Ages 13-15 Rules, Cost and Parent Buying Steps
A Tennessee youth fishing license depends on the child’s age on the fishing date. Children 12 and under do not need a regular license, ages 13-15 use a youth route, and adult rules begin at 16.
This guide makes the parent decision simple: check age, resident status, free youth application, junior license cost, trout, special waters, adult-helper rules and proof before you pay.
Tennessee Youth Fishing License: Fast Answer for Parents
Children 12 and under do not need a regular Tennessee fishing license. Youth ages 13-15 generally need a junior license or approved youth route. At age 16, adult resident or nonresident license rules begin.
Cost: resident Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap ages 13-15 is listed at $9. Nonresident Annual Junior Hunt/Fish — No Big Game is listed at $10. Eligible Tennessee resident youth ages 13-15 may also qualify for a $0 Youth Customer Application path through Go Outdoors Tennessee.
Most important parent warning: do not buy an adult license for a 13-15 year old until you check the junior product and the free resident youth application. Also do not assume “kid” means license-free once the child is 13.
Everything Parents Need Before a Tennessee Youth Fishing Trip
Which Tennessee Youth Fishing License Do You Need?
No regular fishing license
Children 12 and under do not need a regular Tennessee fishing license. They still must follow daily limits, size limits, bait rules, property rules, safety rules and special-site instructions.
Junior license or free youth application
TWRA lists the resident Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license at $9. Go Outdoors Tennessee also lists a $0 Resident Youth Customer Application that may qualify eligible youth for one free license after approval.
Annual Junior Hunt/Fish No Big Game
TWRA lists the nonresident Annual Junior Hunt/Fish — No Big Game at $10. This is the youth visitor route for fishing and small-game use, not a big-game hunting product.
Adult rules begin
Once the youth is 16 on the fishing date, do not keep using youth logic. Use adult resident or nonresident products, and check trout or all-species coverage if needed.
Fast parent shortcut: age first, residency second, trout third, special water fourth. This order prevents almost every wrong youth-license purchase.
Should Parents Pay Now or Wait for the Free Youth Application?
This is the biggest real-life decision for Tennessee resident youth ages 13-15. The $0 application can save money, but it is not always the best choice when the trip is immediate.
| Situation | Better move | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Resident youth 13-15 and trip is more than a week away | Check the $0 Resident Youth Customer Application first. | Application processing is not the same as instant checkout, so extra time helps. |
| Resident youth 13-15 and trip is today or tomorrow | Consider the $9 Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap product if eligible and needed. | Waiting for application approval can ruin a same-day trip. |
| Nonresident youth 13-15 | Use the nonresident junior route. | The resident youth application is not for visiting nonresident youth. |
| Youth turns 16 before the trip | Use adult rules instead of youth products. | The correct license depends on the age on the actual fishing date. |
Simple rule: if the child is a Tennessee resident age 13-15 and the trip is not urgent, check the free application. If the trip is urgent, the paid junior product may be the practical route. If the child is 16 on the trip date, use adult rules.
Tennessee Youth Fishing License Age Rules
| Age on fishing date | Regular license needed? | Plain-English rule | Parent action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 and under | No regular license | Children 12 and under are not required to buy a regular Tennessee fishing license. | Focus on safety, fish handling, limits, private-property permission and special-site rules. |
| 13-15 | Junior route | Youth ages 13-15 generally need a junior license or approved youth application route. | Check free resident application if eligible, or buy the correct junior product. |
| 15 and younger during Free Fishing Week | Free week | Youth ages 15 and younger may fish free during the official Tennessee Free Fishing Week. | Still check limits, private pay-lake charges, closures and special-water rules. |
| 16+ | Adult license | Adult resident or nonresident license rules start at age 16. | Use adult products; check no-trout, all-species, trout and special permits. |
Birthday switch: use the child’s age on the fishing day, not the age when you started planning, not last season’s age, and not the age when the license page was opened.
