters below its major dams. The White River, Norfork River, and Little Red River are legendary destinations, drawing anglers from around the globe. Because these are highly managed and heavily fished waters, the regulations for trout are often the most complex and precise, with very specific limits that can change even within a few miles of a river.

White River Tailwater (Bull Shoals) Trout Rules

The White River below Bull Shoals Dam is one of the premier trout fisheries in the country, home to rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout. The regulations here are critical and often divided into zones. Generally, from Bull Shoals Dam downstream to the Highway 5 bridge at Mountain Home, the daily creel limit for trout is 5 fish. However, there's a specific restriction for brown trout: only 2 brown trout are allowed, and brown trout must be 24 inches or longer to keep. This rule is designed to protect the highly prized trophy brown trout, allowing them to grow to immense sizes, which is what the White River is famous for.

Further downstream, these rules can change again, with certain "Quality Trout Zones" or "Catch and Release Only" sections. For example, some stretches may be artificial lures only, or have different brown trout limits. It's absolutely essential to consult the AGFC map and regulations for the specific stretch of the White River you plan to fish. Misinterpreting these rules could easily lead to an unwanted citation. Our guide on Bull Shoals Tailwater Trout Rules in Arkansas provides a comprehensive overview.

Norfork Tailwater Specifics

The Norfork River, a tributary of the White River, also offers exceptional trout fishing, particularly below Norfork Dam. Here, the daily creel limit is also 5 trout. Like the White River, there are specific length and species restrictions that are paramount to follow:

Rainbow Trout: Anglers can keep 5 rainbow trout, but all rainbow trout between 14 inches and 21 inches must be immediately released. This "protected slot" limit aims to increase the number of larger rainbow trout in the system by preventing their harvest at a critical growth stage.
Brown Trout: For brown trout, you can only keep 1 fish per day, and it must be 24 inches or longer. This is even stricter than the White River, reflecting specific management goals for the Norfork's brown trout population.
Brook Trout and Cutthroat Trout: The limit for these species is typically 2 per day, with specific size requirements (e.g., cutthroat usually must be 16 inches or longer).

The Norfork Tailwater is a spectacular fishery, but its rules are intricate. A digital copy of the AGFC regulations on your phone or a printout is a must-have when fishing here. Failing to release a rainbow trout within the protected slot, for example, is a common mistake that can be costly. You can learn more about these specific rules in our article on Trout Limits on the Norfork Tailwater in Arkansas.

Spring River Brown Trout Minimums

The Spring River, another popular cold-water stream in Arkansas, also has its own distinct trout regulations, particularly concerning brown trout. While the general daily limit for trout might be 5, the Spring River brown trout regulation is focused on length: any brown trout caught in the Spring River must be 16 inches or longer to keep. This 16-inch minimum is designed to protect the smaller, wilder brown trout in the river, allowing them to mature and contribute to the fishery. The Spring River, with its unique aquifer-fed flows, supports a healthy population of naturally reproducing brown trout, and these specific rules help ensure that natural reproduction continues robustly. It’s another example of how the AGFC tailors regulations to the unique characteristics of each waterway.

Catfish, Bream, and Other Panfish: General Guidelines

While bass, crappie, and trout often get the most attention for their specific and often complex regulations, it's important not to overlook the robust populations of catfish, bream, and other panfish that populate Arkansas's waters. These species are incredibly popular, especially for family fishing trips and beginner anglers, and while their regulations are generally simpler, they still have limits you need to respect.

Channel, Blue, and Flathead Catfish Rules

Arkansas is a prime destination for catfish anglers, whether you're targeting big blue cats on the Arkansas River or channel cats in smaller impoundments. Fortunately, the regulations for these whiskered fighters are relatively straightforward. The daily creel limit for a combination of Channel, Blue, and Flathead Catfish is 10 fish per day. This combined limit means you can keep any mix of these three species, as long as the total doesn't exceed ten.

Interestingly, for these three primary catfish species, there are generally no statewide minimum length limits. This flexibility allows anglers to keep smaller "eating size" cats, which are often preferred for their taste. However, many trophy catfish anglers practice catch-and-release for the largest blue and flathead catfish, understanding that these big breeders are vital for the health of the population and represent a truly magnificent catch. While the official limit is 10, common sense and conservation often guide anglers to keep only what they will eat, releasing the rest.

Bream and Bluegill: Abundance and Simpler Limits

Bream, a collective term often used in Arkansas to include species like bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcrackers), green sunfish, and warmouth, are abundant and incredibly fun to catch. They are a staple for kids and seasoned anglers alike, offering consistent action, especially with simple baits like worms or crickets. The good news is that their regulations are very forgiving.

For a combined limit of Bream (including bluegill, redear, green sunfish, warmouth, etc.), the daily creel limit is 50 fish per day. This generous limit reflects their prolific reproductive rates and the robust populations found across the state. There are generally no statewide minimum length limits for bream, meaning you can keep any size you catch, up to your daily limit. This makes bream fishing a perfect activity for beginners, as there’s less pressure about specific sizes. Just be mindful of your count, especially if you're on a particularly hot bite, as 50 fish can add up quickly!

General Panfish Catch Limits

Beyond the specific crappie and bream limits, many other smaller "panfish" species fall under general regulations. While not as heavily targeted as crappie or bluegill, species like rock bass, often found in rocky, clear streams, are considered panfish. Typically, if a fish isn't specifically listed with its own daily creel or size limit, it falls under a general "unregulated" or "other species" category, which often still has a generous combined limit, or might even be unrestricted in some cases. However, it’s always safest to assume there’s a limit, and to consult the AGFC guide if you’re unsure about an unusual catch.

