Catch and release still counts as fishing. Here’s the license you need.
If you fish in Tennessee and plan to release every bass, trout, crappie or catfish, you generally still need a valid fishing license. Some waters also prohibit keeping particular fish, restrict bait and hooks, or close entirely during part of the year.
Do you need a Tennessee fishing license if you release everything?
Generally required, even when every fish goes back into the water.
No ordinary Tennessee fishing license required; location permits can differ.
The appropriate trout privilege is generally required even for release-only trips.
No fish of the protected species may be harvested where that rule applies.
TWRA’s licensing rule covers people who take or attempt to take fish. Casting and trying to catch a fish is a regulated activity, whether you eventually keep it, photograph it or release it immediately.
The license decision depends on your age, residency, target species and location. A basic no-trout license can cover ordinary bass or panfish fishing, but deliberately targeting trout generally requires appropriate trout privileges.
Voluntary release, mandatory release and closed water are not the same thing
You fish a normal reservoir and release all bass
A valid fishing license is generally still necessary. The water’s normal season, gear and fishing-access rules apply. Releasing fish does not eliminate these requirements.
You fish water that protects every bass or trout
You generally may fish with the appropriate license when the area is open, but you must release the protected fish and follow its posted tackle and possession rules.
The river reach is closed during a designated period
You cannot fish during that closure, even with an annual license and even if you intend to release all fish. Catch-and-release is not an exception to a no-fishing closure.
You qualify under a specific Tennessee exemption
The license may not be required, but harvest restrictions, legal bait, park rules and fishing-access conditions still apply. Exemptions must match the actual situation.
Find your catch-and-release license starting point
Select your situation. The result explains what to check in TWRA’s official licensing system, not a substitute for an eligibility determination.
Which Tennessee license covers fishing when you keep zero fish?
Tennessee does not sell a special “catch and release fishing license.” You buy the same appropriate license as other anglers. These are useful published TWRA examples before processing fees or location-specific permits.
| Fishing situation | Applicable license example | Listed price | Important condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident adult, one day, no trout | 1-Day Fishing – No Trout | $6 | Good for a basic non-trout catch-and-release outing. |
| Resident adult, one day, trout | 1-Day Fishing – All Species | $11 | Includes trout privileges for the day; special-water rules still apply. |
| Resident adult, annual no trout | Combination Hunt/Fish Annual | $33 | Basic annual fishing; annual trout supplemental is separate. |
| Resident adult, annual trout | Annual combination plus trout supplemental | $33 + $21 | Typical annual resident setup for intentionally targeting trout. |
| Resident youth, age 13–15 | Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap | $9 | TWRA lists this as the usual annual youth product, including sport fishing. |
| Nonresident youth, age 13–15 | Annual Junior Hunt/Fish Combination | $10 | Youth visitor fishing product. |
| Nonresident adult, three days, no trout | 3-Day Fishing – No Trout | $20 | Not a trout-targeting license. |
| Nonresident adult, three days, trout | 3-Day Fishing – All Species | $40 | Appropriate short visitor product if trout are part of the trip. |
| Nonresident adult, annual no trout | Annual Fishing – No Trout | $49 | For fishing that does not target trout. |
| Nonresident adult, annual with trout | Annual Fishing – All Species | $98 | Includes trout coverage; other location permits may still be required. |
For broader eligibility, senior and resident-status details, see the Tennessee fishing license guide. It covers the options that apply whether fish are harvested or released.
Do you still need a trout license when you catch and release trout?
Generally yes. Tennessee’s trout supplemental authorizes fishing for trout. Catching trout and returning them to the water does not automatically make a no-trout fishing license sufficient when trout are the intended target.
Annual trout fishing
$33 + $21The common adult annual setup is a resident Combination Hunt/Fish license plus Annual Trout Supplemental. Qualifying youth, senior, Sportsman or specialty products can provide different coverage.
Visitor trout fishing
All SpeciesChoose a nonresident All Species product for the intended trip length. A no-trout product does not become valid for deliberate trout fishing simply because the fish are released.
Gatlinburg or Tellico–Citico
Separate Gatlinburg or Tellico–Citico permissions may be required according to the specific stream, season, age and license product.
Great Smoky Mountains
Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the National Park Service accepts a valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license for anglers age 16 and older, and states that no trout stamp is required.
Compare the exact license products in the Tennessee all-species fishing license guide before purchasing.
