You’ll pay $34 for a Tennessee resident annual fishing license, valid statewide for 12 months, or $50 if you’re a nonresident; juniors, seniors, lifetime and disability options carry different fees (e.g., $10 junior county, $5 senior annual, higher lifetime rates). Trout or special-area permits often add costs—annual trout supplements run about $21 for residents and $99 for nonresidents; some waters charge daily or supplemental fees. Keep your license current and continue for purchase and permit details.
Who Needs a Tennessee Fishing License and Who’s Exempt
If you plan to fish in Tennessee public waters and you’re 13 or older, you must carry a valid Tennessee fishing license unless you meet a specific exemption.
You’ll follow clear fishing age requirements: anyone 13+ needs a license; children under 13 are exempt but their adult supervisor must hold a license while assisting.
Anyone 13 and older must carry a Tennessee fishing license; children under 13 are exempt but require a licensed adult supervisor.
Fishing license exemptions include residents born before March 1, 1926, individuals who are legally blind, and those who are developmentally disabled. Military personnel on leave also qualify for an exemption while fishing in Tennessee.
Both residents and non-residents must comply with these rules, though residents access lower fee structures (discussed elsewhere).
You should verify eligibility before fishing to avoid citations; exemptions are documented and enforced by state authorities.
For planning and budgeting, treat these exemptions as discrete policy exceptions to standard licensing obligations rather than ad hoc waivers.
Verify current statutes or agency guidance prior to fishing to ascertain you meet documented exemption criteria.
Resident Annual Fishing License Options and Prices
You’ll find several resident license types with clear price points and eligibility rules: the standard annual license is $34, junior (ages 13–15) is $10, county-only is $10, and seniors 65+ pay $5.
If you plan to fish for trout you’ll need a $21 annual trout supplemental in addition to your base license.
Below we’ll outline who qualifies for each option and how the fees apply.
Resident License Types
When you buy a resident annual fishing license in Tennessee, you’re paying $34 for one year of statewide fishing privileges from the purchase date; lower-cost alternatives include a $10 County of Residence Fishing License (county-only) and a $10 Junior Hunt, Fish, and Trap license for residents ages 13–15.
You should evaluate fishing license types by intended coverage and license validity. The $34 license grants statewide freshwater access for 12 months; the $10 county license restricts you to county waters.
If you’re 13–15, the $10 junior license covers fishing activities; if you’re 65+, consider the $49 Senior Sportsman License for combined hunting and fishing.
For extensive coverage, the $165 Annual Sportsman License consolidates hunting, trapping, and fishing into one permit.
Price Breakdowns
One clear option is the standard resident annual fishing license at $34, which gives you statewide freshwater access for 12 months from purchase; lower-cost resident alternatives include a $10 County of Residence license (county waters only), a $10 Junior Hunt, Fish, and Trap license for ages 13–15, and a $5 discounted annual fishing license for residents 65 and older.
You’ll compare costs against non-resident rates ($50) and supplemental permits (trout permit $99 for non-residents) to model budget impacts and season fishing trends. Use this data to align participation forecasts with revenue projections and management priorities.
- Compare per-angler cost across resident tiers for participation elasticity.
- Contrast resident vs. non-resident revenue potential.
- Factor trout-permit add-ons into seasonal demand.
- Prioritize low-cost access for equity and compliance.
Eligibility Requirements
After comparing costs and revenue scenarios, clarify who qualifies for each resident license option and how price points affect access.
You’ll note standard resident license eligibility requires Tennessee residency and $34 annual purchase, granting statewide public-water access. If you’re 65 or older, a senior annual license reduces cost to $5, expanding affordability for retirees.
Junior Hunt/Fish licenses cover ages 13–15 at $10, targeting youth participation. The County of Residence option, $10, limits access to county waters for residents seeking lower-cost, localized access.
Age exemptions apply: residents born before March 1, 1926, don’t need a license if they can prove age.
Design policy to verify residency and age reliably while balancing revenue and equity objectives.
Nonresident Annual Fishing License Rates and Trout Permits
For nonresidents, the standard annual fishing license is $50 and is valid for one year from purchase, giving you broad access to state waters.
If you plan to fish trout, you’ll need an additional annual trout permit priced at $99, though 3-day nonresident licenses ($40) are available as a shorter-term alternative.
Note that certain areas (e.g., Gatlinburg, Agency Lake) may impose extra fees or special permits beyond these standard rates.
Nonresident Annual Rates
While visiting Tennessee, you’ll find nonresident annual fishing licenses priced at $50 and an annual trout permit at $99, both valid for one year from purchase; shorter options include 3-day licenses ($20 no-trout, $40 all-species) and 10-day licenses ($30 no-trout, $61 all-species).
You’ll see these rates support clear fishing regulations and demonstrate license benefits for visitors. Nonresident choices balance access, enforcement, and revenue for resource management.
- Annual standard: $50 — full-year access, simple compliance for long stays.
- Annual trout permit: $99 — targeted access supporting trout management.
- Short-term: 3-day/10-day tiers — flexible options for tourists.
- Validity: all nonresident licenses active one year from purchase, simplifying record-keeping.
