Tennessee Fishing License Guide (2026)

Tennessee requires a fishing license for anyone 13 years or older. The TWRA manages licenses through GoOutdoorsTennessee.com. The state is renowned for smallmouth bass fishing on the Hiwassee and Elk Rivers, trophy trout on Great Smoky Mountains tailwaters, and crappie fishing on Tennessee Valley lakes like Kentucky Lake and Dale Hollow.

Official TN Website →
13+
Min Age
Yes
Free Days
$34
Resident/yr
$80
Non-Res/yr

💰 License Costs (2026)

Resident Licenses

License Type Price
Annual Resident All-Fish (Type 020)
365 days from purchase. Excludes trout.
 $34
County of Residency Annual
Only valid in county of residence
 $10
1-Day Resident (no trout)
 $6.50
1-Day Resident (all species)
Includes trout stamp
 $11.50
Lifetime Sportsman
$1,060 — all licenses and stamps for life
 $1060

Non-Resident Licenses

License Type Price
Annual Non-Resident
 $80
10-Day Non-Resident
 $30.50
3-Day Non-Resident
 $20.50
1-Day Non-Resident
 $11.50

Senior & Special Licenses

License Type Price
Senior Citizen (65+)
$10 — best senior deal in the Southeast
 $10

Additional Stamps & Permits

Stamp Price Required?
Resident Trout Stamp
Required for trout fishing in designated areas — Great Smoky Mountains, tailwaters
 $21 Required
Non-Resident Trout Stamp
Required for NR trout fishing in designated trout waters
 $36 Required
See the complete Tennessee cost breakdown →

📍 Where to Buy

🌐

GoOutdoorsTennessee.com ↗

Official TWRA portal — instant digital license. Processing fee applies.
📞

Phone Purchase

📞 (615) 781-6500
TWRA Nashville headquarters
🏪

Retail Locations

Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, county clerks, sporting goods stores. Processing fee $0.50–$5.
Explore all Tennessee purchase options →

📅 Timing & Free Fishing Days

Free Fishing Days 2026

Jun
6
Free Fishing Day
All waters · First Saturday in June. All regulations apply. No license or trout stamp needed.

License Validity

Tennessee fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. A Social Security Number is required.

Full Tennessee free fishing days schedule →

👤 Age Requirements & Exemptions

👶

Under 13 Exemption

Children under 13 do not need a fishing license in Tennessee. Note: TN starts at age 13, younger than most states. See our age requirements guide.

👴

Senior Discount (65+)

Tennessee residents 65+ pay only $10 for annual license — one of the best senior deals in the nation. Learn more in our senior fishing license guide.

🎖️

Military & Veterans

Active military on leave get a free fishing license. Disabled veterans with 30%+ VA disability qualify for free license. See our military veterans fishing license guide.

✅

Landowner Exemption

Landowners may fish on their own land without a license.

✅

Youth (13-15)

Youth ages 13-15 can purchase a Junior Hunt & Fish license for only $9.

Full Tennessee exemptions guide →

⚖️ Penalties for Fishing Without a License

$25–$ 500
Fine Range
misdemeanor
Offense Type

Class C misdemeanor with fines $25-$500 plus court costs. Repeat offenders face license revocation.

Learn more about Tennessee fishing penalties →

🔧 How to Get Your License

  1. 1

    Visit the Official Portal

    Go to TWRA Online Licensing ↗

  2. 2

    Select Your License Type

    Choose between resident/non-resident, duration, and water type based on your needs.

  3. 3

    Complete Payment & Download

    Pay online and receive your digital license instantly. You may also print a physical copy.