Tennessee fishing license prices depend on your age, residency, fishing method, and where you plan to fish. For most residents ages 16–64, the standard base option is the $33 Combination Hunt/Fish Annual license. A $10 County of Residence license is cheaper but has strict limits on location, bait, and trout fishing.
Quick Answer
A Tennessee resident fishing license starts at $6 for one day without trout, $10 for a county-only license, or $33 for the standard annual Combination Hunt/Fish license. Anglers ages 13–15 pay $9 for a junior license. Trout, Gatlinburg, state-lake, and other special-area permits may cost extra.
Key Takeaways
- Children under 13 generally fish without a license, while anglers ages 13–15 need the $9 Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap license.
- The standard resident annual license for ages 16–64 is the $33 Combination Hunt/Fish Annual license.
- The $10 County of Residence license allows only natural bait in the buyer’s home county; it does not allow minnows or artificial lures.
- Trout and certain waters require extra licenses or permits unless your license specifically includes them.
- Most annual licenses last 365 days from purchase, and processing fees apply.
At a Glance
| Time Required | About 5–10 minutes for a routine online purchase |
| Difficulty | Easy, once you know your age, residency, species, and fishing location |
| Tools Needed | Tennessee ID or residency documents, Social Security number, and payment method |
| Cost | Common resident options range from $4 to $165; lifetime licenses range from $320 to $1,976, plus processing fees |
Who Needs a Tennessee Fishing License and Who Is Exempt
Under current Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency guidance, children under 13 generally may fish without a license. Anglers ages 13–15 need a Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap license, and anglers 16 or older need an adult fishing license unless an exemption applies.
A license is also required when you take or attempt to take fish, crayfish, or salamanders, or when you actively assist someone else in doing so. Some waters require special permits even when a person is otherwise license-exempt, so always check the rules for the exact location.
Common exemptions include:
- Qualifying resident farmland owners and family members: Tennessee resident landowners, spouses, children, and children’s spouses may fish on their own qualifying farmland. Other family and tenant exemptions have separate conditions.
- Military personnel on leave: Carry a copy of official leave orders. A pass alone does not qualify.
- Residents born before March 1, 1926: Carry proof of age and Tennessee residency.
- Free fishing events: TWRA sets annual free-fishing dates. Check the current year’s announcement because dates change.
Warning: Owning any private property does not automatically create a blanket exemption. The TWRA landowner exemption is tied to qualifying Tennessee farmland and specific resident family or tenant relationships. Use the agency’s exemption form and confirm your eligibility before fishing without a license.
Following the license and permit rules helps you avoid citations and supports the conservation work funded by Tennessee license dollars.
Annual Resident Fishing License Options and Prices
Tennessee does not list a separate basic resident “annual fishing-only” license for adults. The standard base license for most resident anglers ages 16–64 is the Combination Hunt/Fish Annual license for $33. It covers sport fishing and small-game hunting, but trout and certain special areas can require additional licenses or permits.
The right license depends on more than price: age, bait type, trout plans, home county, and special-area rules can change what you need.
| Resident option | Current fee | Best for / main limits |
| Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap, ages 13–15 | $9 | Covers sport fishing without state supplemental licenses; some WMA or special-site permits may still apply. |
| Combination Hunt/Fish Annual, ages 16–64 | $33 | The standard statewide base license for most resident adult anglers; trout and special permits may cost extra. |
| County of Residence Fishing — No Trout, ages 13+ | $10 | Home county only; natural bait such as worms, crickets, or corn; no minnows or artificial lures. |
| Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap, age 65+ | $4 | Low-cost annual senior option; no state supplemental licenses are required, though some WMA or special permits may still apply. |
| Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap, age 65+ | $49 one time | Permanent basic hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges for qualifying residents. |
| Annual Sportsman, ages 16–64 | $165 | Broad hunting, trapping, and sport-fishing privileges without state supplemental licenses or non-quota permits. |
| Senior Sportsman, age 65+ | $49 | All-inclusive annual sportsman privileges for qualifying seniors. |
Pro Tip: Compare the $4 annual senior license, $49 permanent senior license, and $49 Senior Sportsman license carefully. They cost differently over time and do not offer identical privileges.
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One-Day and Short-Term Resident Permits
Short-term licenses can be cheaper for a single outing, but the species and age limits matter:
- Resident 1-Day Fishing — No Trout, ages 13–64: $6.
- Resident 1-Day Fishing — All Species, ages 16–64: $11.
- Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap, ages 13–15: $9 annually. Because this junior license covers sport fishing without state supplemental licenses, it is usually the relevant option for this age group rather than the adult all-species one-day license.
- Nonresident 3-Day Fishing — No Trout: $20.
- Nonresident 3-Day Fishing — All Species, including trout: $40.
The $10 County of Residence license is another low-cost choice for residents who fish only in their home county with approved natural bait. It is not a short-term permit, and its bait and location limits are much tighter than the standard annual license.
Note: Most Tennessee annual licenses are valid for 365 days from the purchase date, not for a fixed calendar year. Processing fees apply to license purchases.
