Tennessee creel limits: know what you can keep before the first fish goes into the cooler
The statewide rule is five black bass, fifteen crappie, seven trout, and no numerical limit on catfish below 34 inches—with important exceptions. A different reservoir, river reach, stocked pond, or protected slot can completely change what is legal to harvest.
Four limits most Tennessee anglers should memorize
Combined daily limit for largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, Alabama and Coosa bass under the statewide rule.
Combined daily limit with a 10-inch minimum outside applicable exceptions.
Combined statewide daily limit, including no more than two lake trout.
Only one catfish longer than 34 inches can be harvested per day under the statewide rule.
Based on TWRA statewide creel and length limits and published 2026–27 regulation changes. Fishing rules may be updated by proclamation.
Tennessee daily creel and minimum length limits by species
A creel limit is the number of fish you may legally harvest per day. The length column is a separate test. A fish must satisfy both conditions—and any more restrictive rule for the particular water.
| Species or group | Daily creel | Minimum length | Key condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black bass | 5 combined | None statewide | Special lake-specific bass and slot rules are common. |
| Crappie, all species | 15 combined | 10 inches | Region 1 generally has a 30-fish, no-minimum exception unless otherwise specified. |
| Trout, all species | 7 combined | None statewide | Maximum two lake trout within the seven-fish limit. |
| Catfish | No numerical limit on fish shorter than or equal to 34 inches | None statewide | Only one catfish longer than 34 inches daily. |
| Striped bass and hybrid striped bass | 2 combined | 15 inches | Reservoir-specific length and slot rules may apply. |
| White bass | 15 | None | River and reservoir exceptions can apply. |
| Walleye | 5 | 16 inches | Some reservoirs or spawning-run reaches differ. |
| Sauger and sauger/walleye hybrids | 10 | 15 inches | Check spawning-run and reservoir restrictions. |
| Muskellunge | 1 | 36 inches | Some managed trophy waters require 50 inches. |
| Rock, redeye and shadow bass | 20 | None | Distinct from the black-bass grouping. |
| Redear sunfish | 20 | None | Small ponds and state-park exceptions may differ. |
| Bluegill, warmouth, yellow bass and listed nongame species | No numerical limit statewide | None | Protected species and local exceptions still control. |
| Skipjack herring | 100 | None | Live bait and transport restrictions remain relevant. |
| Paddlefish | 2 | None | Harvest April 24–May 31; no culling; named reservoir exceptions. |
| Alligator gar / shovelnose sturgeon | 0 | Not applicable | No harvest; immediately return to water. |
Check the statewide starting limit for your target fish
Use this tool to understand the default. It does not authorize harvest on a named lake or special-regulation reach.
To finalize a limit, use the TWRA water-specific exception list and current regulation notices.
Bass creel limits: five is a combined total, not five of each species
Tennessee’s statewide five-fish black-bass limit covers largemouth, smallmouth, spotted, Alabama and Coosa bass together. For example, keeping three largemouth and two smallmouth reaches the statewide combined limit; you cannot then add five spotted bass.
No statewide minimum length for black bass, but reservoir rules frequently introduce minimum lengths or protected size ranges.
Some rivers protect 13–17-inch smallmouth bass, while other reaches restrict harvest to one fish of at least 20 inches. Never transfer a rule from one reach to another.
TWRA now lists catch-and-release-only black bass at Woodhaven Lake in Montgomery Bell State Park and Travis McNatt Lake at Big Hill Pond State Park.
From June 1 through September 30, only one largemouth or smallmouth bass over 16 inches may be harvested daily under Douglas Reservoir’s posted seasonal rule. October 1–May 31 has no bass length minimum under that reservoir rule.
Tennessee crappie limits change dramatically between statewide waters and western river systems
Black and white crappie count together. Every retained crappie must meet the 10-inch minimum where the standard rule applies.
TWRA’s Region 1 exception applies unless a named water has its own rule. Confirm the correct region and specific water before keeping more than fifteen.
The Mississippi River and its qualifying connected boat-accessible sloughs, bayous, runs and chutes use a separate 50-crappie rule.
TWRA lists no crappie creel or length limit for Lake Kefauver and several specified state-park lakes. These exceptions are not transferable to nearby public waters.
For West Tennessee river anglers, TWRA specifically lists a 30-crappie, no-length-minimum rule on the Forked Deer, Hatchie, Loosahatchie, Obion and Wolf Rivers, including their tributaries. This is one reason a generic statewide crappie chart is not enough for a trip.
Trout creel rules: seven statewide, but some famous Tennessee trout waters are stricter
The normal statewide daily creel is seven trout in total, with no statewide minimum length. Only two of those seven may be lake trout. Rainbow, brown, brook and other trout species count toward the combined total unless the named water sets a different rule.
| Water / reach | Creel rule | Length or special restriction |
|---|---|---|
| General statewide trout water | 7 trout combined | No minimum statewide; max 2 lake trout. |
| Caney Fork River Center Hill Dam to Cumberland River, including tributaries | 5 trout total daily | Rainbow, brook and cutthroat: 14–20-inch protected range, only one over 20 inches. Brown: one per day, 24-inch minimum. |
| Elk River Tims Ford Dam to I-65 bridge, including tributaries | 7 trout total daily | Brown trout: one per day, 20-inch minimum. |
| Acorn Lake, Montgomery Bell State Park | Dec. 1–Mar. 31: catch and release only | April 1–Nov. 30: five trout per day, no length minimum. |
TWRA’s 2026–27 updates also remove delayed-harvest regulations from Piney River and change Big Soddy Creek’s delayed-harvest starting date to November 1. Read the current stream rule instead of assuming the last season’s regulations still apply.
