Anyone age 13 and older must have a fishing license to fish in Tennessee public waters. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency manages all fishing licenses and permits throughout the Volunteer State. Children 12 and under do not need a license. Tennessee offers a variety of license options for both residents and non-residents, including short-term permits for visitors and annual licenses for regular anglers. A Social Security Number is required to purchase any Tennessee fishing license, as mandated by federal law.
Quick Reference: Tennessee Fishing License
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual (via Combo) | $33.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual (No Trout) | $49.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual (All Species) | $98.00 |
| License Required Age | 13 and older |
| Youth Exempt | 12 and under |
| Senior Discount | 65+ ($4.00 annual) |
| License Expiration | 365 days from date of purchase |
| Buy Online | GoOutdoorsTennessee.com |
Who Needs a Tennessee Fishing License?
Resident Requirements
Tennessee residents age 13 and older must possess a valid fishing license to fish in public waters throughout the state. To qualify as a resident and purchase resident licenses, you must meet one of several criteria. You can prove residency with a valid Tennessee driver’s license or Tennessee state ID issued by the Department of Safety. Tennessee state law requires drivers to obtain a Tennessee driver’s license within 30 days of establishing residency.
If you do not possess a valid driver’s license from another state but have lived in Tennessee for 90 consecutive days with the genuine intent of making Tennessee your permanent home, you may prove residency by presenting any two of the following documents to a license agent: current Tennessee voter registration card, current Tennessee vehicle registration or title, Form I-94 issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, or current rental/mortgage contract or receipt including deed of sale for property or receipt for payment of Tennessee real estate taxes within the last year.
Military personnel on active duty in Tennessee and their children under 16 years of age who reside with them qualify for resident licenses regardless of their official state of residency. Students enrolled in a Tennessee school, college, or university for at least six months with an appropriate student ID also qualify for resident licenses. Additionally, nonresidents who were born in Tennessee may apply for a Native Tennessean license upon completion of the appropriate application.
Non-Resident Requirements
Non-residents age 13 and older must purchase a non-resident fishing license to fish Tennessee waters. Non-resident licenses are available in multiple durations including 3-day, 10-day, and annual options. Non-resident youth ages 13-15 must purchase an Annual Junior Hunt/Fish license to fish or hunt small game. All non-resident anglers age 16 and older need the appropriate adult non-resident license based on their planned fishing activities and duration of stay.
Tennessee Fishing License Types and Prices
Resident Licenses
| License Type | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap (Ages 13-15) | $9.00 | 365 days from purchase |
| 1-Day Fishing – No Trout (Ages 13-64) | $6.00 | 1 day |
| 1-Day Fishing – All Species (Ages 16-64) | $11.00 | 1 day |
| Combo Hunt/Fish (Ages 16-64) | $33.00 | 365 days from purchase |
| County of Residence Fishing – No Trout (Ages 13+) | $10.00 | 365 days from purchase |
| Annual Trout Supplemental | $21.00 | 365 days from purchase |
| Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap (65+) | $4.00 | 365 days from purchase |
| Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap (65+) | $49.00 | Lifetime |
| Annual Sportsman (Ages 16-64) | $165.00 | 365 days from purchase |
| Senior Sportsman (65+) | $49.00 | 365 days from purchase |
Non-Resident Licenses
| License Type | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Junior Hunt/Fish – No Big Game (Ages 13-15) | $10.00 | 365 days from purchase |
| 3-Day Fishing – No Trout (Age 16+) | $20.00 | 3 days |
| 3-Day Fishing – All Species (Age 16+) | $40.00 | 3 days |
| 10-Day Fishing – No Trout | $30.00 | 10 days |
| 10-Day Fishing – All Species (Age 16+) | $61.00 | 10 days |
| Annual Fishing – No Trout (Age 16+) | $49.00 | 365 days from purchase |
| Annual Fishing – All Species (Age 16+) | $98.00 | 365 days from purchase |
Lifetime Licenses
Tennessee offers lifetime sportsman licenses for residents at varying prices based on age at purchase. These all-inclusive lifetime licenses are valid for hunting, trapping, and sport fishing without requiring any Tennessee supplemental licenses or permits. Lifetime license holders can apply for quota permits at no additional fee.
| Age Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Infant (Under 3 years) | $320.00 |
| Toddler (Ages 3-6) | $659.00 |
| Youth (Ages 7-12) | $988.00 |
| Adult (Ages 13-50) | $1,976.00 |
| Older Adult (Ages 51-64) | $1,153.00 |
| Senior (Ages 65 and over) | $329.00 |
| Adopted Child (Under 13) | $320.00 |
Applications for lifetime licenses are available at www.tnwildlife.org or at regional TWRA offices. Applications may be submitted by email or mail to TWRA offices.
Disability Licenses
Tennessee provides affordable fishing licenses for residents with disabilities. These licenses are only available via application, with forms available at regional offices or online.
| License Type | Price | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Resident Hunting & Fishing Disabled Under 18 | $5.00 | Physician certification of total and permanent disability required |
| Sport Fishing Certified Blind | $10.00 | Certification of blindness required |
| Wheelchair Hunt/Fish Resident License | $10.00 | Permanent wheelchair confinement or 75%+ lower limb amputation |
| Resident Disabled Veteran Hunting and Fishing | $10.00 | VA certification of 30%+ war service disability or 100% service-connected |
| Resident Permanent SSI Intellectually Disabled Fishing | $10.00 | Receiving SSI benefits due to intellectual disability |
| Hunt and Fish Intellectually Disabled Resident | $10.00 | Doctor’s statement verifying intellectual disability |
Who Is Exempt from Needing a Fishing License?
Age Exemptions
Children 12 years old and under do not need a fishing license to fish in Tennessee waters. This exemption applies to both residents and non-residents. However, some special permits may still apply depending on the fishing location.
Tennessee residents age 65 and older can purchase a Senior Annual Hunt/Fish/Trap license for only $4.00 or a Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license for $49.00. These licenses are available at all license agents and can only be purchased on or after the customer’s 65th birthday. A valid Tennessee driver’s license or proof of age and residency is required.
Residents born before March 1, 1926 do not need a license but must be prepared to present proof of age and residency to wildlife officers upon request.
Other Exemptions
Tennessee residents fishing on their own farmland do not need a license. Tenants farming the land they fish are also exempt from license requirements. These exemptions apply only to Tennessee residents on property they own or farm.
Tennessee offers Free Fishing Days when no license is required for anyone to fish. Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day occurs on June 6, 2026. Additionally, Free Fishing Week for youth 15 and under runs from June 6-12, 2026. During these periods, all anglers can fish without a license, though other regulations and special permits may still apply.
Special Permits and Endorsements
Trout Fishing Requirements
Tennessee treats trout fishing separately in many waters throughout the state. To fish for trout legally, you need either a fishing license that includes trout or a base fishing license plus the Annual Trout Supplemental permit for $21.00. The Trout Supplemental must be purchased with either the Combo Hunt/Fish license, County of Residence license, or 1-Day Fishing No Trout license.
Special Trout Permits
| Permit Type | Price | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Tellico-Citico Trout 1-Day | $6.00 | Tellico River, Citico Creek, Green Cove Pond |
| Gatlinburg 1-Day Trout License | $11.00 | Replaces all other licenses for one day in Gatlinburg |
| Gatlinburg 1-Day Trout Permit | $3.00 | Required with base license (residents 13-64, all non-residents 13+) |
| Gatlinburg 3-Day Trout Permit | $9.00 | Multi-day option with base license |
For information on fishing in the Gatlinburg area, contact the Gatlinburg trout facility at 865-436-7549.
TWRA State Lake Permits
To fish TWRA-managed state lakes, anglers need an additional permit beyond their regular fishing license. This is a common requirement that catches many anglers by surprise.
| Permit Type | Price | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Daily State Lake Permit | $6.00 | Valid on all Agency lakes except Lake Halford |
| Annual State Lake Permit | $48.00 | Valid on all Agency lakes except Lake Halford |
Holders of Lifetime, Annual, or Annual Senior Citizen Sportsman’s licenses do not need to purchase lake permits. Resident anglers 65 years of age and older do not need a lake permit but are still required to have a fishing license. Anglers under 16 do not need a lake permit, but those ages 13-15 must have a Junior Fish/Hunt license.
Location-Specific Permits
| Permit Type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bedford Lake 1-Day Fishing | $6.00 | Required for all anglers |
| Lake Halford 1-Day Permit | $6.00 | Required except under 16 or residents 65+ |
| Lake Halford Annual Permit | $48.00 | Required except under 16 or residents 65+ |
| Reelfoot 1-Day Preservation Permit | $3.00 | Required except under 16 or residents 65+ |
| Reelfoot 3-Day Preservation Permit | $10.00 | Multi-day option |
| Reelfoot Annual Preservation Permit | $16.00 | Fishing and access |
| Slat Basket Tag | $10.00 | For certain gear types |
South Holston Reservoir Supplemental
The South Holston Reservoir Supplemental license costs $20.00 for Tennessee residents age 13 and over. This permit allows licensed Tennessee resident anglers to fish the Virginia portion of South Holston Reservoir. This is essentially a Virginia license sold by TWRA, so all license holders, including Sportsman’s License holders, need to purchase this additional license if fishing in Virginia waters.
