You’ll pay $34 for a resident annual fishing license and $50 for a nonresident full-year license in Tennessee, with a $21 trout supplement for residents and a $99 nonresident trout permit for stocked streams. Seniors, disabled residents, and some veterans qualify for reduced or lifetime options; lifetime plans range widely by age. Short-term passes and lake-specific daily permits are available too — keep going to see detailed prices, exemptions, and where to buy.

Who Needs a Tennessee Fishing License and Who Is Exempt

Who needs a Tennessee fishing license? If you’re 13 or older and fishing public waters in Tennessee, you must carry a valid license—residents and nonresidents alike. That’s the basic eligibility criteria: age threshold and fishing location determine whether the requirement applies.

Now, look at fishing license exemptions so you know when you can skip buying one. Residents born before March 1, 1926, are exempt; you don’t need a license if you meet that birthdate cutoff.

Check exemptions before you buy: Tennessee residents born before March 1, 1926, don’t need a fishing license.

You’re also exempt if you’re legally blind or have a qualifying developmental disability, provided documentation supports that status. Military personnel on leave get a temporary pass from the requirement while fishing in Tennessee.

Don’t assume other informal exceptions exist: the state’s rules are specific, and enforcement focuses on those who don’t meet these narrow exemptions.

Before you cast, confirm your status against the stated eligibility criteria so you stay compliant and avoid fines.

Resident Annual Fishing License Options and Prices

If you’re a Tennessee resident planning to fish beyond a one-off trip, the standard annual resident fishing license runs $34 and covers most public waters—so buy it if you want full-season access.

You’ve got several fishing license types to choose from depending on age, location, and target species; pick the one that fits your routine and budget. Discounted licenses exist for juniors and seniors, and trout anglers need a supplement.

1. Standard Annual Resident — $34 for statewide public waters access.
2. Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap (ages 13–15) — $10 discounted license for young anglers.
3. Senior Resident (65+) — $5 discounted license to keep costs minimal.
4. County of Residence — $10, limited to local county waters and bait-restricted.

If you plan to fish trout, add the Annual Trout Supplemental for $21 to any of the above licenses.

Choose carefully so you’re legal and not overpaying.

Nonresident Annual Fishing License Rates

Looking to fish Tennessee regularly while visiting or living here temporarily? You can buy a non-resident annual fishing license for $50 and fish most public waters for a full year from purchase.

If you want to target stocked streams, note trout fishing requirements: non-residents need a separate annual trout permit priced at $99.

Shorter stays have choices too — a three-day license for $16 or a ten-day license for $30.

Buy licenses online, at most bait and tackle shops, or at TWRA regional offices; they’re easy to get before you cast.

Remember to follow the fishing regulations overview for Tennessee: size and creel limits, seasonal rules, and any special permits for certain waters.

Places like Gatlinburg and Agency Lake may require additional permits, so check posted rules.

Keep your license on you, know local restrictions, and you’ll spend more time fishing and less time worrying about compliance.

Lifetime and Reduced-Fee Lifetime License Pricing

You’ll want to weigh Lifetime Sportsman prices against how long you’ll fish, since fees start at $320 for infants and climb to $1,976 for adults.

Check age-based tiers closely—there’s a $329 Lifetime for residents 65+ and a $49 Permanent Senior option after your 65th birthday.

Also confirm reduced-fee eligibility like $320 for adopted children under 13 and $10 disability licenses so you don’t miss savings.

Lifetime Sportsman Prices

Five lifetime license options cover different ages and needs, so you can pick the one that fits your situation and budget.

You’ll appreciate the lifetime license benefits: one upfront cost, no annual renewals, and a simplified licensing process that saves time over decades.

Consider these common price points so you can plan:

1. Infant/Adopted Child lifetime — $320, good if you want long-term coverage for little ones.
2. Youth (13–17) lifetime — $988, a smart investment if they’ll fish into adulthood.
3. Older adult lifetime — $1,153, for adults wanting permanence without senior rates.
4. Standard adult lifetime — $1,976; seniors 65+ can instead choose reduced-fee options like $329 or a $49 permanent senior license.

Compare costs against years left to fish and pick accordingly.

