Pay lakes in Arkansas

Usually not. You do not need an Arkansas fishing license to fish in a put-and-take pay lake licensed by the AGFC (look for the displayed license); unlicensed pay ponds open to the public fall under normal license rules.

Arkansas licenses pay lakes through its Put-and-Take Pay Lake License (license code PLO), AGFC Code Book Chapter 36.00 (36.01-36.04), run by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The license rule depends on the lake holding that state license, so ask the lake if you are unsure.

"If you are 16 or older, you must carry a valid fishing license to take or attempt to take aquatic wildlife in Arkansas, unless you are fishing in a licensed "put-and-take" pay lake."

Source: AGFC, Fishing License Descriptions and Fees; also AGFC Code 03.02 (https://apps.agfc.com/regulations/03.02): 'EXCEPTION: Persons fishing in put-and-take pay lakes licensed by the Commission.', checked November 2026. Compare every state on our pay lake license rules page.