Tennessee Youth Fishing License Cost Table
Use this table before checkout. Official processing fees, optional cards, package selections or application timing can change the practical choice.
| Youth product / situation | Listed cost | Who it fits | Micro-detail before buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child 12 and under | $0 | Resident or nonresident children 12 and under. | No regular fishing license required, but fishing rules and special-location conditions still matter. |
| Resident Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap ages 13-15 | $9 | Tennessee resident youth ages 13-15. | Valid for hunting, trapping and sport fishing. Must be purchased before the 16th birthday. No supplemental licenses are required, but WMA permits may still be needed for WMA activity. |
| Resident Youth Customer Application | $0 application | Eligible Tennessee resident youth ages 13-15. | Application is processed weekly. Approval notice is sent by email with redemption steps. Applicants are eligible for one free license. |
| Nonresident Annual Junior Hunt/Fish — No Big Game | $10 | Nonresident youth ages 13-15 fishing or hunting small game. | No license is required for youth 12 and under. Big-game hunting uses different junior products. |
| Free Fishing Week | $0 | Youth ages 15 and younger during official Free Fishing Week. | For 2026, Free Fishing Day is June 6 and youth free week runs June 6-12. Rules still apply. |
| Age 16 resident adult | $6+ | Resident teen already 16 on the fishing date. | Use adult resident products such as 1-day no-trout, 1-day all-species, Combo Hunt/Fish and trout supplemental when needed. |
| Age 16 nonresident adult | $20+ | Nonresident teen already 16 on the fishing date. | Use adult visitor products. Choose all-species if trout may be part of the trip. |
Cost logic: 12 and under = no regular license. Resident ages 13-15 = $9 junior product or possible $0 application path. Nonresident ages 13-15 = $10 junior product. Age 16+ = adult license rules.
Resident Youth Free License Application: Check This Before Paying $9
Go Outdoors Tennessee lists a $0 Youth Customer Application for resident youth ages 13-15. It says eligible resident youth may qualify for one free license by filling out the application attached to the package.
Tennessee resident youth ages 13-15
If the youth is a Tennessee resident and age 13-15, check the official youth application path before buying the paid junior product.
Applications are processed weekly
The portal says license applications are processed on Friday each week, and approved applicants are notified by email with redemption steps.
Only one free license
Go Outdoors says applicants are eligible for one free license. Later licenses must be purchased by the customer.
Youth application phone number
For questions about the youth application, Go Outdoors lists 615-781-6502. Call before buying the wrong product.
Real-world advice: if the fishing trip is today, the free application may not be fast enough. If the trip is later, check the free resident youth application first.
Before You Buy: Parent Checklist for Ages 13-15
Confirm birthday and trip date
- Age 12 and under: no regular license.
- Age 13-15: junior route or youth application.
- Age 16 or older: adult rules.
- If turning 16 before the trip, do not buy a youth product.
Resident or nonresident?
- Resident youth may use the $9 junior product.
- Resident youth may also have the $0 application path.
- Nonresident youth ages 13-15 use the $10 junior no-big-game product.
- Do not select resident status for visiting relatives unless the youth truly qualifies.
Where and what will they fish?
- Check trout if fishing stocked streams, Gatlinburg or East Tennessee.
- Check Tellico-Citico and Green Cove Pond before trout trips.
- Check TWRA State Lakes, Reelfoot, Lake Halford and South Holston if relevant.
- Check private-property permission separately from license rules.
Save proof before leaving home
- Screenshot the license, application approval or receipt.
- Print a copy for the tackle bag.
- Keep youth date of birth and parent/guardian account details available.
- Save waterbody rules if fishing a special water.
Best parent trick: build a “kid fishing folder” on your phone with license proof, youth date of birth, waterbody rules, special permit proof, lake map, emergency contacts and a photo of the child’s life jacket tag/size.
How to Buy or Apply for a Tennessee Youth Fishing License
Confirm the youth’s age on the fishing date
Use the child’s age on the actual fishing day. If the youth turns 16 before the trip, adult rules apply.
Confirm resident or nonresident status
A Tennessee resident youth and a visiting nonresident youth use different routes. Do not select resident pricing just because the child is visiting family in Tennessee.
Use customer lookup before creating a new account
Youth under 16 may locate or create a TWRA customer account. If the family has used Go Outdoors before, lookup can prevent duplicate profiles and reprint problems later.
Check the resident free application path
For resident youth ages 13-15, check the official Youth Customer Application before buying. It may require weekly processing, so do this before the trip date.
Choose the junior product if buying
Resident youth ages 13-15 use Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap. Nonresident youth ages 13-15 use Annual Junior Hunt/Fish — No Big Game for fishing and small-game use.
Check trout and special waters before payment
Junior coverage does not mean every special water is handled. Check Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, TWRA State Lakes, Lake Halford, Reelfoot and South Holston.
Save proof immediately
The electronic license copy received by email is a true and legal copy. Still screenshot it and print a backup for low-signal fishing areas.
