Registration Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District has established a Regional General Permit that authorizes fishing guides and boat captains to operate at all district-managed lakes. This streamlined, non-reporting general permit is designed to make compliance simple while ensuring public safety and environmental protection.
The registration process is intentionally straightforward - we've tried to make this as easy as possible for fishing guides, boat captains, and Corps project offices, while still complying with Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 327.
Key Benefits of This Program
- No fees: Registration is completely free
- No document uploads: Simply provide basic contact and insurance information
- District-wide access: Operate at any Little Rock District lake after one registration
- No individual permit required: The regional general permit covers all qualifying operators
No Fee District-Wide Coverage No Annual Renewal
Who Needs to Register?
This registration applies to fishing guides and boat captains operating at any of the following Little Rock District lakes:
Beaver Lake
Table Rock Lake
Bull Shoals Lake
Norfork Lake
Clearwater Lake
Greers Ferry Lake
Arkansas River
Nimrod Lake
Blue Mountain Lake
Millwood Lake
Dierks Lake
DeQueen Lake
Gillham Lake
Fishing Guide Definition
Any person who is compensated for providing guided fishing services. Fishing guides provide local knowledge and expert skills to help people, from novices to experienced anglers, with the intent to have a successful and enjoyable fishing experience. A fishing guide is responsible for the safe and legal operation of a vessel, including navigation, safety of all passengers, maintenance, record keeping, and compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Boat Captain Definition
A compensated professional in ultimate command of a privately owned or marina owned vessel with the purpose of transporting people. A boat captain is responsible for the safe and legal operation of a vessel, including navigation, safety of all passengers, maintenance, and compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Enforcement Notice: Operating without proper registration may result in warnings, citations, fines, or removal from Corps property. All commercial operators remain subject to inspection by Corps rangers and law enforcement personnel.
Registration Requirements
To be covered by the Regional General Permit, fishing guides and boat captains must comply with all applicable laws and regulations. The registration form requires only basic information - no document uploads are necessary.
Information You'll Need to Provide
- Name of individual
- Name of business (if applicable)
- Email address
- Phone number
- Insurance company name
- Insurance policy number
- Type of services you plan to provide (fishing guide, boat captain, or both)
- Corps projects where you plan to operate
Compliance RequirementsMandatory
While you don't need to upload documents during registration, you must maintain compliance with all applicable requirements:
- Local, State, and Federal Laws: Comply with all applicable licensing, insurance, and safety equipment regulations
- Capacity Limits: Do not exceed 6 customers on a vessel, or the vessel carry capacity, whichever is less
- Prohibited Activities: No commercial sales other than guide or boat captain services (no merchandise, food, beverages, or alcohol)
- Dock Restrictions: Business activities (money exchange, loading/unloading customers) are not authorized on permitted dock facilities per 36 CFR § 327.30
- Amphibious Vehicles: Not authorized under this policy
Marina and Resort Operations
Important: If you are operating from a marina or resort with an existing commercial lease, you must obtain a sublease through that concessionaire. This registration does not replace sublease requirements for marina-based operations.
No Document Uploads Required: Unlike traditional permit applications, this registration does not require you to upload copies of licenses, insurance certificates, or other documentation. However, you must have these documents and be able to provide them upon request during inspections or enforcement actions.
Registration Details
No Fees, renew when you renew your Coast Guard License
There is no fee for this registration. The Corps has determined that the administrative burden and costs of collecting fees would outweigh the benefits. Once you complete your registration, it remains valid as long as your Coast Guard License is valid. Continue to maintain compliance with all requirements and re-register when you update your Coast Guard License.
Authority and Scope
- Non-Reporting General Permit: This is issued under 36 CFR § 327.3b and serves as the District Commander's expressed written permission for commercial operations
- District-Wide Coverage: Valid at all Little Rock District lakes after one simple registration
- Minimal Impact Determination: The Corps has determined these activities have minimal individual and cumulative impacts
- No Individual Permit Needed: You don't need to apply for or receive an individual permit - the regional general permit covers all qualifying operators
Enforcement and Revocation
Maintain Compliance: If you are unable to comply with the requirements outlined in this policy, you do not qualify for coverage under the general permit and will not be authorized to provide commercial services.
- Coverage may be suspended or revoked by the Corps at any time for violations
- Non-compliance may result in warnings or citations
- You remain subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations
Registration Process
We've streamlined this process to make it as simple as possible. The entire registration takes just a few minutes to complete.
Quick & Easy - Three Simple Steps
- Gather Your Information: Have your contact details and insurance policy information ready
- Complete the Form Below: Fill out the short registration form with your basic information
- Submit: Click submit and you're done - no waiting, no follow-up, only renew when your Coast Guard License requires renewal.
What to Expect
- No document uploads: Just type in your information - no scanning or uploading required
- Immediate completion: No review period or approval process - your registration is complete when you submit
- No permit will be mailed: This is a registry system, not a permit issuance system
- Maintain your records: Keep copies of your insurance, licenses, and other required documentation for inspections
- One and done: Register once and operate at any Little Rock District lake without re-registering
Purpose of Registration: This registry allows the Corps to maintain contact information for fishing guides and boat captains operating on district waters. It helps us communicate important safety information, lake closures, and policy updates while maintaining compliance with Title 36 CFR requirements.
Registration Form
Complete the simple form below to register as a fishing guide or boat captain for Little Rock District lakes. The form takes just a few minutes and requires only basic contact and insurance information.
Thank You: We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain safe, professional commercial operations on Little Rock District lakes while keeping the administrative process as simple as possible.
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Additional Resources
Visit these pages for more information about Little Rock District lakes and regulations:
Individual Lake Information
For specific information about individual lakes in the Little Rock District: