If you’re a Tennessee resident, you’ll pay $9 for a junior (ages 13–15) license, $33 for an annual hunt/fish (ages 16–64), $165 for an annual Sportsman package, and $10 for county‑of‑residence local fishing; seniors and lifetime options are considerably cheaper or one‑time fees. There are disability, permanent senior, and lifetime tiers plus trout or special‑area supplements. Buy online, at vendors, or TWRA offices; keep ID and residency proof handy if claiming exemptions — more specifics follow.
Who Needs a Tennessee Fishing License?
Who needs a Tennessee fishing license? You need one if you’re 13 or older fishing in public waters; this is central to the fishing regulations overview and guarantees legal compliance.
You don’t need a license if you’re under 16—children fish free to encourage youth participation. Residents born before March 1, 1926, are exempt provided you verify age and residency with acceptable documentation.
Military personnel on leave don’t need a license when they present proof of active duty status and Tennessee residency. Landowners fishing on their private property are also exempt, removing regulatory burden for private-use activities.
When you prepare for the license application process, confirm age, residency, and military documentation requirements to determine whether an exemption applies.
Follow the state’s instructions precisely: incomplete or inaccurate proof can trigger denial. This concise, technical guidance helps you determine eligibility quickly and aligns your actions with Tennessee’s regulatory framework.
Resident License Types and Prices
Because your choice of resident license determines what activities and waters you can access, review the options and fees carefully before applying. You’ll evaluate license eligibility and perform a pricing comparison to match intended use with cost. The Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license (ages 13–15) costs $9 and covers hunting and fishing. The annual Hunt/Fish license (ages 16–64) is $33 and permits small game hunting plus fishing without supplements. The Annual Sportsman License ($165) covers all hunting, trapping, and fishing. Seniors (65+) can purchase a Senior Sportsman License at $49. If you only fish in your home county, the County of Residence Fishing License costs $10 and has bait restrictions.
| License type | Age/eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap | 13–15 | $9 |
| Annual Hunt/Fish | 16–64 | $33 |
| Annual Sportsman | Resident any eligible | $165 |
Lifetime and Reduced-Fee Options
If you plan to fish or hunt long-term, consider lifetime and reduced-fee resident options that lower long‑term costs and expand access: You’ll evaluate lifetime benefits and immediate savings through a clear fee comparison.
Lifetime Sportsman Licenses scale by age: $320 for infants and adopted children under 13, up to $1,976 for adults. That one-time purchase eliminates recurring annual fees and simplifies long-term budgeting.
Seniors 65+ qualify for a Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license at $49, a minimal outlay that preserves access with negligible administrative overhead.
Resident Disability Licenses — including Sport Fishing Certified Blind and Wheelchair Hunt/Fish — cost $10 each, ensuring equitable participation with near-zero cost barriers. Residents born before March 1, 1926, are exempt and may fish without a license.
Use a fee comparison matrix to quantify break-even points: calculate your expected years of participation versus one-time lifetime costs to decide which option yields the best fiscal and access outcome for your circumstances.
Supplemental Permits and Special Area Fees
Lifetime or reduced-fee licenses cut recurring costs, but you’ll still need supplemental permits for specific species, waters, and special areas that add fixed charges to trips. You’ll follow supplemental license requirements that layer onto base licenses: trout anglers must buy the $21 Annual Trout Supplemental License in addition to a primary fishing license; South Holston Reservoir requires a $20 Virginia-portion supplemental; Gatlinburg and other special areas mandate daily or site permits (Daily Trout Permit $11.50 for non-residents 13+). You’ll also see county-specific options like the $10 County of Residence Fishing License (No Trout) with bait restrictions. Big game and waterfowl hunters face separate supplemental fees (Big Game $33 each method; Waterfowl $37). These special fishing fees are fixed, predictable costs you must budget per trip or season.
| Permit | Cost | When Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Trout | $21 | Trout fishing |
| South Holston | $20 | VA reservoir waters |
| Daily Trout | $11.50 | Gatlinburg/non-residents |
How to Buy and Replace Your License
You can buy a Tennessee resident fishing license online at the TWRA website, by phone through the TWRA licensing helpline, or in person at regional offices and authorized retailers such as Walmart.
If you lose your license, you can print a free replacement from your TWRA online account or obtain a hard copy for $8 at any TWRA office.
Keep your address updated in your TWRA account so replacements and regulatory notifications reach you.
Where to Buy
Because Tennessee keeps its licensing system digital-first, you can buy and manage fishing licenses 24/7 through the TWRA website, print a free copy instantly from your account, or visit TWRA regional offices, participating sporting goods stores, and many Walmart locations to purchase in person.
Use online purchasing for immediate access, rapid renewals, and account updates; you’ll print a no-cost temporary license or display it on your device.
If you prefer face-to-face service, local retailers and TWRA offices sell licenses and provide assistance. Should you need a hard copy replacement, TWRA offices issue one for an $8 fee.
