Tennessee Fishing Permit Guide Licenses, Stamps & Special Permits
This page explains Tennessee fishing permits in plain English: the base fishing license, trout supplemental license, all-species license, Gatlinburg trout permit, Tellico-Citico permit, TWRA State Lake permit, Reelfoot Preservation Permit, Lake Halford permit, South Holston supplemental and the “stamp” confusion.
The official site should mainly be used for buying, reprinting, renewing, locating an agent or checking the final cart. The permit decisions, fees, exceptions, special-water traps and trip examples are explained here first.
Quick answer: Tennessee fishing permits are best understood as a stack: base license + trout coverage if needed + special-water permit if needed + legal access + legal rules for that water. Most annual licenses and permits are valid 365 days from purchase, unless the product has a fixed expiration date.
Most common resident stack: a resident adult fishing statewide without trout usually starts with Combination Hunt/Fish Annual — $33. A resident trout angler usually adds Annual Trout Supplemental — $21. A one-day resident trout trip usually uses 1-Day Fishing – All Species — $11.
Most common visitor stack: nonresidents choose No Trout or All Species by trip length. If trout is possible, buy All Species first: 3-Day All Species $40, 10-Day All Species $61, or Annual All Species $98.
Stamp clarification: Tennessee anglers often search for a “trout stamp,” but the official fee structure uses products such as Annual Trout Supplemental and All Species. A Federal Duck Stamp is a hunting item, not a normal fishing permit.
License, Permit, Supplemental, Stamp: What Tennessee Actually Means
This page is permit-focused because Tennessee uses several product names. A user can easily buy the wrong thing if they search only for “permit” or “stamp.”
| Term | Plain meaning | Official-style examples | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base license | Main permission to fish in Tennessee. | Resident Combination Hunt/Fish Annual, Resident 1-Day Fishing, Nonresident 3-Day Fishing, Nonresident Annual Fishing. | Thinking a special permit replaces the base license. |
| Trout supplemental | Resident trout add-on used with an eligible base product. | Annual Trout Supplemental — $21. | Resident buying base license but forgetting trout. |
| All Species | Fishing product that includes trout coverage. | Resident 1-Day All Species, Nonresident 3-Day All Species, Nonresident 10-Day All Species, Nonresident Annual All Species. | Visitor buying No Trout for a trout trip. |
| Special fishing permit | Extra water-specific or method-specific permit. | Tellico-Citico Permit, Gatlinburg Trout Permit, TWRA State Lake Permit, Reelfoot Preservation Permit, Lake Halford Permit. | Buying only a statewide license for a special water. |
| Stamp | Mostly a searcher word for fishing; TWRA fishing fee structure commonly uses “supplemental” or “all species.” | Annual Trout Supplemental is the product most people mean by “trout stamp.” | Confusing trout coverage with Federal Duck Stamp, which is a hunting stamp. |
| Guide license | Required if someone accepts compensation for assisting another person in hunting, fishing or trapping. | Resident Guide License $150; Non-Resident Guide License $650. | Paid fishing guides thinking a personal fishing license is enough. |
| Commercial fishing license | Separate license for commercial harvest of fish or turtles. | Resident Commercial Fishing $244; Nonresident Commercial Fishing $1,220. | Sport anglers trying to sell fish without commercial licensing. |
Tennessee Fishing Permit Picker Find Your Exact Stack
Tap the closest trip. This prevents the common “I bought something, but not the right thing” problem.
Choose your plan
How to Buy Tennessee Fishing Licenses and Permits Without Buying Wrong
The official portal is for payment. This sequence is for avoiding checkout mistakes.
Confirm resident status first
Resident purchase usually depends on Tennessee driver license, Tennessee state ID, 90-day proof route, qualifying active-duty military, qualifying students or Native Tennessean approval. Do not choose resident pricing just because you are visiting Tennessee often.
Choose base license
Pick resident annual, resident one-day, nonresident 3-day, nonresident 10-day, nonresident annual, youth, senior, disability, Sportsman or another eligible product.
Decide trout or no trout
Residents may need Annual Trout Supplemental. Nonresidents should use All Species products if trout may be targeted. Gatlinburg and Tellico-Citico add more rules.
