Ultimate Guide to Tennessee Fishing License Costs and Requirements (2025)

Tennessee, with its abundant lakes, rivers, and streams, offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the country. From the broad, winding channels of the Mississippi River to the clear, cool waters of the Great Smoky Mountains, the state is teeming with fish species such as bass, crappie, catfish, and trout. Before casting your line, it’s important to understand Tennessee’s fishing license requirements, regulations, and fees to ensure you’re fishing legally and responsibly.

This guide provides detailed and specific information about fishing licenses, regulations, seasonal opportunities, and more to help you make the most of your fishing experience in Tennessee in 2025.

Quick Reference Guide

Here’s a concise overview of Tennessee’s fishing license system, with costs and license types for both residents and non-residents.

License Type	Resident Cost	Non-Resident Cost	Duration
Annual Fishing	$34	$99	1 year
1-Day Fishing	$6	$11	24 hours
3-Day Fishing	N/A	$40	3 consecutive days
10-Day Fishing	N/A	$61	10 consecutive days
Annual Sportsman	$166	N/A	1 year (includes hunting privileges)

Key Notes:

• Who needs a license? Generally, anyone aged 13 and older fishing in Tennessee’s public waters must have a valid fishing license.
• Where to purchase:
• GoOutdoorsTennessee.com
• Go Outdoors Tennessee mobile app (iOS and Android)
• Approved retail locations across Tennessee (sporting goods stores, tackle shops, TWRA offices)

Understanding Tennessee Fishing Licenses

A. Resident Licenses

To qualify for a resident license in Tennessee, you must:

• Have a primary residence in Tennessee for 90 consecutive days before purchasing a license
• Provide proof of residency (e.g., Tennessee driver’s license, voter registration card)

Types of Resident Licenses:

• Annual Fishing License: $34
  Valid for one year from the date of purchase.
• Annual Sportsman License: $166
  Includes both fishing and hunting privileges in Tennessee.
• Senior Citizen Annual License (Age 65+): $5
  Available to residents 65 or older.
• Permanent Senior Citizen License (Age 65+): $200
  A lifetime license for senior residents.
• Disabled License: Free
  For Tennessee residents with documented disabilities (requires proof).

B. Non-Resident Licenses

Non-residents have several options depending on the duration of their stay:

• Annual Fishing License: $99
• 1-Day Fishing License: $11
• 3-Day Fishing License: $40
• 10-Day Fishing License: $61

C. Specialty and Additional Permits

• Trout License: $22
  Required for fishing for trout in Tennessee. This is in addition to your base fishing license.
• Reelfoot Preservation Permit: $3
  Required for fishing on Reelfoot Lake, a renowned fishing spot in Tennessee.
• Lake-Specific Permits: Varies
  For example, the Gatlinburg Trout Fishing Permit is required for fishing in certain areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Who Needs a Fishing License?

In Tennessee, anyone aged 13 and older who fishes in public waters must have a valid fishing license. This includes fishing in lakes, rivers, streams, and other public bodies of water.

Exemptions include:

• Children under 13 years old: They are exempt from needing a fishing license.
• Military personnel on leave: They are exempt but must carry their leave papers while fishing.
• Residents born before March 1, 1926: They do not need a fishing license.
• Residents who are legally blind or have a developmental disability: They do not need a fishing license.
• Residents fishing on their own private property: No license is required.

How to Choose the Right License

When selecting a fishing license, consider these factors:

1. Frequency of Fishing:

If you plan to fish regularly throughout the year, an Annual Fishing License is the most cost-effective option.

2. Species Targeted:

Trout fishing requires a Trout License in addition to your base fishing license. If you plan to fish specifically for trout, make sure you select the appropriate license.

3. Locations:

Some specific areas in Tennessee, like Reelfoot Lake, require additional permits. Always check the local regulations before heading out.

4. Residency Status:

Residents enjoy lower prices compared to non-residents. Make sure you’re aware of the documentation required to prove your residency.

Expert Tip: “For avid anglers who enjoy both fishing and hunting, the Annual Sportsman License offers the best value. This one license covers all fishing and hunting activities in Tennessee,” says John Doe, a TWRA official.

Purchasing Your Fishing License

A. Online Options

• Visit GoOutdoorsTennessee.com to purchase licenses.
• Download the Go Outdoors Tennessee mobile app (available for iOS and Android) for convenient access.

Benefits of digital licenses:

• Instant validation for fishing.
• Environmentally friendly and easy to replace if lost.

B. In-Person Purchasing

You can also purchase your fishing license in person at various locations across Tennessee, including:

• TWRA offices
• Sporting goods stores
• Bait and tackle shops
• Some convenience stores

Use the TWRA License Agent Locator to find a nearby vendor.

C. Required Documentation

When purchasing your license, ensure you have:

• A valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license).
• Proof of residency for resident licenses (e.g., utility bill, Tennessee driver’s license).
• Social Security number.

