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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.
Children under 13 fish free statewide. 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?
Resident annual fishing license (Type 001) costs $34. Annual fishing and hunting combo (Type 003) costs $50. The trout stamp adds $22 for residents.
Nonresident annual fishing license costs $50. Nonresident 1-day all-species runs $11, 3-day all-species $20, and 10-day all-species $30. Trout is included in nonresident all-species licenses.
Senior Citizen Permit (Type 167) costs $50 one time for residents 65+ and covers hunting and fishing for life, including trout. Licenses expire February 28 each year.
Where to Buy a Tennessee Fishing License
Buy online at gooutdoorstennessee.com 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
A resident annual fishing license costs $34. Nonresidents pay $50 annually. Short-term nonresident licenses range from $11 for 1 day to $30 for 10 days.
Yes. Residents need a separate $22 trout stamp 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 Senior Citizen Permit costs $50 one time for residents age 65 and older. It covers hunting, fishing, and trout for life.