Check special-water permits
Before paying, check Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, Reelfoot WMA, TWRA State Lakes, Bedford Lake, Lake Halford and South Holston VA-side rules.
Open the official portal or use an agent
Licenses and permits can be purchased from Go Outdoors Tennessee, a licensed agent, regional office, county clerk, sporting goods store, hardware store or boat dock that participates.
Open Go Outdoors TennesseeRead the cart before payment
Check no-trout/all-species wording, special permit names, start date, expiration date, mailing address, processing fee, delivery choice and whether the product is transferable. Licenses are not transferable.
Save proof before leaving home
Electronic license proof is legal. Save the email, screenshot the license, add it to the TWRA app if useful and print one backup for low-signal mountain streams or tailwaters.
Real Tennessee Permit Stack Examples Match the Trip
These examples convert official fee tables into real-life decisions.
| Trip example | Likely stack | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Resident adult fishing bass all year, no trout | Combination Hunt/Fish Annual — $33. | Base annual resident license for statewide fishing without trout, unless a special water permit applies. |
| Resident adult fishing trout streams all year | Combination Hunt/Fish Annual $33 + Annual Trout Supplemental $21. | Trout requires supplemental coverage with eligible base license. |
| Resident one-day trout trip | 1-Day Fishing – All Species — $11. | Simple one-day resident trout product. |
| Resident using home-county natural bait only | County of Residence Fishing – No Trout — $10. | Cheap but narrow: county of residence, natural bait only, no minnows, no artificial lures. |
| Visitor 3-day bass/crappie trip | Nonresident 3-Day Fishing – No Trout — $20. | Short visitor trip with no trout. |
| Visitor 3-day trout trip | Nonresident 3-Day Fishing – All Species — $40. | Includes trout. Special permit may still apply by water. |
| Visitor 10-day mixed trip with trout | Nonresident 10-Day Fishing – All Species — $61. | Good for longer East Tennessee trout vacation. |
| Visitor who fishes Tennessee several times and wants trout | Nonresident Annual Fishing – All Species — $98. | Best repeat-visitor trout option. |
| Gatlinburg one-day trout trip | 1-Day Gatlinburg Trout License — $11. | Official fee table says it is the only requirement for one day in Gatlinburg waters. |
| Gatlinburg 3-day trip with base license | Appropriate base license + 3-Day Gatlinburg Trout Permit — $9. | Required for ages 13–64 with proper licenses unless using one-day Gatlinburg trout license. |
| Tellico River March 1–Aug. 15 | Base license/trout coverage if required + Tellico-Citico 1-Day Permit — $6. | Permit is required seasonally where applicable. |
| TWRA State Lake day | Base license + TWRA State Lake Daily Permit — $6, unless exempt. | State lake permit is added to the base license for applicable anglers. |
| Reelfoot WMA weekend | Fishing license if fishing + Reelfoot 3-Day Preservation Permit — $10, unless exempt. | Reelfoot permit applies to all users of Reelfoot WMA except listed exemptions. |
| Tennessee resident fishing Virginia side of South Holston | Tennessee base license + South Holston Supplemental — $20 + trout coverage if targeting trout. | Allows licensed TN residents to fish the Virginia portion of South Holston Reservoir. |
Resident Tennessee Fishing Licenses and Permit Add-Ons
Processing fees apply to purchases. These are the resident products most relevant to fishing permits.
| Resident product | Cost | Best for | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap ages 13–15 | $9 | Resident youth ages 13–15. | Valid for sport fishing; must be purchased before 16th birthday. WMA permits may still be required. |
| 1-Day Fishing – No Trout ages 13–64 | $6 | One-day resident non-trout trip. | Does not cover trout. |
| 1-Day Fishing – All Species ages 16–64 | $11 | One-day resident trip where trout may be targeted. | Simple resident one-day trout choice. |
| Combination Hunt/Fish Annual ages 16–64 | $33 | Basic resident annual fishing and small-game hunting. | Minimum annual resident base license; trout supplemental needed for trout. |
| Annual Trout Supplemental | $21 | Resident trout anglers. | Must be purchased with combo hunt/fish, county-of-residence license or one-day fishing no trout. |
| South Holston Reservoir Supplemental ages 13+ | $20 | TN residents fishing the Virginia portion of South Holston Reservoir. | Needed even for Sportsman license holders if fishing the Virginia side. |
| County of Residence Fishing – No Trout ages 13+ | $10 | Very limited home-county natural-bait fishing. | Natural bait only, no minnows, no artificial lures; trout supplemental needed for trout. |
| Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap age 65+ | $4 | Residents age 65+ wanting annual senior product. | No supplemental licenses required, but WMA permits may still be needed. |
| Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap age 65+ | $49 | Resident seniors wanting one-time senior product. | Proof of age and residency required. WMA permits may still be needed. |
| Annual Sportsman ages 16–64 | $165 | Resident anglers/hunters who want broad privileges. | All-inclusive for hunting, trapping and sport fishing without state supplemental licenses or non-quota permits. |
| Senior Sportsman age 65+ | $49 | Senior residents wanting Sportsman privileges. | Still does not remove every federal or location-specific requirement. |
Nonresident Tennessee Fishing Licenses No Trout vs All Species
Visitors should make the trout decision before buying. This is one of the biggest Tennessee permit traps.
| Nonresident product | Cost | Best for | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Junior Hunt/Fish Combination – No Big Game ages 13–15 | $10 | Nonresident youth ages 13–15 fishing or small game. | No license is required for youth 12 and under. |
| Annual Fishing – No Trout age 16+ | $49 | Repeat visitor trips without trout. | Does not include trout. |
| 3-Day Fishing – No Trout age 16+ | $20 | Short visitor trip without trout. | Bad choice if trout might happen. |
| 3-Day Fishing – All Species age 16+ | $40 | Short visitor trout or mixed-species trip. | Covers trout, but special-water permits may still apply. |
| 10-Day Fishing – No Trout | $30 | Longer visitor trip without trout. | Often better than multiple 3-day no-trout licenses. |
| 10-Day Fishing – All Species age 16+ | $61 | Longer visitor trout trip. | Strong option for East Tennessee trout vacation. |
| Annual Fishing – All Species age 16+ | $98 | Frequent visitors who may fish trout. | Best repeat-visitor trout option. |
Tennessee Trout Coverage Supplemental, All Species, Gatlinburg and Tellico
Trout is the permit topic that creates the most wrong purchases. Use this section before paying.
Resident annual trout
Most resident annual trout anglers need an eligible base license plus Annual Trout Supplemental — $21.
Common stack: $33 base + $21 trout.
Visitor trout
Nonresidents should buy All Species products: 3-day, 10-day or annual. Tennessee does not use a simple visitor trout add-on after a no-trout purchase.
Trout location matters
Gatlinburg and Tellico-Citico have special permit rules. Tailwaters and wild trout streams can have special bait, season and creel rules.
General trout rules every angler should know
| Rule area | Practical detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide trout daily limit | Total daily creel limit of all trout species combined is generally 7 trout. | Special waters can be more restrictive. |
| Lake trout | Only 2 of the 7 total trout may be lake trout. | Do not count lake trout separately from total trout. |
| Wild trout streams | Daily creel limit is often 5 trout with no length limit, and only single-hook artificial lures are permitted. | Bait or multiple-hook lures can be illegal on listed wild trout streams. |
| Delayed harvest areas | During catch-and-release season, harvest or possession of trout is prohibited and only artificial lures are permitted. | Do not keep trout just because you have a trout license. |
| Fort Campbell | Special fishing regulations apply and a Post Fishing Permit is required in addition to a valid Tennessee fishing license and trout coverage. | Military reservation rules are separate from normal public-water rules. |
Special Tennessee Fishing Permits All Key Fees and Conditions
If you buy one of these special permits, you must also have all applicable licenses unless the product specifically says otherwise. Lifetime, Annual Sportsman and Annual Senior Citizen Sportsman holders may be exempt from listed special permits; resident anglers 65+ do not need a lake permit but still need a fishing license. Anglers under 16 do not need a lake permit, while ages 13–15 need a Junior Fish/Hunt license.
