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2026 regulation year

Bull Shoals Lake Fishing License 2026

Last updated

ArkansasMissouri

Bull Shoals Lake is a US Army Corps reservoir, but fishing runs on the host state's license — no federal fishing permit is sold.

Quick answer

State fishing license applies

Bull Shoals Lake runs on an Arkansas or Missouri fishing licence — there is no Corps fishing permit. The reservoir straddles the Arkansas–Missouri line on the White River, and the two states maintain a reciprocal agreement on their shared boundary waters.

What to know before you fish Bull Shoals Lake

  • Bull Shoals is a trophy bass and walleye fishery; the Bull Shoals tailwater of the White River below the dam is a world-class stocked trout fishery with its own special Arkansas regulations.
  • Arkansas and Missouri honour each other's licences on the lake's boundary waters under a reciprocal agreement — verify the current terms and covered area with both agencies before crossing the state line.
  • The US Army Corps of Engineers (Little Rock District) operates Bull Shoals Dam and the recreation areas; site fees are separate from the fishing licence.

How licensing works at Bull Shoals Lake

Bull Shoals Lake is a US Army Corps of Engineers project, but fishing is governed by the host state's license — the Corps does not sell a fishing permit. Day-use, launch, and camping fees at Corps recreation areas are separate from your fishing license. On multi-state impoundments, check whether a joint-license arrangement lets one state's license cover the whole lake.

Compare what the Arkansas / Missouri license costs on the non-resident fee table, or open the full Arkansas regulations / Missouri regulations.

Official source

Bull Shoals Lake publishes its authoritative 2026 fishing rules on the page below. Regulations change annually — verify the current year before you fish.

agfc.com →

Bull Shoals Lake fishing license — FAQ

Do you need a fishing license to fish Bull Shoals Lake?
Bull Shoals Lake is a US Army Corps reservoir, but fishing runs on the host state's license — no federal fishing permit is sold.
Who issues the fishing license for Bull Shoals Lake?
The host state's fish & wildlife agency issues the controlling fishing license for Bull Shoals Lake — the Arkansas / Missouri license. There is no federal fishing permit to buy here.
Is your Arkansas / Missouri fishing license valid in Bull Shoals Lake?
Yes — Bull Shoals Lake runs on the Arkansas / Missouri fishing license. The same license you use elsewhere in those states covers the unit's waters, subject to any unit-specific regulation that layers on top.
How do I check the current Bull Shoals Lake fishing rules?
Bull Shoals Lake republishes its fishing regulations on an annual cycle. Verify the current 2026 rules on the official source linked on this page before you fish, and confirm any special-water restrictions on site.

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