If you’re a Tennessee resident 13 or older, you’ll generally need a fishing license for public waters; standard annual resident licenses cost $34 and a county‑of‑residence option is $10 with local restrictions. Short‑term one‑day licenses start at $6.50, trout supplements and special‑area permits add fees, and reduced or lifetime rates apply for seniors, disabled residents, and veterans. Buy online, by phone, or at TWRA vendors and keep permits on you — more specifics follow below.
Who Needs a Tennessee Fishing License and Who’s Exempt
Who needs a Tennessee fishing license? You do if you’re a resident aged 13 or older fishing in public waters; those under 13 fish free.
This fishing regulations overview clarifies who must carry credentials and who’s exempt. You won’t need a license if you’re an active-duty military member who provides proof of status and Tennessee residency, or if you were born before March 1, 1926, with proof of age and residency.
Landowners fishing solely on their private property are exempt and don’t need licenses for on-site angling. Certain nonresidents qualify for resident licenses—students enrolled in Tennessee schools for at least six months—so check documentation requirements.
Landowners fishing only on their private property are exempt; some nonresidents (e.g., students in TN six months+) may qualify as residents.
Keep records handy: proof of residency, age, or military status prevents misunderstandings. Follow local regulations on where public waters begin and end, since exemptions don’t apply there.
This concise, regulatory-minded summary frames age exemptions explained and other eligibility points so you can comply without guessing.
Annual Resident Fishing License Options and Prices
You’ll find several annual resident options and clear prices depending on age and coverage needs.
The standard Resident Fishing License is $34, juniors 13–15 can get a Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap License for $10, seniors 65+ have a Senior Fishing License for $49, and a County of Residence license is $10 with bait restrictions.
Also note add-on supplements and age-based exemptions (born before March 1, 1926) affect what you must purchase.
License Types & Costs
Several resident license options are available depending on age, scope, and intended use, and they set exact costs you’ll need to pay.
You’ll choose based on where and how you fish, keeping license benefits and fishing regulations in mind. Options include standard, limited, and extensive permits:
- Annual Resident Fishing License — $34, valid year‑round on public waters.
- County of Residence Fishing License — $10, restricted to your county with bait limitations.
- Sportsman License — $165, covers all resident hunting, trapping, and fishing without extra permits.
Additional resident choices include a Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license ($10 for ages 13–15) and a Senior fishing license ($49 for 65+).
Buy the correct license to comply with rules and avoid penalties.
Age-Based Pricing
Age-based pricing for annual resident fishing licenses is structured to match age-related privileges and rates, so check the category that fits you before buying.
You’ll choose by exact birthdate and residency status: juniors aged 13–15 purchase a Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license for $9; adults 16–64 pay $33 for an annual resident fishing license that also includes small game hunting.
If you live only in your county and prefer limited access, the County of Residence option is $10 per year. Residents born before March 1, 1926, may fish without a license when they present proof of age and residency.
Look for junior licenses and senior discounts on official forms and confirm eligibility at the issuing agency before purchase.
Add-On Supplements
If you hold an annual resident fishing license, you can add targeted supplements to expand where or what you fish—buy the $21 Annual Trout Supplemental License if you plan to trout fish, or opt for the $165 Annual Sportsman License to cover all hunting, trapping, and fishing without extra permits.
County-only residents may instead choose a $10 County of Residence license with bait and access restrictions, and juniors (ages 13–15) use the $9 Junior Hunt/Fish License.
- Annual Trout Supplemental License — $21; meets supplemental requirements when added to a $34 annual resident license.
- County of Residence License — $10; county-limited with bait and access restrictions; fewer add on benefits.
- Annual Sportsman License — $165; consolidates hunting, trapping, fishing, eliminates most additional permits.
One-Day and Short-Term Resident Licenses
When you only need to fish for a day or prefer a limited county or youth option, Tennessee offers affordable short-term resident licenses: a one-day basic fishing license costs $6.50 and a one-day trout-only license is $11.50.
The County of Residence annual license (valid only within your county) is $10, and a Junior Hunt/Fish license for residents aged 13–15 is $10 per year.
County-only annual licenses are $10, and residents aged 13–15 can get a Junior Hunt/Fish license for $10/year.
You’ll find these one day licenses and short term options useful if you fish infrequently or want a constrained, lower-cost permit.
