Tennessee Fishing License Guide Cost, Rules & Online Help
This Tennessee fishing license guide is built like a complete user-help hub, not a middle-man link page. It explains what residents, visitors, seniors, youth, trout anglers, Gatlinburg visitors, Reelfoot users, South Holston anglers and TWRA State Lake users actually need before they pay.
Use the official Go Outdoors Tennessee portal only when you are ready to buy, reprint, renew, manage your account or pay. The practical details, costs, traps, rules and step-by-step help are included here.
Quick answer: Most Tennessee anglers age 16 or older need a valid fishing license plus any required trout license or special permit. Children under 13 do not need a regular fishing license. Youth ages 13–15 usually use the Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license.
Resident cost: the common resident annual base license is Combination Hunt/Fish Annual — $33. It covers basic annual statewide fishing without trout. Add Annual Trout Supplemental — $21 if fishing for trout. Resident 1-day no trout is $6; resident 1-day all species is $11.
Visitor cost: nonresident options include Annual Fishing No Trout $49, 3-Day No Trout $20, 3-Day All Species $40, 10-Day No Trout $30, 10-Day All Species $61, and Annual All Species $98.
I Want To… Get the Right Tennessee Answer Fast
Start with the task. This keeps the user from opening the payment page before knowing whether they need trout, a special-water permit, a youth license, a visitor all-species product, or only a reprint.
Buy online
Use Go Outdoors Tennessee for license purchase, account access, free reprints, permits, and storing electronic proof.
Open portalBuy in person
Use a TWRA licensed agent, regional office, county clerk, sporting goods store, hardware store, or boat dock that participates.
Find agentCompare cost
Compare resident, visitor, youth, senior, trout, county-only, Reelfoot, Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico and TWRA lake options.
See costsFish for trout
Resident trout usually needs base license + trout supplemental. Nonresidents should choose all-species if trout is possible.
Trout guideReprint license
Active licenses can be reprinted by logging into Go Outdoors Tennessee. Electronic copies are legal.
Access accountFind fishing spots
Use TWRA fishing pages for reports, trout stockings, forecasts, access points, family fishing lakes and public waters.
Fishing in TennesseeTake kids fishing
Kids under 13 do not need a license. Free Fishing Day and Free Fishing Week are great for beginner families.
Family fishingReport a violation
Use TWRA regional hotlines for suspected poaching, illegal stocking, boating violations, dumping, or resource abuse.
Law enforcementTennessee Fishing License Picker Before You Pay
Tap the closest situation. This tool tells readers what to look for in the official portal.
Choose your situation
How to Buy a Tennessee Fishing License Online Step by Step
Do not open checkout blindly. Decide the license stack first, then pay.
Choose resident or nonresident honestly
Go Outdoors Tennessee verifies resident status with Tennessee driver license or state-issued Tennessee photo ID where applicable. Do not choose resident pricing only because you are visiting family, own vacation property, or fish in Tennessee often.
Choose trip length
Residents usually choose annual or 1-day. Visitors usually compare 3-day, 10-day, annual no-trout, or annual all-species.
Decide trout or no trout
Resident trout anglers need the correct trout supplemental or an all-species one-day product. Nonresidents should buy all-species if trout may be targeted.
Check special-water permits
Before payment, check whether your water is Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, Reelfoot, Lake Halford, Bedford Lake, a TWRA State Lake, or the Virginia side of South Holston Reservoir.
Open Go Outdoors Tennessee
Existing customers should log in. New customers create an account. A Social Security Number is required for U.S. citizens buying Tennessee hunting or fishing licenses.
Open official portalCheck the cart before payment
Read the effective date, expiration date, trout coverage, special permits, delivery method, mailing address and processing fee before checkout.
Save proof immediately
The electronic license sent by email is legal. Screenshot it, save the email, and keep one printed backup for low-signal rivers, tailwaters or boat ramps.
Fast Decision Matrix What Most Users Should Buy
Use this quick matrix before reading the full tables.
| Your situation | Likely starting choice | Do not forget |
|---|---|---|
| Resident adult fishing all year, no trout | Combination Hunt/Fish Annual — $33 | Check special permits for special waters. |
| Resident adult fishing all year with trout | Combination Hunt/Fish Annual $33 + Annual Trout Supplemental $21 | Some trout waters have special limits or permits. |
| Resident one-day fishing, no trout | 1-Day Fishing – No Trout — $6 | Not valid for trout fishing. |
| Resident one-day fishing with trout | 1-Day Fishing – All Species — $11 | Still check Gatlinburg or Tellico-Citico if relevant. |
| Resident county-only fishing | County of Residence Fishing – No Trout — $10 | Only home county, natural bait only, no minnows, no artificial lures. |
| Nonresident weekend, no trout | 3-Day Fishing – No Trout — $20 | Upgrade to all-species if trout may happen. |
| Nonresident weekend with trout | 3-Day Fishing – All Species — $40 | Special-water permits can still apply. |
| Nonresident long trip, no trout | 10-Day No Trout — $30 or Annual No Trout — $49 | Annual makes sense for repeat trips. |
| Nonresident long trip with trout | 10-Day All Species — $61 or Annual All Species — $98 | Buy all-species first; no separate nonresident trout add-on. |
| Child under 13 | No regular fishing license | Adults helping actively may need their own license. |
| Youth age 13–15 | Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap — $9 | Free Fishing Week can help youth 15 and under. |
| Resident senior age 65+ | Annual senior $4, permanent senior $49, or Senior Sportsman $49 | Compare based on hunting/trapping and long-term use. |
Tennessee Fishing License Cost Tables Resident and Visitor
Processing fees apply to purchases. These tables focus on fishing-related products readers most often need.
Resident fishing licenses and common add-ons
| License / permit | Listed cost | Best for | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap ages 13–15 | $9 | Resident youth ages 13–15. | Must be purchased before the 16th birthday. WMA permits may still be required. |
| 1-Day Fishing – No Trout ages 13–64 | $6 | Resident one-day non-trout trip. | Does not cover trout. |
| 1-Day Fishing – All Species ages 16–64 | $11 | Resident one-day trip where trout may be targeted. | Cleanest resident one-day trout choice. |
| Combination Hunt/Fish Annual ages 16–64 | $33 | Basic annual resident fishing without trout. | Minimum resident annual license for fishing and small game; trout supplemental needed for trout. |
| Annual Trout Supplemental | $21 | Resident trout anglers with eligible base license. | Must be paired with combo hunt/fish, county-of-residence license, or one-day no-trout license. |
| County of Residence Fishing – No Trout ages 13+ | $10 | Very limited resident natural-bait fishing in home county. | Natural bait only, no minnows, no artificial lures; trout supplemental needed for trout. |
| South Holston Reservoir Supplemental ages 13+ | $20 | TN residents fishing the Virginia portion of South Holston Reservoir. | Needed even by Sportsman license holders if fishing the VA side. |
| Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap age 65+ | $4 | Residents age 65+ who prefer annual senior license. | Valid Tennessee driver’s license or proof of age/residency required. |
| Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap age 65+ | $49 | Resident seniors wanting one-time senior license. | WMA permits and quota fees may still apply where required. |
| Annual Sportsman ages 16–64 | $165 | Resident anglers/hunters wanting broad state 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. | Does not remove every possible federal or special-location requirement. |
Nonresident fishing licenses
| License | Listed cost | Best for | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Junior Hunt/Fish Combination – No Big Game | $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 | Visitors fishing multiple trips without trout. | Does not include trout. |
| 3-Day Fishing – No Trout age 16+ | $20 | Short visitor trip without trout. | Choose all-species if trout may happen. |
| 3-Day Fishing – All Species age 16+ | $40 | Short visitor trip with trout. | Covers all species including trout, but special-location permits may still apply. |
| 10-Day Fishing – No Trout | $30 | Longer visitor trip without trout. | Often better than multiple 3-day products. |
| 10-Day Fishing – All Species age 16+ | $61 | Longer visitor trip with trout. | Good for East Tennessee trout trips outside separate special-permit waters. |
| Annual Fishing – All Species age 16+ | $98 | Frequent visitors who may fish trout. | Best visitor choice if trout and repeat trips are likely. |
Special Fishing Permits Do Not Miss These Waters
The base fishing license is not always enough. These permits are where many users make mistakes.