Open official Go Outdoors Tennessee after choosing the correct youth route
Resident vs Nonresident Youth: Do Not Mix the Products
| Youth status | Correct starting point | Common mistake | Better action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee resident age 13-15 | Resident Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap or free youth application path. | Buying adult resident fishing products. | Check youth route first, especially if the trip is not today. |
| Nonresident age 13-15 | Annual Junior Hunt/Fish — No Big Game. | Selecting resident youth route because family lives in Tennessee. | Use nonresident junior product unless the youth legally qualifies as a Tennessee resident. |
| Youth under 13 | No regular license. | Buying a license too early. | Spend the effort on safety, rules and teaching fish handling. |
| Youth turning 16 soon | Depends on age on fishing date. | Buying a youth product for a trip after the birthday. | Use adult license rules if the teen is 16 on the trip date. |
Hard truth: “youth” is not enough information. The correct product depends on age, residency, fishing date and waterbody.
Does a Tennessee Youth Fishing License Cover Trout?
The resident Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license is valid for sport fishing and the official description says no supplemental licenses are required. However, special trout waters can still have local permits, closures, bait restrictions, creel limits and one-day product rules.
Junior license first
For resident ages 13-15, Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap is the main youth product. For nonresident ages 13-15, use the correct nonresident junior product.
Local trout products
Gatlinburg trout waters have special license/permit rules and stocking-day closures. The 1-day Gatlinburg Trout License is a separate product for one-day Gatlinburg fishing.
All-age permit trap
The Tellico-Citico Trout Permit is required for all ages where applicable. Check before taking youth anglers to Tellico River, Citico Creek or Green Cove Pond.
Pinch barbs for beginners
Not always required, but pinched barbs make youth trout trips safer, faster and easier for catch-and-release practice.
Trout parent tip: stocked trout trips are exciting but rule-heavy. Save the trout regulations, measure fish, count kept fish, and release fish quickly if you are unsure.
Special Tennessee Waters Parents Should Check for Youth Anglers
| Special water / permit | Youth-specific detail | Parent action |
|---|---|---|
| TWRA State Lakes | Anglers under 16 do not need a lake permit, but ages 13-15 still need the Junior Fish/Hunt license. | Check the specific State Lake before the trip. |
| Tellico-Citico Trout Permit | Required for all ages where applicable. | Check Tellico River, Citico Creek and Green Cove Pond before going. |
| Gatlinburg Trout | Local permit/license products can apply for ages 13 and up. | Check Gatlinburg rules and Thursday stocking closures. |
| Lake Halford | Area permits list an exemption for those under 16. | Carry youth age proof and confirm current area rules. |
| Reelfoot Lake Permit | Required for many users, except those under 16 and residents 65 or older. | Check exact activity, location and age. |
| South Holston Reservoir Supplemental | Applies to licensed Tennessee resident anglers fishing the Virginia portion. | Ask TWRA before taking youth across boundary waters. |
Tennessee Free Fishing Day and Free Fishing Week for Youth
In 2026, Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day was Saturday, June 6. Everyone could fish Tennessee public waters without a license that day. Youth ages 15 and younger could fish free for the entire week, June 6-12, 2026.
Try fishing before buying gear
Use Free Fishing Week to test whether a child enjoys fishing before buying youth gear, tackle boxes, rods and future license products.
Full free week
The free week is especially useful for ages 13-15 because they normally need a youth route outside the free week.
Not a no-rule week
Creel limits, size limits, bait restrictions, access rules, closures and safety rules still apply.
Charges may continue
Free Fishing Day and Week apply to public waters, TWRA-owned and operated lakes and state park facilities. Privately owned pay lakes may still charge.
What Changes When a Tennessee Youth Turns 16?
Age 16 is where families often make mistakes. Youth logic ends and adult license logic starts.
Adult resident products
A Tennessee resident age 16 generally moves to adult resident options such as 1-Day Fishing No Trout, 1-Day Fishing All Species, Combo Hunt/Fish Annual and trout supplemental when needed.
Adult visitor products
A nonresident age 16 generally moves to nonresident adult fishing products. If trout is possible, nonresident all-species products usually matter.
Use age on fishing day
If the teen turns 16 before the trip, use adult rules for that trip. Do not rely on age when you started planning.
Keep DOB clear
Have proof of date of birth available if age could be questioned, especially around the 16th birthday.
Do Parents Need a License When Helping a Child Fish?
