Tennessee Fishing License Requirements: What Every Angler Needs to Know
May 10, 2026
Tennessee is home to over 20,000 miles of streams, dozens of TVA reservoirs, and world-class trout tailwaters that draw anglers from across the country year-round. Whether you’re working a mountain creek for rainbow trout in the Smokies or casting for largemouth bass on Pickwick Reservoir, one thing applies to nearly every angler before the first cast: you need a valid fishing license.
Understanding Tennessee’s licensing rules before you head out saves you from costly fines, confiscated gear, and a lot of frustration on the water. This guide breaks down exactly who needs a license, what types are available, what they cost, and how to get one — so you can spend more time fishing and less time worrying about paperwork.
Who Is Required to Have a Fishing License in Tennessee
Almost every angler 13 years of age and older must hold a valid Tennessee fishing license to fish in public waters, and this applies to both residents and non-residents. That rule covers a wide range of fishing activity — not just rod and reel fishing.
If you take, or attempt to take fish or game (including crayfish and salamanders) by any method, or if you assist someone else to do so, you must have a valid fishing or hunting license. That last point is worth noting: if you’re baiting a hook, netting a fish, or setting the drag for someone else, you need your own license.
Residency is determined by 90 consecutive days of living in Tennessee, confirmed by a state-issued driver’s license, voter registration card, vehicle registration, student ID, or I-94 record. Additionally, a Social Security Number is required at the time of purchase.
Pro Tip: Active-duty military personnel stationed in Tennessee and their children under 16 who reside with them qualify for resident license pricing, regardless of their home state.
There is also a special option for former residents. Non-residents who were born in Tennessee may apply for Native Tennessean annual licenses, which provide non-residents born in the state but no longer residing there the opportunity to purchase annual Tennessee hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses at the same cost as a resident.
For those fishing on private land, note that if you fish on private property, you must obtain permission from the owner. Certain farmland exemptions may also apply — more on those in the exemptions section below.
Types of Fishing Licenses Available in Tennessee
Tennessee’s Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) offers a tiered licensing structure designed to fit different budgets, residency statuses, and fishing habits. Here’s a breakdown of the main categories available to both residents and non-residents.
Resident License Options
Residents can choose between one-day, annual, and lifetime licenses. Single-day licenses cost $6 for the basic version, or $11 if you also want to target trout.
For annual coverage, a Hunt and Fish License allows you to fish for everything except trout and to hunt for small game, while Sportsman Licenses let you fish, hunt, and trap without any additional cost statewide. The Annual Sportsman License is priced at $165 and is a popular all-in-one solution for frequent anglers. There is also a budget-friendly County of Residence license — the most budget-friendly option, but it restricts you to your home county and does not allow minnows, artificial bait, or trout fishing.
Resident teens ages 13–15 can take advantage of a reduced-rate Junior Hunt/Fish Combination license at $10 annually, making it easy and affordable to get young anglers properly licensed.
Non-Resident License Options
Non-residents have the option of buying a 1-day, 3-day, 10-day, or annual license. Short-term options are well-suited for visiting anglers and tourists. Non-residents ages 13–15 may purchase a Junior Hunt/Fish Combination license ($10.00) rather than the adult non-resident license.
Tennessee does not offer a standard multi-year or lifetime non-resident fishing license. Lifetime licenses, called Sportsman Lifetime, are available to Tennessee residents only.
Lifetime Licenses
Lifetime licenses vary in price depending on your age. When it comes to fishing, they cover you to fish for whatever you want, all across Tennessee. These are available exclusively to Tennessee residents and must be purchased at a TWRA regional office — they are not available online or through retail vendors.
Key Insight: All licenses, including lifetime licenses, can be accessed, emailed, and printed at no cost anytime through the Go Outdoors Tennessee licensing system. You don’t need a physical card to be legal on the water.
Freshwater vs. Saltwater License Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee is a landlocked state with no coastline, so there is no saltwater fishing license issued by TWRA. All fishing in Tennessee falls under freshwater regulations, managed entirely by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The state’s fisheries include over 25 major TVA reservoirs, hundreds of miles of trout tailwaters, and unique fisheries like paddlefish snagging — each with their own rulebook.
That said, Tennessee does share border waters with several neighboring states, and those shared waters come with their own licensing considerations. Tennessee has several reciprocal agreements with adjacent states, arranged so that any fishing license from either Tennessee or the corresponding state is valid in the following waters. For Pickwick Lake, this applies to anyone with a valid sport fishing license from Tennessee, Alabama, or Mississippi, and resident anglers of the three states may fish without purchasing a non-resident license anywhere within the boundaries covered by the agreement.
A newer reciprocal agreement is also now in effect with Kentucky. As of October 16, 2025, anglers can use their Tennessee resident licenses to fish certain waters shared with Kentucky, following the reinstatement of reciprocal agreements. Sport fishing licenses issued by either state will be recognized as lawful within certain portions of Kentucky Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, and Big South Fork of the Cumberland River.
