If you’re a Tennessee resident 16 or older, a standard annual fishing license costs $34; juniors 13–15 pay about $10, and a county-only permit is $10. One-day resident passes run $6.50 (trout one-day $11.50). Seniors and lifetime options vary by age and need; some exemptions apply for children under 16, certain veterans, and qualifying landowners. Licenses are available online, by phone, or at retailers, and fees fund conservation — keep going to see full details.

Who Needs a Tennessee Fishing License and Who’s Exempt

Who needs a Tennessee fishing license? You do if you’re 13 or older and fishing in public waters; the state’s fishing license requirements are clear and mandatory. You must carry a valid license unless you meet specific exemption criteria.

Children under 16 fish free and don’t need a license. Residents born before March 1, 1926, are exempt but must present proof of age and residency when asked. Military personnel on leave from active duty are exempt only if they can provide documentation of active status and Tennessee residency.

Landowners fishing on their own private property don’t need a license, provided they’re on land they own. You should keep supporting documents available for inspection to verify any claimed exemption.

These rules prioritize enforceability: age thresholds, residency verification, and active-duty confirmation are the primary bases for exemption. Noncompliance can result in citations, so follow the regulatory guidance and confirm your status before fishing.

Resident License Types and Annual Pricing

When you buy a resident fishing license in Tennessee, you’ll choose from several annual options based on age, residence, and intended use: You’ll select license types with clear pricing breakdowns.

For general public waters, the Resident Fishing License is $34 for individuals aged 16 and older. If you’re 13–15, the Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap License costs $10 annually and covers basic fishing privileges.

If you only fish within your home county, the County of Residence Fishing License is $10. If you’re 65 or older, the Senior Sportsman License costs $49 and grants both fishing and hunting privileges.

For extensive coverage, the Annual Sportsman License costs $165 and includes all hunting, trapping, and fishing without additional permits.

Keep these figures on hand when planning: choose the license type that matches your age, residency, and activity scope, and use the pricing breakdown to confirm you’ve purchased the correct annual authorization before you fish.

One-Day and Short-Term Resident Options

If you only plan to fish for a day or a short period instead of buying an annual permit, Tennessee offers low-cost resident options to match that limited use. You can choose one day options: basic fishing is $6.50 and trout fishing is $11.50 for a single day.

If you’re fishing just for a day, Tennessee offers $6.50 basic and $11.50 trout single-day resident options.

If you only fish within your county, the County of Residence license costs $10 annually and restricts take to that county. For young residents, the Junior Hunt/Fish license covers ages 13–15 at $9 annually and removes the need for supplemental permits.

Short term licenses for non-residents (3-day and 10-day No Trout) exist but aren’t applicable to resident-specific planning; note them only if you need comparison.

Evaluate your anticipated frequency: annual resident licenses at $34 cover all species and become more economical after a few outings.

Review restrictions and species endorsements before purchase, confirm residency documentation, and select the license that legally matches your planned duration and waters.

Lifetime and Senior Resident License Rates

Choose a lifetime or senior option based on age and long‑term use: Tennessee offers lifetime Sportsman licenses priced by age (from $320 for infants and adopted children under 13 up to $1,976 for adults), a Senior Sportsman license for residents 65+ at $329, and a Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license available for $49 after turning 65; lifetime licenses remain valid even if you move out of state.

You should evaluate lifetime license benefits against expected years of use and mobility. If you plan consistent annual participation, a lifetime license locks current rates and removes renewal administrative steps.

For residents 65 and older, senior discount options include the $329 Senior Sportsman license, which covers combined privileges, and the $49 Permanent Senior Hunt/Fish/Trap license that activates after your 65th birthday for basic privileges.

Verify eligibility documentation and age cutoff dates before purchase. Maintain records proving residency and age; agencies enforce issuance rules.

Choose the option that minimizes long‑term cost while meeting your access needs.

Reduced-Fee and Disability License Programs

Although eligibility varies by condition and age, Tennessee offers several reduced‑fee and disability fishing and hunting licenses to guarantee access for veterans, seniors, youth with disabilities, and residents with mobility or vision impairments.

You can obtain a Resident Disability License—covering disabled veterans and persons receiving SSI—for a nominal $10 fee; documentation of disability benefits is required.

If you’re over 65, the Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap License costs $49 and supports continued outdoor engagement.

Youth under 18 with disabilities qualify for an Annual Resident Hunting & Fishing license upon physician certification; keep medical paperwork current.

Certified blind residents may purchase the Sport Fishing Certified Blind License for $10, ensuring fishing accessibility.