| Special permit / product | Cost | Where it applies | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tellico-Citico Trout 1-Day Permit | $6 | Tellico River, Citico Creek seasonally, and Green Cove Pond rules area. | Required for all ages where applicable. |
| TWRA State Lake Fishing Permit – Daily | $6 | TWRA State Lakes. | Required in addition to base license for applicable residents 16–64 and nonresidents 16+. |
| TWRA State Lake Fishing Permit – Annual | $48 | Frequent TWRA State Lake fishing. | Compare against daily permit if visiting often. |
| Bedford Lake 1-Day Fishing Permit | $6 | Bedford Lake. | Specific one-day fishing permit. |
| 1-Day Gatlinburg Trout License | $11 | One-day Gatlinburg trout fishing. | Only requirement for residents or nonresidents to fish one day in Gatlinburg waters. |
| 1-Day Gatlinburg Trout Permit | $3 | Gatlinburg waters. | Required for residents and nonresidents ages 13–64 in addition to base license, unless using one-day Gatlinburg trout license. |
| 3-Day Gatlinburg Trout Permit | $9 | Gatlinburg waters. | Required in addition to appropriate fishing licenses; one-day Gatlinburg trout license holders do not need this permit. |
| Lake Halford 1-Day Permit | $6 | Lake Halford recreation use. | Required except for those under 16 and residents age 65+. |
| Annual Lake Halford Permit | $48 | Frequent Lake Halford users. | Compare annual vs daily before buying. |
| Slat Basket Tag | $10 | Special fishing device use. | Not a normal rod-and-reel permit; method rules and tag rules matter. |
| Reelfoot Preservation Permit | $3 / $10 / $16 | Reelfoot WMA users. | Required for all users except under 16, residents 65+ and Sportsman license holders. |
| South Holston Reservoir Supplemental | $20 | TN residents fishing the Virginia portion of South Holston Reservoir. | Needed even for Sportsman license holders if fishing Virginia-side water. |
Gatlinburg Trout Permit Guide Streams, Seasons and Closures
Gatlinburg has separate trout products and stricter stream rules. This is not the same as ordinary Tennessee trout fishing.
1-Day Gatlinburg Trout License
$11. The official fee page says this is the only requirement for residents or nonresidents to fish for one day in Gatlinburg waters.
Gatlinburg trout permits
1-day permit $3 or 3-day permit $9. Required for ages 13–64 in addition to the proper base license, unless using the one-day Gatlinburg trout license.
Thursday closure
Gatlinburg streams are closed every Thursday because of stocking. Do not buy around a Thursday without checking your date.
Gatlinburg stream rules users should know
| Gatlinburg rule | Detail | Why users care |
|---|---|---|
| Designated streams | General streams include West Prong Little Pigeon River, Dudley Creek, Roaring Fork and Leconte Creek in listed sections. | Permit applies only within designated waters and restrictions. |
| Children’s streams | Some sections are for children 12 and under unless otherwise posted. | Adults should not fish children-only sections. |
| Fishing hours | Fishing is permitted year-round except Thursday, from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset. | Do not start too early or fish after legal time. |
| Gear | One hand-held rod and single hook only. | Extra rods or multi-hook setups can violate local trout rules. |
| Dec. 1–Mar. 31 | No possession of trout; all trout must be immediately returned; bait is prohibited; only single-hook artificial flies, spinners and spoons are allowed. | This is not a normal keep-and-cook trout season. |
| Apr. 1–Nov. 30 general streams | General streams creel limit is 5 trout per day; bait and artificial lures are permitted. | Harvest allowed in season, but still follow the daily limit. |
| Apr. 1–Nov. 30 children’s streams | Children’s Streams creel limit is 2 trout per day. | Lower limit for youth waters. |
| Possession limit | Total possession limit cannot exceed twice the daily creel limit. | Stored fish count toward possession limits. |
Tellico-Citico Permit Area Dates, Closures and One-Rod Rule
Tellico-Citico is a major trout permit trap because the permit is seasonal, closures are unusual and rules are stricter than many anglers expect.
