Arkansas State Parks once again celebrates Free Fishing Weekend from noon Friday, June 7, until Sunday evening, June 9, 2024. Our state parks provide access to 18 rivers and 25 lakes, offering abundant opportunities for all anglers. Whether casting for bass or trolling for stripers, you’ll find exciting fishing adventures in our parks. Full-service marinas and boat docks are available, offering boat rentals, fishing supplies, fuel, and more for your convenience.
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Free Fishing Weekend, sponsored by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, is an annual event in June that allows everyone in the state, both residents and non-residents, to fish without the need for a license or trout stamp. While all daily limits and fishing regulations remain enforced, the license requirement will be waived from noon on June 7 until 11:59 p.m. on June 9.
“Arkansas Free Fishing Weekend is a fantastic opportunity for families, friends, and nature enthusiasts to reconnect with the great outdoors and experience the thrill of fishing in The Natural State,” says Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis. “Whether casting a line from the shore of a tranquil lake or wading through a babbling stream, Arkansas offers endless possibilities for unforgettable fishing adventures.”
Arkansas State Parks facilitate access to these natural wonders, providing fishing opportunities in numerous lakes statewide. Here are some of the highlights:
Lake Greeson at Daisy State Park: Famous for its clean, clear water. It offers anglers stripers, black bass, crappie, bream, catfish, and smallmouth.
Lake Chicot State Park: At 20 miles long, Lake Chicot is the largest natural lake in Arkansas and the largest oxbow lake in North America. Its beautiful waters are a favorite with anglers throughout the year.
Bull Shoals-White River State Park: Famous for its world-class trout fishing. The riverside marina and store offer boat rentals, bait, tackle and supplies.
Lake Charles State Park: Famous for the largest number of 20-inch bass caught in Northeast Arkansas, with a full line of bait and tackle available at the visitor center from March through October.
To further engage fishing enthusiasts, Arkansas State Parks encourages individuals to visit AGFCNatureCenter.com and explore beginner fishing videos under “Fishing” and “Outdoor Skills.”
Following Free Fishing Weekend, fishing enthusiasts can conveniently purchase licenses online at AGFC.com or through the free AGFC mobile app.
For more information about Arkansas Free Fishing Weekend events and fishing opportunities in The Natural State, please visit ArkansasStateParks.com.
Share your big fish catches with Arkansas State Parks on social media this weekend! Tag your photos with #ArkansasStateParks for a chance to be featured.
Arkansas State Parks is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Arkansas state parks and museums cover 55,006 acres of forest, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation facilities, and unique historic and cultural resources. Established in 1923, Arkansas State Parks preserve special places for future generations, provide quality recreation and education opportunities, enhance the state’s economy through tourism and provide leadership in resource conservation. Connect with ASP on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and visit ArkansasStateParks.com and ArkansasStateParks.com/media to learn more. The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism protects and promotes our state’s natural, cultural and historic assets, contributing to a thriving economy and high quality of life. It is made up of three divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism.