If you’re a Tennessee resident 16–64, you’ll pay $33 for the standard annual fishing license (includes small-game hunting); county-only licenses run $10; juniors 13–15 pay $9; residents 65+ have $49 senior options or a $329 reduced senior license; lifetime fees vary $320–$1,976; disability permits can be $10. Supplemental permits (trout, local reservoirs, Gatlinburg, Agency Lake) carry extra fees. Keep ID for exemptions, and continue for specifics on pickups, replacements, and best-value choices.

Who Needs a Tennessee Fishing License and Who’s Exempt

Most anglers aged 13 and older must carry a valid Tennessee fishing license to fish public waters; children under 13 may fish without a license, but any adult supervising them must hold one.

Anglers 13 and older need a Tennessee fishing license for public waters; adults supervising under-13s must be licensed.

You’ll need a license if you’re 13 or older and fishing public waters; that’s the baseline age requirement.

Fishing license exemptions exist for specific groups: military personnel on leave who furnish proof of active duty and Tennessee residency, residents born before March 1, 1926 who provide proof of age and residency, and landowners fishing on their private property.

You should carry documentation proving any claimed exemption when asked by enforcement.

These exemptions don’t extend to guests or family members without qualifying status.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, verify status with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency guidance before fishing.

Follow these rules to avoid fines: meet age requirements, maintain qualifying documentation, and respect the distinction between public-water licensing obligations and private-property exemptions.

Resident License Types and Current Prices

When you buy a Tennessee resident fishing license, you’ll choose from several price-tiered options tied to age and scope of privileges:

the standard annual Resident Fishing License (ages 16–64) costs $33 and also covers small-game hunting;

the County of Residence Fishing License, valid only on local waters with bait restrictions, is $10;

juniors 13–15 can obtain a Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license for $9 annually without supplemental permits;

residents 65+ may purchase a Resident Senior Sportsman License for $49 that grants full hunting and fishing privileges, or opt for the Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license (also $49) once they turn 65.

You’ll use license comparisons and pricing breakdowns to match cost to need.

Choose full annual coverage for broader access, county-only for low-cost local angling, or junior/senior options for age-specific policy advantages.

Consider bait restrictions, geographic limits, and bundled hunting privileges when selecting.

The data-driven matrix simplifies budgeting and compliance.

1. Save money with county limits.
2. Maximize access with $33 annual.
3. Seniors gain full privileges at $49.

How Lifetime and Senior Licenses Work

Although lifetime and senior licenses differ by age and cost, they’re designed to give long-term value and clear benefits: lifetime fees range from $320 for infants to $1,976 for adults and remain valid even if you move out of state, while residents 65+ can choose a reduced-fee Senior License at $329 or the Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license for $49 after turning 65.

You’ll see clear license benefits: lifetime holders avoid renewal fees and, for all-inclusive lifetime options, can apply for quota permits without additional charges. That makes a one-time purchase cost-effective if you plan sustained participation.

Senior options lower annual cost barriers and simplify compliance with fishing regulations tailored to elder anglers. From a policy perspective, these tiers promote lifelong engagement, streamline administration, and provide predictable revenue.

When deciding, compare upfront lifetime cost versus cumulative annual fees and factor in expected permit needs, residency plans, and the scope of license benefits to select the most efficient, regulation-compliant option.

Special Resident Disability and Reduced-Rate Licenses

You’ll find several disability-specific license options, including $10 permits for certified disabled veterans, SSI recipients, and blind residents, plus reduced or lifetime fees for seniors and eligible youth.

Applications require documented proof—VA or SSI certification, physician statements for minors, or age verification for senior discounts—so prepare the appropriate paperwork.

We’ll next outline exact eligibility criteria, fee schedules, and step-by-step application requirements.

Disability-Specific License Options

Because the state provides several reduced-rate and specialty resident licenses, people with disabilities can access affordable fishing and combined hunt/fish options tailored to specific needs and eligibility.

You’ll find disability fishing and accessible licenses priced to remove cost barriers: Sport Fishing Certified Blind $10, Wheelchair Hunt/Fish $10, Resident Disabled Veteran $10 (VA-certified), Resident Permanent SSI Intellectually Disabled Fishing $10, and a free Resident Hunting & Fishing Disabled Under 18 with physician certification.

