Most anglers age 13 or older need a valid Tennessee fishing license, although the exact license depends on age, residency, trip length, target species, and fishing location. For current base fees, Tennessee residents can pay $6 for a one-day no-trout license, $11 for a one-day all-species license, or $33 for the annual Combination Hunt/Fish license. Nonresidents can choose options including $20 for three-day no-trout fishing, $40 for three-day all-species fishing, $49 for annual no-trout fishing, or $98 for an annual all-species license. Processing fees may apply.
Last updated: September 19, 2026. Fees and license rules were checked against current Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency guidance.
Quick Answer
Most residents and nonresidents age 13 or older need a Tennessee fishing license. Anglers ages 13-15 generally use a junior license, while adult licenses apply from age 16. Current resident base fees include $6 for one-day no-trout fishing, $11 for one-day all-species fishing, and $33 for the annual Combination Hunt/Fish license. Nonresident adult options range from $20 for three-day no-trout fishing to $98 for an annual all-species license. Trout, Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, and some TWRA-managed lakes can require additional or different permits. Check the exact water you plan to fish before buying.
Key Takeaways
- Residents and nonresidents under age 13 generally do not need a Tennessee fishing license, although certain special permits can still apply.
- Ages 13-15 generally require a junior license; anglers age 16 and older need the appropriate adult license.
- Current resident fees include $6 for one-day no-trout fishing, $11 for one-day all-species fishing, and $33 for the annual Combination Hunt/Fish license.
- Current nonresident adult fees include $20 for three-day no-trout, $40 for three-day all-species, $49 for annual no-trout, and $98 for annual all-species fishing.
- Annual licenses and permits are generally valid for 365 days from the purchase date unless the specific license says otherwise.
- You can buy licenses through Go Outdoors Tennessee, the TWRA On the Go app, TWRA license agents, regional offices, county clerks, and many retail agents.
Tennessee Fishing License Requirements
If you’re planning to fish in Tennessee, start with your age, residency status, target species, and fishing location. Residents and nonresidents under age 13 generally do not need a standard license. Anglers ages 13-15 generally need the appropriate junior license, while anglers age 16 and older need an adult fishing license unless a specific exemption applies.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, or TWRA, manages the state licensing system. Current licenses can be purchased through Go Outdoors Tennessee, and TWRA publishes the current license structure and fees on its License Structure and Fees page.
Trout fishing and certain managed waters can change what you need. A resident fishing for trout may need an Annual Trout Supplemental license unless trout privileges are already included in the chosen license. Gatlinburg waters, Tellico-Citico waters, and many TWRA fishing lakes have separate permit rules.
Annual licenses and permits are generally valid for 365 days from the date of purchase unless otherwise stated on the license. That means Tennessee no longer follows the old blanket rule that annual fishing licenses expire at the end of February.
Warning: Check the current TWRA fee page or Go Outdoors Tennessee checkout before paying. Tennessee considered a license-fee increase in 2025 but withdrew it, and additional fee changes were proposed again in 2026. Use the fee that is actually shown in the current licensing system rather than a future proposal or an old screenshot.
Who Needs a Tennessee Fishing License?
In most Tennessee fishing situations, anyone age 13 or older needs an appropriate license unless a specific exemption applies. Children under 13 may generally fish without a standard license, although special-location permits can still apply in some waters.
Residents and nonresidents use different license categories. Tennessee also has special rules for junior anglers, senior residents, qualifying landowners, active-duty military personnel, students, disabled residents, and Native Tennesseans who now live outside the state.
Age Requirements for License
Tennessee divides recreational anglers into several useful age groups:
- Age 12 and under: Residents and nonresidents generally do not need a standard Tennessee fishing license, although certain special permits can still be required.
- Ages 13-15: A junior license generally applies. The current resident Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap license is $9, while the current nonresident annual junior Hunt/Fish combination is $10.
- Age 16 and older: The appropriate adult resident or nonresident license is generally required unless the angler qualifies for an exemption.
- Residents age 65 and older: Tennessee offers senior license options. Residents born before March 1, 1926, do not need a standard hunting or fishing license, while other senior residents generally still need an appropriate senior license.