| Permit / product | Listed cost | Where it matters | Plain-English warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tellico-Citico Trout 1-Day Permit | $6 | Tellico River, Citico Creek seasonally, and Green Cove Pond year-round. | Required for all ages where applicable. |
| TWRA State Lake Fishing Permit – Daily | $6 | TWRA State Lakes. | Required in addition to base license for residents 16–64 and nonresidents 16+. |
| TWRA State Lake Fishing Permit – Annual | $48 | Frequent TWRA State Lake anglers. | Compare against daily permits if visiting many times. |
| Bedford Lake 1-Day Fishing Permit | $6 | Bedford Lake. | Specific location product. |
| 1-Day Gatlinburg Trout License | $11 | Gatlinburg trout waters for one day. | Only requirement for residents or nonresidents to fish one day in Gatlinburg. Streams closed Thursdays due to stocking. |
| 1-Day Gatlinburg Trout Permit | $3 | Gatlinburg trout waters. | Required for ages 13–64 in addition to base license unless using 1-day Gatlinburg trout license. |
| 3-Day Gatlinburg Trout Permit | $9 | Gatlinburg trout waters. | Required in addition to appropriate fishing license; not needed if using 1-Day Gatlinburg Trout License for that day. |
| Lake Halford 1-Day Permit | $6 | Lake Halford recreation use. | Required except for under 16 and residents 65+. |
| Annual Lake Halford Permit | $48 | Frequent Lake Halford users. | Compare against day permits. |
| Reelfoot Preservation Permit – 1 Day | $3 | Reelfoot WMA users. | Required for many users except under 16, residents 65+, and Sportsman license holders. |
| Reelfoot Preservation Permit – 3 Day | $10 | Reelfoot WMA short trips. | Good for weekend use. |
| Reelfoot Preservation Permit – Annual | $16 | Frequent Reelfoot WMA users. | Same cost for residents and nonresidents. |
Lifetime, Senior, Disability and Native Tennessean Options
These products matter for seniors, long-term residents, disabled anglers, disabled veterans and nonresidents born in Tennessee.
Lifetime Sportsman License fees
| Lifetime category | Listed cost | Helpful note |
|---|---|---|
| Infant under 3 years | $320 | Long-term gift option for young Tennessee residents. |
| Toddler ages 3–6 | $659 | Price increases with age category. |
| Youth ages 7–12 | $988 | For long-term resident outdoor families. |
| Adult ages 13–50 | $1,976 | Only makes sense for serious long-term outdoor use. |
| Older adult ages 51–64 | $1,153 | Compare with annual Sportsman cost and expected years of use. |
| Senior age 65+ | $329 | Compare with Senior Sportsman $49 if unsure. |
| Adopted child under 13 | $320 | Application route applies. |
Disability and specialty license options
| License | Listed cost | What it includes / warning |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Resident Hunting & Fishing Disabled Under 18 | $5 | For qualifying Tennessee residents under 18; base and supplemental licenses included, but WMA permits may still be needed. |
| Sport Fishing Certified Blind | $10 | Base fishing and trout supplemental licenses included. |
| Wheelchair Hunting and Fishing Resident License | $10 | Base and supplemental licenses included; WMA permits may still be needed; physician certification required. |
| Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing | $10 | For qualifying resident veterans certified by VA as 30% disabled by reason of war service or 100% service-connected. |
| Resident Permanent SSI Intellectually Fishing | $10 | Sport fish only; base fishing and trout supplemental included. |
| Hunt and Fish Intellectually Disabled Resident | $10 | Doctor statement required; WMA permits may still be needed. |
| Native Tennessean annual licenses | Resident cost after approval | For nonresidents born in Tennessee. First-time applicants must submit the Native Tennessean application. |
Tennessee License Expiration 365-Day Rule
Tennessee is different from many states. Most annual licenses and permits are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase unless otherwise noted.
Annual means 365 days
If you buy most annual licenses on February 1, that license expires February 1 the following year.
Cart date matters
Some items have fixed dates. Always read the effective and expiration dates before checkout.
