A Tennessee resident fishing license can cost as little as $6 for one day or $33 for the standard annual Combination Hunt/Fish license before processing fees. Your age, target species, fishing location, and preferred license term determine the final price. Trout fishing and certain managed waters may require an additional permit.
Quick Answer
The base price of a Tennessee resident annual Combination Hunt/Fish license is $33. A one-day no-trout license costs $6, a one-day all-species license costs $11, and the Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license for ages 13–15 costs $9. Processing fees and optional items can increase the checkout total.
Key Takeaways
- Children under 13 may fish without a license in Tennessee, although certain location permits can still apply.
- Residents ages 13–15 can buy the $9 Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license.
- The standard resident annual Combination Hunt/Fish license is $33 before processing fees and does not include trout.
- Residents age 65 or older can choose a $4 annual senior license or a $49 permanent senior license.
- Most annual Tennessee licenses are valid for 365 days from the purchase date.
At a Glance
| Standard Annual License | $33 base fee for the resident Combination Hunt/Fish license |
| One-Day Options | $6 without trout or $11 for all species |
| Youth and Senior Options | $9 junior license; $4 annual or $49 permanent senior license |
| Extra Costs | Processing fees, trout supplements, specialty-water permits, and optional durable cards |
Note: The prices below are TWRA base fees. Processing fees apply to purchases, and the Go Outdoors Tennessee portal may display a higher package total that includes processing or an optional durable card.
Who Needs a Tennessee Fishing License?
Tennessee’s basic age rules are straightforward:
- Under age 13: You may generally fish without a license. Some special waters or facilities can still require a permit for all ages.
- Ages 13–15: You need the Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license to fish in public waters.
- Age 16 or older: You need an adult fishing license unless a specific exemption applies.
A license is required when you take, attempt to take, or assist another person in taking fish. Keep a legal electronic or printed copy available while fishing so a TWRA officer can inspect it if requested.
Most Tennessee annual fishing and hunting licenses remain valid for 365 days from the purchase date.
Tennessee residents born before March 1, 1926, do not need a hunting or fishing license but should carry proof of age and residency. Certain resident farmland owners and qualifying family members may also have exemptions on eligible land, but the rules are narrower than simply owning any private property.
Military personnel on leave or furlough may qualify for an exemption when carrying the required leave papers. Active-duty status by itself should not be treated as a universal exemption. Confirm a military or landowner exemption with the TWRA frequently asked questions or a regional office before fishing without a license.
Warning: A license exemption does not automatically waive every trout, lake, facility, or specialty-water permit. Always check the rules for the exact place you plan to fish.
Resident License Types and What They Cover
The best license depends on your age, how often you fish, whether you target trout, and whether you also hunt or trap.
| Resident License | Base Fee | Main Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap | $9 | Residents ages 13–15; hunting, trapping, and sport fishing privileges. Some WMA permits remain separate. |
| One-Day Fishing—No Trout | $6 | One day of fishing for species other than trout; listed for ages 13–64. |
| One-Day Fishing—All Species | $11 | One day of fishing, including trout; listed for ages 16–64. |
| Combination Hunt/Fish Annual | $33 | The standard annual base license for fishing and small-game hunting. Trout and certain other privileges require supplements. |
| County of Residence—No Trout | $10 | Fishing only in your home county with approved natural bait; no minnows or artificial lures. |
| Annual Senior Hunt/Fish/Trap | $4 | Annual privileges for residents age 65 or older; certain WMA and quota fees can still apply. |
| Permanent Senior Hunt/Fish/Trap | $49 | Permanent license available when a Tennessee resident reaches age 65. |
| Annual Sportsman | $165 | Broad hunting, trapping, and sport-fishing privileges without general state supplemental licenses or non-quota permits. |
These are the base fees published by TWRA. Review the cart carefully before paying because processing fees and optional products can change the displayed total.