The Wheelchair Hunt/Fish Resident License, also $10, requires a doctor’s statement to verify mobility impairment.

These programs reflect state accessibility initiatives: they reduce financial barriers, mandate clear medical or benefits verification, and standardize eligibility to promote equitable participation in hunting and fishing.

Required Supplemental Permits and Their Costs

Several specific supplemental permits are required in addition to a base hunting or fishing license, and you’ll need to buy the correct one for the activity and location.

You’ll follow state supplemental license requirements and complete the permit purchasing process before participating. Costs are explicit and non-negotiable: Waterfowl License $37, Big Game Licenses (Gun, Archery, Muzzleloader) $33 each, Annual Trout Supplemental $21 (must accompany another fishing license), South Holston Reservoir Supplemental $20 for Virginia waters, County of Residence Fishing License (No Trout) $10.

• Waterfowl License: $37 — required for waterfowl hunting; confirm season dates and possession limits.
• Annual Trout Supplemental: $21 — mandatory in addition to a base fishing license for trout waters; retain proof on you.
• South Holston Reservoir Supplemental: $20 — required for Virginia portion; check boundary maps before fishing.

Follow online or vendor permit purchasing process, retain receipts, and carry permits with your primary license to guarantee compliance.

Special Fishing Area Permits and Fees

After you’ve confirmed any statewide supplemental permits, check whether the waterbody you plan to fish requires a site-specific permit and purchase it before fishing.

Confirm statewide supplements, then check for and buy any site-specific permits before you fish.

You’ll need special area permits for certain waters: Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico creeks, Bedford Lake, Agency Lake, and the Virginia portion of South Holston Reservoir. Fees vary by site and duration; carry proof of purchase.

Gatlinburg Trout Fishing Permit: $3 daily, $9 three-day pass for anglers 13+.

Tellico-Citico Permit: seasonal requirement for designated waters—obtain it for the open season to comply with local rules.

Agency Lake: Agency Lake Fishing Permit is $6 daily or $48 annually, granting access to that lake.

South Holston Reservoir: a $20 supplemental permit is required to fish the Virginia portion.

Verify current rates with the managing agency before you fish.

Keep permits on your person while fishing and follow area-specific regulations; violations can result in fines or confiscation of gear.

Where and How to Buy or Replace Your License

If you need a Tennessee fishing license, you can buy one instantly online through the TWRA website, print it at home, or order by phone using a credit or debit card.

You can also purchase licenses in person at TWRA regional offices, many sporting-goods retailers, and participating Walmart locations. You’ll use online purchases for the fastest access to all license types and immediate print-at-home proof.

If you prefer personal service, a TWRA office or authorized retailer completes the transaction and issues a hard copy.

If you lose a license, print a new one free from your online account; request a hard copy replacement at any TWRA office for $8.

Always confirm current offerings and procedures on the TWRA site or helpline before purchasing to remain compliant.

• Instant online purchases with print-at-home capability for immediate use
• Phone ordering via the TWRA licensing helpline using card payment
• In-person sales and $8 hard-copy license replacements at TWRA offices

Rules, Age Limits, and Seasonal Validity

You must have a resident fishing license at age 13 and older; children under 13 fish free and residents born before March 1, 1926, can fish without a license with proof of age and residency.

Licenses are valid from purchase until the last day of February the following year, with the minimum annual resident fee at $34 and specific permits (e.g., Gatlinburg Trout, Tellico-Citico) required for certain waters.

Seniors 65+ can opt for the reduced-fee Senior Sportsman License ($49), so check age-based exceptions and seasonal validity before you fish.

Age-Based Eligibility Rules

Who qualifies for which fishing privileges in Tennessee depends on clear age-based rules and seasonal validity periods. You’ll note distinct categories: Junior fishing for ages 13–15 uses a $9 Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license with no supplements required; standard resident fishing applies at 16+ for $34 annually; seniors and exempt elders have separate provisions. You must provide proof of age and residency where required.

• Ages 13–15: Junior fishing license ($9) covers basic angling without extras.
• Ages 16+: Annual resident fishing license ($34) governs standard eligibility.
• 65+: Senior discounts apply via a reduced $49 senior annual license; pre‑March 1, 1926 births are exempt when documented.

Lifetime licenses offer alternative, age-tiered unlimited privileges.

Seasonal License Validity

Because Tennessee fishing licenses run on an annual cycle, they’re valid from the purchase date through February 28 (or 29) of the following year, and you must renew each year to remain legal.

You’re required to carry a valid license if you’re 13 or older; those under 13 fish free without a license.