Purchase rules are straightforward: buy the specific one-day permit for all-species or trout-only use on the chosen date, or secure the County of Residence annual license for county-limited year-round access.
The Junior Hunt/Fish license covers hunting and fishing privileges for 13–15-year-olds at the listed rate.
Keep documentation of residency when applying and follow season, bag, and gear regulations that still apply under these limited permits.
Senior, Lifetime, and Disability Reduced-Fee Licenses
Because Tennessee offers reduced-fee options for older adults and people with disabilities, you can obtain long-term or lifetime fishing and hunting privileges at substantially lower costs.
You should verify eligibility and carry proof of age or disability when applying.
- Senior discounts: Residents 65+ may buy a Senior Sportsman License for $49, covering hunting and fishing without additional fees. The Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap License also costs $49 post-65th birthday and grants lifetime access.
- Lifetime options: Lifetime Sportsman Licenses vary by age; for older adults the fee is $1,153, while infant rates start at $320. Choose the lifetime tier that matches your age bracket to calculate cost-effectiveness versus annual purchase.
- Disability benefits: A Resident Disability License costs $10, providing substantially reduced fishing rights. Disabled residents under 18 can obtain an Annual Resident Hunting & Fishing License at a reduced fee with physician certification.
Follow application instructions and retain documentation to guarantee compliance with state regulations.
Supplemental Permits and When You Need Them
You’ll need supplemental permits when your activity or location isn’t covered by a base fishing license, such as waterfowl or big game hunting, trout fishing, or specific reservoirs and managed waters.
Common supplements include the $37 Waterfowl License, $33 big-game licenses (gun, archery, muzzleloader), a $21 Annual Trout Supplemental (required with another fishing license), the $20 South Holston Reservoir permit for Virginia waters, and various area-specific permits like Tellico-Citico or Gatlinburg with variable fees.
Buy these permits online, at authorized agents, or at regional offices and confirm requirements for county‑of‑residence or special-area rules before you go.
When Extra Permits Apply
If you plan to hunt big game or waterfowl, or to fish specific species or waters, you’ll need the appropriate supplemental permit in addition to your base license.
You must follow supplemental requirements and be aware of hunting exceptions that alter who needs what. Know costs and scope before you go.
- Waterfowl: Tennessee requires a Waterfowl License ($37) for any waterfowl hunting within the state.
- Trout: To fish trout, buy an Annual Trout Supplemental License ($21) along with another fishing license—it’s mandatory.
- Specific waters: Fishing in Virginia’s portion of South Holston Reservoir requires a $20 supplemental license; residents may opt for a $10 County-of-Residence (No Trout) license limited to local waters.
Follow regulations; carry proof.
Types of Supplemental Permits
Having covered when extra permits apply, let’s outline the specific types of supplemental permits you may need and when each applies. You must pick permits based on your planned fishing activities; here are common supplemental license types and triggers. Annual Trout Supplemental License: $21, required in addition to a base fishing license to fish for trout. Big game/waterfowl combos: specific supplemental licenses (big game $33 each; waterfowl $37) apply to hunting-related fishing activities when combined. County of Residence Fishing License (No Trout): $10, restricts bait and limits you to your county. Special area permits (Tellico‑Citico, Gatlinburg trout, South Holston VA $20) are mandatory for designated waters and vary by duration and residency.
| Permit | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Trout Supplemental | $21 |
| South Holston VA | $20 |
How to Buy Permits
When planning your trip, check which supplemental permits apply and buy them before you head to the water so you’re in compliance from the start.
You’ll need specific permits for activities and locations: waterfowl hunting (Waterfowl License $37), big game (Gun/Archery/Muzzleloader $33 each), Annual Trout Supplemental $21 (must accompany another fishing license), Gatlinburg Trout permits (Daily $3, 3‑Day $9), and the South Holston Reservoir resident permit $20.
Follow permit purchasing tips and online application guidelines to avoid fines.
- Verify location-specific rules and required supplemental permits before travel.
- Use the official online portal for immediate purchase and printed or digital proof.
- Keep receipt and check expiration dates; carry permits while engaging in regulated activities.
Special Area and Lake Permits Explained
Although general Tennessee fishing licenses cover most waters, several specific areas and lakes require additional permits that you must buy to fish legally; these include daily and annual options with fees that vary by location and regulation.