Tennessee catfish rule: the 34-inch line matters more than a statewide fish count
For ordinary statewide waters, TWRA does not impose a numerical creel limit on catfish 34 inches or shorter. You may harvest only one catfish longer than 34 inches in a day.
No statewide numerical creel limit, subject to special-water exceptions.
Only one of these larger catfish may be harvested per day.
Selected Community Fishing Program ponds limit blue, channel and hybrid catfish to five combined.
Special management changes this answer at some small impoundments and state-park lakes. For example, Fall Creek Falls Lake allows five blue/channel catfish daily with a 16-inch minimum. Woodhaven Lake uses a five-fish combined blue/channel catfish limit without a minimum length.
Real examples where Tennessee statewide creel limits are not enough
These are named exceptions published by TWRA. They show why the lake, state park or exact river reach must be checked before retaining fish.
| Water | Species | Published exception |
|---|---|---|
| Douglas Reservoir | Black bass | Five combined daily; seasonal size restriction on largemouth and smallmouth from June 1–September 30. |
| Nickajack Reservoir | Largemouth bass | 15-inch minimum; other black-bass species have separate rules. |
| John Sevier Reservoir | Smallmouth bass | 13–17-inch protected length range; only one smallmouth above 17 inches daily. |
| Little Pigeon River | Smallmouth bass | One daily; minimum length 20 inches in the specified reach. |
| Wolf River into Dale Hollow | Smallmouth bass | Two daily; 16–21-inch protected length range, allowing one below 16 and one above 21. |
| Mississippi River | Black bass / crappie | Ten black bass daily without minimum length; fifty crappie daily without minimum length. |
| Woodhaven Lake | Largemouth bass | Catch and release only under 2026–27 rules. |
| Travis McNatt Lake | Largemouth bass | Catch and release only under 2026–27 rules. |
| Fall Creek Falls Lake | Crappie / catfish | No crappie creel or length limit; five blue/channel catfish daily, 16-inch minimum. |
| TWRA Community Fishing Program ponds | Black bass / catfish / trout | One black bass, five qualifying catfish, and five trout daily under published community-pond rules. |
How to measure fish and interpret a protected slot correctly
A fish measuring 15 inches or longer can satisfy the length requirement. Smaller fish must be released.
Fish within the protected range cannot be harvested. A separate rule may govern fish below and above the range.
The number of fish above a stated threshold is restricted even when shorter fish have no numerical limit.
TWRA’s fish-measurement method
- Place the fish flat against a ruler or measuring board, with the measuring edge beginning at the closed mouth.
- Keep the mouth closed without pulling or manipulating it to create extra length.
- Squeeze the tail fin together and measure the total length to the tail tip.
- Compare the number against the exact species-and-water rule—not a statewide table alone.
- If the fish is undersized, inside a protected range, or subject to catch-and-release-only rules, release it promptly.
Three hooks per line, combined limits, culling and transporting your catch
Statewide hook restriction
TWRA generally limits anglers to three hooks per rod, pole or handheld line unless a different regulation applies. A single, double or treble hook counts as one hook.
The statewide three-hook restriction has a specified sabiki-rig exception for taking shad or herring.
How many rods?
TWRA does not establish a general statewide limit on the number of actively used poles unless a regulation or proclamation specifies one. Special managed waters can restrict gear more tightly.
Possession and fish identification
The general possession limit is twice the daily creel, but you may not possess more than the daily limit while afield. Fish kept afield must remain identifiable by species and total length.
Culling and protected fish
Paddlefish culling is prohibited. TWRA also requires immediate release of protected alligator gar and shovelnose sturgeon. Other water-specific trophy restrictions can apply.
Striped bass, walleye, muskie and paddlefish can have very different local rules
Although bass, crappie, trout and catfish are common targets, mixed-species fishing trips often produce fish governed by another creel limit.
Striped and hybrid striped bass
The statewide starting point is two combined daily with a 15-inch minimum. Some waters, including Cordell Hull and Melton Hill, apply protected ranges to striped bass. Check whether hybrids have a separate minimum.
Walleye and sauger
Statewide walleye are generally five daily with a 16-inch minimum, while sauger or sauger/walleye hybrids are generally ten daily with a 15-inch minimum. Certain spawning reaches restrict hooks, gear and harvest seasonally.
Muskellunge
Statewide limit: one daily and 36-inch minimum. TWRA lists 50-inch minimum requirements on certain trophy waters, including the applicable Melton Hill and upper Caney Fork systems.