The common sense approach to panfish is to only keep what you'll consume. Even with high limits, responsible angling means not wasting resources. These abundant species are a fantastic resource for sustainable fishing and introducing new generations to the sport, and managing them wisely ensures they remain so.

Why These Rules Matter: Conservation and Sustainable Fishing

It's easy to view fishing regulations as just a list of dos and don'ts, another hoop to jump through. But understanding the deeper "why" behind Arkansas fish size and daily limits can transform how you approach your time on the water, turning compliance into a genuine act of conservation. These rules are the bedrock of sustainable fishing, ensuring that our grandchildren will have the same opportunities we do to enjoy the incredible aquatic resources of the Natural State.

The Ecological Impact of Fishing Limits

Every fish you keep, every fish you release, has an impact on the ecosystem. Creel and size limits are carefully crafted tools based on extensive scientific research by the AGFC's fisheries biologists. They study fish population dynamics, growth rates, reproductive success, and the carrying capacity of different water bodies.

Protecting Spawning Stocks: Minimum length limits ensure that most fish have at least one, if not several, opportunities to spawn before they can be harvested. This maintains a healthy breeding population, which is crucial for replenishing fish numbers naturally.
Preventing Stunting: In some cases, too many small fish can lead to a "stunted" population where no fish grow to a desirable size due to overcompetition for food. Slot limits (like those seen in reverse on Lake Cargile for crappie, or protected slots for trout) are designed to either remove smaller, more abundant fish or protect intermediate-sized fish, allowing them to grow larger.
Maintaining Genetic Diversity: By preventing the selective harvesting of only the largest or smallest fish, limits help maintain a healthy genetic diversity within fish populations, making them more resilient to disease and environmental changes.
Balancing Predator-Prey Relationships: Healthy fish populations are part of a larger web. Limits on game fish can also indirectly support the populations of the forage species they depend on, creating a more stable and balanced ecosystem.

Every regulation is a piece of this complex puzzle, working to maintain the delicate balance of Arkansas's aquatic environments.

Understanding Penalties for Violations

Let's talk about the less pleasant but very real consequences of not following the rules. Fishing without a license, keeping undersized fish, or exceeding daily limits are not minor infractions in Arkansas. The penalties for these violations can be significant and vary depending on the severity and nature of the offense. Typically, fishing violations are considered misdemeanors.

Fines can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, plus court costs. You could also face the forfeiture of your fishing equipment, including rods, reels, and even your boat, in extreme or repeated cases. Beyond the financial hit, you risk losing your fishing privileges for a period of time, or even permanently. This means your Arkansas Fishing License Rules and Costs investment, or any Arkansas Fishing License Types Explained, could be revoked. For a more detailed look at the legal repercussions, you can refer to our article on Penalties for Fishing Without a License in Arkansas. Game wardens are diligent and knowledgeable; they patrol our waters to protect our resources, and they are not hesitant to issue citations when rules are broken. It's simply not worth the risk.

Playing Your Part in Arkansas Conservation

Beyond just following the rules, every angler has a role to play in conservation. This includes:

Responsible Catch and Release: When releasing fish, handle them gently, minimize their time out of water, and use proper techniques to ensure their survival. Consider using barbless hooks, especially in catch-and-release only areas.
Ethical Harvest: Even within legal limits, consider whether you truly need to keep your limit every time. Harvesting only what you will eat reduces pressure on the fishery.
Report Violations: If you witness someone violating fishing regulations, report it to the AGFC. This protects the resource for everyone.
Support Conservation Efforts: A portion of your fishing license fees goes directly to funding AGFC conservation programs. Supporting organizations dedicated to protecting aquatic habitats is also invaluable.
Educate Others: Share your knowledge of regulations and good conservation practices with fellow anglers, especially beginners.

By understanding and respecting Arkansas's fish size and daily limits, you're not just avoiding trouble; you're actively participating in the stewardship of one of the state's most cherished natural resources. It’s about ensuring that the joy of fishing in Arkansas remains vibrant for generations to come.

Arkansas Fish Size and Daily Limits Summary Table

To help you keep track of the most common fish species and their regulations in Arkansas, here’s a handy summary. Remember, these are general statewide rules, and specific lakes or rivers (especially trout tailwaters) will have different or additional regulations. Always consult the current AGFC regulations guide for your specific fishing destination.

Species	Daily Creel Limit (Statewide)	Minimum Length (Statewide)	Key Exceptions (Lakes/Rivers)
Largemouth Bass	5	None	Lake Monticello: 5 fish, only 1 over 16 inches (must be 16"+ to keep)
Smallmouth Bass	2 (on moving waters)	12 inches	Some specific river zones may have "catch & release only" or different rules
Crappie (Black/White)	20	9 inches	Lake Monticello: 15 fish, 9" min. Lake Cargile: 15 fish, only 7 over 12"
Rainbow Trout	5	None (various exceptions apply)	Norfork Tailwater: 5 fish, release 14-21" rainbows White River Tailwater: 5 fish, specific zones vary
Brown Trout	2	24 inches (White River Tailwater)	Norfork Tailwater: 1 fish, 24" min. Spring River: 16" min. for browns
Catfish (Channel, Blue, Flathead)	10 (combined)	None	Some specific ponds/lakes might have local rules
Bream (Bluegill, Redear, etc.)	50 (combined)	None	Very few exceptions, generally high limits

Note: This table is a general overview. Always check the official Arkansas Game and Fish Commission regulations for the most current and specific rules for your intended fishing location.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this guide is intended for general informational purposes only and serves as a summary of Arkansas fishing regulations. While we strive to be accurate and up-to-date, fishing regulations can change frequently. It is the angler's sole responsibility to consult and adhere to the most current official regulations published by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) before fishing in any Arkansas waters. Reliance on this information for legal compliance is at your own risk.