Planning to fish in Tennessee? Whether you’re casting a line in the Great Smoky Mountains, trolling on Cherokee Lake, or bass fishing on Pickwick — you need a valid Tennessee fishing license. Here’s everything you need to know about 2026 license fees, where to buy, and how to save money.
Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), updated for 2026 fishing season.
Who Needs a Tennessee Fishing License in 2026?
Anyone aged 13 and older must have a valid Tennessee fishing license to fish in public waters. This applies to both residents and non-residents.
Exemptions — Who Fishes for Free
- Children under 13 — No license required (resident or non-resident)
- Residents born before March 1, 1926 — Exempt; must carry proof of age and residency
- Military personnel on leave — Exempt; must carry a copy of leave orders
- Legally blind, wheelchair-bound, or intellectually disabled residents — Eligible for a permanent $10 license
- SSI recipients due to disability — Eligible for a permanent $10 license
- Landowners (resident) — Can fish on their own farmland without a license (spouses and children included)
- Resident tenants — Can fish on farmland they reside on with landowner’s permission
2026 Tennessee Fishing License Fees
The proposed 28% fee increase was withdrawn in 2025, so current fees remain in effect for the 2026 season.
Resident Fishing Licenses
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License | $34.00 |
| One-Day Fishing Permit (no trout) | $6.50 |
| One-Day All-Species Permit (includes trout) | $11.50 |
| Annual Trout Permit (add-on) | $22.00 |
| Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap License (ages 13–15) | $10.00 |
| Lifetime Sportsman License (ages 0–3) | $320.00 |
| Lifetime Sportsman License (ages 4–12) | $640.00 |
| Lifetime Sportsman License (ages 13–50) | $1,976.00 |
| Lifetime Sportsman License (ages 51–64) | $988.00 |
| Senior Citizen Permanent Hunt/Fish/Trap (65+) | Discounted — see TWRA |
| Disabled Resident Annual Permit | $10.00 |
| Disabled Veteran License (30%+ disability) | $10.00 |
Source: TWRA & GoOutdoorsTennessee.com, current as of March 2026.
Non-Resident Fishing Licenses
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Fishing License (no trout) | $50.00 |
| Annual All-Species License (includes trout) | $99.00 |
| Three-Day Fishing Permit (no trout) | $20.50 |
| Three-Day Fishing Permit (includes trout) | $40.50 |
| Ten-Day Fishing Permit (no trout) | $30.50 |
| Ten-Day Fishing Permit (includes trout) | $61.50 |
| Annual Trout Permit (add-on) | $50.00 |
| Non-Resident Junior Hunt/Fish License (ages 13–15) | $11.00 |
Source: TWRA & GoOutdoorsTennessee.com, current as of March 2026.
Native Tennessean Discount
Non-residents who were born in Tennessee can purchase a “Native Tennessean” annual license at resident rates. You’ll need proof of Tennessee birth when purchasing.
Special Fishing Permits for Specific Waters
Some Tennessee waters require additional permits beyond your standard fishing license:
Gatlinburg City Limits
- One-day trout permit (no additional license required): $11.50
- Daily permit for ages 13–64 with TN fishing license: $3.50
- Three-day trout permit: $9.50
Tellico-Citico Creeks
- Seasonal daily permit required for all ages on Tellico River, Citico Creek, and year-round on Green Cove Pond
Agency Lakes (Government-Owned)
- Required for anglers 16+ and residents under 65
- Daily permit: $6.00
- Annual permit: $48.00 (sold at Agency Lake offices)
Bedford Lake
- Daily permit: $6.50
How to Buy Your Tennessee Fishing License
1. Online (Fastest Option)
Visit GoOutdoorsTennessee.com — the official TWRA license portal. Licenses are available for immediate use after purchase. You’ll need a Social Security Number.
2. Mobile App
Download the free Go Outdoors TN app (available on Apple App Store and Google Play) to purchase, renew, and store your licenses digitally on your phone.
3. In-Person
Buy at any of these locations across Tennessee:
- TWRA Regional Offices
- Walmart stores
- Bass Pro Shops / Cabela’s
- Local bait and tackle shops
- Hardware stores
- County clerk offices
4. By Phone
Call the TWRA license ordering line (check tn.gov/twra for the current number).
Pro Tip: Annual licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, not the calendar year. If you buy on April 15, 2026, it expires April 15, 2027.
2026 Free Fishing Day in Tennessee
Mark your calendar: Saturday, June 6, 2026 is Tennessee’s official Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day. On this day:
- ✅ Everyone — residents and visitors — can fish without a license in Tennessee public waters
- ✅ Youth ages 15 and under get an extended Free Fishing Week: June 6–12, 2026
- ✅ All fishing regulations (catch limits, size limits, etc.) still apply
This is the perfect time to introduce friends and family to fishing without any upfront cost.
Tennessee Fishing Regulations Quick Reference
Even with a valid license, you must follow Tennessee’s fishing regulations:
- Catch limits — Species-specific daily and possession limits apply
- Size limits — Minimum size requirements for bass, walleye, trout, and other species
- Bait restrictions — Some waters are artificial-only or fly-fishing-only
- Trout permit — Required in addition to your fishing license for trout fishing in designated waters
- Report tagged fish — If you catch a tagged fish, report it to TWRA
Always check the TWRA Fishing Guide for the latest regulations before your trip.
How License Fees Support Tennessee’s Fisheries
Your fishing license fees directly fund:
- 🐟 Fish stocking programs — TWRA stocks millions of fish annually in Tennessee waters
- 🌿 Habitat restoration — Stream and lake habitat improvement projects
- 🏞️ Public access — Maintaining boat ramps, fishing piers, and public fishing areas
- 📊 Wildlife research — Population studies and conservation science
- 👮 Law enforcement — Wildlife officers protecting Tennessee’s natural resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a basic Tennessee fishing license?
A resident annual fishing license costs $34.00. Non-residents pay $50.00 for an annual license (without trout). The cheapest option is a Tennessee resident one-day permit at $6.50.
Do kids need a fishing license in Tennessee?
No. Children under 13 do not need a fishing license in Tennessee. Youth aged 13–15 can get a discounted Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license for $10.00.
Can I use my fishing license for trout fishing?
Not always. If you plan to fish in designated trout waters, you’ll need an additional Trout Permit ($22 for residents, $50 for non-residents) or an all-species license that includes trout.
When is Free Fishing Day in Tennessee?
Saturday, June 6, 2026 is the official Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day. Youth ages 15 and under get a full Free Fishing Week from June 6–12, 2026.
Is a Tennessee fishing license valid for the entire year?
Yes — annually licensed permits are valid for 365 days from purchase date, not the calendar year.
Where can I buy a Tennessee fishing license?
The fastest way is online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com. You can also buy in-person at Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, bait shops, county clerk offices, or TWRA regional offices.
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