How to Get a Fishing License in Tennessee?

With 22,000 miles of fishable streams and iconic fisheries like Dale Hollow Lake and the Cumberland River, Tennessee attracts over 1.2 million anglers annually. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) implemented critical updates to licensing structures, fees, and regulations to support conservation efforts funding $18M in annual habitat projects. This guide provides verified 2025 data, official purchase links, and compliance strategies to help you fish legally while preserving Tennessee’s aquatic ecosystems.

Who Needs a Tennessee Fishing License?

Age Requirements (2025 Updates)

All anglers aged 13+ must carry a valid license when fishing public waters, including:

Reservoirs (49 statewide)
Streams (22,000+ miles)
Tributaries connected to public waters

Key Exemptions:

Children under 13 (supervising adults must have licenses)
Landowners and immediate family fishing on privately owned farmland
Military personnel on official leave (must present leave papers)
Seniors born before March 1, 1926 (proof of age/residency required)

2025 Free Fishing Opportunities

June 7, 2025: Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day
No license required for anyone fishing Tennessee waters
Ideal for introducing beginners to angling
June 7–13, 2025: Free Fishing Week for Youth
Ages 15 and under fish license-free
TWRA stocks 50,000+ trout in family-friendly lakes

2025 License Types & Fees

Resident Licenses

License Type	Cost	Key Details	Purchase Link
Annual Fishing (Basic)	$34	Covers freshwater species except trout	Buy Online
Trout Permit Add-On	+$21	Mandatory for trout streams/lakes	Add Permit
County of Residence	$10	Natural bait only in home county	Local License
Senior Sportsman (65+)	$49	All-inclusive hunting/fishing/trapping	TWRA Office Only
Lifetime Sportsman	$165+	One-time fee; 12+ months residency	Apply Here

2025 Fee Changes:

28% increase for annual licenses (e.g., Resident Basic up from $26.50)
12% increase for Lifetime/Senior licenses

Non-Resident Licenses

License Type	Cost	Key Details	Purchase Link
Annual All Species	$99	Includes trout fishing statewide	Buy Online
3-Day All Species	$34	Covers 72 consecutive hours	Short-Term License

Where & How to Purchase Licenses

Online Options

TWRA’s GoOutdoorsTN Portal

Complete purchases in <5 minutes
Requires Social Security Number and valid ID
Digital licenses stored in the TWRA On the Go App

Mobile App Features:

Real-time regulation updates
Trout stocking schedules
Boat ramp locations

In-Person Locations

TWRA Regional Offices (8 locations statewide):
Required for Sportsman, Lifetime, and Disabled Veteran licenses
Find Your Nearest Office
Retail Partners:
Walmart (200+ TN locations)
Bass Pro Shops (Nashville, Memphis)
County clerk offices

Critical Documentation:

Disabled Veterans: Submit VA disability letter to TWRA’s Nashville office
Seniors: Proof of age/residency (e.g., driver’s license)

Special Permits & 2025 Regulation Updates

Trout Fishing Requirements

Supplemental Permit: $21/year (excluded from basic licenses)
Daily Permits: Required at these premier locations:
Waterbody Cost Details
Gatlinburg Lakes $11.50 Open 6 AM–8 PM; artificial lures only
Bedford County Lakes $3.50 Stocked weekly March–October Cross-Border Fishing Rules
- South Holston Reservoir:
- TN residents fishing VA waters need a $20 TN-VA Cross-Border Permit
- Purchase via TWRA’s Cross-Border Portal
- Great Smoky Mountains NP:
- Valid TN or NC license required
- Artificial lures only; live bait prohibited to protect native brook trout
2025 Bass Regulation Changes
- Hybrid Management Zones:
- Parksville Lake & Chickamauga Reservoir
- 5-fish daily limit for smallmouth/Alabama bass hybrids
- 15-inch minimum for largemouth bass
- Public Feedback Portal: Submit comments on 2026 proposals by Feb 15, 2025
Avoiding Fines & Penalties Compliance Checklist
1. Digital or Physical Copy: Use the TWRA app to display licenses during checks
2. Expiry Dates: All licenses expire February 28, 2025
3. Youth Exceptions: Children under 13 don’t need licenses but must follow size/creel limits
Penalty Structure:
- First offense: $50–$150 + court costs
- Repeat offenses: Up to $500 and equipment confiscation
Why Your License Fees Matter TWRA allocates 100% of license revenue to:
- Fish Hatcheries: 7 facilities producing 18M fish annually, including:
- Dale Hollow Hatchery (5M walleye fingerlings)
- Flintville Hatchery (3M trout)
- Habitat Projects:
- 1,200+ acres of riparian zone restoration in 2024
- 400+ boat ramp/dock maintenance projects
- Public Access:
- 22 new ADA-accessible piers installed in 2024
- Interactive Fishing Access Map
Step-by-Step License Purchase Guide Online Purchase (5-Minute Process)
1. Visit GoOutdoorsTennessee.com
2. Click “Buy License” and create an account
3. Upload ID/SSN verification
4. Select license type and pay via credit card
5. Download PDF or sync to mobile app
In-Person Purchase
1. Locate Retailer: Use TWRA Vendor Map
2. Provide Documentation:
- Residents: Driver’s license
- Non-residents: Government-issued ID
1. Receive physical license (valid immediately)
Seasonal Updates & Pro Tips 2025 Stocking Schedules
- Trout Stocking:
- East TN streams: Weekly March 15–November 1
- Middle TN lakes: Biweekly April–October
- Real-Time Stocking Alerts
- Bass Spawning:
- April 15–June 1: Protected nesting areas in Chickamauga/Nickajack
- No fishing within 50 ft of visible beds
Tournament Angler Requirements
- Permits: Required for tournaments with 10+ boats
- Reporting: Submit catch data via TWRA Tournament Portal
- Penalties: $200+ fines for unpermitted events
Final Checklist Before You Fish
1. Verify 2025 regulations for your target species/waterbody
2. Purchase license via TWRA’s official portal
3. Download TWRA On the Go App for offline access
4. Review 2025 Free Fishing Days (June 7–13)
5. Print backup copy of license
By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll avoid penalties while contributing to Tennessee’s status as a Bassmaster Classic destination. For real-time updates, subscribe to TWRA’s Angler Newsletter or follow @TNWildlife on Twitter.