Table Rock Lake lies in the southwestern Missouri on the Arkansas border, with parts of the lake extending into Arkansas. It follows the White River in forever winding arms. From an aerial view, Table Rock Lake looks like a few snakes entangled up in each other. The majority of Table Rock Lake is in Stone County, Missouri, with Barry County on the east and Taney County, Missouri on the west.

Table Rock Lake’s eastern and western arms flow into Arkansas. The eastern arm is in Carroll County, Arkansas, and Boone County, Arkansas, is on the west. Both states set their own laws and rules for fishing regulations. This article simplifies the fishing regulations on Table Rock Lake.

Do You Need a Fishing License to Fish on Table Rock Lake?

Missouri and Arkansas both offer a reciprocal fishing license for fishing in both states. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) established a White River Border Lakes License/Permit to fish the impounded waters of Bull Shoals, Norfork, and Table Rock Lakes

Yes, you need a fishing license to fish in both Arkansas and Missouri to fish in either state. But, any person possessing a valid Missouri resident fishing permit or Arkansas resident fishing license, and possessing the White River Border Lakes License may fish in the Missouri and Arkansas impounded waters of Table Rock Lake.

Table Rock Lake Fishing License Requirements

What Fishing License do I Need for Table Rock Lake?

If you know you are only going to fish in Missouri, or only fish in Arkansas, then you need a valid fishing license for the state you are fishing in. The White River Border Lakes License allows anglers to fish in the waters of both Arkansas and Missouri, without worry as long as you have a fishing license for either state.

You need the White River Border Lakes License if you think you may be crossing from Arkansas waters to Missouri waters, or vice versa. This license covers Carroll County, Arkansas and Barry County, on the east, and Taney County, Missouri, and Boone County, Arkansas, on the west of Table Rock Lake on the border of Arkansas and Missouri.

With the White River Border Lakes License, anglers are required to abide by the fishing regulations of the state where they are fishing. The only differences in regulations on Table Rock Lake are that spotted bass must be at least 12 inches long to keep in Arkansas and at least 15 inches long to keep Missouri.

How the White River Border Lakes License Works

• Any person age 16 and older possessing a valid Missouri resident fishing permit or Arkansas resident fishing license, or who is legally exempted from those license requirements, and possessing the White River Border Lakes License may fish in the Missouri and Arkansas impounded waters of Bull Shoals, Norfork, and Table Rock Lakes. This license will not negate either state's right to issue resident and/or nonresident fishing licenses for waters within their boundary.
• All anglers shall abide by the laws and regulations of the state in which they are fishing.
• The White River Border Lakes License is not valid for possession of trout.
• The White River Border Lakes License is valid for all impounded portions of these lakes except for the designated trout waters on Table Rock Lake upstream from the Highway 62 Bridge in Arkansas.
• The annual cost of the White River Border Lakes License will be $10 and may be changed annually through mutual agreement of both parties.
• All funds generated through the sale of the White River Border Lakes License to Missouri residents by MDC are due to the AGFC and all funds generated through the like sale to Arkansas residents by the AGFC are due to the MDC. MDC and AGFC will meet to perform an annual accounting of license sales and execute such fund transfers.

Do I Need a Fishing License in Missouri?

All U.S. states and the federal government regulate fish and wildlife management. Fish and wildlife play crucial roles across ecosystems and in human society. High animal diversity contributes to healthy ecosystems, and many species provide important economic benefits to our communities. Fish and wildlife management agencies serve to protect fish and wildlife species, promote their habitats, and keep populations under control.

Yes, you need a fishing license in Missouri. Anglers can buy a one-day license, seasonal license, or a non-resident license unless they qualify for an exemption. In Missouri, there is a special license for trout. You can purchase fishing licenses online from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) at https://mdc-web.s3licensing.com/.

How Much Does a Fishing License Cost in Missouri?

There are several fishing license catagories in every state, and Missouri is no different. It depends on your age, whether you are a resident, or non-resident of Missouri, and what game fish species you want catch.

For Missouri residents, a daily fishing license is $8, an annual fishing license is $12, a lifetime fishing license ranges from $70 to $550, and a military annual fishing license is $5. The different categories and rates are listed below.

Missouri Fishing License Fees

For fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, and live bait:

• Annual Resident Fee: $12.00
• Annual Nonresident Fee: $49.00

Lifetime Conservation Partner for Missouri Residents Only (Lifetime Fishing Licenses)

• Youth (0-15) Fee: $550.00
• Age 16-29 Fee: $800.00
• Age 30-39  Fee: $700.00
• Age 40-59 Fee: $600.00
• Age 60-64 Fee:   $70.00

Missouri Free Fishing Days

Any person without permit or prescribed area daily fishing tag may fish during Free Fishing Days. Also, a fishing permit is not required to fish privately stocked waters. On private licensed trout fishing areas, customers and guests may fish for trout without a permit.

The first weekend after the first Monday in June are the Missouri annual state-wide free fishing days in Missouri. Fishing licenses are not required this weekend throughout the state of Missouri. Fishing times on free fishing days are from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Missouri Fishing License Exemptions

The following individuals do not need a fishing license:

• Resident landowners (who own five acres or more) and their immediate households fishing on land they own
• Missouri residents ages 65 or older
• Anyone age 15 and younger (resident or nonresident)
• Those with serious medical conditions such as individuals with a corrected vision of 20/200 or less or a 20 degree or less field of visual concentric contraction, those who permanently cannot move without the aid of a wheelchair, or individuals with cerebral palsy or a mental disability and cannot fish alone and who are accompanied by a licensed adult angler
• Honorably discharged veterans or active personnel who have a service-related disability of 60% or greater, was a prisoner of war during military service or as a patient in a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transition Unit, or military medical center
• If you are a member of the U.S. military currently assigned as a patient to a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transition Unit, or a military medical center, you now may take fish, live bait, clams, mussels, turtles, and frogs without permit. However, you still need a trout permit or daily tag in areas where prescribed. You must carry orders showing assignment to a Warrior Transition Brigade or Warrior Transition Unit, or carry admission verification to a military medical center.

Do I need a fishing license in Arkansas?

Anglers need a fishing license in every U.S. state, including Arkansas. Fishing laws or regulations protect natural resources and help anglers enjoy more success. If conservation agencies did not have these regulations, anglers would be able to fish for all species, at all times and of any quantity, which could deplete a fish population and cause a species to become extinct.

Yes, you need a fishing license in Arkansas. Licenses are available over the counter at AGFC regional offices and nature centers, sporting goods stores, or at some discount chains and boat docks. You also may buy a license by phone or online.

How Much Does a Fishing License Cost in Arkansas?

• Resident Fisheries Conservation License (FSH): $10.50
• Entitles a resident to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle. A Resident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters.
• Resident 3-Day TripFishing License (RT3): $6.50
• Entitles a resident to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle for the 3-day period specified. A Resident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters.
• Resident Trout Permit (TPR): $10
• Required to retain trout or to fish in certain waters (see pages 58-79). Not required for holders of the nonexpiring $1,000 Lifetime Resident Hunting and Fishing Sportsman’s Permit or for holders of the 65-Plus Lifetime License and Trout Permit.
• Nonresident Trout Permit (TPN): $20
• Required of a nonresident to retain trout or to fish in certain waters in addition to a Nonresident Annual or Trip Fishing License.
• Nonresident Annual Fishing License (NRF): $50
• Entitles a nonresident to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle. A Nonresident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters.
• Nonresident 3-Day Trip Fishing License (NT3): $16
• Entitles a nonresident to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle for the 3-day period specified. A Nonresident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters.
• Nonresident 7-Day Trip Fishing License (NT7): $25
• Entitles a nonresident to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle for the 7-day period specified. A Nonresident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters.
• Resident Fishing Guide License (GLF): $25
• Required of a resident who guides, aids or assists another person for pay or other consideration in the taking of fish. This license does not include fishing privileges.
• Nonresident Fishing Guide License (GNF): $150
• Required of a nonresident who guides, aids or assists another person for pay or other consideration in the taking of fish. This license does not include fishing privileges.
• White River Border Lakes License (WRL): $10

Entitles Arkansas resident fishing license holders to fish in the Missouri waters of Bull Shoals, Norfork and Table Rock lakes without a nonresident fishing license from Missouri.

• Resident 3-Year Disability License (RDF): $10.50
• Entitles a resident to fish the waters of the state with sport fishing tackle. A Resident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. Holders of this license, along with another licensed individual to assist, may fish at Family Fishing locations.
• Alligator Gar Harvest Tag (AGT): Free

Required to harvest one alligator gar over 36 inches per calendar year. Drawing will be held Jan. 2. To be eligible angler must obtain an AGP. Expires Dec. 31.

Arkansas Free Fishing Days

Residents and nonresidents may fish anywhere in Arkansas noon Friday, until midnight Sunday night, the weekend after the first Monday in June without fishing licenses or trout permits. Regulations for Arkansas waters apply to daily limits. Slot limits and length limits must be observed.