You’ll encounter special regulations at designated fishing locations such as Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, Bedford Lake, and Agency Lake. Gatlinburg’s Trout Fishing permit lets you fish one day for $11.50 without a Tennessee license. Daily permits for certain sites generally run $3–$6, while the Agency Lake permit is $6 per day or $48 annually.
The Annual TWRA Lake Fishing Permit costs $48 and authorizes fishing on designated TWRA lakes year-round. South Holston Reservoir requires a supplemental $20 permit for the Virginia portion only.
Annual TWRA lake permit: $48 for year-round access; South Holston’s Virginia side needs an extra $20 permit.
You must follow posted area rules, carry the appropriate permit while fishing, and confirm which waters fall under each permit’s coverage to avoid violations.
How and Where to Buy or Replace Your License
You can buy or replace a Tennessee fishing license online at the TWRA website, by phone with a credit or debit card, in person at TWRA regional offices, or at many sporting goods stores and Walmart locations.
You’ll use the online purchasing process for immediate access and free printing from your account; if you need a hard copy replacement, TWRA offices provide one for $8.
Keep your address updated in your TWRA account to receive notices and guarantee correct county license eligibility.
- Visit TWRA online for fast license replacement options and to print a new license free from your account.
- Call TWRA with a credit/debit card to complete the purchase if you prefer telephone service.
- Go to a regional TWRA office, sporting goods store, or Walmart for in-person purchases and to obtain hard-copy replacements.
You must carry a valid license if you’re 13 or older; select annual, one-day, senior, or County of Residence options as appropriate.
Rules, Season Dates, and Conservation Contributions
Because Tennessee’s fisheries balance recreation with conservation, you must follow species-specific rules, season dates, and size/bag limits designed to protect spawning populations and habitat.
Tennessee fisheries blend recreation and conservation—obey species rules, seasons, and size/bag limits to protect spawning and habitat
You’ll find that most species are open year-round, but fishing regulations include targeted seasonal closures during spawning to prevent overharvest. Consult current regulations before you fish so you comply with size minimums, bag limits, and any gear restrictions for particular waters.
Your license purchase contributes directly to conservation efforts: funds from resident licenses—from $10 county options to the $165 Annual Sportsman License—support habitat restoration, fish stocking, and wildlife management.
When you practice or encourage catch-and-release, you further strengthen population resilience while still enjoying recreation. Keep written or digital copies of regulations with you, and report violations or habitat concerns to the appropriate agency.
Following rules and supporting conservation efforts guarantees sustainable fisheries for your use and for future anglers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Transfer My Resident License to Another Person?
No, you generally can’t transfer your resident license to another person; follow license transfer rules and resident fishing regulations for exceptions like estate or agency cases, and contact the issuing agency promptly to confirm allowable procedures.
Are Fishing Accessories or Bait Taxed Separately?
Yes — fishing accessory taxation varies by state, and bait sales tax often applies. You should check your state’s tax code or contact the department of revenue; they’ll clarify taxable accessories, exemptions, rates, and record requirements.
Do I Need a License to Fish From Private Property Lakes?
Like a compass pointing north, you need to check private property regulations: generally you still must hold a fishing license unless specific fishing license exemptions apply; verify state rules and landowner permissions before you fish.
Is Catch-And-Release Mandatory for Certain Species Statewide?
Yes — you’ll encounter mandatory catch-and-release for certain species statewide; follow species regulations and posted catch limits carefully, carry proof of licensing, and check updates from the wildlife agency to stay compliant and avoid penalties.
How Are License Fees Used for Habitat Restoration?
Want healthy fisheries for future anglers? You’ll see license fees fund habitat funding and conservation efforts: they pay for stream restoration, wetland creation, invasive control, monitoring, and grants to agencies and partners, ensuring regulatory compliance and recovery.
Conclusion
You’ve got the basics: who needs a Tennessee resident fishing license, the fee options—annual, short-term, senior, lifetime, disability—and extra permits for certain waters or species. You’ll know where to buy or replace a license and which seasons and rules apply, helping you stay compliant and support conservation. Ready to fish with confidence and avoid fines? Keep your license current, carry needed permits, and follow posted regulations to protect resources for all anglers.