What catch-and-release-only trout season actually means
On Tennessee delayed-harvest trout waters, fish may be caught and released during the designated period, but trout harvest and possession are prohibited. TWRA also prohibits using or possessing bait during that catch-and-release season, allowing only artificial lures.
Keep or possess trout
Do not put trout in a bucket, cooler or livewell during the release-only season. Release them promptly back into the water where caught.
Use or possess bait
During the delayed-harvest catch-and-release period, TWRA prohibits bait use and possession on the regulated reach. Check whether additional lure or hook restrictions apply.
Fish with legal artificial lures
Appropriate artificial lures are permitted during the open catch-and-release season. Do not assume that every artificial lure, hook configuration or fishing technique is lawful on every stream.
Rules can change by date
Outside the delayed-harvest period, a different harvest season, creel limit or local regulation may apply. Read the current named-water entry for both seasons.
Specific catch-and-release fishing locations and 2026–27 seasons
These examples distinguish full catch-and-release-only species regulations from seasonal trout restrictions. Boundaries are part of the rule, not optional location details.
| Water / reach | Protected fish | Catch-and-release period | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodhaven Lake Montgomery Bell State Park |
Largemouth bass | Catch and release only under 2026–27 rules | Do not harvest largemouth bass; other species have their own rules. |
| Travis McNatt Lake Big Hill Pond State Park |
Largemouth bass | Catch and release only under 2026–27 rules | Bass release requirement does not create a lake-wide no-harvest rule for every species. |
| Acorn Lake Montgomery Bell State Park |
Trout | December 1–March 31 | Trout catch and release only in winter; a different trout creel applies April 1–November 30. |
| Big Soddy Creek Upstream of Back Valley Road |
Trout | November 1–February 28 | The 2026–27 change moved the starting date from October 1 to November 1. |
| Buffalo Creek Mill dam downstream to Buffalo Springs WMA boundary |
Trout | October 1–January 31 | The reach upstream of the mill dam has a separate year-round fishing closure. |
| Doe River Roan Mountain State Park boundaries |
Trout | October 1–February 28 | Use the exact state-park reach; general Doe River rules do not automatically apply everywhere. |
| Hiwassee River Appalachian Powerhouse to L&N Railroad Bridge |
Trout | October 1–February 28 | Check the posted reach and current dam generation before wading. |
| Paint Creek Campground downstream to French Broad River mouth |
Trout | October 1–February 28 | During delayed harvest, artificial-lure and no-bait rules apply. |
| Tellico River North River mouth upstream to the North Carolina boundary |
Trout | October 1–February 28 | Also check Tellico–Citico permit-area rules for applicable spring/summer dates. |
| Gatlinburg city trout waters | Trout | December 1–March 31 | Single-hook artificial fly, spinner or spoon restrictions apply during winter release-only season; Thursday closures and city permit rules remain important. |
Two examples where you cannot simply fish and release everything
South Fork Holston River protected sections
TWRA closes two specifically described sections to all fishing from November 1 through January 31, including the Hickory Tree Bridge-to-Bottom Creek area and a separate Boy’s Island/Webb Road Bridge area.
These are not winter catch-and-release opportunities. No angling is allowed within the closed sections during the closure.
Clear Creek near Norris
The Clear Creek reach in Anderson County from Highway 441 upstream to the second dam adjacent to the Norris water tower is listed as closed to all fishing November 1–March 31.
A current annual fishing license does not override this closed-season regulation.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park uses different license and fishing rules
Fishing inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park is administered by the National Park Service, so it is important not to apply Tennessee’s ordinary 13-and-older licensing rule or trout-stamp requirement without checking the park’s separate guidance.
Valid Tennessee or North Carolina license accepted in the park.
NPS states no trout stamp is required within the park.
One hand-held rod only.
Artificial flies or lures with single hooks; bait prohibited.
Open the National Park Service fishing page; check License Requirements, Lures and Equipment, Time and Place, and any park closures before fishing.
Are barbless hooks mandatory? Can you use worms or scented lures?
There is no single statewide rule requiring every recreational catch-and-release angler to use a barbless hook. Legal tackle depends on the specific water and any special trout or protected-area rule.
General tackle rules
Check statewide hook and fishing-method rules and any local exceptions. Choosing a single barbless hook can simplify release, but that recommendation should not be confused with a statewide legal requirement.
Artificial lures only
During the designated catch-and-release season, TWRA prohibits use or possession of bait. Confirm additional restrictions in the named-water entry.
Single-hook artificial options
During the winter release-only season, Gatlinburg restricts tackle to designated single-hook artificial flies, spinners and spoons, with a specified dropper-fly allowance.