Age-Based Fee Tiers

Because your needs change with age, the state tiers lifetime and reduced-fee licenses to match typical fishing horizons and budgets. You’ll weigh age eligibility and fee comparisons: an Annual Sportsman license is $165 (ages 16–64), while seniors 65+ pay $49 for a Senior Sportsman or a $49 Permanent Senior lifetime option. Lifetime Sport Fishing tiers scale by entry age, so earlier purchase lowers long-term cost.

You’ll also see older-adult and disability options ($1,153; $10) that change your renewal calculus.

Reduced-Fee Eligibility

When you qualify for reduced-fee options, the state makes long-term access affordable: residents 65+ can buy a Senior Sportsman or a Permanent Senior license for $49, while those with certified disabilities can get specialty sport-fishing or hunt/fish permits for just $10 with proper documentation.

You’ll save if you meet clear eligibility criteria: age, disability certification, or adoption status.

1. Senior discounts: at 65+, choose a $49 Senior Sportsman or Permanent Senior for lifetime hunting and fishing.
2. Disability permits: certified blind or wheelchair licenses cost $10 with paperwork.
3. Lifetime choices: fees vary by age — from $320 for children to $1,976 for adults.
4. Adopted child lifetime: under-13 lifetime license is $320.

Senior, Disability, and Special Eligibility License Costs

Though you might expect standard fees, the state offers several reduced and special-eligibility licenses to keep fishing and hunting affordable for seniors, people with disabilities, and certain children.

The state offers reduced and special-eligibility licenses to keep fishing and hunting affordable for seniors, disabled residents, and certain children.

If you qualify under senior eligibility, the annual Senior Sportsman License costs $49 and covers both fishing and hunting. A Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap License is also available for $49 once you’re 65, so you can lock in that rate long-term.

If you receive disability benefits or are otherwise certified as disabled, Resident Disability Licenses drop to $10, with specific options for blind residents and disabled veterans.

Minors with qualifying conditions can get an Annual Resident Hunting & Fishing Disabled Under 18 License, but you’ll need physician certification to enroll.

For families adopting young anglers, Adopted Child Lifetime Licenses for children under 13 cost $320, creating a one-time investment that keeps kids engaged without annual renewals.

Check documentation requirements when you apply.

Supplemental and Trout Permits Explained

Want to target trout or a specific game season? You’ll need the right permits.

If you plan trout fishing techniques like nymphing or dry-fly casting in designated waters, buy the Annual Trout Supplemental License ($21) in addition to your base fishing license. The County of Residence Fishing License ($10) covers local non-trout waters only.

For special spots, grab daily permits—Tellico-Citico runs $6 per day; Gatlinburg offers an $11.50 one-day trout permit without a Tennessee fishing license.

Hunters get supplemental options too: Waterfowl ($37) and Big Game (Gun, Archery, Muzzleloader at $33 each).

1. Buy the $21 Annual Trout Supplemental License to fish trout in designated waters.
2. Use the $10 county-only license for non-trout county fishing.
3. Purchase $6 daily Tellico-Citico permits for that specific area.
4. Consider $11.50 Gatlinburg one-day trout access if you don’t have a state license.

Pack fishing gear essentials and match tactics to the water for immediate success.

Short-Term and One-Day Fishing Permit Pricing

Looking for a quick fishing fix? You can grab short term permits without the commitment of a yearly license. A one-day permit for all species runs $11; if you only want trout, it’s $11.50. Those prices make day trips cheap and simple — you don’t need to plan months ahead to get on the water.

If you’re a non-resident staying longer, three-day options give flexibility: $20 for no trout, $40 for all species.

Use pricing comparisons to decide whether a multi-day visit or an annual pass makes sense — especially if you’ll fish multiple days or target trout. Remember resident annuals start at $10 for county-only, $33 for full resident hunting-and-fishing coverage, while non-resident annuals are $49 (no trout) and $98 (all species).

Short term permits are ideal when you’re passing through, testing a spot, or keeping plans loose. They save money and keep your trip focused and easy.

Permits for Specific Waters and TWRA Lake Fees

Several specific waters require their own permits, so check before you go: the annual TWRA Lake Permit costs $48 and covers designated TWRA lakes year‑round, while daily permits — like $6 for Agency Lake or Bedford Lake — grant single‑day access to those spots.