Trout Permit Options
Trout fishing in Tennessee requires a specific permit for nonresidents: you’ll pay $99 for an annual trout permit in addition to the $50 general nonresident fishing license, while shorter all-species options (3-day for $40, 10-day for $61) still require the trout permit or an added trout fee to fish designated trout waters.
You should treat trout fishing regulations as a separate compliance layer. The permit application process is straightforward: purchase the general or short-term license, then add the trout permit. Annual permit is mandatory for designated trout waters; short-term licenses mandate an additional trout fee. Budget accordingly and confirm designated waters before you fish.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual nonresident license | $50 |
| Annual trout permit | $99 |
| 3-Day license | $40 |
| 10-Day license | $61 |
Lifetime, Senior, and Disability Reduced-Fee License Details
You can access several reduced-fee and lifetime fishing options designed to lower long-term costs and support specific groups:
You’ll see clear lifetime license benefits and senior fishing discounts that reduce recurring expenditures and simplify compliance.
Lifetime Sportsman License rates scale by age: infants and adopted children under 13 pay $320, while adult lifetime fees reach $1,976.
Senior residents 65+ can choose a $329 Senior Sportsman License or a $49 Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license after their 65th birthday.
Qualified residents with disabilities may obtain a Wheelchair Hunt/Fish Resident License or Sport Fishing Certified Blind License for $10 each.
- Lifetime Sportsman (by age): $320–$1,976 — one-time investment for long-term access.
- Adopted Child Lifetime: $320 — promotes youth participation.
- Senior Sportsman: $329; Permanent Senior: $49 — targeted senior fishing discounts.
- Resident Disability Licenses: $10 each — minimal fee to guarantee equitable access.
These policies balance revenue predictability and targeted affordability.
Required Permits and Special Area Fishing Fees
Because certain waters carry extra management costs or special regulations, you’ll need additional permits beyond the $34 annual resident fishing license to legally fish specific areas.
Tennessee’s fishing regulations designate site-specific fees and permit applications to fund stocking, habitat work, and enforcement. For example, Gatlinburg Trout requires a $3 daily permit; Tellico-Citico Trout waters require a $6 daily permit.
Agency Lake uses a tiered fee structure: $6 daily or $48 annual. If you fish the Virginia portion of South Holston Reservoir, you must buy the $20 Supplemental permit.
These charges are additive to the base license and nontransferable; you must hold both the annual resident license and any required special-area permits while fishing regulated waters.
When planning trips, review current permit applications and posted regulations for effective dates, area maps, and species rules. Compliance avoids penalties and supports targeted management funded directly by these fees.
Where and How to Buy, Renew, and Replace Your License
Where’s the quickest place to get or renew your Tennessee annual fishing license? Use the TWRA website — it’s fastest for first-time purchases, the online renewal process, and managing auto-renewal settings. Have name, address, and date of birth ready.
- Online (TWRA): purchase, renew, print a free copy, update address/payment anytime — best for license purchasing tips and auto-renewal control.
- Bait & tackle shops: convenient in-person purchase; verify they sell TWRA licenses before visiting.
- TWRA regional offices: full-service transactions, $8 for a hard-copy replacement, staff can confirm eligibility and records.
- Phone/assistance: contact TWRA for account issues or policy clarifications when the website can’t resolve a problem.
Policy note: you can print replacements free from your online account; a physical replacement via TWRA office carries an $8 fee.
Use the online renewal process to minimize errors and guarantee continuous compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Fishing Licenses Transfer Between States or Count for Reciprocity?
No, fishing licenses generally don’t transfer; you’ll need to follow each state’s regulations. Some states offer reciprocity or temporary license portability, so check specific state regulations and reciprocity agreements before you fish across borders.
Can I Fish Commercially With a Regular Annual License?
No — you can’t: commercial fishing regulations typically require separate permits, while your annual license limitations cover recreational take only. Check state-specific statutes and quota data, because penalties and reporting requirements vary considerably.
Are Boats or Private Property Access Included With the License?
No — your license typically covers fishing privileges, not boat access or private property; you’ll need separate permissions, registrations, or owner consent. Check state regulations and vessel registration requirements for specific policy and fee details.
Are Catch-And-Release-Only Areas Covered by a Standard License?
Like clockwork, yes — your standard license generally covers catch-and-release areas, but you’ll need to follow local catch and release regulations and fishing area restrictions; check agency maps and rules for specific zones, seasons, and gear limits.
Does the License Cover Offshore Saltwater or Only Inland Waters?
Yes — your standard license usually covers inland fishing; offshore saltwater often requires additional permits or endorsements. Check local saltwater regulations, species-specific rules, and jurisdictional boundaries to guarantee compliance before fishing offshore.
Conclusion
You’ll save time and money by matching the right Tennessee fishing license to your status—resident, nonresident, senior, lifetime, or disabled—because the fees and required permits directly affect where and how you fish. Follow regulations and buy licenses, trout stamps, or special-area permits through official vendors or online to avoid penalties. Get documentation replaced promptly if lost; think of compliance as the price of admission that keeps fisheries healthy and accessible for everyone.
