New Regulations Bring Fresh Opportunities for Arkansas Anglers
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has announced a series of regulatory changes designed to enhance fishing experiences for the state’s anglers. These tweaks aim to create more opportunities for enthusiasts while ensuring the sustainability of Arkansas’s fish populations.
Expanded Largemouth Bass Catch Limits
One notable change is the elimination of the slot limits on largemouth bass at Lake Brewer and Lake Barnett. Anglers can now keep up to 10 largemouth bass per day, with only one of them allowed to exceed 16 inches. This shift from slot limits to general daily limits promotes a more “catch-and-keep” approach, giving anglers greater flexibility in their fishing strategies[2].
Enhanced Crappie Opportunities at Lake Poinsett
Lake Poinsett, which underwent significant renovations in 2020, is now open to anglers for both bass and crappie fishing. The daily limit for crappie is set at 15 per angler, while the daily limit for largemouth bass remains at 10, with only one bass longer than 16 inches allowed per day. These new regulations should attract a new wave of anglers to this previously under-exploited lake[2].
Trophy Paddlefish Season
A new paddlefish snagging season has been established, running from April 15 to June 15 below Beaver Lake. This season allows anglers to snag paddlefish from the Arkansas Highway 45 bridge upstream to Lake Sequoyah Dam. A permit-based system will be in place for this unique fishing experience, targeting the massive paddlefish that have become legendary for their size and catchability[2].
Clarified Regulations for Alternative Fishing Methods
The AGFC has also clarified regulations concerning alternative fishing methods such as hogging and noodling. Now, any water open to commercial fishing will allow these practices from May 15 to October 31, eliminating the need for seasonal divisions. Additionally, a recreational netting permit has been introduced, enabling license holders to use up to 100 yards of gill or trammel nets to catch rough fish and catfish for personal consumption[2].
Improved Management Across Various Waterbodies
The commission has designated Houseman Access on the White River as the downstream boundary of the Beaver tailwater below Beaver Dam in Carroll County. This change also defines the trout water on the Beaver tailwater, except for Craighead Forest Park Youth Fishing Pond. All other waterbodies in the “Family Fishing Program Waters” have been transferred to the “Community Fishing Program Waters,” imposing community fishing regulations on waters like Bishop Park in Saline County to increase access and opportunities for anglers[1].
These regulatory changes reflect a concerted effort by the AGFC to balance angling opportunities with the need to conserve and manage Arkansas’s diverse fish populations. As anglers turn the pages of the newly revised 2025 Arkansas Fishing Guidebook, they will find a slate of updates designed to make their experience more rewarding and sustainable.