| Tellico-Citico rule | Practical detail | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Permit cost | Tellico-Citico Trout 1-Day Permit is $6. | Required for all ages where applicable. |
| Seasonal area | Tellico River from Turkey Creek upstream to Tennessee-North Carolina state line, and Citico Creek from Little Citico Creek upstream to North/South Forks. | Know whether your water is inside the permit area. |
| Permit period | Permit required March 1 through August 15. | From August 16 through the last day of February, fishing is allowed every day and Tellico-Citico Permit is not required. |
| Thursday/Friday closure | Closed Thursday and Friday during March 1 through August 15, except when national or state holidays fall on Thursday and Friday. | Do not plan a trip on closed stocking days. |
| Daily creel | 7 trout daily, no size limit. | Still check other posted or emergency rules. |
| Fishing hours | 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset. | Possession of fishing equipment/tackle on stream banks is prohibited outside legal fishing hours. |
| Rod limit | One rod or pole per angler. | Extra rods can be a violation. |
| Free Fishing Day special closure | Tellico River from Sourwood Campground upstream to the dam is closed to anglers 17 and older from 30 minutes before sunrise to noon on Free Fishing Day. | Adults should not assume Free Fishing Day opens every stretch at every hour. |
| Green Cove Pond | Listed trout regulations include daily trout limit of 7, catfish limit of 5, open 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset and one rod or pole. | Always check the exact pond/stream rule before fishing. |
Reelfoot Preservation Permit Not Just a Fishing License
Reelfoot WMA has its own preservation permit. It is the same cost for residents and nonresidents.
| Reelfoot permit | Cost | Best for | Exemption check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Reelfoot Preservation Permit | $3 | One-day Reelfoot WMA use. | Not required for under 16, residents 65+ or Sportsman license holders. |
| 3-Day Reelfoot Preservation Permit | $10 | Weekend or short trip. | Same resident/nonresident price. |
| Annual Reelfoot Preservation Permit | $16 | Repeat Reelfoot WMA users. | Usually best if visiting multiple times. |
TWRA State Lake Permit Daily vs Annual
Some TWRA State Lakes require a lake permit in addition to the base fishing license.
Daily lake permit
$6. Best for one-day use at a TWRA State Lake when required.
Annual lake permit
$48. Compare if you will fish TWRA State Lakes often.
Base license still matters
The lake permit is in addition to a base fishing license for applicable anglers. It is not a full fishing license by itself.
Lake Halford and Bedford Lake Permits Small Products, Easy to Miss
These location-specific permits are easy to miss because they are not the normal resident/nonresident license products.
Lake Halford 1-Day Permit
$6. Required for anyone utilizing the area for recreation except those under 16 and residents age 65+.
Annual Lake Halford Permit
$48. Better if you will use Lake Halford often.
Bedford Lake 1-Day Fishing Permit
$6. Specific one-day fishing permit for Bedford Lake.
South Holston Reservoir Supplemental Virginia-Side Warning
South Holston is one of the easiest places to misunderstand state-boundary rules.
What it does
The South Holston Reservoir Supplemental lets licensed Tennessee resident anglers fish the Virginia portion of South Holston Reservoir.
Cost
$20. TWRA describes it as essentially a Virginia license sold by TWRA.
Sportsman warning
Sportsman license holders still need this supplemental license if fishing the Virginia portion.
Youth, Seniors, Specialty and Lifetime Options Age Changes the Permit Answer
Do not buy an adult product if a youth, senior or specialty product applies.
| Person / group | Likely product or rule | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Under 13 | No regular fishing license. | Certain permits may be required for all ages in some areas. Adults actively helping may need their own license. |
| Resident ages 13–15 | Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap — $9. | Must be purchased before 16th birthday. |
| Nonresident ages 13–15 | Annual Junior Hunt/Fish Combination — $10. | No license required for nonresident youth 12 and under. |
| Resident age 65+ | Annual Senior $4, Permanent Senior $49 or Senior Sportsman $49. | Proof of age and residency required. |
| Resident born before March 1, 1926 | Exempt from regular license. | Must carry proof of age and residency. |
| Resident certified blind | Sport Fishing Certified Blind — $10. | Base license and trout supplemental licenses are included. |
| Wheelchair resident license | Wheelchair Hunting and Fishing Resident License — $10. | Base license and supplemental licenses included; WMA permits may still be needed. |
| Resident disabled veteran | Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing — $10. | Base combo hunt/fish and supplemental licenses included; WMA, special permits and federal permits are not included. |
| Resident permanent SSI intellectually fishing | $10. | Sport fish only; base license and trout supplemental licenses included. |
| Lifetime Sportsman | Age-based one-time license. | Good for life even if the holder moves out of state; cannot currently be purchased at online license center. |
Tennessee Permit Exemptions Use Proof, Not Guesswork
Exemptions are narrow. If relying on one, carry proof and understand that special permits, access rules or WMA rules may still apply.