No bait or treble hooks
Only artificial flies or lures with single hooks are permitted. The National Park Service prohibits bait, liquid scent and multiple-point hook configurations in park streams.
How to catch and release a fish with a better chance of survival
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency recommends minimizing exhaustion, using appropriate nets, keeping fish wet, and releasing fish after recovery. The following process works as a practical routine for bass and many trout and panfish.
Avoid prolonged fights that completely exhaust the fish.
Soft knotless mesh or rubber netting helps reduce injury.
Handle with wet hands and minimize time out of water.
If deeply hooked, cut the line instead of pulling the hook out.
Support the fish in the water until it can swim away.
Extra care during warm weather
Warm water holds less dissolved oxygen, and a hard fight can increase stress. Use tackle appropriate to the fish, reduce air exposure, avoid placing fish on dry ground or hot boat decking, and return the fish to its original water promptly.
Do not relocate a caught fish into another lake or stream
Releasing a fish means returning it to the water where it was caught. TWRA prohibits intentionally releasing or stocking live fish, crayfish or salamanders into Tennessee waters away from the water from which they were harvested. Moving live catches creates disease, invasive-species and fishery-management risks.
Fish handling reference: TWRA catch-and-release methods.
Who can catch and release without purchasing an ordinary Tennessee fishing license?
| Situation | License position | What must still be checked |
|---|---|---|
| Resident or nonresident child under 13 | No ordinary Tennessee fishing license required | Some special-location permits and regulations may still apply. |
| Youth age 13–15 | Normally needs an appropriate junior license | Check annual Free Fishing Week or a documented exemption. Federal park age rules differ. |
| Qualifying resident farmland owner or family member | May qualify for farmland license exemption | Ownership, family relationship, residency, eligible farmland and required exemption documentation. |
| Qualifying resident farmland tenant family | May qualify for exemption | Agricultural tenancy, residence on farmland and landowner permission. |
| Qualifying military leave | Exemption may apply | Carry the leave orders specified by TWRA; a pass is not equivalent. |
| Resident born before March 1, 1926 | Listed TWRA exemption | Carry proof of age and Tennessee residency. |
| Official Free Fishing Day | Ordinary license waived for the applicable event | Dates, covered waters, species and separate access rules must be checked. |
TWRA has published June 12, 2027 as the next Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day and June 12–18, 2027 as Free Fishing Week for children age 15 and younger. These dates are for future planning; the event does not waive ordinary licensing on other dates.
Catch and release doesn’t cancel special permits or property access rules
Even if you plan to keep nothing, some fishing locations may require a TWRA State Lake permit, Gatlinburg permission, Tellico–Citico permit, Reelfoot Preservation Permit or another location-specific credential.
TWRA State Lakes
Check whether the lake requires an additional daily or annual permit based on your age and license category. A catch-and-release-only trip does not automatically waive the site permit.
Gatlinburg and Tellico–Citico
These waters can have their own permit seasons, age coverage, closed days and legal-tackle rules beyond an ordinary statewide fishing license.
Private land or restricted access
Possessing a license does not authorize trespassing. Get landowner permission and respect posted closures, boat-ramp boundaries and property restrictions.
Tailwaters below dams
Check TVA or the relevant dam operator’s generation and warning information before wading. A release-only fishery may be hazardous when water rises rapidly.
For the requirements associated with these locations, see the Tennessee fishing permit guide before entering the official checkout.
Can you fish for bass in a trout stream using a no-trout license?
A no-trout license provides fishing privileges for species other than trout, subject to the license’s actual terms. However, anglers must also obey the fishing-method, bait, season and species restrictions that apply to that particular water.
Ordinary open water
If your target is bass or another non-trout species and your license authorizes that fishing, the no-trout product may be sufficient for the fishing privilege. Special-water permits and rules still apply.
Deliberate trout fishing
Do not treat a no-trout license as trout authorization just because you intend to release trout. Obtain the appropriate trout coverage unless a specific exemption or NPS rule applies.
For the exact limitations on this product, read the Tennessee fishing license no-trout guide.
Does releasing a fish count toward the daily creel limit?
In ordinary catch-and-release angling, fish released immediately are not retained harvest and do not fill your kept-fish daily creel. However, you still need to comply with closed seasons, legal tackle, species-specific harvest restrictions, and any special culling or handling rules.
Daily creel
The number you are legally allowed to harvest on a given day. A protected fish must be released even if your cooler is empty.
