The morning air has changed completely. On days like this, I start by pulling out my fishing rods from the shed.

But before I spool new line onto my reel, there's one important thing I always do. I open my phone, not my wallet, to check if my fishing license is still valid.

Last year around this time, a friend of mine met a game warden by the lake. He didn't even realize that his license had expired.

Fall fishing doesn't have a specific season opening, so everyone just goes out. This makes it easy to overlook this basic requirement.

Let's break it down based on Arkansas regulations. All information comes from the official Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, abbreviated as AGFC.

First, the requirements. Anyone 16 years or older must carry a valid fishing license while fishing.

The exception is for paid fishing areas, known as put-and-take pay lakes. Local lakes or rivers are not exceptions.

The basic fishing license for residents is called the Resident Fisheries Conservation License, and it costs $10.50. Honestly, I double-checked the price when I first saw it.

If you're only going for three days, the Resident 3-Day Trip License is $6.50. However, if you plan to fish throughout the fall, the annual license is much better.

For those who also hunt, the Combination Sportsman's License costs $35.50 and expires on June 30.

If you're a resident aged 65 or older, the deal gets even better. The 65-Plus Annual Fishing License is $3.50, and the 65-Plus Annual Combination License, which includes hunting, is $4.50.

If you're taking your parents, make sure to get these for them. For the price of a cup of coffee, you can cover a whole year.

One thing that confuses many people is the trout permit. If you want to catch and keep trout, you need the Resident Trout Permit, which costs $10, in addition to your license.

In some designated tailwater areas, you need a permit to fish even if you plan to release the trout. It's a good idea to check the AGFC regulations to see if your destination falls under this requirement.

You should also be aware of the resident qualifications. To be recognized as a resident, you must actually live in Arkansas for more than 60 days and report yourself as a full-time resident.

If you own a home in Arkansas but live in another state, you are not considered a resident. Many people make this mistake when they've just moved here.

If you have friends visiting from out of state, nonresident fees apply. A one-day pass is $15, a three-day pass is $30, and an annual pass is $60, with a trout permit costing $20.

There's also a new regulation this year. Starting July 1, 2026, anyone 16 years or older using AGFC-owned WMAs and lakes will need a WMA/Lake Conservation Permit, which costs $10.50.

Fortunately, if you have a fishing or hunting license, you don't need to purchase this permit separately. If you have family members who are just coming along for a walk and not fishing, they will need this permit.

Purchasing is not difficult. You can buy online at agfc.com, or at designated retailers or local offices.

You can also purchase by phone at 833-345-0325, available weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Saving a PDF received via email on your phone is accepted as proof of purchase. Since the signal is weak by the lake, AGFC recommends taking a screenshot as well.

Now, let's talk about the real fun of fall. AGFC typically releases trout into Family and Community Fishing Program ponds from November to February.

However, last year, due to flooding at the Spring River hatchery, winter releases were significantly reduced. They announced that they only released trout once in December in most ponds.

This year's schedule hasn't been confirmed yet, so I recommend checking AGFC's family fishing page regularly. These ponds only allow fishing with rods, and you can keep up to five trout per day.

My opinion is simple. Enjoying nature for $10.50 a year is a well-managed system.

Considering that money goes towards stocking and management, it's a natural responsibility to follow the rules. There's no worse deal than getting fined for trying to enjoy something for free.

So, before you head out this weekend, take just five minutes to check your license, grab your trout permit, and then choose your bait. I hope everyone gets to enjoy some great catches this fall!