If you take, attempt to take, or assist someone else to take fish, crayfish or salamanders, Tennessee license rules can apply. Simple supervision is different from actively fishing.
| Adult action | License risk | Safer family approach |
|---|---|---|
| Watching, supervising, teaching safety | Lower risk if the adult is not taking or attempting to take fish. | Stay hands-off except safety help. |
| Casting for the child repeatedly | Higher risk because the adult may be actively fishing. | Adult should have a license or let the child cast. |
| Setting hook or reeling fish | Higher risk. | Have the adult licensed if they will actively participate. |
| Keeping fish for the cooler | Higher risk if the adult is taking or possessing fish. | Follow limits and make sure the licensed/exempt person is legal. |
Plain advice: if an adult will do more than supervise, the adult should have the correct license. It is cheaper than explaining “I was just helping” during an inspection.
What Proof Should a Youth Carry While Fishing?
Electronic and printed
Save the license, approval or receipt on a parent phone, and print one copy for the tackle bag.
Age proof helps
Keep date of birth easy to confirm, especially if the youth is 12, 13, 15 or nearly 16.
Keep permit proof together
If a special water requires extra proof, keep it with the youth license proof instead of in a separate account screenshot.
Do not trust signal
Many boat ramps, streams and rural fishing areas have poor signal. Screenshots and paper backups prevent stress.
Youth Fishing Rules Parents Should Teach Before the First Cast
Safe casting zone
Teach the child to look behind before casting. Keep siblings and parents out of the back-cast zone.
Wet hands first
Wet hands before handling fish, use pliers for hooks, and release unwanted fish quickly.
Count before keeping
Teach daily limits and size limits early. Do not let kids keep fish just because catching was exciting.
Do not dump bait
Do not dump minnows, bait water, fish, crayfish or salamanders into Tennessee waters. Dispose of unused bait properly.
Water can rise fast
Below dams, water can rise quickly. Check generation schedules and avoid risky wading with children.
Use them early
On boats, docks, steep banks or fast water, fit the child with a proper life jacket before fishing starts.
Simple Youth Fishing Starter Kit That Avoids Frustration
A legal trip can still fail if the setup is too complicated. Keep the first youth trip short, simple and safe.
Use small hooks and simple floats
For beginners, a small hook, split shot and bobber usually teaches more than a big lure. It also reduces snagging and frustration.
Bring easy bait
Worms or simple natural bait can make a first trip easier. If using minnows, make sure the license and waterbody rules allow that setup.
Go short, not heroic
A 60-90 minute first trip is often better than a full day. Kids remember the fun, not the hours.
Snacks beat expensive tackle
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, towel, small first-aid kit and spare clothes. Comfort keeps young anglers interested.
Insider family tip: choose a place with restrooms, easy parking, safe banks and room to cast. A “slightly less productive but safer” spot is better for a first youth trip.
Common Parent Mistakes With Tennessee Youth Fishing Licenses
| Mistake | Why it hurts | Better move |
|---|---|---|
| Assuming every child fishes free | Ages 13-15 normally need the junior route outside Free Fishing Week. | Check the age table first. |
| Buying adult license for ages 13-15 | Youth products may be cheaper or free by application. | Check junior license and youth application path before paying. |
| Missing the 16th birthday | Adult rules begin at 16. | Use the child’s age on the fishing date. |
| Ignoring trout and special waters | Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, TWRA lakes, Reelfoot and South Holston can change the answer. | Check the waterbody before checkout. |
| No offline proof | Weak signal can make proof hard to show. | Screenshot and print license proof before leaving. |
| Adult actively fishing without license | Helping can cross into fishing. | If the adult casts, reels or takes fish, get the adult licensed unless exempt. |
Best practical rule: if you are unsure whether the youth product covers the trip, do not guess at the ramp. Ask TWRA or Go Outdoors before buying or fishing.
What to Say If You Call About a Youth License
Call script
“I have a Tennessee resident youth age 13-15. I see a Youth Customer Application in Go Outdoors Tennessee. Is this child eligible, and how long does approval take?”
Call script
“We are fishing today with a youth age 13-15. Should we buy the junior license now instead of waiting for application approval?”
Call script
“We are taking a 13-15 year old youth fishing for trout in Gatlinburg / Tellico-Citico / another trout water. What exact license or permit proof should we carry?”
Call script
“The child is age 13-15 and visiting Tennessee. Which nonresident junior product is correct for fishing only?”
Have ready: youth name, date of birth, resident/nonresident status, parent/guardian email, trip date, destination waterbody, and whether trout is part of the trip.
Related Tennessee Guides for the Next Step
These links are included by user intent, not random keyword stuffing.
Tennessee Fishing License Guide
Use when the family needs the full resident, visitor, senior, youth, permit and rule overview.
