Tennessee Free Fishing Day & Week (2026) — June 6th

TN 2026 free fishing day is June 6th statewide for everyone! Youth 15 and under get an ENTIRE free fishing week following that date.

Tennessee offers a highly celebrated Free Fishing Week every summer, specifically aimed at getting kids on the water!

2026 TN Free Fishing Days

DateTypeNotes
June 6, 2026Free Fishing DayAnyone in TN can fish free!
June 6 - June 12, 2026Free Fishing WEEK for Youth!Children 15 and under fish free all week!

Important Rules

During the single Free Fishing Day, the TWRA waives ALL license requirements for residents and non-residents, including trout permits! It is a true "fish everywhere" holiday. Furthermore, youth aged 15 and under enjoy an entire week of waived license requirements immediately following.

Best Spots for Free Weekend

WaterRegionSpeciesWhy Go
Kentucky LakeWestern TNCrappie, BluegillMassive TVA lake perfect for bank fishing panfish
J. Percy PriestNashvilleStriped Bass, CrappieIncredible urban fishery just outside Music City
Chickamauga LakeChattanoogaLargemouth BassWorld-famous reservoir producing 10lb+ bass
Gatlinburg StreamsEast TNRainbow TroutGorgeous mountain streams right downtown

See all TN fishing spots.