You’ll need to follow specific fishing regulations for each water. Some highlights to help plan trips and budgets:

1. Gatlinburg Trout Fishing Permit: daily rates are $3 for residents and $11.50 for nonresidents’ one-day trout permit — ideal for a quick mountain outing.
2. Tellico-Citico Permit: seasonal requirement for those specific waters; add it to your standard license if you’ll fish there.
3. South Holston Lake Fishing Permit: resident-only daily access in the Virginia portion costs $20 — check residency rules first.
4. Annual TWRA Lake Permit: $48 gives broad TWRA lake access year-round, a smart buy if you fish multiple TWRA lakes.

Keep permits current and visible to avoid fines and guarantee legal TWRA lake access.

How and Where to Purchase or Renew a Fishing License

You can buy or renew your Tennessee fishing license quickly online through the TWRA website and print a replacement for free if you lose the original.

If you prefer face-to-face service, most bait and tackle shops and TWRA regional offices sell licenses and special permits for waters like Gatlinburg and Tellico-Citico.

Remember resident annual licenses start at $34 and non-resident at $50, so pick the option that fits your schedule and budget.

Online Purchase & Renewal

Wondering how to buy or renew your Tennessee fishing license without leaving home? You’ll use the TWRA website for secure online transactions and straightforward license management.

Log in, pick the correct license, pay with a card, and print a free copy instantly. If you need a replacement later, you can print again or get an $8 hard copy at a TWRA office.

1. Create or sign into your TWRA account to view current licenses and renewal dates.
2. Select the full-year option, complete the form, and pay—transactions complete in minutes.
3. Print your free license from the account or save a digital copy on your phone.
4. For help, use TWRA online support or account tools.

In-Person Agents & Offices

If you prefer handling things face-to-face instead of online, Tennessee makes it easy to buy or renew your fishing license at bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and TWRA regional offices across the state. You’ll provide basic details—name, address, date of birth—and get in person assistance to pick the right license or renew during office hours. Offices and many agents give immediate answers about endorsements, seasons, and limits. Payment options vary by location, so bring cash, card, or check, or call ahead to confirm. Use the table below to compare common in-person locations and what to expect.

Rules on Fishing With Minors and License Sharing

When fishing with kids, remember that anyone 13 or older must have their own valid Tennessee license, and adults helping with baiting, netting, or other tasks also need one.

You’ll keep fishing etiquette front and center while promoting youth engagement by following simple rules: supervise children under 13, don’t let others share your license, and model respectful behavior around water and wildlife.

1. Buy a Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license ($9) for ages 13–15 so teens fish legally and learn proper conduct.
2. If you’re 13+, carry your own license — license sharing isn’t allowed, even for brief assistance.
3. If you’re born before March 1, 1926, you’re exempt and may supervise without a license, but still teach safe, ethical practices.
4. When helping with baiting or netting, act as a teacher: demonstrate technique, explain rules, and reinforce fishing etiquette to build lasting youth engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Youth Fishing Competitions Require Separate Permits?

Yes — you’ll often need separate permits for youth competitions, since fishing regulations can vary by event, age, and location; check organizers and local fish and wildlife rules so you’ll comply and avoid fines.

Can Nonprofit Groups Get Bulk-License Discounts?

Like finding a hidden dock, yes — you can often access bulk purchase options if your nonprofit eligibility is documented. Check state fish-and-game offices, provide tax ID, negotiate group rates, and secure streamlined permits for events.

Are Fishing License Fees Refundable if Unused?

Generally no — you won’t get money back for unused licenses, though refund policy varies by state. Check your agency’s rules promptly; some offer pro rata refunds or exchanges only for specific circumstances, not routine returns.

Does a Medical Condition Exempt You From License Fees?

Yes — you might qualify for medical exemptions if your condition affects license eligibility; check your state’s rules, provide required documentation, and apply through the licensing agency so they can verify your medical status and approve fee waivers.

Are Online Purchases Subject to Additional Processing Fees?

Yes — a tiny toll’s often added, like a gatekeeper’s coin; you’ll see online transaction fees displayed at checkout, so pick payment processing options carefully, and you’ll avoid surprises by reviewing totals before confirming.

Conclusion

You’ve got the facts to pick the right Tennessee fishing license without beating around the bush — whether you’re a resident, nonresident, senior, or need a short-term permit. Buy online, at vendors, or through TWRA, and remember special-water fees and rules when fishing with kids. Don’t miss reduced or lifetime options if you qualify; they’ll save you money in the long run. Keep paperwork handy, and you’ll be fishing like clockwork.