Arkansans will be able to fish without a license next month as the state’s annual Free Fishing Weekend returns June 12-14.
The event was officially recognized during Thursday’s Arkansas Game and Fish Commission meeting through a proclamation from Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declaring the three-day period Free Fishing Weekend in Arkansas.
From noon Friday, June 12, through midnight Sunday, June 14, anyone may fish in Arkansas without purchasing a fishing license or trout permit.
According to the proclamation, sportfishing has a $2.1 billion economic impact in Arkansas and supports more than 18,000 jobs statewide. Arkansas resident fishing licenses cost $10.50 annually, making them among the least expensive in the country.
The weekend also allows anglers to fish Arkansas trout waters without purchasing the additional trout stamp normally required.
All other fishing regulations, including daily catch limits and size restrictions, will remain in effect. Areas with special access rules, including youth-only and mobility-impaired fishing locations, will continue operating under normal restrictions.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will also host fishing derbies and community events statewide during the weekend. Hatchery crews are expected to stock local ponds throughout the week ahead of the events.
The agency’s four warmwater hatcheries will hold youth fishing derbies Saturday, June 13, from 8 a.m. until noon. The events are open to anglers 18 and younger and their families, though registration is required in advance.
Participants may keep up to three catfish during the hatchery derbies, and officials say additional large “bonus” fish will also be stocked in ponds during the events.
More information about Free Fishing Weekend and participating derbies is available at www.agfc.com/freefishing.
