Licenses and Regulations

For the preservation of the river and its wildlife as well as for your safety, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission enforces certain rules. Below we’ve summarized the regulations you need to know to have a safe and pleasant experience on the White River! Download the AGFC Trout Fishing Guidebook for the complete and current regulations.

Permits and Licenses

• Everyone 16 and older needs an Arkansas Fishing License and Trout Permit.
• Purchase both the license and the permit from any of the places below.
• Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Website
• Several local retailers
• White Hole Resort Bait Shop
• You will need a valid identification (state ID or driver’s license) as well as your social security number in order to purchase them.
• Have both your fishing license and your trout permit available while you fish.

Boat and Motor Operation Regulations

• Anyone born before January 1, 1986, can operate a boat and motor in Arkansas.
• Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986, is required to have a state-authorized Boater Education Certificate proving he/she has taken a boater safety course before operating a boat and motor in Arkansas.
• Click here for an AGFC-approved course: Arkansas Boater's Ed
• Arkansas also accepts Boater Education Certificates approved by other states.

Trout Limits for the White River below Bull Shoals Lake

• You may keep up to 5 trout per day and have up to 10 in your possession at any one time.
• Only 1 trout over 14 inches long may be kept.
• Limit may include:
• 5 Rainbow Trout less than 14 inches OR
  
• 4 Rainbow Trout less than 14 inches and ONE of the following:
  
• Rainbow Trout over 14 inches
  
• Brook Trout over 14 inches
  
• Brown Trout over 24 inches
  
• Cutthroat Trout over 24 inches
  

Important Trout Regulations

• Once you put a fish in your livewell or on your stringer, it cannot go back in the river.
• Do not use trout or their parts as bait.
• Do not use more than one fishing rod at a time.
• Attend your fishing rod at all times.
• Nothing may be used to catch trout other than a fishing rod.
• Treble hooks are not allowed when fishing with baits.

Catch-and-Release Regulations and Areas

• The catch-and-release area is within the first mile of the river below Bull Shoals Dam, approximately 6 miles upriver from our location.
• Special fishing regulations apply in this area. Review the AGFC Trout Fishing Guidebook for more details.