Magnet Fishing Laws in Arkansas
State agency rules, waterway access, state park policy, and what happens when you find something significant.
State Agency & Regulatory Framework
Arkansas has no magnet fishing-specific statute. The Arkansas Antiquities Act (A.C.A. § 13-7-101 et seq.) protects archaeological resources on state land; items over 100 years old on state-managed waterways fall under this protection. AGFC's public fishing areas and water access points are generally accessible for magnet fishing in areas designated for fishing use. The Arkansas River Navigation System (AGFC-managed portions) follows Corps recreation rules at lock-and-dam facilities.
State Park Policy
Arkansas State Parks (Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism) has not issued a magnet fishing prohibition. Waterway access within parks follows general recreation rules. Contact specific park offices.
Waterway Access & Navigability
The Arkansas and White Rivers are major federally navigable waterways. AGFC manages extensive public fishing areas ('Wildlife Management Areas') on river systems throughout the state where public waterway access is well-established.
If You Find a Firearm
Regardless of Arkansas state law details, the protocol for a firearm find is consistent: do not transport it, call the local non-emergency police line immediately, document the find location, and turn it over to the responding officer. Request a case number. For the full protocol, see: Found a Gun While Magnet Fishing.
Historical Artifact Reporting
Items 100+ years old recovered from public land in Arkansas may be protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (federal) and Arkansas state antiquity law. Contact your State Historic Preservation Office before disturbing or retaining any potentially historical find.
Arkansas SHPO: Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, (501) 324-9880
Quick Reference
- Managing Agency: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) — (501) 223-6300
- General Access Status: Generally Permitted
- State Parks: Arkansas State Parks (Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage...
- SHPO: Arkansas SHPO: Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, (501) 324-9880
- Found Firearms: Call non-emergency police, do not transport
- Federal Waterways: Contact USACE district office for managed sites