Tennessee trout fishing: know your limit before you cast
The statewide limit is seven trout, but a stocked pond, a trophy tailwater, a delayed-harvest reach and Gatlinburg’s city streams can all have different rules. This guide helps you choose the correct license, understand protected fish lengths, find the current stocking information and avoid fishing a closed section.
The statewide rule—and the first exception to remember
Combined total of trout species under ordinary statewide regulations.
The general statewide rule has no minimum length. Named-water regulations can impose protected lengths or other restrictions.
Only two of the trout in the statewide creel may be lake trout.
For the underlying statewide rule and exceptions, use the TWRA trout regulations. Locate your stream, identify the dam/bridge/road boundaries, then check both species-specific and seasonal restrictions.
What kind of trout water are you fishing?
Use this quick guide to identify the correct rule category. It does not replace TWRA’s legally controlling description of the exact stretch of water.
Major Tennessee trout rivers: limits and protected lengths
A protected length range (PLR) is not a minimum size. Fish inside the protected range must be released; a fish outside it may be kept only if every other applicable limit allows it.
| Water / regulated reach | Daily limit | Length or special rule | What anglers should do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary statewide trout waters | 7 combined | No statewide minimum; only 2 may be lake trout | Check that the location is not a named exception. |
| Caney Fork River Center Hill Dam to Cumberland River, including tributaries | 5 combined | Rainbow, brook and cutthroat: 14–20 inch PLR; only one over 20 inches. Brown: 1 per day, 24-inch minimum. | Sort the catch by species before deciding what is legal to keep. |
| Clinch River Norris Dam to Highway 61 bridge, including tributaries | 7 combined | 14–20 inch PLR for trout; only one fish longer than 20 inches | Release trout in the protected range immediately. |
| South Fork Holston River South Holston Dam through the specified Boone system reach | 7 combined | 16–22 inch PLR; only one trout longer than 22 inches | Check additional seasonal closures around named islands and bridges. |
| Watauga Quality Trout Fishing Area Smallings Bridge downstream to CSX railroad bridges | 2 trout | 14-inch minimum | Do not use the general seven-fish limit within this designated reach. |
| Elk River Tims Ford Dam to I-65 bridge, including tributaries | 7 combined | Brown trout: 1 per day and 20-inch minimum | Identify brown trout correctly before harvesting. |
| Hiwassee River Appalachian Powerhouse to L&N Railroad Bridge | 7 from March 1–Sept. 30 | No more than 2 may be brown trout during that harvest period | October–February is delayed harvest: release all trout. |
| Community Fishing Program ponds | 5 combined | No minimum length under program rule | Verify the pond participates in the community program. |
Why a large trout can still be illegal to keep
A trout in this range must be released in reaches using that protected range. Fish outside the range still count toward species and total limits.
A 24-inch minimum for Caney Fork brown trout means a shorter brown cannot be harvested there.
A species-specific allowance does not create extra fish beyond the combined daily creel limit.
Tennessee delayed-harvest streams: when keeping trout is prohibited
During the named catch-and-release season, trout must not be harvested or possessed. TWRA also restricts these areas to artificial lures and prohibits use or possession of bait during that season.
| Water | Regulated portion | Catch-and-release season |
|---|---|---|
| Big Soddy Creek | Upstream of Back Valley Road | Nov. 1–Feb. 28 |
| Buffalo Creek | Mill dam downstream to Buffalo Springs WMA boundary | Oct. 1–Jan. 31 |
| Doe River | Within Roan Mountain State Park boundaries | Oct. 1–Feb. 28 |
| Hiwassee River | Appalachian Powerhouse to L&N Railroad Bridge | Oct. 1–Feb. 28 |
| Acorn Lake | Montgomery Bell State Park | Dec. 1–Mar. 31 |
| Paint Creek | Paint Creek Campground to the French Broad River | Oct. 1–Feb. 28 |
| Piney River | Cumberland Trail State Park to Highway 27 Bridge | Nov. 1–Feb. 28 |
| Tellico River | Mouth of North River to North Carolina state line | Oct. 1–Feb. 28 |
In October 2026, the listed Hiwassee, Doe River, Paint Creek, Buffalo Creek and Tellico River delayed-harvest seasons are already relevant. Big Soddy Creek’s listed season begins November 1.
What license do you need to fish for trout in Tennessee?
A regular no-trout license is not sufficient for ordinary trout fishing. Tennessee residents generally pair an eligible base license with the trout supplemental, while nonresident adults can select an all-species license that includes trout.
| Angler situation | Relevant TWRA product | Listed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Resident age 16–64, one-day trout trip | 1-Day Fishing – All Species | $11 |
| Resident age 16–64, annual trout fishing | Combination Hunt/Fish Annual + Annual Trout Supplemental | $33 + $21 = $54 |
| Resident fishing with eligible county-only base | County of Residence Fishing + trout supplemental | $10 + $21; county and bait/lure restrictions remain |
| Nonresident adult, 3-day trout trip | 3-Day Fishing – All Species | $40 |
| Nonresident adult, 10-day trout trip | 10-Day Fishing – All Species | $61 |
| Nonresident adult, annual trout fishing | Annual Fishing – All Species | $98 |
| Resident youth age 13–15 | Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap | $9; no standard supplemental license required |
| Nonresident youth age 13–15 | Annual Junior Hunt/Fish Combination | $10 |
| Resident age 65+ | Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | $4; no regular supplemental license required |
For license eligibility and purchasing steps, see the existing Tennessee fishing license guide. For supplementary permits and special-water products, the Tennessee fishing permits breakdown covers the additional decisions.