Renewal timing
Existing licenses must be within 10 days of expiration before they are eligible for renewal.
Who Needs a Tennessee Fishing License and Who Does Not
The safe default is simple: if you are 16 or older and not clearly exempt, buy before fishing.
| Situation | License needed? | Plain-English rule |
|---|---|---|
| Under 13 | No regular license | Children under 13 can fish without a regular fishing license in Tennessee, though certain permits may be required for all ages. |
| Youth ages 13–15 | Usually Junior license | Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap is the usual annual youth product. Free Fishing Week may apply for children 15 and younger. |
| Age 16+ | Yes, unless exempt | All persons age 16+ need a valid fishing license plus necessary trout license or permits where applicable. |
| Resident born before March 1, 1926 | Exempt | Must carry proof of age and residency. |
| Resident age 65+ | Senior license route | Residents born after March 1, 1926 may buy annual or permanent senior licenses after reaching age 65. |
| Resident farmland owner family | May be exempt | Rules depend on farmland ownership, relationship, residency and where the fishing occurs. |
| Resident tenant farmland family | May be exempt | Tenant must actually reside on the farmland, the tenancy must be agricultural in nature, and permission is required. |
| Military on leave | May be exempt | Carry leave orders. A pass is not the same as leave orders. |
| Native Tennessean nonresident | Special application | Nonresidents born in Tennessee may apply for Native Tennessean licenses at resident cost after approval. |
Tennessee Resident Status Do Not Choose Wrong
Resident status is one of the easiest ways to make an expensive mistake.
Common resident proof
Go Outdoors Tennessee uses a valid Tennessee driver license or state-issued Tennessee photo ID to verify resident status in many online purchases.
Living here matters
A vacation cabin, family visit, college visit or short work stay does not automatically make you a resident for license pricing.
False info penalty
Giving false information to obtain a license can lead to penalties and loss of license privileges.
License Exemptions and Proof Carry It With You
An exemption is only useful if you can explain it clearly and prove it to an officer.
Children under 13
No regular fishing license is required, but adults actively helping may need their own license. Some location permits can still apply.
Farmland rules
Resident farmland owners, spouses, children and certain tenant families may qualify on their qualifying farmland waters, but rules are narrow.
Military leave
If using military leave exemption, carry leave orders. Do not rely on military ID alone if the rule asks for leave papers.
Very old senior exemption
Residents born before March 1, 1926 are exempt but must carry proof of age and residency.
Specialty licenses
Wheelchair, disabled veteran, blind fishing, SSI, intellectual disability and lifetime licenses can have special application paths.
Access is separate
A license or exemption does not give permission to enter private land, docks, restricted areas or closed access points.
Tennessee Trout License Rules Resident vs Visitor
Trout is the most common buying mistake because resident and nonresident products work differently.
| Angler type | Correct path | Cost signal | Important warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident annual trout angler | Combination Hunt/Fish Annual + Annual Trout Supplemental. | $33 + $21 | Annual trout supplemental must be paired with an eligible base license. |
| Resident one-day trout angler | 1-Day Fishing – All Species. | $11 | Cleanest resident one-day trout choice. |
| Resident county-only trout angler | County of Residence Fishing – No Trout + Annual Trout Supplemental. | $10 + $21 | County license has major bait/lure restrictions. |
| Nonresident trout angler | Buy all-species license product. | 3-day $40, 10-day $61, annual $98 | No separate nonresident trout add-on later for no-trout buyers. |
| Gatlinburg one-day trout angler | 1-Day Gatlinburg Trout License. | $11 | Only requirement for one day in Gatlinburg waters, but streams are closed Thursdays for stocking. |
| Tellico-Citico / Green Cove Pond | Base license plus Tellico-Citico permit where required. | $6 permit | Required for all ages where applicable. |
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
Great for beginners, visitors, family events and trying fishing before buying a license.
Kids free week
Children ages 15 and younger can fish free for the full Free Fishing Week.
Rules still apply
Free fishing does not cancel size limits, creel limits, access rules, closures, bait rules or private-property permission.
Tennessee Rules to Know Before Fishing License Is Only Step One
A paid license does not make every fish, water, bait, method, access point or harvest legal.