These options reflect targeted policy to promote inclusion and outdoor access.

1. You gain equitable access to recreation at minimal cost.
2. You benefit from clear, low-fee categories that match documented needs.
3. You see fiscal and social priorities aligned to expand participation.

Application Requirements and Proof

How do you prove eligibility for special resident disability and reduced-rate fishing licenses? You follow a defined application process and submit documentation for eligibility verification.

Veterans present VA disability certification to obtain the $10 Resident Disability License. Residents under 18 must provide physician certification attesting to disability.

Those receiving SSI must submit proof of benefits to qualify for the $10 Resident Permanent SSI Intellectually Disabled Fishing License. Certified blind applicants supply documentation from an authorized examiner to secure the $10 Sport Fishing Certified Blind License.

The Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap License, priced at $49, requires proof of age (65+) at application. Agencies verify submitted documents, approve qualifying applicants, and record reduced-rate issuance to guarantee compliant, accessible participation in fishing programs.

Reduced Fees and Eligibility

Having verified eligibility and submitted required documentation, you can evaluate the specific reduced-fee options available to eligible residents.

You’ll find clear eligibility criteria and straightforward fee comparisons:

• disabled residents (including physician-certified under‑18, certified blind, disabled veterans) pay $10 for Resident Disability Licenses;
• SSI intellectually disabled holders also pay $10;
• Permanent Senior Hunt/Fish/Trap Licenses cost $49 for those over 65;
• the Senior Sportsman reduced-rate option is $329;
• Adopted Child Lifetime Licenses for those under 13 are $320.

Assess documentation needs against costs to determine best value. Use fee comparisons to guide choice and budget planning.

Policy compliance is essential—ensure certifications, SSI proof, or age documentation accompany applications.

1. Relief: low $10 options
2. Access: lifetime youth choice
3. Dignity: senior affordability

Supplemental Permits and When You Need Them

When will you need a supplemental permit?

You need supplemental licenses for specific fishing activities and related hunting that basic resident licenses don’t cover.

Policy requires an Annual Trout Supplemental License ($21) in addition to another fishing license to fish for trout in designated waters. If you fish the Virginia portion of South Holston Reservoir, you must buy its $20 supplemental license.

County of Residence Fishing Licenses (No Trout, $10) permit local angling but mandate additional permits for certain species or areas.

Special permits — for example Tellico-Citico and Gatlinburg Trout Fishing permits — are required for those waters at varying costs.

Separate hunting supplements apply: Waterfowl License ($37) and big game licenses ($33 each for Gun, Archery, Muzzleloader).

Before you fish or hunt, check activity-specific rules: possession of the core resident license plus any required supplemental licenses is enforced; failure to carry the correct permits can result in citations or forfeiture of harvest privileges.

Where to Buy and How to Replace Your License

You can buy Tennessee fishing licenses online at the TWRA website, at regional TWRA offices, or from many sporting goods stores and Walmart locations. The online portal also lets you print a free duplicate, update your address and payment info 24/7, and track new applications or replacement requests.

You’ll choose among license purchase options based on convenience and immediacy: online for instant digital proof, retail for in-person assistance, or TWRA offices for full-service transactions.

The license replacement process is straightforward and documented. If you lose a license, print a free duplicate from your online account immediately. If you need a mailed hard copy, request it at a TWRA office for an $8 fee.

Maintain current contact and payment info online to prevent processing delays. Track replacement requests and new applications via the portal to confirm status. Follow these steps to minimize downtime and stay compliant.

1. Act quickly to print a duplicate.
2. Pay $8 for mailed hard copies.
3. Update info online 24/7.

Local-Area Permits: Gatlinburg, Tellico and Agency Lakes

Because some waters are managed locally, you’ll need special permits in addition to a state fishing license to fish places like Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, Agency Lake, and Bedford Lake. You must carry both when required; these permits are distinct from the state license and enforce access rules.

Policy notes: Gatlinburg’s fee applies to anglers 13+, resident or nonresident. Tellico-Citico and Bedford Lake use $6 daily passes to control access. Agency Lake offers an annual option for frequent anglers to reduce per-visit cost. You should verify local posting and purchase points before fishing; penalties apply for noncompliance.