Annual Resident Fishing License Pricing Breakdown
The standard resident Combination Hunt/Fish Annual license costs $33 before processing fees. It is the minimum annual base license for statewide fishing and small-game hunting, but it does not include every fishing privilege.
If you plan to fish for trout, add the $21 Annual Trout Supplemental license. A resident who wants annual statewide fishing for both trout and non-trout species therefore pays $54 in base license fees before processing costs.
The Go Outdoors Tennessee portal may show a General Fishing Package around $39 or an Avid Angler Package around $60. These package totals can include processing charges or an optional durable license card, so they should not be confused with the underlying $33 and $54 base-license totals.
Pro Tip: Open the itemized cart before checkout. Remove an optional durable card if you only need the legal electronic license, and confirm that the cart includes any trout or specialty-water permit you actually need.
The $165 Annual Sportsman license can be a better value for residents who regularly hunt, trap, and fish. However, federal permits and some location-specific privileges can remain separate even for Sportsman license holders.
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One-Day and Short-Term Resident Options
Occasional anglers do not need to buy a full annual license. Tennessee offers a $6 one-day no-trout license and an $11 one-day all-species license.
One-day licenses are useful for a single outing, a visiting friend who qualifies as a Tennessee resident, or someone trying fishing before committing to an annual license. A separate location permit may still be required at a TWRA state lake or another specially managed water.
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One-Day Fishing Fees
- One-Day Fishing—No Trout: $6 for ages 13–64.
- One-Day Fishing—All Species: $11 for ages 16–64 and includes trout.
- Tellico-Citico one-day permit: $6 when required for the designated waters.
- TWRA state-lake daily permit: $6 in addition to a base license when required.
- One-Day Gatlinburg Trout License: $11 and serves as the only license requirement for one day in designated Gatlinburg waters, subject to local rules and closures.
Because specialty-water requirements vary, check the current TWRA license and permit table before purchasing.
Junior Short-Term Options
Residents ages 13–15 should normally choose the $9 Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license instead of trying to build coverage from adult short-term options. It is an annual license and includes sport fishing without general supplemental licenses.
That does not mean every location is free. The junior license description states that additional WMA permits can still be required, and some waters have permits that apply to all ages.
Children under 13 may generally fish without a license anywhere in Tennessee, but parents should still review the rules for the specific lake, park, trout stream, or private facility.
County-Only Licenses
The $10 County of Residence Fishing—No Trout license is a low-cost option for residents who fish only in their home county. Its restrictions are important:
- You may fish only in your county of residence.
- You may use qualifying natural bait such as worms, crickets, or corn.
- You may not use minnows.
- You may not use artificial lures.
- You need an additional trout supplement to fish for trout.
Like most annual Tennessee licenses, it is generally valid for 365 days from purchase unless the cart states otherwise.
Lifetime and Reduced-Fee Resident Licenses
A Lifetime Sportsman License provides the privileges of an Annual Sportsman license for the holder’s lifetime. It remains valid even if the license holder later moves out of Tennessee.
| Under age 3 | $320 |
| Ages 3–6 | $659 |
| Ages 7–12 | $988 |
| Ages 13–50 | $1,976 |
| Ages 51–64 | $1,153 |
| Age 65 or older | $329 |
| Adopted child under 13 | $320 |
Lifetime applicants generally must document 12 consecutive months of Tennessee residency. The license is application-based and cannot currently be purchased through the standard online license center.
Residents age 65 or older have less expensive alternatives: the $4 Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license and the $49 Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license.
TWRA also offers restricted licenses for qualifying residents with disabilities. Examples include a $10 Sport Fishing Certified Blind license, a $10 wheelchair-restricted license, and a $10 Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing license. The disabled-veteran license is limited to veterans who meet TWRA’s stated VA disability criteria, and special, federal, or WMA permits can remain separate.
Review the TWRA disability-license information before applying.
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Special Permits and Supplemental Fees to Know
A base fishing license does not cover every species or location. Common additional fishing fees include:
- Annual Trout Supplemental: $21. It must accompany a qualifying base license when you fish for trout, unless your license already includes trout privileges.