Local exceptions matter
Many waters have unique creel and length limits. Check the specific water before keeping fish.
Inspection law
Anglers must permit TWRA officers to inspect license and compliance. Refusing or interfering is a violation.
Measure 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. A single, double or treble hook each counts as one hook.
Do not move fish
Never intentionally release live fish, crayfish or salamanders into Tennessee waters away from where harvested.
Do not sell sport-caught fish
It is illegal to sell or offer to sell fish or turtles without a commercial fishing license.
Statewide Creel and Size Limits Quick Snapshot
Use this as a fast reminder only. Many Tennessee waters have exceptions.
| Species / group | Statewide snapshot | Important caution |
|---|---|---|
| Black Bass | No more than 5 per day in any combination. | Several reservoirs have special bass limits and Alabama Bass rules. |
| Crappie | 15 per day, 10-inch minimum. | Region 1 exception may be 30 unless otherwise noted. |
| Rock Bass / Redeye / Shadow Bass | 20 per day, no minimum. | 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, no minimum. | Check local exceptions. |
| Muskellunge | 1 per day, 36-inch minimum. | Some trophy waters may 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 differ. |
| Redear Sunfish / Shellcracker | 20 per day, no minimum. | Check waterbody exceptions. |
| Yellow Bass, Bluegill, Warmouth, Bream, Bullheads, Pickerel, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch and nongame species | No limit, no minimum. | Protected species and special waters can still override this. |
| Skipjack Herring | 100 per day, no minimum. | Often used as bait; transport rules still matter. |
| Catfish | No harvest limit under 34 inches; only one over 34 inches per day. | Local exceptions can apply. |
| Paddlefish | April 24–May 31; 2 per day; no size limit; culling prohibited. | Center Hill, Cherokee and Watts Bar exceptions can apply. |
| Alligator Gar / Shovelnose Sturgeon | No harvest; release immediately. | Know species ID before keeping unusual fish. |
Bait, Invasive Species and Do Not Move Fish
This is where careful anglers protect Tennessee fisheries and avoid serious rule mistakes.
Drain bait water
Do not dump unused bait in the water. Drain bait buckets on land or dispose of bait in the trash.
No illegal stocking
Do not intentionally release live fish into public waters away from where they were harvested.
Banned live transport
Do not possess or transport live specimens of listed invasive species such as silver carp, bighead carp, black carp, blueback herring, marbled crayfish, snakeheads, zebra mussels, round goby and others.
Class C bait rule
Many bait fish may 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.
Leave no line
Remove fishing line, trash and bait containers. Report littering and illegal dumping.
Tailwaters, Dams and Generation Schedule Safety
Tennessee has serious tailwater fishing. Water can rise fast below dams, even when it looks safe at arrival.
Check generation
Use TVA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USGS flow information, or TVA’s phone line before fishing below dams.
Life jacket zones
All boaters and passengers must wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets in marked hazardous areas below dams or locks.
Restricted methods near dams
Trotlines, limblines and jugs are prohibited within 1,000 yards below TVA or Corps dams.
Lost License, Reprint, App and Account Help
Tennessee makes reprints easier than many states, but you should still save proof before your trip.
| Need | Best action | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Reprint active license | Log into Go Outdoors Tennessee and reprint active licenses. | Free reprints are available online 24/7/365. |
| Electronic license | Use the electronic copy received by email or in your account. | It is a true and legal copy of your license. |
| Cannot find account | Use date of birth, last name and last four of SSN, driver license, customer ID or other login options. | Login assistance: 1-888-891-8972. |
| App storage | Use TWRA On the Go / Go Outdoors Tennessee app to renew, purchase and store licenses. | Still take screenshots before low-signal trips. |
| Agency license help | Call TWRA License Section & Agency Sales. | 615-781-5270. |
| Test print | Use Test Print only to preview what the license format looks like. | Test Print is only an empty sample license, not a real license. |
Guide and Commercial Fishing Not for Normal Recreational Anglers
Most readers only need sport fishing licenses. But if money, customers, commercial harvest or paid guiding is involved, the normal sport license is not enough.
