If you live in Tennessee and fish regularly, you’ll pay $34 for a full annual resident fishing license or just $10 for a county‑of‑residence license that limits you to local waters. There are cheaper options for juniors and seniors, one‑day permits for quick trips, lifetime and reduced‑fee licenses for veterans and disabled residents, plus trout and special‑area supplements. Buy online, print instantly, or get help at TWRA offices — keep going for details on exemptions and permit rules.
Who Needs a Tennessee Fishing License and Who Is Exempt
If you plan to fish Tennessee’s public waters, you’ll need a state fishing license once you’re 13 or older; children under 16 may fish free, while certain people—residents born before March 1, 1926 (with proof), active-duty military on leave who can show service and Tennessee residency, and landowners fishing on their private property—are exempt.
You must understand age eligibility: anyone 13 or older needs a license for public waters, while those under 16 fish free without one.
Know the common license exemptions and the documentation required to claim them. Bring proof of age and residency if you were born before March 1, 1926, and carry military orders plus proof of Tennessee residency if you’re exempt while on leave.
If you’re a landowner fishing on your private property, you don’t need a license.
Follow these rules to avoid citations and help conserve Tennessee’s fisheries.
Annual Resident Fishing License Options and Prices
Now that you know who needs a license and who’s exempt, let’s look at the resident annual options and what they cost.
Now that you know who needs a license and who’s exempt, compare resident annual options and costs to find the right fit.
You can choose a basic Annual Resident Fishing License at $34, which lets you fish statewide in public waters — a solid balance of license benefits and affordability.
If you live and fish only within your county, a County of Residence license runs $10 and covers local waters at a lower cost.
Younger anglers aged 13–15 can get a Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license for $10 annually, making entry-level participation inexpensive.
Residents 65 and older should consider the Senior Sportsman license at $49 for extensive fishing privileges tailored to seniors.
For maximum access, the Annual Sportsman License costs $165 for ages 16–64 and includes all hunting, trapping, and fishing activities.
Use this pricing comparison to match your budget and intended use before buying the license that fits your fishing goals.
One-Day and Short-Term Resident Permits
Need a short-term option? You can choose one-day and short-term fishing permits that fit limited outings without committing to an annual license.
For residents, a One-Day Fishing License costs $11 and covers all species in Tennessee waters, making it ideal for quick trips or emergency plans. If you’re 13–15, a Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license is $9 annually and lets you fish without extra permits.
The County of Residence Fishing License runs $10 and restricts you to fishing within your home county (no trout). While those are resident-focused choices, the state also offers 3-day non-resident options ($20 for no trout, $40 for all species) that illustrate short term fishing pricing for visitors.
Remember special-site rules: locations like Gatlinburg require separate permits (a one-day trout permit is $11.50) even if you’d otherwise be covered.
These temporary licenses keep costs low and let you fish legally for brief trips.
Lifetime and Reduced-Fee Resident Licenses
While lifetime and reduced-fee resident licenses require a larger up-front commitment, they cut long-term costs and expand access for seniors, disabled residents, veterans, and young adopted children.
Lifetime and reduced-fee resident licenses require higher up-front costs but lower long-term expenses and broaden access for seniors, veterans, and youth
You’ll see clear lifetime license benefits in Tennessee: prices scale by age — $320 for infants and adopted children under 13, up to $1,976 for adults — and the license stays valid even if you move out of state, locking in future savings.
If you’re 65 or older, a Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap License costs just $49, giving you ongoing access without annual renewals.
Reduced fee options support disabled residents and veterans: the Resident Disabled Veteran License and the Wheelchair Hunt/Fish Resident License each cost $10, making fishing affordable.
Choosing a lifetime or reduced-fee license reduces paperwork, removes yearly renewal hassle, and guarantees broader access for families and those with mobility or financial constraints.
Compare costs by age and status to decide which option fits your long-term plans.
Required Supplemental Permits and Special Area Fees
Supplemental permits and special-area fees add to your base fishing license when you want access to certain waters or activities, so check requirements before you go.
You’ll often need supplemental licenses or special permits in addition to your resident license.
- County of Residence Fishing License (No Trout) — $10: limits you to fishing within your county and enforces bait restrictions.
- Annual Trout Supplemental License — $21: required along with another fishing license to fish designated trout waters.
- South Holston (Virginia portion) Supplemental License — $20: needed for that reservoir’s Virginia side.
- Gatlinburg Trout Fishing permits — $3 daily or $9 for three days: special permits for short-term access, available to residents and nonresidents.
Also note the Waterfowl License ($37) is a supplemental permit for waterfowl hunting compliance.
Always confirm which supplemental licenses or special permits the specific waterbody or activity requires before you head out.
How to Buy, Replace, and Manage Your License
You can buy a Tennessee fishing license online at the TWRA website, at TWRA regional offices, or at retail locations like Walmart.
If you lose your license, you can print a free replacement from your online account or request a hard copy for $8 at any TWRA office.