- South Holston Reservoir Supplemental: $20 for a licensed Tennessee resident fishing the Virginia portion of South Holston Reservoir.
- Tellico-Citico Trout One-Day Permit: $6 where required.
- TWRA State Lake Daily Permit: $6 in addition to a base fishing license when required.
- TWRA State Lake Annual Permit: $48.
- Gatlinburg permits: Local trout-license and permit requirements apply in designated Gatlinburg waters.
The article’s earlier references to $37 waterfowl and $33 big-game supplements are hunting costs, not fishing-license add-ons. They matter only if you also hunt. The $165 Annual Sportsman license includes general state hunting, trapping, and sport-fishing supplements, but federal and certain specialty permits can remain separate.
Warning: Regulations and permit requirements can differ by water body. Do not rely only on a statewide license description when fishing Gatlinburg streams, Tellico-Citico waters, TWRA state lakes, border waters, military reservations, or other specially managed areas.
Eligibility Proof and How to Apply
For a standard online resident purchase, the Go Outdoors Tennessee system says customers need a valid Tennessee driver’s license or Tennessee-issued photo ID. Residency is verified through the Tennessee Department of Safety system.
New customers must create a TWRA account. A Social Security number is generally required for U.S. citizens purchasing a hunting or fishing license, while non-U.S. citizens follow the alternative documentation process provided by TWRA.
Residency Documents Required
For a routine online purchase, have the following information ready:
- Your legal name and date of birth.
- A valid Tennessee driver’s license or state-issued photo ID.
- Your Social Security number when required.
- Your current address and contact information.
Lifetime, disability, Native Tennessean, and other specialty licenses use separate applications and may require additional documents. For example, a lifetime applicant generally needs proof of 12 consecutive months of Tennessee residency, and a child applicant may need a birth certificate plus a parent’s or guardian’s residency documentation.
Military and Student Exceptions
Military status can affect residency eligibility or create a limited exemption, but the rules depend on the individual’s circumstances. TWRA materials refer to military personnel on leave or furlough carrying leave papers. Do not assume that every active-duty member or dependent may fish without a license.
Students and military families who cannot complete the normal electronic residency verification should contact TWRA before selecting a resident license. The official portal’s standard rule is a valid Tennessee driver’s license or state-issued photo ID.
Nonresidents who were born in Tennessee may apply for a Native Tennessean annual license at resident prices. First-time applicants must use the Native Tennessean application; approved returning applicants can renew through Go Outdoors Tennessee.
| Applicant Type | What to Prepare |
|---|---|
| Standard resident | Tennessee driver’s license or state-issued photo ID |
| Senior resident | Proof of age and Tennessee residency |
| Lifetime applicant | Application and proof of 12 consecutive months of residency |
| Disabled-license applicant | Application plus the required medical or VA certification |
| Native Tennessean applicant | First-time application and evidence of Tennessee birth |
How to Apply Online
- Open the official Go Outdoors Tennessee licensing portal.
- Sign in with your existing account information or create a new TWRA customer account.
- Confirm your residency, age, and identifying information.
- Select the license that matches your age, species, duration, and fishing location.
- Review all supplements, processing charges, and optional items in the cart.
- Complete payment and save the emailed electronic license or store it in the TWRA On the Go app.
Most annual licenses can be renewed when they are within 10 days of expiration. Lifetime and certain restricted licenses require a separate application instead of the ordinary online checkout process.
Where to Buy and Manage Your License
You can buy most Tennessee fishing licenses through:
- The official Go Outdoors Tennessee website.
- The TWRA On the Go mobile app.
- A TWRA licensed agent.
- A TWRA regional office.
- Participating county clerks, sporting-goods stores, hardware stores, bait shops, marinas, and boat docks.
Your online account lets you update your address, manage auto-renewal information, review active licenses, and obtain free electronic reprints.