Gatlinburg uses special trout licenses and permits. The current TWRA fee list shows an $11 one-day Gatlinburg trout license that serves as the only license requirement for that day, or a $3 daily permit and $9 three-day permit used with the appropriate base licenses. Gatlinburg streams are generally closed on Thursdays for stocking, so review the City of Gatlinburg fishing rules before your trip.
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Lifetime and Reduced-Fee Resident Licenses
Tennessee’s Lifetime Sportsman License gives the holder the same broad hunting and fishing privileges as an Annual Sportsman License. It remains valid for life, even if the holder later moves out of Tennessee. The license is nontransferable and its fee is nonrefundable.
Lifetime license prices are age-based: buying for a young child costs less up front, while adult pricing is highest from ages 13 through 50.
| Age category | Lifetime fee |
| Under age 3 | $320 |
| Ages 3–6 | $659 |
| Ages 7–12 | $988 |
| Ages 13–50 | $1,976 |
| Ages 51–64 | $1,153 |
| Age 65+ | $329 |
| Adopted child under 13 | $320 |
Applicants generally must meet Tennessee residency requirements and submit the documents listed by TWRA. Review the current license fee and application page before applying.
Reduced-fee disability licenses include several one-time $10 options, such as qualifying blind sport-fishing, wheelchair-restricted hunting and fishing, resident disabled veteran hunting and fishing, and certain intellectual-disability licenses. A resident disabled applicant under 18 may qualify for a $5 annual license. Eligibility certifications are required, and some WMA, federal, or special permits can still be necessary.
The Resident Disabled Veteran license requires qualifying Department of Veterans Affairs certification. The wheelchair-restricted license requires medical certification. These licenses are not ordinary online purchases, so use the current TWRA application and instructions.
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Required Supplemental Permits and Special Area Fees
A base fishing license does not always cover trout or every managed water. Check both the statewide license list and the regulations for the exact lake, reservoir, stream, or city water you will fish.
- Annual Trout Supplemental — $21: Used with an eligible base license to fish for trout. Junior, sportsman, lifetime, and qualifying senior licenses may already include state supplemental privileges.
- South Holston Reservoir Supplemental — $20, ages 13+: Allows licensed Tennessee resident anglers to fish the Virginia portion of South Holston Reservoir. Even Sportsman license holders need it for the Virginia side.
- Tellico-Citico Trout 1-Day Permit — $6: Required seasonally for Tellico River and Citico Creek and year-round for Green Cove Pond; TWRA lists it as required for all ages.
- TWRA State Lake Permit — $6 daily or $48 annual: Required in addition to the base fishing license at covered TWRA state lakes for residents ages 16–64 and nonresidents ages 16+.
- Bedford Lake 1-Day Permit — $6.
- Gatlinburg Trout Permit — $3 daily or $9 for three days: Used with the appropriate fishing licenses. The separate $11 one-day Gatlinburg trout license is the only license requirement for that one day.
- Lake Halford Permit — $6 daily or $48 annual: Required for covered recreation users, with listed age exemptions.
The County of Residence Fishing — No Trout license for $10 is a base license, not a supplemental permit. It limits you to your home county and approved natural bait; it does not allow minnows or artificial lures. Add the $21 trout supplement if you plan to fish for trout under that license.
The $37 Supplemental Waterfowl license mentioned in some license lists is a hunting supplement, not a fishing permit. It does not expand fishing privileges.
Warning: A Sportsman or lifetime license covers many state supplements, but not every cross-border or site-specific requirement. South Holston’s Virginia-side license is a key example.
How to Buy, Replace, and Manage Your License
You can buy most Tennessee fishing licenses through Go Outdoors Tennessee, a licensed agent, or a TWRA regional office. County clerks, sporting-goods stores, hardware stores, boat docks, and many large retailers may also serve as agents.
Specialty licenses, including many disability and lifetime licenses, use separate applications and document requirements. They may not follow the same instant online process as a standard annual license.
Where to Purchase
- Choose the correct license: Confirm your age, residency, target species, bait, and fishing location.
- Gather your information: Tennessee ID or qualifying residency documents, Social Security number, and payment method.
- Buy online or from an agent: Online purchases can be accessed immediately through your account; agents and regional offices can help with in-person purchases.
- Check the cart before paying: Review effective dates, expiration dates, processing fees, and any needed trout or special-area permits.
- Keep proof available: Save or print a copy and make sure you can present a valid license when requested.
For phone assistance, contact the TWRA License Section and Agency Sales office at 615-781-5270. Current TWRA purchase instructions direct anglers to the website, licensed agents, or regional offices rather than promising a general phone-purchase service.
Replace a Lost License
If you lose your standard annual license, sign in to Go Outdoors Tennessee and print another active copy at no charge. TWRA also says a license can be replaced through a licensed agent.
The current fee page does not list an $8 replacement charge for an ordinary fishing-license reprint. Do not confuse a free active-license reprint with replacement hunter-education cards, hard-card products, boat documents, or other items that may have separate fees.