How to Buy Your Tennessee Fishing License
Online Purchase
The easiest way to purchase your Tennessee fishing license is online through the official GoOutdoorsTennessee.com website. The online system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You can purchase licenses, obtain unlimited free license reprints, and manage your account at any time. A Social Security Number is required to complete any license purchase as mandated by federal law.
The online system allows you to create a customer account where you can store your information, view purchase history, and print replacement licenses at no charge. You can also update your application and hunt choices online, check award status for quota hunts, and manage your personal information including address updates.
In-Person Purchase
Tennessee fishing licenses can be purchased at numerous locations throughout the state. TWRA license agents include sporting goods stores, marinas, county clerks, and other authorized retailers. Regional TWRA offices also sell licenses during normal business hours. When purchasing in person, be prepared to show proof of residency if buying a resident license and provide your Social Security Number.
License Validity and Expiration
Most annual Tennessee fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, not based on a calendar year. For example, if you purchase a license on February 1, it will expire on February 1 of the following year. This applies to the Combo Hunt/Fish license, County of Residence license, Annual Trout Supplemental, and most other annual licenses.
Short-term licenses have specific validity periods. The 1-Day Fishing licenses are valid for one day only. Non-resident 3-Day licenses are valid for three consecutive days, and 10-Day licenses are valid for ten consecutive days from the date of purchase.
Some permits have fixed expiration dates that differ from the standard 365-day format. The Tennessee Migratory Bird Permit expires on June 30 of each year regardless of purchase date. Always check the specific expiration date printed on your license or permit.
If you need a replacement license, you can obtain unlimited free reprints through your account at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com. Tennessee fishing licenses are not transferable between individuals. You must allow inspection of your license by TWRA officers upon request. Refusal to allow inspection is a violation of Tennessee law under TCA 70-6-101.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a fishing license in Tennessee?
Tennessee resident fishing licenses start at $6.00 for a 1-Day Fishing – No Trout license for ages 13-64. The most common resident option is the Combo Hunt/Fish license at $33.00, which provides 365 days of fishing and small game hunting from the date of purchase. Non-resident annual fishing licenses cost $49.00 without trout or $98.00 for all species including trout. Senior residents 65 and older can purchase an annual Hunt/Fish/Trap license for only $4.00 or a permanent lifetime license for $49.00.
Can I buy a TN fishing license online?
Yes, you can purchase Tennessee fishing licenses online 24/7/365 at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com. The online system allows you to buy licenses, get unlimited free license reprints, and manage your account at any time. You will need to provide a Social Security Number as required by federal law. You can also purchase licenses in person at TWRA license agents including sporting goods stores, marinas, county clerks, and regional TWRA offices throughout the state.
Can you get a TN fishing license at Walmart?
Tennessee fishing licenses are available at authorized TWRA license agents, which include sporting goods stores, marinas, and various retailers throughout the state. While specific retailers are not listed in official TWRA documentation, many sporting goods retailers serve as license agents. You can purchase licenses online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com or contact your local TWRA office to find the nearest authorized license agent in your area.
What age do you need a fishing license in Tennessee?
Anyone age 13 and older must have a fishing license to fish in Tennessee public waters. Children 12 years old and under do not need a license to fish. This exemption applies to both residents and non-residents, though some special location permits may still be required depending on where you fish. Tennessee residents born before March 1, 1926 are also exempt from license requirements but must carry proof of age and residency.
Do I need a special permit to fish for trout in Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee requires additional authorization to fish for trout in most waters. You need either a fishing license that includes trout (such as the 1-Day Fishing All Species at $11.00) or a base fishing license plus the Annual Trout Supplemental for $21.00. Special trout permits are also required for certain locations including Gatlinburg ($3.00-$11.00) and Tellico-Citico waters ($6.00 for 1-day). The Annual Sportsman License and Lifetime Sportsman License include trout fishing without additional supplements.
For the most current information and to purchase your license, visit the official Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website or go directly to GoOutdoorsTennessee.com to buy your license online.