Tennessee Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
How much is a fishing license in Tennessee (TN)?
A resident annual Tennessee fishing license costs $49.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license is $80.00. Tennessee also offers short-term day passes for out-of-state visitors and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
How does Tennessee compare? See the 2026 fishing license cost by state price index.
🎫 Buy a Tennessee Fishing License →Fishing in Tennessee
Tennessee is reservoirs and cold tailwaters. The Tennessee River lakes are world-class smallmouth and largemouth water — Chickamauga regularly produces giant bass — and they hold striped bass, crappie and catfish. Below the dams, the South Holston, Watauga and Caney Fork grow trophy brown and rainbow trout in classic tailwater fashion. A trout permit covers the cold water, and the warmwater fishing runs strong all year.
Tennessee Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$49.00
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$80.00
Non-Resident 3-Day
Freshwater
$40.00
Non-Resident 10-Day
Freshwater
$61.00
Senior (65+)
Freshwater
$4.00
TN resident 65+: $4 annual (or $49 permanent). Free if born before 3/1/1926.
Youth (under 13)
Free✅ Prices verified August 2026 from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Tennessee fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Tennessee. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 13 do not need a license. No licence is required for ages 12 and under to take fish or game.
- Seniors (65+)
- No $5 product exists. Residents 65+ buy a $4.00 Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap licence, purchasable once the 65th birthday is reached, or a one-time $49.00 Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap licence. Residents born before March 1, 1926 fish completely free.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Tennessee residents certified permanently and totally disabled qualify for reduced-fee disabled licences through TWRA; blind residents may fish without a licence.
- Veterans & military
- Resident disabled veterans rated 30% or more service-connected qualify for a reduced-fee TWRA licence; active-duty Tennessee residents on leave may fish without a licence.
- Free fishing days (2027)
- Saturday, June 12, 2027 — Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day; everyone can fish for free in Tennessee's public waters, no licence required, at any age. Free Fishing Week runs June 12–18, 2027, during which children 15 and under fish free all week. Applies to public waters, Agency-owned lakes and state park facilities; some private pay lakes may still charge.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Where to buy a Tennessee fishing license
Online (cheapest): buy directly from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency — that’s the cheapest option, with no third-party markup.
In person: most sporting goods retailers (Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Walmart) and many tackle shops in Tennessee also sell licenses.
Tennessee Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Tennessee species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth/Smallmouth BassStatewide general; Chickamauga and many lakes set slot rules | 5 | No limit | Year-round |
| CrappieVaries by reservoir | 15 | 10" | Year-round |
| TroutSouth Holston/Watauga have trophy-brown rules | 7 | No limit | Year-round (tailwaters) |
| SaugerStatewide 10/day, 15-inch minimum; river-specific limits apply | 10 | 15" | Year-round |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Tennessee Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Tennessee?
A resident annual fishing license in Tennessee costs $49.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license costs $80.00. Tennessee also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
How much is an out-of-state fishing license in Tennessee?
An out-of-state (non-resident) annual fishing license in Tennessee costs $80.00. For a shorter trip, Tennessee also sells 3-Day, 10-Day licenses. Buy online from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency before you fish.
Do you need a fishing license in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 13 are exempt. No $5 product exists. Residents 65+ buy a $4.00 Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap licence, purchasable once the 65th birthday is reached, or a one-time $49.00 Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap licence. Residents born before March 1, 1926 fish completely free. Always confirm current rules with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency before you fish.
Where do you buy a Tennessee fishing license?
Buy directly from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Tennessee.
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