Tennessee fishing license prices vary by age, fishing location, and the species you plan to catch. As of July 30, 2026, resident options range from a $4 annual senior license and a $6 one-day no-trout license to a $165 Annual Sportsman License. Processing fees may apply, and special waters or trout fishing can require an extra license or permit.
Quick Answer
Tennessee residents ages 13–15 pay $9 for a Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap License. Most residents ages 16–64 pay $33 for the annual Combination Hunt/Fish License. A one-day license costs $6 without trout or $11 for all species. Residents 65 and older can choose a $4 annual senior license or $49 permanent options.
Key Takeaways
- Children under 13 generally fish without a base license, while ages 13–15 need the $9 junior license.
- The $33 annual Combination Hunt/Fish License is the standard resident license for ages 16–64.
- Trout, TWRA state lakes, Gatlinburg waters, Tellico-Citico waters, and the Virginia portion of South Holston Reservoir can require extra licenses or permits.
- Annual licenses and most permits are valid for 365 days from purchase unless TWRA lists a fixed expiration date.
- Buy through Go Outdoors Tennessee, an authorized license agent, or a TWRA regional office, and review processing fees before checkout.
At a Glance
| Time Required | About 5–10 minutes online |
| Difficulty | Easy, once you know the license and permits you need |
| Tools Needed | Photo ID or residency documents, Social Security number, payment method, and trip details |
| Cost | Common resident choices cost $4–$165, plus processing fees and any special permits |
Who Needs a Tennessee Fishing License?
Under the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency license rules, anyone who takes, attempts to take, or assists in taking fish generally needs a valid license unless an exemption applies.
- Ages 0–12: No base fishing license is generally required, although a location-specific permit may still apply on waters where TWRA requires one for all ages.
- Ages 13–15: The $9 Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap License is the standard option.
- Ages 16–64: A resident fishing license is required unless the angler qualifies for a specific exemption.
- Ages 65 and older: A license is still required unless the angler was born before March 1, 1926, but reduced-fee senior options are available.
Warning: The exemption is for qualifying Tennessee farmland owners, tenants, and family members—not for anyone who happens to own or fish a private pond. Private-property permission and license rules are separate issues.
An adult who only accompanies a child is not automatically required to buy a license. However, an adult who fishes or actively helps take fish may need a license. Always check whether the water also requires a trout, lake, Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, South Holston, or other special permit.
Resident License Types and Prices
The best license depends on your age, how often you fish, whether you want trout, and whether you also hunt or trap. The prices below were verified against TWRA on July 30, 2026. Processing fees apply to purchases.
| License type | Eligibility and coverage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Fishing—No Trout | Residents ages 13–64; trout not included | $6 |
| 1-Day Fishing—All Species | Residents ages 16–64; includes trout | $11 |
| Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap | Ages 13–15; hunting, trapping, and sport fishing | $9 |
| Combination Hunt/Fish Annual | Ages 16–64; minimum annual license for fishing and small-game hunting; trout requires the trout supplemental | $33 |
| County of Residence Fishing—No Trout | Ages 13+; only in the resident’s home county with natural bait other than minnows; no artificial lures | $10 |
| Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | Residents 65+; no state supplemental licenses required, but some permits and fees can still apply | $4 |
| Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | Residents 65+; one-time purchase; some WMA, quota, federal, or special permits can still apply | $49 |
| Annual Sportsman | Ages 16–64; broad hunting, trapping, and sport-fishing privileges without state supplemental licenses or non-quota permits | $165 |
| Senior Sportsman | Residents 65+; annual all-inclusive Sportsman privileges | $49 |
Note: The $49 Permanent Senior Citizen license and the $49 Senior Sportsman license are not the same. One is permanent with narrower treatment of certain permits and fees; the other is an annual all-inclusive Sportsman license.
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Lifetime and Reduced-Fee Options
A Lifetime Sportsman License provides the privileges of an Annual Sportsman License for the holder’s life, even if the holder later moves out of Tennessee. It is nontransferable and nonrefundable. TWRA requires an application and proof of 12 months of Tennessee residency; it is not currently sold through the regular online license checkout.
| Lifetime category | Price |
|---|---|
| Infant under age 3 | $320 |
| Ages 3–6 | $659 |
| Ages 7–12 | $988 |
| Ages 13–50 | $1,976 |
| Ages 51–64 | $1,153 |
| Ages 65+ | $329 |
| Adopted child under age 13 | $320 |
Reduced-fee disability licenses are available by application. The resident disabled-under-18 license is $5 and renews annually. Several other qualifying licenses—including certified blind, wheelchair-restricted, certain disabled veteran, and qualifying intellectual-disability licenses—cost $10. Most of those $10 licenses are one-time licenses valid for life, but special, WMA, and federal permits may still be required.