Residency Status Verification
Your residency status affects both the license choices and the fees available to you. A valid Tennessee driver’s license or Tennessee state ID is a standard way to establish resident status for licensing purposes.
For a person who does not drive or possess a valid driver’s license from another state, Tennessee also provides a residency route based on living in the state for at least 90 consecutive days with the genuine intent to make Tennessee a permanent home. Supporting documents may be required. Active-duty military personnel stationed in Tennessee and certain students enrolled in Tennessee for at least six months may also qualify under special residency provisions.
Do not select resident pricing simply because you own Tennessee property, visit frequently, or have relatives in the state. Use the residency category that matches TWRA’s current eligibility rules.
Note: A Social Security Number is required to purchase a Tennessee hunting or fishing license. Have your identification and any required residency documentation ready before checkout.
Resident Fishing License Costs
For Tennessee residents, the right license depends mainly on age, how long you plan to fish, whether you want trout privileges, and whether a restricted county-only license works for you. The fees below are current TWRA base fees; processing fees can be added at purchase.
| Resident License | Who It Fits | Current Base Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap | Ages 13-15 | $9 |
| 1-Day Fishing – No Trout | Ages 13-64 | $6 |
| 1-Day Fishing – All Species | Ages 16-64; includes trout | $11 |
| Combination Hunt/Fish Annual | Ages 16-64; standard annual base option | $33 |
| Annual Trout Supplemental | Adds trout privileges to an eligible base license | $21 |
| County of Residence Fishing – No Trout | Age 13+; home county with qualifying natural bait restrictions | $10 |
| Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | Resident age 65+ | $4 |
| Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | Resident age 65+ | $49 |
| Annual Sportsman | Resident ages 16-64 | $165 |
| Senior Sportsman | Resident age 65+ | $49 |
License Types Overview
A resident fishing for one day without trout can use the $6 one-day no-trout license. If you’re age 16-64 and want trout for one day, the $11 all-species option includes trout.
For regular fishing, the $33 Combination Hunt/Fish Annual license is Tennessee’s standard statewide resident base license for ages 16-64. If you plan to fish for trout and your license does not already include that privilege, the Annual Trout Supplemental license is currently $21.
The $10 County of Residence Fishing license is cheaper but much more restrictive. It applies to fishing in your home county with qualifying natural bait and does not provide the same statewide flexibility as the annual Combination Hunt/Fish license.
Pricing for Residents
The best resident option depends on frequency and species. A one-day license makes sense for a single outing. A resident who expects to fish repeatedly throughout the year should compare the $33 annual Combination Hunt/Fish license with the cost of multiple one-day licenses.
Trout anglers should check whether their selected license includes trout. The regular annual Combination Hunt/Fish license and a separate $21 Annual Trout Supplemental license are different products, while some Sportsman, junior, senior, disability, and other qualifying licenses include supplemental privileges.
Additional Permit Costs
A standard fishing license does not automatically cover every managed Tennessee fishing area. Current special-fishing fees include:
- Tellico-Citico Trout 1-Day Permit: $6. It is required for all ages during the applicable March 1-August 15 period for specified Tellico River and Citico Creek fishing.
- TWRA Lake Fishing Permit: $6 daily or $48 annually where a TWRA lake permit is required.
- Gatlinburg 1-Day Trout License: $11. This can serve as the only license requirement for one day of fishing in Gatlinburg waters.
- Gatlinburg Trout Permit: $3 for one day or $9 for three days when used with the appropriate base license.
Special-water rules are location-specific. Check the exact lake, river, creek, tailwater, or municipal trout water before you buy.
Pro Tip: Before checkout, answer four questions: Are you a resident? How old are you? How many days will you fish? Will you fish for trout or in a special-permit area? Those answers usually narrow the correct license quickly.
Non-Resident Fishing License Costs
Tennessee offers short-term and annual licenses for visitors. Adults should decide first whether they need trout privileges, because no-trout and all-species licenses have different prices.
| Nonresident License | Current Base Fee |
|---|---|
| Annual Junior Hunt/Fish Combination – No Big Game, ages 13-15 | $10 |
| 3-Day Fishing – No Trout, age 16+ | $20 |
| 3-Day Fishing – All Species, including Trout, age 16+ | $40 |
| 10-Day Fishing – No Trout | $30 |
| 10-Day Fishing – All Species, including Trout, age 16+ | $61 |
| Annual Fishing – No Trout, age 16+ | $49 |
| Annual Fishing – All Species, including Trout, age 16+ | $98 |
A visiting angler should choose by trip length and trout access. For example, a three-day adult trip is currently $20 without trout or $40 for all species including trout, while annual options are $49 without trout or $98 with trout.