Manage your account online to update details, set up auto-renewal, and access unlimited free reprints.
Where to Purchase
Wondering where to buy or replace your Tennessee fishing license? You can get one quickly online via the TWRA site—print instantly and plan trips to fishing hotspots while enjoying license benefits.
You can also purchase by phone through the TWRA licensing helpline with a card.
- TWRA website — instant print, manage account, free reprints, vessel and camping services.
- TWRA regional offices — in-person purchases, hard copy replacement available for $8.
- Sporting goods stores — convenient retail locations near popular waters.
- Walmart — widespread access for quick transactions.
Manage your account online to update info, check status, and reprint licenses anytime. These options keep you legal and on the water with minimal hassle.
Replace Lost License
Lost your Tennessee fishing license? You can print a replacement license for free from your online account, so you’ll have proof quickly.
If you want a mailed hard copy, visit any TWRA office and get a replacement for $8. The replacement process is straightforward: log into your TWRA account, select license history, and choose the print or reissue option.
TWRA also lets you purchase or replace licenses via their website or by phone if you prefer help. Keep your personal information current online to guarantee the replacement process goes smoothly and to avoid delays.
Accounts are available 24/7/365, so you can handle lost license issues and renewals whenever it’s convenient.
Manage Online Account
Having a replacement in hand is simple, and the same TWRA online account makes buying, replacing, and managing your fishing license fast and convenient.
You can purchase a Tennessee license, print it instantly, and reprint unlimited free copies whenever you need one. Use these online account benefits and license management tips to stay compliant and prepared.
- Buy online: complete the transaction and print your license immediately.
- Replace free: reprint lost licenses from your account or get an $8 hard copy at a TWRA office.
- Update info: change your address, check application status, and manage vessel registration 24/7.
- Auto-renew: set up recurring payments to avoid lapses and simplify renewals.
Common Rules, Age Limits, and Special Eligibility
Before you buy a Tennessee fishing license, know the age thresholds and who qualifies for special exemptions.
Kids under 13 fish free (with a licensed adult), ages 13–15 use a $9 junior license, and residents 16–64 pay $33.
Lifetime options, reduced senior fees (age 65+), exemptions for those born before March 1, 1926, and active-duty military on leave with proof of residency also apply.
Age Requirements
Who needs a license and at what age? You should know the age limits and fishing regulations that determine who pays and who’s exempt.
- Ages under 13: you can fish without a license.
- Ages 13–15: you must get a Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license for $9, which covers fishing without supplemental permits.
- Ages 16 and up: you must buy an annual fishing license — $33 for a Combo Hunt/Fish or $165 for an Annual Sportsman License.
- Seniors 65+: you qualify for a reduced Senior Sportsman License at $49 with proof of age and residency.
Also note military on leave with active-duty proof and residents born before March 1, 1926, may fish without a license.
Special Eligibility Rules
When special eligibility rules apply, they clarify who pays, who’s exempt, and what proof you need to show — for example, residents aged 13–15 can get a Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license for $10 annually (letting them fish without supplemental permits).
Seniors 65+ qualify for a reduced $49 Senior Sportsman License, and military personnel and their children may obtain resident licenses with active-duty proof.
Additionally, non-residents born in Tennessee can apply for a Native Tennessean license, and children under 16 fish free unless they’re actively assisting, in which case a license is required.
You should verify Junior license eligibility before buying. For Military license benefits, present active-duty documentation to qualify as a resident.
Check ID and birth records for special categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need a Fishing License for Private Ponds on My Property?
You generally don’t need a license to fish your private ponds, but you should check private property regulations and local pond fishing exemptions because rules vary by state; follow stocking, species, and access limits to stay compliant.
Can I Transfer My License to Another Resident?
No, you usually can’t transfer your license to another resident; check the license transfer process and resident angler regulations with your state agency. They’ll explain exceptions, required documentation, and how to reissue or obtain a new license if needed.
Are Fishing Licenses Refundable if I Move Out of State?
Generally no, you won’t get a refund if you move; check specific license refund policies and interstate fishing regulations, because some states offer prorated returns or transfers but most deny refunds once issued.
Do License Fees Fund Local Conservation Projects?
Yes — your license fee allocation directly supports conservation funding; agencies use fees to maintain habitats, stock fish, monitor ecosystems, and run education programs, so your purchase helps fund local projects and long-term resource protection.
Can I Fish Across State Lines With a Tennessee License?
Yes — but only with restrictions. About 15% of U.S. waterways span borders, so you’ll need to follow interstate fishing regulations and Tennessee fishing laws, obtain permits where required, and check reciprocal agreements before you fish across state lines.
Conclusion
You’re ready to cast like a local, knowing who needs a Tennessee license, what options and fees fit your plans, and which permits or area fees might apply. Like a seasoned guide steering you past hidden shoals, this summary keeps you on the right bank — buy, replace, or manage your license correctly, respect age and exemption rules, and enjoy fishing confidently and legally. Keep your papers handy and fish on.