| Activity | Official license signal | Cost / warning |
|---|---|---|
| Paid fishing guide | Guide license required in addition to other required licenses. | Resident Guide License $150; Nonresident Guide License $650. |
| Resident commercial fishing | Commercial fishing license required. | Resident Commercial Fishing $244. |
| Nonresident commercial fishing | Commercial fishing license required. | Nonresident Commercial Fishing $1,220. |
| Commercial roe harvest | Commercial fishing license plus roe fish permit required. | Resident supplemental listed $1,220; nonresident supplemental $1,830. |
| Commercial helper | Helper permit can be purchased by licensed commercial fisherman. | Resident/nonresident commercial helper $244. |
| Commercial turtle harvest | Commercial fishing license plus turtle permit. | Resident/nonresident commercial turtle permit listed no charge. |
Real Tennessee Insider Tips That Actually Help
These are practical habits that prevent wasted money, wrong licenses and avoidable violations.
Buying tips
- Resident annual no-trout anglers usually start with Combination Hunt/Fish Annual, not a random package name.
- If you are a visitor and trout is even possible, buy All Species now.
- County of Residence Fishing looks cheap, but it is natural bait only, no minnows, no artificial lures and home-county only.
- Buy annual licenses near your first real trip to get maximum 365-day value.
- Check special permits before buying if the trip includes Gatlinburg, Reelfoot, TWRA lakes, Tellico-Citico, Lake Halford or Bedford Lake.
- Senior residents should compare annual senior, permanent senior, Senior Sportsman and Lifetime Sportsman before paying.
Trip-day tips
- Screenshot your license before leaving home or the boat ramp.
- Check the exact waterbody rules, not only statewide limits.
- Carry a measuring board for crappie, walleye, bass and striped bass.
- Check TVA/Corps generation before wading tailwaters.
- Do not move live fish, bait fish or bait water between waters.
- Keep license proof available before the officer asks.
Family tips
- Kids under 13 can fish without a regular license, but adults actively helping may need one.
- Use Free Fishing Day for first-timers before buying gear.
- Use Free Fishing Week for kids 15 and younger, but still follow all limits and access rules.
- Start beginners at a TWRA lake, family fishing lake, stocked event, or easy bank-access water.
- Use the First Fish Certificate to make a child’s first catch memorable.
Violation traps
- Fishing trout with a no-trout license product.
- Keeping fish from a water with an exception to statewide limits.
- Refusing inspection or not having license proof available.
- Moving live Alabama Bass or other fish to a new water.
- Using jugs, trotlines or limblines where closed.
- Thinking a license gives permission to enter private property.
Common Tennessee License Mistakes Fix These Before Payment
This section is built for real users who are confused at checkout.
Buying no-trout by mistake
If trout is possible, decide before checkout. Nonresidents especially should choose all-species early.
Forgetting special waters
Gatlinburg, Reelfoot, TWRA State Lakes, Tellico-Citico, Lake Halford and Bedford Lake can require extra products.
Wrong resident status
Resident pricing is not based on where you want to fish. It is based on Tennessee resident eligibility and verification.
Missing senior options
Residents age 65+ should compare annual senior, permanent senior, Senior Sportsman and Lifetime Sportsman options.
Ignoring tailwater flow
A license does not protect you from rising water below dams. Check generation before wading.
No offline proof
Electronic license is legal, but low signal can still create stress. Save screenshots and a printed copy.
TWRA Map, Address, Phone Numbers and Best Contact Path
Use the portal for purchase. Use TWRA contacts for license section, fisheries, law enforcement, regional questions and local waterbody help.
TWRA central office
5107 Edmondson Pike, Ellington Agricultural Center, Nashville, TN 37211
Main: 615-781-6500
Email: Ask.TWRA@tn.gov
License help
License Section & Agency Sales: 615-781-5270
Go Outdoors login help: 1-888-891-8972
Fisheries
Fisheries Division: 615-781-6575
Use this for statewide fisheries, stocking, events and program questions.
Law enforcement
Law Enforcement Division: 615-781-6580
For specific area issues, call the regional office or hotline.