Pro Tip: Do not compare a Lifetime Sportsman License only with the $33 fishing-and-small-game license. The lifetime product includes broad hunting and trapping privileges, so it makes the most financial sense for someone who expects to use the full Sportsman package for many years.
Supplemental Permits and Special Area Fees
A base fishing license does not automatically cover every species or water. Check the exact location before buying because trout waters, TWRA lakes, Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, Lake Halford, and boundary waters can have separate requirements.
| License or permit | Cost | When it is needed |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Trout Supplemental | $21 | For trout fishing with an eligible base license |
| South Holston Reservoir Supplemental | $20 | For licensed Tennessee residents ages 13+ fishing the Virginia portion of South Holston Reservoir; required even for Sportsman license holders |
| Tellico-Citico Trout 1-Day Permit | $6 | Seasonally on Tellico River and Citico Creek and year-round on Green Cove Pond; required for all ages when applicable |
| TWRA State Lake Permit—Daily | $6 | In addition to the base license for covered TWRA state lakes |
| TWRA State Lake Permit—Annual | $48 | Annual access to covered TWRA state lakes |
| 1-Day Gatlinburg Trout License | $11 | The only license requirement for one day of fishing in Gatlinburg waters |
| 1-Day Gatlinburg Trout Permit | $3 | For residents and nonresidents ages 13–64 who already hold the required base license |
| 3-Day Gatlinburg Trout Permit | $9 | For three days in Gatlinburg with the appropriate fishing license |
| Lake Halford Permit—1 Day / Annual | $6 / $48 | For covered recreational use; exemptions include people under 16 and Tennessee residents 65+ |
The $10 County of Residence license has strict limits: it is valid only in your home county, only with natural bait such as worms, crickets, or corn, not with minnows, and not with artificial lures. Trout requires an additional trout license.
A low-cost base license can become the wrong purchase if your destination requires trout or special-water privileges. Choose the water first, then build the license package.
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How to Buy and Replace Your License
You can buy a Tennessee fishing license through Go Outdoors Tennessee, from an authorized TWRA license agent, or at a TWRA regional office. Online accounts also let you update your address and payment details and obtain unlimited free reprints.
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Where to Buy
- Choose your water and species. Decide whether you need trout, a state-lake permit, a Gatlinburg permit, or another special-area license.
- Confirm your eligibility. Match your age, residency, and activity to the correct license.
- Gather identification. A Tennessee driver’s license or state ID is the simplest proof. Other residents may need two approved residency documents. A Social Security number is required to purchase a Tennessee hunting or fishing license.
- Complete the purchase. Buy online, through an authorized agent, or at a regional office.
- Review the cart. Check processing fees, effective dates, and expiration dates before paying.
- Save proof of the license. Keep a digital copy available and print a backup if helpful.
Most annual licenses and permits remain valid for 365 days from the purchase date unless TWRA lists a fixed expiration date. A license bought on February 1, for example, generally expires on February 1 of the following year.
Replacement Process
If you lose your annual license, log in to your Go Outdoors Tennessee account and print another copy at no charge. TWRA also states that active licenses can be replaced through a license agent. Verify your address and account information when requesting the reprint.
Note: TWRA’s current fee page lists a $7 duplicate or replacement fee for a Hunter Education Card—not an $8 fee for replacing a fishing license. Active fishing licenses can be reprinted online for free.
Rules, Age Limits, and Exemptions
License exemptions are narrower than many anglers assume. Carry the supporting documents for any exemption and remember that an exemption from the base license does not always remove a location-specific permit requirement.
Age-Based License Rules
- Ages 0–12: No base fishing license is generally required. Some special permits may apply to all ages.
- Ages 13–15: Buy the $9 Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap License. Special-location requirements can still apply.
- Ages 16–64: Buy an adult resident license that matches the trip.
- Ages 65+: Choose the $4 Annual Senior Citizen, $49 Permanent Senior Citizen, $49 Senior Sportsman, or a qualifying lifetime option.
TWRA also holds annual free-fishing events. Because dates change, confirm the current Free Fishing Day and youth Free Fishing Week on the official fishing page before relying on the exemption.
Exemptions and Exceptions
- Military leave: A person fishing under the military-leave exemption must carry leave orders; a pass does not satisfy the rule.
- Active duty in Tennessee: Active-duty military personnel stationed in Tennessee and children under 16 who live with them may buy resident licenses regardless of ordinary resident status. That resident-price eligibility is different from the military-leave exemption.
- Pre-1926 residents: A Tennessee resident born before March 1, 1926, is exempt but must carry proof of age and residency.