Under 13
Children under 13 can fish without a regular license anywhere in Tennessee, though certain permits may be required for all ages.
Farmland owner exemption
Resident landowners, spouses, children and children’s spouses may qualify on their own farmland. The exemption does not apply if farmland is jointly owned by unrelated persons.
Tenant farmland exemption
Resident agricultural tenants, spouses and dependent children may qualify if they actually reside on the land and have permission from the landowner.
Military leave
Military personnel on leave should carry a copy of leave orders. A pass does not meet the requirement.
Born before March 1, 1926
Residents born before March 1, 1926 are exempt, but must carry proof of age and residency.
Access is separate
A license or exemption does not give permission to enter private land, private docks, restricted areas or closed access points.
Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day 2026 and Free Fishing Week
Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 6, 2026. On that day, residents and visitors of any age may fish Tennessee public waters without a license. Free Fishing Week is June 6–12, 2026 for children ages 15 and younger.
Everyone fishes free day
Useful for beginners, visiting relatives, first-time anglers and family events.
Kids free week
Children ages 15 and younger can fish free during the full Free Fishing Week.
Rules still apply
Free fishing does not cancel creel limits, size limits, closed waters, private-property permission, bait rules or safety rules.
After Buying a Permit: Rules That Still Matter
A correct permit does not make every fish, water, method, bait or harvest legal.
Waterbody exceptions
Many lakes, rivers, tailwaters, streams and trout areas have rules stricter than statewide limits.
Inspection law
Anglers must permit TWRA officers to inspect license and compliance. Refusing or interfering is a violation.
Measure fish correctly
Lay fish on a ruler, close the mouth and squeeze the tail fin. Do not manipulate the mouth to extend length.
Hook restriction
Unless otherwise restricted, anglers are limited to a maximum of 3 hooks per rod, pole or hand-held line.
Do not move fish
Never intentionally release live fish, crayfish or salamanders into Tennessee public waters away from where they were harvested.
Special devices
Trotlines, limblines, jugs and slat baskets have tagging, spacing, checking, location and method rules.
Statewide Creel and Size Limits Fast Snapshot
This is a quick permit-page summary. Many waters have exceptions, so always check the exact water before keeping fish.
| Species / group | Statewide snapshot | Permit-page warning |
|---|---|---|
| Black Bass | 5 per day in any combination; no statewide minimum length. | Many reservoirs and Alabama Bass rules can differ. |
| Crappie | 15 per day, 10-inch minimum. | Region 1 exception may be 30 unless a specific water says otherwise. |
| Rock Bass / Redeye / Shadow Bass | 20 per day. | Check local exceptions. |
| Striped Bass / Hybrid Striped Bass | 2 per day, 15-inch minimum. | Reservoir exceptions and closed zones may apply. |
| White Bass | 15 per day. | Check water-specific exceptions. |
| Muskellunge | 1 per day, 36-inch minimum. | Some trophy waters can differ. |
| Sauger or Sauger/Walleye hybrids | 10 per day, 15-inch minimum. | Seasonal and water-specific rules may apply. |
| Walleye | 5 per day, 16-inch minimum. | Many lakes have exceptions. |
| Trout | 7 per day combined. | Only 2 of the 7 total trout may be lake trout; special trout waters may be stricter. |
| Catfish | No harvest limit under 34 inches; only one over 34 inches per day. | Local exceptions can apply. |
| Paddlefish | Harvest season April 24 through May 31; daily creel limit 2; culling prohibited. | Reservoir exceptions apply. |
| Alligator Gar / Shovelnose Sturgeon | No harvest allowed; release immediately. | Know species ID before keeping unusual fish. |
Bait, Invasive Species and Water Movement Rules
Permit compliance is not just a payment issue. Tennessee specifically warns anglers not to dump unused bait or move invasive species.
Do not dump bait
Do not dump unused bait in the water. Drain bait buckets on land or dispose of bait in the trash.
Do not move live fish
Illegal movement and stocking of Alabama Bass is a major concern because it harms Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass fisheries.