Processing fees can be added to the listed base price. A special-area permit may also be required depending on where you fish.
Fishing Permits and Special Licenses
Tennessee’s base fishing license is only one part of the rules for some waters. Special permits are tied to particular species or locations, so identify the exact waterbody before checkout.
- Annual Trout Supplemental: Currently $21 for residents who need to add trout privileges to an eligible base license.
- Gatlinburg: A $3 one-day or $9 three-day trout permit can apply with the appropriate fishing license. Tennessee also sells an $11 one-day Gatlinburg Trout License that can stand alone for one day in Gatlinburg waters.
- Tellico-Citico: The current one-day trout permit is $6 and is required for all ages during the designated seasonal period.
- TWRA fishing lakes: Many require a $6 daily or $48 annual TWRA Lake Fishing Permit in addition to the applicable fishing license. Exceptions apply to certain anglers and locations.
Do not assume that a general WMA hunting permit is automatically a fishing requirement. Fishing access and permit requirements depend on the specific managed water or property.
Common Permit Situations
You are most likely to encounter an added fishing permit when using certain TWRA-managed lakes, Gatlinburg trout waters, Tellico-Citico waters, or another specially regulated location.
License requirements are also separate from fishing regulations. Creel limits, size limits, bait rules, tackle restrictions, stocking closures, and seasonal rules can vary by waterbody. Check the current Tennessee Fishing Guide and Regulations for the water you plan to fish.
Where to Purchase a Tennessee Fishing License
The fastest way to purchase a Tennessee fishing license is through Go Outdoors Tennessee. The TWRA On the Go app can also purchase and store licenses on your phone.
In person, Tennessee has a large network of license agents. TWRA says these include many Walmart locations, bait and tackle shops, sporting-goods stores, convenience markets, boat docks, county clerks, and TWRA regional offices.
Active licenses can be reprinted from your Go Outdoors Tennessee account at no charge. Keeping the license in the TWRA app is another option if you prefer a digital copy.
What You Need Before Buying
Before buying, have your full legal name, date of birth, current address, Social Security Number, identification, payment method, and any residency documentation required for your situation.
Also decide whether the license is for a resident or nonresident, the angler’s age, the number of fishing days, whether trout will be targeted, and whether the destination has a special permit requirement.
The 2025 Fee Increase Was Withdrawn; 2026 Changes Are Still Pending
Tennessee anglers did not receive the broad fishing-license fee increase that had been proposed for July 1, 2025. TWRA announced on June 21, 2025 that the agency withdrew that fee-increase rule, so the existing hunting and fishing fees remained in effect.
Another license-fee and license-structure proposal moved forward in 2026. On August 21, 2026, the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission approved proposed changes that included increasing the resident Annual Hunt/Fish Combo from $33 to $42 and the Sportsman license from $165 to $189.
However, TWRA also stated that the new structure would still be presented to the Joint Government Operations Committee later in 2026. Therefore, those proposed higher figures should not replace the fees currently published in the TWRA license system unless and until they actually take effect.
For a purchase today, use the fee displayed by the current TWRA license page or Go Outdoors Tennessee checkout.
How to Choose the Right Tennessee Fishing License
Choose your license in this order: residency, age, trip length, trout access, and special-water requirements.
| Your Situation | Option to Check First |
|---|---|
| Tennessee resident age 13-15 | $9 Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap license |
| Resident, one no-trout fishing day | $6 1-Day Fishing – No Trout |
| Resident age 16-64, one trout day | $11 1-Day Fishing – All Species |
| Resident fishing repeatedly through the year | $33 annual Combination Hunt/Fish, plus trout privilege if needed |
| Nonresident, three days without trout | $20 3-Day Fishing – No Trout |
| Nonresident, three days with trout | $40 3-Day Fishing – All Species |
| Nonresident, longer trip | Compare 10-day and annual options |
| Fishing Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, or a TWRA lake | Check the special-area permit rules before purchase |
The cheapest base license is not always the correct choice. A low-cost no-trout license can become unusable for your plans if you decide to fish for trout or enter a water that requires another permit.