You do not have to print an online license. TWRA states that the electronic copy delivered by email is a true and legal copy. You can also store active licenses on your phone through the TWRA app. A printed backup remains useful when your battery is low or service is unavailable.
Rules, Regulations, and Responsible Angling
A fishing license gives you permission to fish; it does not replace species, season, method, and water-specific regulations. Before each trip, check the current Tennessee fishing regulations.
- Check creel and length limits: Statewide limits may have lake, river, or stream exceptions.
- Confirm trout rules: Some trout waters have special seasons, gear restrictions, protected-length ranges, or separate permits.
- Use legal bait and gear: Bait, hook, jug, trotline, and net rules vary by species and location.
- Respect private property: A fishing license does not grant access across private land or allow you to fish from a privately owned bank without permission.
- Handle released fish carefully: Minimize air exposure, wet your hands before touching the fish, and return it promptly.
Note: TWRA publishes updated fishing guides and live regulation pages. Check the current version before every season because limits and special-water rules can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do boat owners need a separate license to fish from their boat?
No separate fishing license is required merely because you own or use a boat. Each angler must have the fishing license and location permits that apply to that person and water. Boat registration and boating-safety requirements are separate from fishing-license requirements.
Can nonresident family members use my resident license temporarily?
No. Tennessee fishing licenses are issued to an individual and are not transferable. A nonresident family member must obtain the appropriate nonresident license unless that person qualifies for a specific exemption or an approved Native Tennessean license.
Are fishing-license costs tax-deductible?
A personal recreational fishing license is generally a nondeductible personal expense. A license connected to a genuine trade or business may receive different treatment only when it satisfies applicable IRS rules for ordinary and necessary business expenses. Keep records and consult a qualified tax professional for advice about your situation.
Do I have to print a Tennessee fishing license bought online?
No. TWRA states that the electronic license sent by email is a true and legal copy. You may display it on your phone or store it in the TWRA On the Go app. Carrying a printed backup is optional but useful.
Are there Tennessee fishing-license discounts for veterans?
Qualifying Tennessee resident veterans can apply for a $10 Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing license. TWRA limits eligibility to veterans certified by the VA as 30% disabled because of war service or 100% service-connected. WMA, special, and federal permits are not included.
Does the standard annual Tennessee fishing license include trout?
No. The $33 Combination Hunt/Fish Annual license is a base license. Most adult residents need the $21 Annual Trout Supplemental license to fish for trout unless their senior, junior, Sportsman, lifetime, disability, or short-term license already includes the required privilege.
How long is a Tennessee annual fishing license valid?
Most annual Tennessee licenses and permits remain valid for 365 days from the date of purchase unless the item has a stated fixed expiration date. Check the effective and expiration dates shown in your cart and on the issued license.
Conclusion
The standard Tennessee resident annual Combination Hunt/Fish license has a $33 base fee, but the cheapest or most useful choice may be different for you. Occasional anglers can use a $6 or $11 one-day license, residents ages 13–15 can choose the $9 junior license, and seniors have $4 annual and $49 permanent options.
Before paying, confirm whether you need trout coverage or a permit for a state lake, Gatlinburg water, Tellico-Citico area, border reservoir, or another specially managed location. Review the itemized cart, save your electronic license, and check the current fishing regulations before heading to the water.
Sources
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency—License Structure and Fees — resident license prices, supplements, lifetime fees, senior licenses, and specialty permits.
- Go Outdoors Tennessee Licensing Portal — residency verification, expiration rules, account creation, electronic licenses, and online purchasing.
- TWRA Frequently Asked Questions — age requirements, senior rules, landowner information, and exemptions.
- Tennessee Fishing Regulations — current statewide and water-specific fishing rules.
- TWRA Accessibility and Disability Licenses — restricted fishing and hunting licenses for qualifying residents.
- Internal Revenue Service—Income and Expenses — general distinction between personal expenses and ordinary and necessary business expenses.