Banned live transport
Do not possess or transport live specimens of listed invasive species such as silver carp, bighead carp, black carp, snakeheads, zebra mussels, round goby, rudd and others.
Class C bait rule
Many bait fish can be harvested for bait, but live specimens must be used in the same water where harvested and cannot be possessed away from that water.
Parksville warning
No live transport of any black bass away from Parksville Reservoir.
Trash and fishing line
Remove fishing line, trash and bait containers. Report littering or illegal dumping into Tennessee waters.
Tailwaters, Dams and Permit Is Not Safety
Tennessee tailwaters can rise quickly. A correct fishing permit does not make unsafe water safe.
Check generation
Use TVA, Corps or USGS flow information before wading or boating below dams.
Life jacket zones
All boaters and passengers must wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets in marked hazardous areas below dams or locks.
Device restrictions
Trotlines, limblines and jugs are prohibited within 1,000 yards below TVA or Corps dams.
Reprint, App, Lost Permit and Account Help
Do not buy a duplicate until you try the official reprint and account path.
| Need | Best action | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Reprint active license | Log into Go Outdoors Tennessee and reprint active licenses. | Online reprints are available at no charge. |
| Electronic proof | Use the license received by email or stored in your account/app. | Electronic copy is legal, but backup is smart. |
| Cannot find account | Use customer lookup or Go Outdoors support. | Login help: 1-888-891-8972. |
| Lost hard-copy Sportsman license or boat card | Contact TWRA sales office. | TWRA FAQ lists 615-781-6585 for hard-copy Sportsman/boat card assistance. |
| TWRA On the Go app | Use it to store licenses, purchase licenses, find places to hunt/fish and access regulations. | Still take screenshots for low-signal trips. |
| Low-signal trip | Screenshot and print before leaving. | Do not rely only on mobile data at mountain streams or tailwaters. |
Real Tennessee Permit Tips That Prevent Costly Mistakes
These are the practical checks a reader should complete before spending money.
Before checkout
- Decide trout/no trout before opening the cart.
- Nonresident + possible trout = buy All Species first.
- Check special permits before buying if fishing Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, Reelfoot, TWRA State Lakes, Lake Halford, Bedford Lake or South Holston.
- Read start and expiration dates because most annual licenses are valid 365 days from purchase.
- Do not buy County of Residence Fishing unless its bait and county limits truly fit your trip.
- Do not confuse Federal Duck Stamp with a fishing permit.
On the water
- Keep proof on your phone and one offline backup.
- Carry a measuring board for species with size limits.
- Check the exact waterbody rules, not only statewide rules.
- Do not dump bait or move live fish between waters.
- Check generation schedules before fishing below dams.
- Allow officer inspection of licenses and compliance.
Family and beginner tips
- Use Free Fishing Day before buying gear for first-timers.
- Kids under 13 do not need a regular license, but adults helping may.
- For a first trip, choose a simple bank-access lake or TWRA family fishing event.
- For youth ages 13–15, check Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap before buying adult products.
- Use the TWRA First Fish Certificate to make a child’s first catch memorable.
Permit traps to avoid
- Calling trout coverage a “stamp” and buying the wrong product.
- Buying no-trout as a visitor when trout might be targeted.
- Forgetting Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, TWRA lake or Reelfoot permits.
- Assuming a lake permit replaces a base fishing license.
- Assuming a license gives permission to enter private property.
- Using special gear such as trotlines or slat baskets without reading method rules.
TWRA Map, Address, Phone Numbers and Permit Help
Use the official portal for payment. Use TWRA contacts when the product, exemption, account, special permit or local waterbody rule is unclear.
TWRA central office
5107 Edmondson Pike, Ellington Agricultural Center, Nashville, TN 37211
Main: 615-781-6500
Email: Ask.TWRA@tn.gov
License and permit help
License Section & Agency Sales: 615-781-5270
Go Outdoors login help: 1-888-891-8972
Fisheries
Fisheries Division: 615-781-6575
Use for stockings, fisheries programs, fishing events and fishery questions.
Law enforcement
Law Enforcement Division: 615-781-6580
Use regional offices or dispatch for area-specific enforcement issues.