- Qualifying farmland: Resident farmland owners, certain family members, qualifying resident agricultural tenants, and limited related owners may fish on qualifying farmland under the statutory exemption. Ownership of ordinary private property alone is not enough.
- Free-fishing events: TWRA’s designated dates waive the base license for covered anglers and waters, but private pay lakes may still charge.
Warning: Giving false information to obtain a license can lead to a misdemeanor charge, a fine, and loss of license privileges. Licenses are not transferable.
Tips for Saving Money on Licensing
The cheapest license is the one that legally covers your actual trip without paying for unused privileges.
- Use a one-day license for an occasional trip. The $6 no-trout option is cheaper than the $33 annual combination license until you reach roughly six fishing days, before processing fees.
- Compare trout costs. Five $11 all-species day licenses total $55, about the same as a $33 annual combination license plus the $21 annual trout supplemental.
- Choose the county license only when its limits fit. The $10 option can be a good value for natural-bait fishing in your home county, but it does not allow minnows, artificial lures, or trout without the supplement.
- Do not buy the $165 Sportsman License for fishing alone. Its value comes from combining broad hunting, trapping, fishing, and quota privileges.
- Compare senior options carefully. Ignoring processing fees, the $49 Permanent Senior Citizen license costs about the same as 13 years of the $4 annual senior license.
- Check every special water before checkout. Buying the wrong base license and then adding permits can cost more than choosing the correct package at the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Tennessee license in neighboring states’ waters?
Only in waters covered by a reciprocal agreement. Tennessee lists agreements for specific portions of Pickwick Lake, the Mississippi River and connected boundary waters, Big South Fork, Dale Hollow Lake, Kentucky Lake, Calderwood Reservoir, and other named waters. The Virginia portion of South Holston Reservoir requires the $20 South Holston supplemental for eligible Tennessee residents. Follow the regulations that apply to the exact water and side of the boundary.
Are Tennessee fishing license fees tax-deductible?
A recreational fishing license is generally a personal expense and is not deductible. A person operating a genuine fishing trade or business may be able to deduct the business portion when it is ordinary, necessary, and properly documented. Tax treatment depends on the facts, so use current IRS guidance or a qualified tax professional.
Do fishing tournaments require separate permits?
Tournament participants still need the fishing licenses and permits required for the water and species. An organizer may also need a TWRA Marine Event permit, launch approval, or permission from the agency that manages the water. TWRA’s marine-event application says applications should reach the agency at least 30 days before the event, or 60 days before an event that needs a rule waiver.
Will a fish that gets away count toward my creel limit?
A fish that escapes before you keep it is not part of the fish in your possession. Once you retain a fish, it counts toward the applicable creel limit. Where culling is allowed, the released fish must be alive, healthy, and expected to survive; some species or waters prohibit culling.
Are there Tennessee fishing license discounts for military veterans?
There is not a blanket discount for every veteran. A $10 Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing License is available to qualifying residents certified by the VA as 30% disabled because of war service or 100% service-connected. Separate rules cover active-duty personnel stationed in Tennessee and military members fishing while on leave with leave orders.
How long is a Tennessee annual fishing license valid?
Most annual Tennessee licenses and permits are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase unless TWRA states a fixed expiration date. Check the effective and expiration dates shown in your cart and on the issued license.
Do I need a trout license in Tennessee?
Most adult residents using the annual Combination Hunt/Fish License need the $21 Annual Trout Supplemental to fish for trout. The one-day all-species license includes trout for that day. Junior, senior, Sportsman, lifetime, and qualifying disability licenses can have different included privileges, while special trout waters may still require a location permit.
Can I reprint a lost Tennessee fishing license?
Yes. Log in to Go Outdoors Tennessee to obtain an unlimited free reprint of an active license. You can also ask an authorized license agent about replacing the active license.
Conclusion
For most Tennessee residents, the key choice is simple: use a one-day license for an occasional trip, the $33 annual Combination Hunt/Fish License for regular fishing, or an age-based junior or senior option when eligible. Before paying, check whether your destination needs trout or a special-area permit. Keep your license and exemption documents accessible, follow the current fishing regulations, and recheck TWRA fees before each renewal.
Sources
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency — License Structure and Fees — resident prices, lifetime and disability licenses, exemptions, special permits, validity, and replacement rules
- Go Outdoors Tennessee — official online purchasing, account management, and free license reprints
- TWRA Frequently Asked Questions — age thresholds, senior rules, county-license restrictions, and license-agent information
- Tennessee Fishing Guide and Regulations — current statewide fishing laws and definitions
- TWRA Statewide Creel Limits and Reciprocal Agreements — possession limits, creel rules, and neighboring-state boundary waters
- IRS Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business — ordinary-and-necessary business-expense standard and personal-expense limits