Seasonal fishing options exist: one-day licenses cover a single calendar day and aren’t valid beyond that day.

License duration is explicit—annual licenses expire end of February, seasonal licenses expire at the end of their stated period.

Residents born before March 1, 1926, are exempt when they show proof of age and residency.

Seniors 65+ qualify for discounted licenses, but standard rules about possession and renewal still apply.

Junior and Senior Exceptions

Although Tennessee generally requires anglers 13 and older to hold a license, two specific exceptions streamline access for juniors and seniors: you’ll find clear age limits, costs, and validity rules that reduce paperwork and fees.

You’ll want to note junior license benefits for early anglers and senior license accessibility for older residents.

• Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap: residents 13–15 pay $9 annually, no supplemental licenses required; valid one year from purchase.
• Senior Sportsman License: residents 65+ pay $49, grants full fishing privileges without additional fees; valid until last day of February each year.
• Exemption: residents born before March 1, 1926 need no fishing license; only proof of age and residency is required for senior eligibility.

How License Revenue Supports Conservation

When you buy a resident fishing license, you’re funding habitat restoration projects that repair streambanks, replant riparian zones, and improve spawning grounds.

You’re also supporting TWRA research and fish stocking programs that monitor populations, set allotments, and release fingerlings to maintain sustainable harvests.

These allocations guarantee license revenue is applied directly to measured conservation outcomes and public fishing access.

Habitat Restoration Projects

If you buy a Tennessee fishing license, your fee directly funds habitat restoration projects that improve aquatic ecosystems and fish populations in local waterways.

You’ll see license revenue—about 75% allocated to conservation—applied to targeted habitat impacts mitigation and proven restoration techniques. TWRA coordinates with local groups and volunteers to prioritize sites, plant aquatic vegetation, stabilize riverbanks, and maintain public fishing areas.

These actions reduce pollution effects, counter development pressures, and sustain fishable waters.

• Vegetation planting to restore riparian buffers and aquatic cover.
• Bank stabilization projects to prevent erosion and sedimentation.
• Community-led enhancement projects leveraging TWRA funding and oversight.

You’ll benefit from measurable, documented outcomes tied directly to license fee expenditures.

Research and Stocking Programs

Because your license fees directly fund TWRA’s research and stocking programs, you get measurable improvements in fish populations and management decisions grounded in data.

You’ll see stocking efforts bolstered by revenue that prioritizes species recovery and enhances angling access across public waters. TWRA allocates roughly 75% of license income to habitat restoration and enhancement, while the remainder supports fish species research, monitoring, and public-site maintenance.

That funding underwrites population surveys, hatchery stocking schedules, and targeted interventions when metrics indicate decline. Educational initiatives funded by fees reinforce responsible angling and habitat protection.

In practice, your purchase enables evidence-based, sustainable management: adaptive stocking, habitat projects, and outreach calibrated to population data, ensuring healthy ecosystems and consistent recreational opportunities for present and future anglers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Nonresident Family Members Qualify Under a Resident License?

No, you generally can’t cover nonresident family members under a resident license; resident license eligibility depends on specific residency proofs, and family member regulations usually require each nonresident to obtain their own appropriate license per state rules.

Can I Fish on Private Ponds With a Resident License?

Yes — you can fish on private ponds if landowner permission’s granted; check private pond regulations and fishing license exemptions, because specific exemptions and permit requirements vary by jurisdiction, so confirm local rules before you cast.

Are Fishing Tournaments Covered by Standard Resident Licenses?

Sometimes you’re covered, but often you’re not; check tournament regulations and license requirements carefully. You’ll need specific permits or event endorsements for prize competitions, commercial tournaments, or out-of-state anglers, and must carry proof while competing.

Does a Lost License Incur Any Replacement Processing Fee?

Yes—you’ll usually pay a replacement fee for a lost license. Agencies set specific replacement fee amounts and required ID; you’ll need to follow their procedural steps, provide documentation, and may be charged administrative processing costs.

Are Kayak and Float Tube Anglers Charged Different Fees?

No, you aren’t charged different fees based on craft; kayak fishing and float tube anglers pay the same license rates unless a specific regulation or special permit names a different fee, which you should verify with your agency.

Conclusion

You’ve got the facts: who needs a Tennessee resident fishing license, the types, fees, exemptions, short-term options, and how revenue supports conservation. You might think buying a license is a hassle, but it’s quick online, at retailers, or by phone and protects fisheries you enjoy. Follow age limits, rules, and permit requirements to stay legal. Keep your license accessible, and know replacement and reduced-fee options to avoid fines and support habitat management.