Regional hotlines
West TN: 1-800-831-1173
Middle TN: 1-800-255-8972
Cumberland Plateau: 1-833-402-4699
East TN: 1-800-831-1174
Regional offices
Region 1 Jackson: 731-423-5725
Region 2 Nashville: 615-781-6622
Region 3 Crossville: 931-484-9571
Region 4 Morristown: 423-587-7037
Official Tennessee Permit Resources Use Only for Final Action
Use these official resources after you understand which license and permit stack applies.
Buy / reprint license and permits
Official Go Outdoors Tennessee portal for purchases, permits, account access, renewals and reprints.
Go Outdoors TennesseeLocate license agent
Use for in-person purchases from approved Tennessee license agents.
Locate agentOfficial fees
Use for the current license, supplemental, special permit and application fee table.
TWRA feesFishing regulations
Use for rules, limits, bait, trout, reciprocal waters, gear and fish ID.
Fishing regulationsTrout information
Use for stockings, trout forecasts, trout rules and special trout areas.
Trout stockingFree Fishing Day
Use for Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day, Free Fishing Week and youth/family fishing event information.
Family fishingTennessee Fishing Permit FAQ
Does Tennessee have a fishing stamp?
Tennessee generally uses license products such as Annual Trout Supplemental and All Species rather than a simple fishing stamp label. Federal Duck Stamp is a hunting item, not a normal fishing permit.
What is the Tennessee trout stamp?
Most people searching “Tennessee trout stamp” need either the resident Annual Trout Supplemental or a nonresident All Species license product, depending on residency and trip length.
How much is the resident Annual Trout Supplemental?
The Annual Trout Supplemental is listed at $21 and must be purchased with an eligible base license such as combo hunt/fish, county-of-residence license or one-day fishing no trout.
Can a nonresident add trout later in Tennessee?
Do not plan on a simple separate nonresident trout add-on. Nonresidents who may fish trout should buy All Species from the start.
What permit do I need for Gatlinburg trout fishing?
For one day, the 1-Day Gatlinburg Trout License is listed at $11 and is the only requirement for residents or nonresidents. Otherwise, Gatlinburg trout permits may be required with the proper base license.
Are Gatlinburg trout streams open every day?
No. Gatlinburg streams are closed on Thursdays due to stocking. Legal fishing time is generally 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset.
Do I need a Tellico-Citico permit?
Yes, where applicable. The Tellico-Citico Trout 1-Day Permit is listed at $6 and is required for all ages seasonally on Tellico River and Citico Creek.
Do I need a TWRA State Lake permit?
Applicable anglers need a TWRA State Lake Fishing Permit in addition to the base fishing license. Daily permit is listed at $6 and annual permit at $48.
How much is the Reelfoot Preservation Permit?
The Reelfoot Preservation Permit is listed at $3 for one day, $10 for three days and $16 annually, unless an exemption applies.
What is the Lake Halford permit?
Lake Halford has a $6 one-day permit and a $48 annual permit for recreation use, except for those under 16 and residents 65 or older.
Does a Tennessee annual fishing permit expire at the end of February?
No. Most annual Tennessee licenses and permits are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase unless otherwise noted.
Can I show my Tennessee fishing permit on my phone?
Yes. Electronic license proof is legal, but screenshot and print a backup for low-signal areas.
Can I reprint my Tennessee fishing license?
Yes. Active licenses can be reprinted through Go Outdoors Tennessee. TWRA FAQ notes online reprints are available at no charge.
Do kids need a Tennessee fishing permit?
Children under 13 do not need a regular fishing license. Ages 13–15 usually need a Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license unless Free Fishing Week or another specific rule applies.
Do I need a permit to fish on private property?
A fishing license does not give access to private property. Some farmland owner or tenant exemptions may apply, but permission and exact exemption rules matter.
Do guides need a separate Tennessee license?
Yes. A guide is someone who accepts compensation for assisting another in hunting, fishing or trapping, and TWRA says guides need a TWRA Guide License in addition to other required licenses.
Final Tennessee Permit Advice
Do not treat Tennessee fishing permits as one product. The correct setup is usually: base license + trout coverage if needed + special-water permit if needed + legal access + legal method + legal bait + legal harvest limit.
Best path: choose resident/nonresident → choose trip length → decide trout/no trout → check special water → buy through Go Outdoors Tennessee or a licensed agent → save proof → check waterbody rules before fishing.