Tips for Choosing the Right License for Local Anglers

Check age and residency first — Tennessee requires residents 16+ to buy the $34 annual resident fishing license, while ages 13–15 can use the $10 Junior Hunt/Fish license.

Compare coverage and season length: the $34 license covers all species (trout may need extra permits), the $10 county license limits you to local waters and bait restrictions, and the $165 Annual Sportsman License bundles all seasons and activities.

Match cost to usage frequency and locations—one-day or special-area permits (e.g., $11.50 Gatlinburg trout) can be cheaper for occasional, site-specific fishing.

Age and Residency Requirements

When picking a license for local fishing, match your age and residency to the precise option: juniors (ages 13–15) get a $10 annual Hunt/Fish/Trap license with no supplemental fishing permits required; residents 16+ need a $34 Annual Resident Fishing License for statewide public waters; seniors 65+ can obtain a $49 Senior Fishing License.

Residents may opt for the $10 County of Residence Fishing License—limited to home-county waters and subject to bait restrictions. Anglers born before March 1, 1926, are license-exempt but must carry proof of age and residency.

You must meet age restrictions and provide residency proof when required. Choose the minimal-cost option that matches your legal status to avoid citations.

1. Save money by confirming eligibility.
2. Protect your rights by carrying documentation.
3. Fish confidently knowing you follow policy.

Coverage and Season Length

If you plan your season around where and how long you’ll fish, you’ll pick the most cost-effective license and stay within legal limits. You get a one-year resident license covering public waters for $33, or a county-only option at $10 if you fish locally. Seniors have a reduced rate to encourage participation. Check seasonal closures and species-specific catch limits before you fish to comply with fishing regulations and support conservation efforts.

Plan trips to match license scope and seasonal rules to avoid violations and aid management goals.

Cost Versus Usage Needs

After matching your season to coverage and closures, evaluate how often and where you actually fish to pick the most cost-effective license.

Use simple cost analysis: a $10 County of Residence license covers local, frequent short trips; a $33 Annual Hunt and Fish adds hunting privileges; $165 Annual Sportsman is for full access; $9 junior and $61 10-day nonresident options fill specific needs.

Match license scope to your fishing frequency and locations to avoid overpaying.

1. If you fish weekly in-county, the $10 county license minimizes annual spend.
2. If you fish multiple seasons and hunt, $33 gives broader value per use.
3. If you use all services year-round, $165 prevents cumulative permit fees.

Track trips, calculate cost per outing, choose accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Fishing License Fees Fund Local Conservation Projects?

Yes — you’ll see license revenue allocation directly support conservation program benefits; agencies allocate fees to habitat restoration, monitoring, law enforcement, and education, tracked in budgets and reports so you can verify measurable ecological and recreational outcomes.

Can Non-Residents Buy Discounted Multi-Day Passes Online?

Yes — you can snag discounted passes online; many states offer non-resident multi-day options with tiered rates. Check each agency’s site for specific durations, fees, eligibility, and electronic validation to guarantee compliance and accurate purchase records.

Are Penalties Different for Commercial Versus Recreational Violations?

Yes — you’ll face different consequences: commercial fishing penalties are typically heavier fines, license suspensions, and possible gear forfeiture; recreational fishing penalties are lighter fines and short suspensions. Policies vary by jurisdiction; check specific regulations.

Do Fishing License Rules Differ on Private Stocked Ponds?

Yes — rules can vary; like shifting tides they hinge on ownership and stocking: private pond regulations often allow fishing license exemptions for landowners or invited guests, but state-specific statutes and stocking agreements determine exact exemptions.

Is a License Required for Using a Cast Net From Shore?

Yes — you’ll typically need a fishing license to use a cast net from shore. Check local cast net regulations and shore fishing guidelines for species, size, and seasonal restrictions; follow reporting and gear rules to stay compliant.

Conclusion

You’re covered: concise, clear choices cut costs and comply with current codes. Know who’s required, who’s exempt, and which resident permit — annual, lifetime, senior or reduced-rate — suits your situation; add needed supplemental permits for specific waters. Buy or replace licenses through official vendors or online, and check local-area passes for Gatlinburg, Tellico and Agency Lakes. Follow rules, file proof, and fish confidently, conserving resources while complying with Tennessee’s regulations.