Possession
Fish that you keep or possess are subject to applicable possession limits. Simply planning to release a fish later does not make keeping protected trout in a livewell legal during a release-only season.
Protected length range
A fish falling inside a posted protected length range may not be harvested. The angler must release it even if it is larger than a general statewide minimum.
Species-specific release-only rule
A lake may prohibit keeping largemouth bass while still allowing legal harvest of certain crappie, sunfish or catfish. Read each species rule separately.
What to check before your next catch-and-release fishing trip
- Identify your exact location. Note the lake name, creek boundaries, dam, bridges, state-park designation or whether you are inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Check whether fishing is open. Open TWRA’s current fishing regulations; review 2026–27 changes and any relevant closure.
- Confirm species-specific exceptions. Open TWRA’s named-water exceptions; search for the exact lake or river reach and target species.
- Check trout season and tackle if applicable. Use the official trout regulations for delayed-harvest dates, artificial-only fishing, bait possession and special permits.
- Choose the right license. Review TWRA’s official fees and exemptions, including your age, residency, trout privileges and any additional permits.
- Use the official purchase system. Visit Go Outdoors Tennessee, locate or create your customer account, select the appropriate license and confirm effective dates and fees before payment.
- Save valid proof. Store your electronic license or printed copy, and check whether the chosen location requires a separate physical access permit.
- Prepare for fish handling. Pack suitable artificial lures where mandated, a gentle net and hook-removal tools, and check water levels or dam generation for tailwater fishing.
Tennessee catch-and-release fishing license FAQs
Do I need a Tennessee fishing license if I release every fish?
Yes, unless you qualify for a specific exemption. TWRA’s licensing requirement generally applies when you take or attempt to take fish. Releasing every catch does not cancel the fishing-license requirement.
Is there a separate Tennessee catch-and-release fishing license?
No. Tennessee does not have a special catch-and-release-only fishing license. Anglers use the appropriate standard fishing, all-species, youth, senior or other qualifying license for their situation.
Can I catch and release trout with a no-trout license?
A no-trout license does not generally authorize deliberately fishing for trout. Trout fishing requires the appropriate trout privilege unless a documented exemption or different National Park Service license rule applies.
Do children need a fishing license for catch and release in Tennessee?
Children age 12 and younger do not need an ordinary Tennessee fishing license. Ages 13–15 normally require an appropriate junior license, although special events and National Park Service rules can differ.
What does catch-and-release-only mean on Tennessee trout waters?
On designated catch-and-release trout waters during the applicable season, trout harvest and possession are prohibited. During TWRA delayed-harvest seasons, only artificial lures are permitted and use or possession of bait is prohibited.
Which Tennessee lakes require catch and release for largemouth bass?
Under the 2026–27 TWRA changes, Woodhaven Lake at Montgomery Bell State Park and Travis McNatt Lake at Big Hill Pond State Park are catch-and-release-only for largemouth bass. Other species have separate regulations.
Are barbless hooks required for all catch-and-release fishing in Tennessee?
No general statewide barbless-hook requirement applies to every catch-and-release outing. Some waters require specified artificial lures or single hooks, including certain trout waters and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Check the exact location rule.
Can I fish during a closed season if I release everything?
No. A closure to all fishing prohibits angling during the closed period, even if you intend to release every fish. A catch-and-release season is different from an all-fishing closure.
Do I need a trout stamp inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
No. The National Park Service says anglers age 16 and older need a valid Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license or permit within the park, but no trout stamp is required. Separate park tackle, hours and fishing rules apply.
What is the safest way to release a fish in Tennessee?
Land it quickly, use a soft knotless or rubber net, keep it in the water as much as possible, remove hooks gently or cut the line if deeply hooked, and release the fish after it has recovered. Return fish to the same water where caught.
Tennessee catch-and-release fishing: authoritative references
The main legal decisions are explained above. These official sources are useful when checking the exact reach, rule date, purchase transaction or fish-handling guidance.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency • 5107 Edmondson Pike, Nashville, TN 37211 • (615) 781-6500 • Ask.TWRA@tn.gov.
Your three-part Tennessee catch-and-release check
First, confirm your fishing license and trout coverage. Second, confirm the exact water is open and your tackle is legal. Third, prepare to release fish promptly and carefully. Releasing fish is good practice, but it never substitutes for the correct legal permissions.
Check official TWRA fishing rulesTennesseeFishingLicense.website is an independent informational resource. It does not sell licenses or represent TWRA. Current official regulations, proclamations and location-specific notices control.