Arkansas 2026-27 Fishing Regulations Changes in Effect, New Guidebook Released

Get your hands on the new 2026-27 Arkansas Fishing Guidebook by downloading a copy right to your phone.

Anglers and boaters in Arkansas should be familiar with the Arkansas Fishing Guidebook, which is produced by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and historically released during January each year. This year is a little different. From 2026 and beyond, fishing regulations changes take effect July 1 of each year, the same effective date as hunting regulations changes passed by the Commission.

“The timing of effective dates was part of our agency-wide effort to streamline regulations and make them more consistent for hunters and anglers to follow,” Ben Batten, AGFC Deputy Director, said. “Before, regulations regarding hunting were set at different times, and the public was expected to keep track during multiple regulation-setting processes. Now we have one schedule that affects all hunting, fishing and outdoor-associated regulations within the agency.”