Paddlefish
The statewide harvest season runs April 24–May 31, with two fish daily, no general size minimum and no culling. Center Hill, Cherokee and Watts Bar have additional restrictions.
Make sure your license and fishing location match the regulation
Daily limits and fishing privileges are separate. A valid Tennessee license does not remove a special trout license condition, access restriction or protected-fish rule.
Fishing license type
Before targeting trout, check whether your Tennessee license includes the needed trout privilege. Our Tennessee fishing license guide explains the different resident, nonresident and trout-coverage choices.
Trout and special permits
Some managed waters require additional permits or special access arrangements. The Tennessee fishing permit guide helps identify these before a trip.
Fishing without trout privileges
A no-trout license is not permission to target or possess trout. Read the Tennessee no-trout license coverage guide before fishing water with trout and other species.
Short-term visitor trip
Visitors staying only a few days should compare their license options before fishing. The Tennessee three-day fishing license guide covers the short-stay decision.
How to verify the controlling TWRA rule in under five minutes
- Identify the precise waterbody, river reach or named reservoir. For rivers, note both upstream and downstream landmarks.
- Open the official TWRA statewide creel table. Find the target fish and its normal daily/length rule.
- Check the TWRA fishing regulation exceptions for the named water, its category, and any river-reach boundaries.
- If targeting trout, open TWRA trout regulations. Check harvest, slot, bait, season and delayed-harvest provisions for the specific stream or tailwater.
- Check the current Tennessee fishing regulation updates for new proclamations or changes, especially if you are using an older PDF or saved screenshot.
- Write down the legal daily creel, minimum or protected range, special gear rule and any release requirement. Keep the current regulation accessible during the trip.
Seven checks to make before putting fish on ice
- Correct species? Identify the fish before applying a bass, crappie, trout or catfish limit.
- Correct water? Check the exact TWRA lake, river segment or park-pond exception.
- Combined count? Bass, crappie, trout and striped/hybrid striped bass groups combine certain species into one daily total.
- Correct length? Measure closed-mouth total length with the tail fin squeezed as TWRA specifies.
- Protected slot? A fish can exceed a general minimum yet still fall inside a protected range where harvest is prohibited.
- Legal possession? Keep track of today’s retained fish and previously possessed fish under the applicable rule.
- Current rule? Verify seasonal and emergency changes before relying on the guidebook you downloaded earlier.
Creel limits and keeping fish: FAQs
How many bass can I keep per day in Tennessee?
The statewide black-bass limit is five per day in combination across covered black-bass species, with no statewide minimum length. Named lakes and rivers can have different limits, minimums, slots or catch-and-release rules.
What is the statewide Tennessee crappie limit?
The usual statewide rule is 15 crappie combined per day with a 10-inch minimum length. Region 1 commonly has a 30-fish, no-length-minimum exception unless otherwise specified, and the qualifying Mississippi River rule permits 50 per day with no minimum.
How many trout can you keep in Tennessee?
The standard statewide trout limit is seven daily across trout species, with no statewide minimum length. No more than two of those seven may be lake trout. Trout-specific rivers and stocked waters can impose lower totals, protected ranges or catch-and-release periods.
Is there a catfish creel limit in Tennessee?
Under the statewide rule, catfish 34 inches or shorter have no numerical daily harvest limit, but only one catfish longer than 34 inches may be kept per day. Some community ponds and managed lakes have additional catfish limits.
Do largemouth and smallmouth bass count toward the same limit?
Yes. Tennessee’s statewide black-bass creel combines covered black-bass species. Keeping three largemouth and two smallmouth reaches the normal five-black-bass daily limit. A named water may regulate different species separately.
What does a protected length range mean?
A protected length range, also called a PLR or slot, prevents harvest of fish within the specified range. For example, a water protecting 13–17-inch smallmouth bass prohibits keeping fish inside that range, even though fish outside it may be eligible under the remaining rules.
What is Tennessee’s possession limit?
TWRA’s general possession limit is twice the daily creel limit, but an angler may not have more than the daily creel limit while afield. Special-water and zero-harvest rules still apply.
How should a fish be measured in Tennessee?
Lay the fish on a ruler, close the mouth without manipulating it, squeeze the tail fin and measure its total length. Compare that measurement against the limit for the precise water and species.
Can I use several fishing rods in Tennessee?
There is no general statewide number-of-poles limit unless another regulation or proclamation applies. The statewide hook restriction generally permits no more than three hooks per rod, pole or handheld line, with specified exceptions.
Do catch-and-release-only lakes allow me to keep a legal-size bass?
No. A catch-and-release-only rule overrides ordinary statewide bass harvest allowances. TWRA lists catch-and-release-only black bass at Woodhaven Lake and Travis McNatt Lake under its 2026–27 updates.
Official Tennessee fishing regulation references
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency: 5107 Edmondson Pike, Nashville, TN 37211 • (615) 781-6500. This is an independent informational guide, not an official TWRA publication. Current law, proclamations and posted restrictions control.
Before keeping your next fish
Confirm three things: the exact species, its measured length, and the special rule for the water where it was caught. A statewide number is a starting point—not the final answer on a managed lake or tailwater.
Verify water-specific TWRA rules