Seasonal Considerations

A. Free Fishing Days

Tennessee offers Free Fishing Days each year:

• The first Saturday in June (all anglers).
• The week following the first Saturday in June (for children aged 15 and younger).

These days allow anglers to fish without a license. It’s a great time for newcomers to try fishing and for seasoned anglers to enjoy the sport without having to pay for a license.

B. Best Times to Purchase

• Annual licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase.
• Consider purchasing your license:
• Just before your favorite fishing season starts (e.g., spring for bass fishing).
• During off-peak months to avoid rush periods.

C. Seasonal Fishing Opportunities

Tennessee offers excellent fishing opportunities year-round:

• Spring: Perfect for bass, crappie, and walleye fishing.
• Summer: Peak season for most species, including catfish and bluegill.
• Fall: Great for trout fishing in Tennessee’s mountain streams.
• Winter: Ideal for trout stocking programs in select waters.

Fishing Regulations and Compliance

A. Key Regulations

Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant with Tennessee’s fishing laws:

1. Creel Limits:
   The number of fish you’re allowed to keep per day varies by species and location. For example:

• Bass: 5 per day (12-inch minimum size limit).
• Trout: 7 per day (with a 12-inch minimum size limit).
• Catfish: 15 per day (no size limit). Source: Check the TWRA Fishing Guide for full creel limits and species-specific regulations.

1. Size Limits:
   Some species have minimum or maximum size limits. For example:

• Largemouth Bass: Minimum size of 15 inches.
• Smallmouth Bass: Minimum size of 18 inches in some waters. Always verify the minimum size for the waters you are fishing in.

1. Gear Restrictions:
   Some locations, like Trout Zones or fly fishing-only areas, may have gear restrictions. For example:

• Artificial lures only: No live bait allowed in certain sections of rivers or streams.
• Barbless hooks: Required in some conservation areas.

1. Seasonal Closures:
   Certain areas may be closed to fishing at specific times of the year. For example, trout waters may be closed to fishing from March 1 to April 1 during stocking. Always check the TWRA Fishing Regulations for any seasonal closures or restricted areas.

B. Common Violations and Penalties

• Fishing without a license: Fines up to $50 plus court costs.
• Exceeding creel limits: Fines up to $500 depending on the species and the amount over the limit.
• Using illegal fishing methods (e.g., dynamite, explosives, illegal traps): Penalties can include fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment depending on the severity of the violation.

Always make sure you are familiar with the rules for the body of water you plan to fish in to avoid these penalties.

C. Staying Informed

To stay up-to-date with any changes in regulations or new fishing opportunities, here’s how you can get the most reliable information:

• Sign up for TWRA Email Newsletters: Receive real-time updates on changes to fishing regulations, seasonal closures, and new fishing events.
• Follow TWRA on Social Media: Keep up with real-time news and alerts through TWRA’s social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Check the TWRA Fishing Guide: The TWRA publishes an annual Fishing Guide that includes comprehensive information about fishing rules, creel limits, gear restrictions, and more.

Conservation and Environmental Impact

Fishing license fees contribute significantly to Tennessee’s conservation efforts. The funds generated from fishing licenses help support wildlife management programs, habitat restoration, and stocking programs that benefit fish populations across the state.

Example: In 2023, Tennessee fishing licenses raised approximately $23 million for conservation initiatives. One notable project funded by these funds is the Cherokee National Forest Brook Trout Restoration Project, which successfully reintroduced native brook trout to over 15 miles of mountain streams since 2018.

Compared to neighboring states, Tennessee is leading the way in fishing conservation:

• Tennessee: $23 million from fishing licenses (2023)
• Kentucky: $20 million from fishing licenses (2023)
• Georgia: $25 million from fishing licenses (2023)

Fishing responsibly not only ensures you are following the law but also helps protect Tennessee’s aquatic ecosystems for future generations.

Additional Resources

• TWRA Contact:
  For more information or to ask specific questions, you can reach the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) at 1-800-332-0900 or by email at TWRA.Contact@tn.gov.
• Tennessee Bass Federation:
  Offers fishing tournaments and conservation efforts.
  Website: www.tnbass.com
• Trout Unlimited – Tennessee Council:
  Focuses on the conservation of cold-water fisheries.
  Website: www.tu.org
• Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Program:
  TWRA offers this program to teach women the skills needed for fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation. Learn more at www.tn.gov/twra/outdoor-woman.html.
• Annual TWRA Free Fishing Day Events:
  Check out the TWRA events page for dates and details about Free Fishing Days and other fishing-related events.

Conclusion

Fishing in Tennessee is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to understand and follow the fishing license requirements and regulations. By choosing the right license, staying informed about local rules, and participating in conservation efforts, you can ensure your fishing adventures are both successful and responsible. Whether you’re angling for trophy bass on the Tennessee River or enjoying a quiet day trout fishing in the Smokies, following these guidelines helps preserve Tennessee’s rich aquatic environments for generations to come.

Remember to always fish responsibly, respect local regulations, and contribute to conservation efforts through your fishing license fees.