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Do You Need a Fishing License in Tennessee?
Yes. Anglers age 13 and older must have a Tennessee fishing license to fish public waters. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) issues all licenses and enforces fishing law.
Residents 65 and older qualify for the Senior Citizen Permit, a one-time fee covering hunting and fishing for life.
A separate trout license is required to fish for or possess trout in designated trout waters. Active-duty Tennessee military and 100 percent disabled veterans qualify for free annual licenses.
How Much Does a Tennessee Fishing License Cost in 2026?
Tennessee's minimum resident license is the Combo Hunt/Fish at $33 (TWRA base fee, ages 16 to 64), which covers fishing for everything except trout; the trout supplement adds $21. Every annual license runs 365 days from the day you buy it, not to a fixed season date.
Nonresident annual fishing licenses cost $49 for the version excluding trout, or $98 for the all-species version including trout. Online packages through Go Outdoors Tennessee add agent fees on top of these TWRA base prices. Short-term nonresident all-species licenses are covered in the next section.
Buy online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com, from license agents, or in the TWRA app.
| License | 2026 fee |
|---|---|
| Resident annual Combo Hunt/Fish (16-64) | $33 |
| Resident trout supplement | $21 |
| Resident senior (65+) annual | $4 |
| Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap (65+) | $49 |
| Nonresident annual fishing (no trout) | $49 |
| Nonresident annual all-species (incl. trout) | $98 |
| 1-day all-species (16-64) | $11 |
| Nonresident 3-day all-species | $40 |
| Nonresident 10-day all-species | $61 |
How Much Are Short-Term Tennessee Fishing Licenses?
Tennessee's short-term all-species licenses, all including trout: a 1-day for $11 (ages 16 to 64), a nonresident 3-day for $40, and a nonresident 10-day for $61. These are TWRA base fees; online purchases add agent fees.
Residents buy the annual license instead and add the trout stamp for trout waters.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Fishing License in Tennessee?
Tennessee's cutoff is age 13: children under 13 fish free statewide year-round, while everyone 13 and older carries their own license. During Free Fishing Week in June anglers age 15 and under can fish without a license all week long.
How Much Is a Lifetime Fishing License in Tennessee?
For seniors, Tennessee residents age 65 and older can buy the one-time Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license for $49, which covers hunting and fishing for life including trout, or an annual senior license for just $4.
Where to Buy a Tennessee Fishing License
Buy online at Go Outdoors Tennessee (opens in a new tab) or through the TWRA On The Go mobile app. Digital licenses on your phone are accepted statewide.
In-person retailers include Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, Academy Sports, and hundreds of county clerk offices and bait shops. Bring valid photo ID.
Phone orders are available at 1-888-814-8972. Online and phone purchases include a small transaction fee.
Tennessee Free Fishing Day 2026
Tennessee Free Fishing Day falls on the Saturday after the first Friday in June. In 2026, free fishing day is Saturday, June 6. No license is required for residents or nonresidents on this day.
Free Fishing Week for children runs through the following Friday. Anglers age 15 and under can fish without a license all week long.
All TWRA bag limits, size limits, and area regulations remain in force during free fishing day and week.
Tennessee Fishing Regulations You Should Know
Statewide creel limits include 5 black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted) with a 15-inch minimum, 30 crappie with a 10-inch minimum on most lakes, and 7 trout daily on most streams.
Reservoir-specific rules apply on TVA waters like Kentucky Lake, Pickwick, Chickamauga, and Norris. Slot limits and seasonal closures vary, so check the TWRA fishing guide before you go.
Boats need TWRA registration if powered by a motor. Life jackets are required for kids 12 and under while underway.
Best Fishing Spots in Tennessee
Chickamauga Lake is one of the top trophy largemouth bass lakes in the country, regularly producing fish over 10 pounds. Kentucky Lake and Pickwick Lake lead for smallmouth bass and crappie.
Norris Lake and Dale Hollow are deep, clear reservoirs known for striped bass and walleye. Dale Hollow holds the world-record smallmouth bass.
The South Holston and Watauga Rivers are tailwater trout fisheries with year-round dry fly action. The Hiwassee River offers excellent stocked and wild trout fishing in the southeast corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum resident license is the $33 Combo Hunt/Fish, plus $21 for the trout supplement, valid 365 days from purchase. Nonresidents pay $49 annually excluding trout or $98 all-species, with short-term all-species options at $40 for 3 days and $61 for 10 days.
Yes. Residents need the separate $21 trout supplement to fish trout waters. Nonresident all-species licenses already include trout privileges.
Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 6, 2026. Kids 15 and under can fish without a license through Free Fishing Week, which runs through the following Friday.
No. Children under age 13 fish free statewide year-round. They must still follow all TWRA bag limits and size limits when keeping fish.
Buy online at gooutdoorstennessee.com or through the TWRA On The Go app. Digital licenses on your phone are accepted by wildlife officers statewide.
Yes. The Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license costs $49 one time for residents age 65 and older and covers hunting, fishing, and trout for life. An annual senior license is $4.