Yes, the 2026 Arkansas Fishing Guidebook was available back in January, but a change in the regulations cycle, putting both the newly adopted fishing and hunting regulations changes at the same time, means that the newest Fishing Guidebook each year will become effective on July 1. And you can 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.

“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.”
You’ll want to check out the “New This Year” section early in the guidebook for the changes in regulations that will most affect anglers, effective July 1. One interesting change is the introduction of 10 Smallmouth Blue Ribbon Streams in the state (previously there were two), which have special daily creel and length limits on those bodies of water. And some changes that became effective earlier in the year on four popular trout tailwaters were highlighted so that users of those waters know precisely what the harvest and length limits are.
Among other key regulation changes are the increase in minimum length for a harvested walleye in Greers Ferry Lake from 14 inches to 16 inches (the daily limit remains the same), as well as the increase in minimum length of brown trout in the Spring River to 16 inches.