Buy the correct trout license without adding the wrong product
Confirm residency and age
Under 13 generally does not need the ordinary fishing license; youth age 13–15 have junior products. Seniors and qualified exempt anglers use different paths.
Select trout coverage
Resident adults compare one-day all-species or annual base plus supplemental. Nonresident adults select the appropriate all-species product.
Check the destination
For Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, South Holston’s Virginia portion or other special areas, confirm whether another license or permit is necessary.
Review validity and charges
In Go Outdoors Tennessee, confirm effective dates, 365-day annual expiration and the final processing fee before paying.
Keep proof available
Retain the purchased license through the state’s authorized system and have it available for inspection while fishing.
Check the water rule again
Stocking information is not a license, a harvest allowance or confirmation that a stretch is open.
If your existing license is labeled “No Trout,” use the no-trout license limitations guide before targeting trout. The all-species fishing license guide helps compare trout-inclusive options.
How to check the latest Tennessee trout stocking
TWRA publishes a 2026 stocking schedule and a separate recent-stockings report. These are different datasets: a scheduled week predicts an intended stocking window; a reported date indicates when stocking was recorded.
Planned stocking
The “week of” date is a Sunday. TWRA says stocking typically occurs within the next five days, subject to weather, temperature and operational changes.
Confirmed stocking report
TWRA’s report records the last known stocking for a listed destination. The report is updated periodically rather than in real time.
Tailwaters & reservoirs
The agency identifies broad stocking months for many dam tailwaters and reservoirs; these should not be treated as guaranteed daily stocking appointments.
Find the correct stocking row
- Open TWRA Trout Fishing & Stockings.
- Choose the 2026 stocking schedule for intended future dates, or the recent-stockings report for recorded stocking.
- Filter by destination, county, region or stocking type.
- Read the exact scheduled week or confirmed stocking date and species.
- Use the table’s export function if you need a PDF or spreadsheet copy for offline planning.
- Check the named water’s regulation before keeping trout, and confirm access/flow conditions before departure.
Stocking is not a promise of fish availability. Fish disperse, experience fishing pressure and respond to changing water conditions.
Choose a Tennessee trout trip by the type of water
Caney Fork below Center Hill
Brook, brown and rainbow trout are stocked in this managed tailwater during published seasonal windows. Its five-trout combined limit and different species length rules demand careful identification and measurement.
Before going: Check Center Hill Dam generation and the reach’s protected lengths.
Clinch below Norris Dam
A coldwater tailwater with a 14–20-inch protected length range. TWRA lists seasonal stocking into the Norris tailwater, but the special reach is not an ordinary put-and-take seven-fish stream.
Before going: Check Norris generation and confirm the Highway 61 regulated boundary.
South Holston
Managed trout water with 16–22-inch protected lengths in its designated reach and additional November–January spawning-area closures.
Before going: Check exact river reach, current dam releases and the closed bridge/island sections.
Watauga below Wilbur
TWRA stocks the Watauga tailwater during multiple months. The Quality Trout Fishing Area has a particularly restrictive two-trout limit and a 14-inch minimum.
Before going: Locate Smallings Bridge and CSX railroad bridges rather than applying its special limit across the entire river.
Hiwassee River
The Appalachian Powerhouse–L&N Railroad Bridge reach changes from a seasonal harvest fishery to catch-and-release-only fishing in October–February.
Before going: Leave bait behind during delayed harvest and check hydropower releases.
South Holston and Watauga reservoirs
TWRA lists lake trout among stocked/managed reservoir trout species. The statewide combined creel rule limits lake trout to two, unless a specific reservoir rule changes the applicable limit.
Before going: Confirm the reservoir’s trout regulations and border-water licensing where appropriate.
Gatlinburg trout fishing: a different set of rules
Thursday
Managed Gatlinburg streams are closed on Thursdays for stocking. A valid license or permit does not override the closure.
$11
The one-day Gatlinburg Trout License is a special product TWRA lists as the only license requirement for a one-day Gatlinburg trout visit.
$3
The one-day Gatlinburg Trout Permit is used with eligible base-license arrangements; a three-day permit costs $9.
Gatlinburg manages designated sections of West Prong Little Pigeon River, Dudley Creek, Roaring Fork and Leconte Creek. Some sections are reserved for children age 12 and younger. Trout anglers may use only one handheld rod and a single hook, subject to the detailed published rule.
| Season | Harvest | Method |
|---|---|---|
| December 1–March 31 | Catch and release; possession of trout prohibited | Specified single-hook artificial flies, spinners and spoons; no bait |
| April 1–November 30 | General managed streams: 5 trout/day; children’s streams: 2/day | Bait and artificial lures permitted where the applicable local rule allows |
| Every Thursday | No fishing in the covered Gatlinburg streams | Stocking closure |
When the $6 daily Tellico–Citico permit is needed
The special permit area covers the named Tellico River and Citico Creek reaches defined by TWRA. The daily permit requirement operates seasonally and sits alongside applicable base licensing.
