TN Fishing Without a License — Penalties, Wardens & Creel Limits (2026)

TN fishing penalties: $50-$250 + massive $150+ court costs! Report poachers to 1-800-831-1174. Crappie limit is 15 on major lakes.

Fishing without a valid TN fishing license leads to citations issued by TWRA Wildlife Officers.

ViolationFine RangeNotes
No fishing license$50 – $250Plus mandatory court costs ($150+)
Fishing closed / illegal gearUp to $500Trout snagging or illegal nets
Over bag limit$100+Plus strict restitution cost per fish

Key Creel Limits

SpeciesDaily LimitNotes
Largemouth Bass5Often no size limit, but lake-specific slot limits exist!
Smallmouth BassVaries strictlyOften only 1 allowed per day on major reservoirs
Trout (All Species)7Only 2 may be Brown Trout
Crappie1510" minimum on most TVA/Corp reservoirs
Muskellunge136" or 50" minimum depending on the lake

Call the TWRA Poaching hotline: 1-800-831-1174.

An TN annual license is $34. Get yours.