One important exception involves South Holston Reservoir, which straddles the Tennessee-Virginia state line. Non-residents fishing the Virginia portion of South Holston must purchase the South Holston Reservoir Supplemental permit ($20.00), which is sold by TWRA agents and is essentially a Virginia license. All license holders, including Sportsman’s License holders, need this permit to fish the Virginia side.
Important Note: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which spans Tennessee and North Carolina, requires no state fishing license for park waters. The National Park Service manages park streams independently of state regulations. However, anglers must follow park-specific regulations, including permit requirements for certain streams.
If you enjoy fishing across state lines, check out our guides on fishing license requirements in North Carolina and fishing license requirements in Alabama to make sure you’re covered on both sides of the border.
Fishing License Costs in Tennessee
Tennessee’s license fee structure remained stable heading into the 2025–2026 season. The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission initially approved a 28% increase for most licenses, effective July 1, 2025, but TWRA withdrew the proposal in June 2025. All license fees remain unchanged from 2024 levels.
Resident License Fees
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Basic Fishing | $6.00 | No trout |
| 1-Day All Species (with Trout) | $11.00 | Includes trout waters |
| Annual Hunt/Fish Combination | $33.00 | Small game + fishing, no trout |
| Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap (ages 13–15) | $10.00 | Resident teens only |
| Annual Sportsman License | $165.00 | All-inclusive; office purchase only |
| Permanent Disability License | $10.00 | Qualifying residents only |
Non-Resident License Fees
| License Type | No Trout | All Species (with Trout) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Day | $20.50 | $40.50 |
| 10-Day | $30.50 | $61.50 |
| Annual | $49.00 | $98.00 |
| Junior (ages 13–15) | $10.00 | — |
Processing fees apply to all purchases regardless of channel. Prices shown are base license costs before processing fees. All standard Tennessee fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase — not tied to a calendar year.
For a look at how Tennessee’s costs compare with neighboring states, see our guides on fishing license requirements in Florida, fishing license requirements in Georgia, and fishing license requirements in Missouri.
Exemptions From Fishing License Requirements in Tennessee
Not everyone who drops a line in Tennessee needs to buy a license. Several groups are legally exempt under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 70, though it’s important to understand that being exempt from the license requirement does not exempt you from following all other fishing regulations.
- Children 12 and under: Children 12 and under are fully exempt — no license is required for anglers in that age group.
- Residents born before March 1, 1926: A resident who was born before March 1, 1926 is exempt. To qualify, you must carry proof of your age and residency to show to a wildlife officer, if requested.
- Farmland owners and their families: Landowners, their spouses, children, and children’s spouses who fish on their own farmland are exempt. The aforementioned must be residents of Tennessee but need not reside on the land. This license exemption does not apply if the farmland is owned jointly or in common by unrelated persons.
- Agricultural tenants: Tenants, their spouses, and their dependent children who fish on farmland owned by an individual or a family are exempt. They must be residents of Tennessee and must actually reside on the land with permission of the landowner. A tenant is a person who, for money, free rent, or other consideration, cares for farmland, and the tenancy must be agricultural in nature.
- Resident grandchildren on grandparent-owned farmland: Resident grandchildren (under the age of 16) and resident great-grandchildren (under the age of 16) who fish on farmland owned by their resident grandparents or great-grandparents are also exempt.
- Free Fishing Day and Week: June 6, 2026 is Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day. On this day, anyone can fish any public water in Tennessee without a license, regardless of age or residency. Additionally, all children 15 and younger can fish license-free throughout the entire week of June 6–12, 2026. Note that adult non-residents still require a valid license during Free Fishing Week — the exemption applies only to youth.
Important Note: Being exempt from a license does not exempt you from following catch limits, size limits, or other fishing regulations. Size and bag limits apply to every angler on the water, license or not.
Residents with qualifying disabilities are also entitled to a permanent reduced-fee license. Tennessee offers permanent reduced-fee licenses at just $10.00 for qualifying residents with disabilities. These are available to residents who are legally blind, permanently confined to a wheelchair, intellectually disabled (as described in TCA 33-1-101), receiving SSI benefits due to intellectual disability, or disabled veterans with 30% war service or 100% service-connected disability.
Add-On Stamps, Permits, and Endorsements in Tennessee
Your base fishing license covers most of Tennessee’s public waters, but certain high-demand or specially managed areas require an additional permit on top of your standard license. Certain Tennessee waters require additional permits regardless of your license type, and these apply to both residents and non-residents unless otherwise noted. Sportsman License holders are exempt from these special area permits, making that $165 annual license an efficient all-in-one solution for frequent anglers who fish across multiple water bodies.
Trout Supplemental Permit
If you hold a base Hunt/Fish combination license and want to fish for trout in designated trout waters, you need to add a Trout Supplemental Permit. As of the 2025–26 season, the trout stamp is now included in the base hunting and fishing combination license for residents — no separate stamp needed. Non-residents purchasing the “All Species” license also get trout access automatically. However, if a non-resident purchases the “No-Trout” version of any license, they cannot legally target trout.
Planning a trout trip? Our guides on trout fishing season in Tennessee and different types of fishing rods can help you prepare.