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 Fishing Resources Use Only for Final Action
These official links are placed after the explanation so users leave only when they need to buy, reprint, locate an agent, check live rules, or contact TWRA.
Buy / reprint license
Official Go Outdoors Tennessee portal for licenses, permits, reprints, account access and related services.
Go Outdoors TennesseeLocate license agent
Use for in-person purchases from approved license agents by city, county or nearby search.
Locate agentLicense fees
Official TWRA license structure and fee page for residents, visitors, special permits, lifetime, disability and reprints.
Official feesFishing regulations
Use for rules, statewide limits, exceptions, trout, bait, invasive species and fish ID.
Fishing regsTrout stocking
Use for stocked trout schedules, stocking notes and trout trip planning.
Trout stockingsFamily fishing
Use for Free Fishing Day, Free Fishing Week, family events and youth fishing programs.
Family fishingTennessee Fishing License FAQ
How much is a Tennessee resident fishing license?
The common resident annual base license is Combination Hunt/Fish Annual at $33. Resident 1-day no trout is $6, resident 1-day all species is $11, and Annual Trout Supplemental is $21.
How much is a Tennessee nonresident fishing license?
Nonresident options include Annual No Trout $49, 3-Day No Trout $20, 3-Day All Species $40, 10-Day No Trout $30, 10-Day All Species $61, and Annual All Species $98.
Where do I buy a Tennessee fishing license online?
Buy through the official Go Outdoors Tennessee portal. You can also buy from a TWRA licensed agent or regional office.
What age needs a Tennessee fishing license?
Children under 13 do not need a regular fishing license. Youth ages 13–15 generally use Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap. Anglers age 16 and over need a valid fishing license unless exempt.
Does a Tennessee annual fishing license 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.
Do Tennessee residents need a trout license?
Yes, if fishing for trout. Residents commonly need a base license plus Annual Trout Supplemental, or a 1-day all-species license for one-day trout fishing.
Do nonresidents need a separate Tennessee trout add-on?
No. Nonresidents who may fish for trout should buy an all-species product such as 3-Day All Species, 10-Day All Species, or Annual All Species.
When is Tennessee Free Fishing Day 2026?
Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 6, 2026. Free Fishing Week for children ages 15 and younger runs June 6–12, 2026.
Can I show my Tennessee fishing license on my phone?
Yes. The electronic copy received by email is a true and legal copy. It is still smart to save a screenshot or printed backup.
Can I reprint a Tennessee fishing license?
Yes. Active licenses can be reprinted by logging into Go Outdoors Tennessee. Free online reprints are available.
Do I need permission to fish private property in Tennessee?
Yes. A fishing license does not give permission to enter or fish private property. Obtain landowner permission first.
Do I need an extra permit for Reelfoot or Gatlinburg?
Possibly. Reelfoot WMA, Gatlinburg trout waters, TWRA State Lakes, Tellico-Citico, Lake Halford and Bedford Lake can require special permits or special licenses.
What is the cheapest Tennessee resident annual fishing license?
For a resident adult fishing statewide without trout, the common base annual license is Combination Hunt/Fish Annual at $33. County of Residence Fishing is cheaper at $10 but very limited.
Is County of Residence Fishing a good option?
Only for narrow use. It is limited to your county of residence, natural bait only, no minnows, no artificial lures, and needs trout supplemental for trout.
How much is a Tennessee Lifetime Sportsman License?
Listed lifetime fees include infant under 3 $320, toddler ages 3–6 $659, youth ages 7–12 $988, adult ages 13–50 $1,976, older adult ages 51–64 $1,153, senior age 65+ $329, and adopted child under 13 $320.
Do license fees help Tennessee fisheries?
Yes. TWRA states it is funded by license and permit sales plus federal excise taxes, and it does not receive funding from the state general fund.
Final Practical Advice
Do not treat a Tennessee fishing license as one simple checkout button. The correct setup is: resident status + age + trip length + trout or no trout + special-water permit + legal access + waterbody-specific rules + legal harvest.
Best path: choose resident/nonresident → pick trip length → decide trout → check special waters → buy through Go Outdoors Tennessee or an agent → save proof → check limits, bait rules, tailwater conditions and access before fishing.