Manage Your Online Account
Your Go Outdoors Tennessee account is available 24/7 and can be used to:
- Buy eligible licenses and permits.
- Get unlimited free reprints of active licenses.
- Update your address and account information.
- Manage auto-renew payment methods for eligible products.
- Review license status and purchase history.
Pro Tip: Before checking out, open the product details and confirm whether the license includes trout and whether your destination has a separate city, lake, or cross-border permit.
Common Rules, Age Limits, Residency, and Special Eligibility
Age is only one part of eligibility. Tennessee also uses residency rules, special license categories, and proof requirements.
Age Requirements
- Under 13: Generally no fishing license is required, although certain permits may apply to all ages.
- Ages 13–15: Buy the $9 Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap license before the 16th birthday.
- Ages 16–64: Buy an adult license, such as the $33 Combination Hunt/Fish Annual license, plus any needed trout or special-area permit.
- Age 65+: Qualifying residents can choose the $4 annual senior license, $49 permanent senior license, $49 Senior Sportsman license, or an age-based lifetime option.
Residents born before March 1, 1926 may fish without a license if they carry proof of age and residency. Military personnel on leave must carry official leave orders.
Residency and Required Documents
A resident license can generally be purchased with a valid Tennessee driver’s license or Tennessee state ID. A person without those documents may qualify after living in Tennessee for 90 consecutive days with the genuine intent to make Tennessee a permanent home and presenting two accepted residency documents.
Other resident-license pathways include military personnel on active duty in Tennessee and children under 16 who live with them, certain students enrolled in Tennessee for at least six months, and nonresidents born in Tennessee who complete the Native Tennessean application. A Social Security number is required to purchase a Tennessee hunting or fishing license.
Special Eligibility Rules
Nonresidents who were born in Tennessee may apply for a Native Tennessean annual license at resident-equivalent prices. First-time applicants must submit the required application; approved applicants can later renew through the online system.
Qualifying disabled residents, disabled veterans, blind anglers, and residents permanently restricted to wheelchairs can apply for reduced-fee licenses with the required medical, Social Security, or Department of Veterans Affairs certification.
Licenses are not transferable. Giving false information to obtain a license can lead to penalties, and anglers must allow wildlife officers to inspect proof of licensing when required by law.
Note: Fishing rules, fees, and special-area requirements can change. Check the current Tennessee fishing regulations and license fee page before each trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license for a private pond on my property?
A qualifying Tennessee resident landowner and certain family members may fish without a license on their own qualifying farmland. The exemption is not a blanket rule for every privately owned pond or ownership structure. Other anglers need the owner’s permission and must hold the required license unless another exemption applies.
Can I transfer my license to another resident?
No. Tennessee licenses are not transferable. The other person must qualify for and obtain their own license.
Are fishing licenses refundable if I move out of state?
Do not assume a standard license will be refunded because you move. TWRA specifically states that Lifetime Sportsman License fees are nonrefundable and that the lifetime license remains valid after the holder moves out of Tennessee. Contact the TWRA License Section for a decision about any other product.
Do license fees fund local conservation projects?
Yes. TWRA states that 100% of license dollars support wildlife conservation in Tennessee. That funding helps support fisheries management, habitat work, law enforcement, access, education, and related wildlife programs.
Can I fish across state lines with a Tennessee license?
Only where a current reciprocal agreement or special license allows it. Certain portions of Kentucky Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, and the Big South Fork recognize Tennessee or Kentucky sport-fishing licenses. For the Virginia side of South Holston Reservoir, Tennessee residents need the $20 South Holston supplemental license and must follow the applicable state rules.
How long is a Tennessee annual fishing license valid?
Most annual licenses and permits are valid for 365 days from the purchase date unless the product has a fixed expiration date. Check the effective and expiration dates shown before checkout.
Does a 13- to 15-year-old need a separate trout license?
The $9 Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap license includes state supplemental fishing privileges, so a separate annual trout supplement is not required. Site-specific or all-ages permits can still apply.
Sources
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency — License Structure and Fees — current resident, nonresident, lifetime, disability, trout, and special-permit prices.
- Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency — Frequently Asked Questions — age rules, senior eligibility, county-license restrictions, and replacement guidance.
- Go Outdoors Tennessee — license purchasing, account management, and free active-license reprints.
- Tennessee Fishing Guide and Regulations — current statewide fishing rules and 2026–27 updates.
- TWRA Statewide Regulations and Creel and Length Limits — South Holston and interstate-water rules.
- City of Gatlinburg — Fishing — Gatlinburg license combinations and local trout requirements.
Conclusion
Choose a Tennessee fishing license by matching your age, residency, destination, bait, and target species. Most resident adults ages 16–64 start with the $33 Combination Hunt/Fish Annual license, while juniors pay $9 and seniors have several reduced-fee choices. Add trout or special-area permits where required, keep proof of your license available, and recheck TWRA rules before each trip because fees and regulations can change.