Special Area Permits
Several specific water bodies in Tennessee require daily or seasonal permits in addition to your base license:
- Gatlinburg Trout Waters: A one-day trout permit is $11.50 and requires no additional licensing. For residents and non-residents with a Tennessee fishing license, a daily permit is required for anglers ages 13–64 and costs $3.50. A three-day trout permit is $9.50. The 1-Day Gatlinburg Trout License is the only permit that stands on its own — it lets you fish within Gatlinburg city waters for one full day without purchasing a separate base license.
- Tellico-Citico Trout Waters: The Tellico-Citico Trout Permit is required seasonally to fish the Tellico River, Citico Creek, and year-round on Green Cove Pond. Non-residents holding any valid base fishing license must also purchase this daily permit ($6.00) when fishing those specific waters.
- TWRA Agency Lakes: Resident anglers 65 years of age and older do not need a permit but are required to have a fishing license. Anglers under the age of 16 do not need a lake permit, but anglers ages 13 to 15 are required to have a Junior Fish/Hunt license.
- Bedford Lake: A daily permit is required to fish and costs $6.50.
- South Holston Reservoir (Virginia portion): A South Holston Reservoir Supplemental permit ($20.00) is required for all anglers, including Sportsman License holders, to fish the Virginia side of this border reservoir.
Pro Tip: If you fish multiple special permit areas throughout the year, the Annual Sportsman License at $165 pays for itself quickly by eliminating the need to purchase any of these add-on permits separately.
Gear up for your Tennessee fishing trips with the right equipment — explore our guides on types of fishing reels, different types of fishing lines, and different types of fishing rigs to make the most of every outing.
How to Buy a Fishing License in Tennessee
Purchasing a Tennessee fishing license is straightforward, with several options available to fit your preference. Licenses and permits can be purchased from GoOutdoorsTennessee, at a TWRA Licensed Agent, or at a Regional Office.
Online
Fishing licenses can be purchased online through the Go Outdoors Tennessee licensing system. This platform allows applicants to browse available license types, make their selection, and securely complete the purchase. You’ll need to create a free account using your Social Security Number, which is required by Tennessee state law for all fishing and hunting license purchases.
At a Retail Vendor
Licenses can also be purchased at numerous retail stores, including Walmart, bait and tackle shops, and sporting goods retailers. You can check the list of licensed retailers on the official website to find a location near you.
At a TWRA Regional Office
You can get a fishing license at Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) regional offices in person. This is also the only place to purchase certain license types. The Annual Sportsman License is not available online or at retail stores. It must be purchased at one of the four TWRA regional offices or by calling the Nashville TWRA office at 615-781-6500.
Reprinting Your License
All licenses, including lifetime licenses, can be accessed, emailed, and printed at no cost anytime through the Go Outdoors Tennessee licensing system. You can also purchase a duplicate hard card online, from the TWRA mobile app, or from license agents. Electronic licenses displayed on your smartphone are fully legal and accepted by TWRA officers in the field.
Pro Tip: Whatever license you go for, you’ll need your social security number and some form of identification to confirm your status. Have these ready before you start the purchase process to avoid delays.
If you fish across multiple states, check out our guides on fishing license requirements in Texas, fishing license requirements in Arkansas, and fishing license requirements in Ohio to stay compliant wherever you cast.
Penalties for Fishing Without a License in Tennessee
Skipping your fishing license in Tennessee is a risk that simply isn’t worth taking. TWRA wildlife officers actively patrol all major reservoirs, tailwaters, and public access points throughout the state.
Fishing without a license is a Class C misdemeanor under T.C.A. §70-2-101(e), with fines of $10–$25 plus court costs. Exceeding creel limits is also a Class C misdemeanor and can result in potential license revocation for at least one year. Size limit violations carry fines per fish and potential vehicle and equipment seizure for egregious violations. Trespassing while fishing has been upgraded to a Class B misdemeanor (legislation effective 2024), with fines up to $500 per violation.
Beyond the financial penalties, there are additional consequences to keep in mind:
- Giving false information to obtain a license is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine and loss of license. Licenses are not transferable.
- License revocation means you lose fishing and hunting privileges for the duration of the suspension — not just in Tennessee, but potentially in other states through reciprocal enforcement agreements.
- Repeat violations can result in escalating penalties and longer revocation periods.
Common Mistake: Assuming that fishing on private property automatically exempts you from needing a license. Unless you meet the specific farmland owner or tenant exemptions outlined by TWRA, you still need a valid license even on private water.
Carry your license at all times while fishing — wildlife officers can request it. Licenses are non-transferable and cannot be shared or loaned to another person. Electronic licenses displayed on your smartphone are fully legal and accepted by TWRA officers.
The bottom line: a basic Tennessee fishing license starts at just $6 for a single day. The cost of a citation, court fees, and potential license revocation far outweighs the price of staying legal. Get licensed, get out on the water, and enjoy everything Tennessee’s incredible fisheries have to offer.
Ready to plan your next trip? Explore our guides on bass fishing season in Tennessee, different types of fishing, and different types of flies for fishing to make the most of your time on the water.