The TWRA online account consolidates purchases, personal data updates, and license retrieval, giving you continuous control and minimizing downtime when you need documentation while angling.
Replacement Process
When you lose your fishing license, the TWRA system lets you print a replacement instantly from your online account or obtain a hard copy at any TWRA office for an $8 fee.
You’ll use online account management to access your license replacement options, verify identity, and print a compliant document immediately. If you prefer a physical card, visit a TWRA office and pay the $8 processing charge.
The TWRA website also supports purchasing a new license when required and guides you through secure payment. Update your address and auto-renewal payment methods within the same portal to avoid future lapses.
Maintain account credentials and confirm contact details so replacement options remain accessible and you stay legally covered while fishing.
Rules, Age Limits, and Exemptions
You must carry a Tennessee resident fishing license if you’re 13 or older; children under 13 fish free.
Certain groups—residents born before March 1, 1926, and active-duty military on leave with proof of status and Tennessee residency—are exempt but must present documentation.
Junior Hunt/Fish and County of Residence licenses offer reduced, specific privileges and fees that you should confirm before fishing.
Age-Based License Rules
Although age determines license type and exemptions, Tennessee keeps rules straightforward: children under 13 may fish free (but the adult supervising them must hold a valid license).
Anglers 13–15 qualify for a $9 Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license with no supplemental permits required.
Residents 16 and older must carry a valid fishing license (annual resident fee $33).
Seniors 65+ can opt for a $49 Senior Sportsman License that covers fishing without extra permits.
Residents born before March 1, 1926, are exempt if they provide proof of age and residency.
You’ll follow clear youth fishing and license requirements based on age brackets.
Key points:
- Ages 0–12: no license for the child; supervising adult must be licensed.
- Ages 13–15: $9 junior license, no supplements.
- Ages 16+: $33 annual resident license; seniors may choose $49 Senior Sportsman.
Exemptions and Exceptions
Because Tennessee law carves out several clear exemptions, you should know which anglers are covered so you don’t buy an unnecessary license.
You’re exempt if you’re under 13; no license is required. Military personnel on leave are exempt when they present proof of active duty plus Tennessee residency documentation that meets exemption criteria.
Residents born before March 1, 1926, are exempt provided they complete age verification and residency proof. Landowners fishing on their private property don’t need a license for on‑site angling.
Note that seniors aged 65 and over aren’t fully exempt but qualify for a reduced‑fee senior license to promote participation.
Always carry supporting documents and confirm current statutes to validate exemption status.
Tips for Saving Money on Licensing
When budgeting for fishing, prioritize license options that cover the most activities for the lowest cost so you get maximum value without unnecessary purchases.
For budget fishing, you should evaluate which permit satisfies routine needs: a $10 County of Residence Fishing License covers local waters; the $165 Annual Sportsman License eliminates most supplemental fees; the $49 Senior Sportsman License provides steep license discounts for eligible anglers.
Check age-based options: a Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license is $9 for ages 13–15.
- Buy the single permit that covers your typical activities to avoid stacking fees.
- Choose age- or residency-based licenses (Junior, Senior, County) before higher-cost statewide options.
- Monitor Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency seasonal promotions for temporary discounts.
You’ll save most by matching license type to usage frequency and eligibility, verifying current promotions, and replacing multiple short-term permits with an annual sportsman license when your activity profile justifies the higher upfront cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Tennessee License in Neighboring States’ Waters?
Usually no — you’ll need to follow Tennessee fishing regulations where specified, but neighboring states’ rules often require their licenses for waters within their jurisdiction; check boundary maps and reciprocity agreements before fishing across state lines.
Are License Fees Tax-Deductible for Anglers?
Yes — but rarely. Hold on: professional anglers can claim license fee deductions as ordinary business expenses, while recreational fishers generally can’t; consult tax code and a CPA to classify fishing expenses tax treatment correctly.
Do Fishing Tournaments Require Separate Permits?
Yes, you’ll usually need separate permits; tournament regulations often impose additional permit requirements beyond standard licenses. You’re responsible for securing event-specific permits, adhering to reporting, catch limits, area restrictions, and organizer compliance documentation.
Will Lost Fish Count Toward Creel Limits?
You don’t get to inflate your tally with tragic slapstick — lost fish generally don’t count. Regulations vary, so consult lost catch regulations; creel limit enforcement usually requires retained possession or immediate reporting to authorities.
Are There Discounts for Military Veterans?
Yes — you’ll often get military discounts; many agencies offer veteran benefits on licenses. Check your state fish and wildlife website for eligibility, required ID, and specific reduced fees or free-license programs before applying.
Conclusion
You’re the steward of Tennessee’s waters, and your license is the key that opens access while protecting fish populations. Think of it as a calibrated instrument—an investment that aligns your responsibility, legal compliance, and access rights. Whether you choose an annual, lifetime, or reduced-fee option, the permit converts your intent to fish into regulated stewardship. Keep it current, carry it, and you’ll help balance recreation, conservation, and the health of the resource.