Permit season
The $6 one-day Tellico–Citico permit is required where applicable. These designated waters close on Thursdays and Fridays during the permit season, except when the TWRA holiday exception applies.
No daily Tellico–Citico permit
The special daily permit is not required in this period, but general trout licensing and other rules remain. Tellico River also has delayed-harvest restrictions starting October 1 in the specified reach.
For regulated Tellico–Citico sections, TWRA lists fishing hours from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset, a seven-trout daily limit outside overriding delayed-harvest restrictions and one rod or pole per angler.
Three more trout situations where the statewide shortcut fails
Slickrock Creek
The Tennessee–North Carolina boundary section recognizes appropriate fishing licenses from either state. The trout limit is four combined, with a seven-inch minimum and single-hook artificial-lure restrictions.
Fort Campbell
Designated trout streams on the military reservation require the installation’s post fishing permit in addition to the applicable Tennessee fishing license and trout privilege. Installation rules control access.
South Holston Reservoir border
Tennessee/Virginia resident reciprocal arrangements do not automatically apply to visitors from other states. TWRA lists a $20 resident South Holston supplemental for the applicable Virginia portion; nonresidents must check both states’ licensing rules.
Check hydropower generation before wading a trout river
Coldwater fishing below Center Hill, Norris, South Holston, Wilbur and other dams can change dramatically when generators start. Water may rise, currents increase and previously walkable crossings become dangerous.
Before driving
- Identify the dam serving your target reach.
- Check the dam operator’s latest generation or discharge information.
- Look for weather- or power-related schedule changes.
- Choose an access location that does not require crossing a hazardous channel.
At the river
- Notice warning sirens, signs and sudden current changes.
- Never enter restricted dam areas.
- A posted generation schedule is not a safety guarantee.
- Move away from the water immediately when conditions change.
Ten checks before fishing a Tennessee trout water
- Confirm whether the exact stream, reservoir or pond has a special trout regulation.
- Check if the date falls during delayed harvest or another seasonal closure.
- Match the correct trout-inclusive license to residency, age and fishing duration.
- Add Gatlinburg, Tellico–Citico or installation permits where applicable.
- Confirm daily limits for combined trout and individual trout species.
- Carry a measuring tool for rivers with protected lengths or minimum sizes.
- Verify whether bait and multiple-hook lures are allowed.
- For stocked water, distinguish the stocking schedule from the actual stocking report.
- For tailwaters, check generation, flow and warning information.
- Recheck official TWRA notices before harvesting fish.
Official tools for the final trip check
Tennessee trout fishing FAQs
What is the statewide trout limit in Tennessee?
The general statewide limit is seven trout in combination per day, with no statewide minimum length. Only two may be lake trout. Named waters can impose lower limits, protected length ranges and other exceptions.
Do I need a trout license in Tennessee?
Yes, unless a specific exemption or inclusive license applies. Resident adults generally need an eligible base fishing license plus the Annual Trout Supplemental, or an appropriate one-day all-species product. Nonresident adults can buy trout-inclusive all-species licenses.
How much is the Tennessee annual trout supplemental?
TWRA lists the resident Annual Trout Supplemental at $21. It must be paired with an eligible base license unless the angler already holds a product that includes the necessary trout privileges.
Can I keep seven trout from the Caney Fork River?
No. The specified Caney Fork reach has a five-trout combined daily limit, protected length ranges for several trout species and a one-brown-trout daily limit with a 24-inch minimum.
Can I keep trout during delayed-harvest season?
No. During the designated catch-and-release season for a delayed-harvest reach, trout harvest and possession are prohibited. Only artificial lures are permitted, and bait use or possession is prohibited.
Where can I find Tennessee’s latest trout stocking schedule?
Use TWRA’s Trout Fishing & Stockings page. The 2026 schedule provides planned stocking periods, while the separate stocking report records recent completed stocking information as available. Events can change due to conditions.
Can I fish Gatlinburg trout streams on Thursday?
No. TWRA lists Thursday closures for the managed Gatlinburg trout streams because of stocking. The streams also require the appropriate Gatlinburg trout license or permit and have seasonal fishing restrictions.
Does Tellico River require an extra permit?
TWRA requires a Tellico–Citico daily permit from March 1 through August 15 on designated permit waters, alongside applicable base licensing. Outside that period the special daily permit is not required, but other regulations remain in force.
Is the South Holston trout limit the same as the statewide limit?
Not entirely. The designated South Holston managed reach has a 16–22-inch protected length range, a seven-trout combined limit and only one fish longer than 22 inches. Certain additional reaches are closed to all fishing from November 1 through January 31.
Does a stocked trout water automatically allow harvest?
No. Stocking does not override delayed-harvest rules, protected lengths, seasonal closures, bait restrictions or special local permits. Always verify the specific water’s regulation before keeping fish.