What License Do You Need in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has an important exception to the usual Tennessee age framework. Inside the national park, residents and nonresidents age 16 and older must have a valid fishing license or permit from either Tennessee or North Carolina.
No separate trout stamp is required for fishing inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Fishing licenses are not sold inside the park, so purchase the appropriate license before your trip. Separate permits apply to certain waters outside the park system, including Gatlinburg and Cherokee.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is buying only by price. Confirm whether your license includes trout and whether your destination requires a separate permit before checkout.
Another mistake is assuming that children, seniors, military members, students, landowners, or disabled anglers are automatically exempt in every situation. Tennessee has specific eligibility rules, so match the exemption or special license to the individual angler.
Do not rely on an old February-expiration rule. Annual Tennessee licenses are generally valid for 365 days from purchase unless otherwise stated.
Finally, keep your license accessible while fishing. You can print an active license from your account or store it digitally in the TWRA On the Go app.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a TN fishing license?
For Tennessee residents, current base fees include $6 for one-day no-trout fishing, $11 for one-day all-species fishing, and $33 for the annual Combination Hunt/Fish license. Nonresident adults currently pay $20 for three-day no-trout, $40 for three-day all-species, $49 for annual no-trout, or $98 for annual all-species fishing. Processing fees may apply.
Who needs a fishing license in Tennessee for seniors?
Most Tennessee resident seniors still need an appropriate license. Residents can buy senior license options beginning at age 65. No standard hunting or fishing license is required for a person born before March 1, 1926, although proof of age should be available and special requirements can still apply.
Can I buy a Tennessee fishing license at Walmart?
Yes. TWRA says its license-agent network includes many Walmart locations as well as bait and tackle shops, sporting-goods stores, convenience markets, boat docks, county clerks, and regional offices. You can also buy online through Go Outdoors Tennessee or the TWRA On the Go app.
How long is a Tennessee fishing license valid?
Annual Tennessee licenses and permits are generally valid for 365 days from the purchase date unless the specific license states otherwise. Short-term licenses such as one-day, three-day, and ten-day fishing licenses follow their stated duration.
Do children need a fishing license in Tennessee?
Residents and nonresidents age 12 and under generally do not need a standard Tennessee fishing license. Anglers ages 13-15 generally need the appropriate junior license. Some special permits can still apply regardless of age.
Do I need a separate trout permit in Tennessee?
It depends on your license and fishing location. A resident with an eligible base license may need the $21 Annual Trout Supplemental license, while some one-day, junior, senior, Sportsman, or other licenses already include trout privileges. Gatlinburg and Tellico-Citico waters have additional location-specific rules.
Do I need a Tennessee license in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, residents and nonresidents age 16 and older need a valid fishing license or permit from either Tennessee or North Carolina. No separate trout stamp is required inside the park. Licenses are not sold in the park.
Conclusion
The correct Tennessee fishing license depends on your age, residency, fishing duration, trout plans, and exact destination. Residents currently have options starting at $6 for one-day no-trout fishing, while nonresident adult options include three-day, ten-day, and annual licenses with or without trout.
Before fishing, check the current TWRA license page and the regulations for the exact waterbody. That final check is especially important for Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, TWRA fishing lakes, trout water, and any specially regulated destination.
Sources
- TWRA License Structure and Fees — current resident and nonresident fees, special permits, exemptions, purchase channels, and license validity.
- Go Outdoors Tennessee — official Tennessee license purchase portal and checkout system.
- TWRA Frequently Asked Questions — age rules, senior exemptions, license agents, Walmart availability, and replacement information.
- Tennessee Fishing Guide and Regulations — current statewide and water-specific fishing regulations.
- TWRA Trout Regulations — Gatlinburg trout waters and current trout regulations.
- TWRA 2025 Fee-Increase Withdrawal — confirms that the planned July 2025 hunting and fishing license increase was withdrawn.
- TWRA August 2026 License Structure Update — describes proposed future fee and structure changes still subject to additional review.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fishing — national-park fishing-license requirements.