Tennessee Fishing License Cost
Use for broader resident, nonresident, youth, trout and special permit price comparisons.
Go Outdoors Tennessee Fishing License
Use for account lookup, license purchase, youth application path, reprint and login support.
Tennessee Resident Fishing License
Use when the teen turns 16 or an adult helper needs their own license.
Tennessee Fishing Permit Guide
Use for Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, TWRA State Lakes, Reelfoot, Lake Halford and South Holston checks.
Tennessee Fishing License Agents
Use when parent/guardian needs in-person help with youth proof or resident documents.
Tennessee Fishing License Account
Use when the family needs to create, find, update or fix a Go Outdoors Tennessee account.
Tennessee Fishing License on Phone
Use when the family wants to know what counts as digital proof and how to save it offline.
Tennessee Nonresident Fishing License
Use for visiting teens or adults who do not qualify as Tennessee residents.
Official Tennessee Youth Fishing License Links
Go Outdoors Tennessee
Use this for official youth license purchase, resident youth application path, account lookup, reprint and license proof.
Resident Youth Customer Application
Use this if a Tennessee resident youth age 13-15 may qualify for the free application path.
TWRA License Fees
Use this to verify youth, resident, nonresident, senior, trout and special permit prices before payment.
Customer Lookup
Use this for account access, youth profile lookup, reprints and existing-customer recovery.
Fishing Regulations
Use this after license choice to check limits, trout rules, bait rules, special waters and legal methods.
Family Fishing
Use this for Free Fishing Day, youth fishing events and beginner-family fishing opportunities.
TWRA Contact Help for Youth License Questions
If the youth application, age rule, resident status or special-water permit is confusing, use official support before paying. For youth application questions, Go Outdoors lists 615-781-6502. For general Go Outdoors login help, use 1-888-891-8972. TWRA main office phone is 615-781-6500.
Tennessee Youth Fishing License FAQs
Do kids need a Tennessee fishing license?
Children 12 and under do not need a regular Tennessee fishing license. Youth ages 13-15 generally need a junior license or approved youth route before fishing.
How much is a Tennessee youth fishing license for ages 13-15?
Resident Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap ages 13-15 is listed at $9. Nonresident Annual Junior Hunt/Fish — No Big Game is listed at $10. Eligible resident youth may also qualify for a free Youth Customer Application path.
Is there a free Tennessee resident youth license?
Go Outdoors Tennessee lists a Resident Youth Customer Application for ages 13-15. Applications are processed weekly, approved youth receive email redemption steps, and applicants are eligible for one free license.
Does a Tennessee youth fishing license cover trout?
The resident Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license is valid for sport fishing and no supplemental licenses are required. However, special trout waters such as Gatlinburg or Tellico-Citico still need separate rule checks.
Can youth ages 15 and younger fish free in Tennessee?
Yes. In 2026, Free Fishing Day was June 6 and youth ages 15 and younger could fish free June 6-12. Fishing rules, limits and access rules still applied.
What happens when a Tennessee youth turns 16?
Adult license rules begin at age 16. Resident teens usually move to adult resident products, while visiting teens move to adult nonresident products.
Do parents need a license when helping kids fish?
If the adult is actively fishing, casting, setting the hook, reeling, taking fish or keeping fish, the adult should have the correct license unless exempt. Simple supervision is different from active fishing help.
Do youth need a TWRA State Lake permit?
Anglers under 16 do not need a lake permit, but anglers ages 13-15 are still required to have the Junior Fish/Hunt license. Always check the specific lake and current rules.
Can a nonresident child under 13 fish without a Tennessee license?
Yes. Youth 12 and under do not need a regular fishing license. Nonresident youth ages 13-15 should use the nonresident junior route.
Should I buy the $9 junior license or use the free youth application?
If the youth is a Tennessee resident age 13-15 and the trip is not immediate, check the free Youth Customer Application first. If the trip is today or approval timing will not work, the paid junior product may be the practical route.
Does a youth license give access to private property?
No. A license does not give permission to enter or fish private property. Get landowner permission separately.
What proof should a youth carry while fishing?
Carry license or application approval proof, a screenshot, a printed backup, youth date-of-birth proof if age may be questioned, and any special-water permit proof if required.
Final Parent Advice
For Tennessee youth fishing, age is the first filter. Children 12 and under do not need a regular license. Ages 13-15 need the correct junior route. At 16, adult rules begin.
The smart parent checklist is: age on fishing date + resident/nonresident status + free youth application check + junior license if needed + trout/special-water check + adult-helper license check + offline proof.