Tennessee Fishing License Guide: Online, Cost & Rules (2026)

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Tennessee TWRA · Go Outdoors Tennessee, trout, Reelfoot and 2026 Free Fishing Day guide

Tennessee Fishing License Online, Cost and Rules: 2026 TWRA Guide

If you plan to fish in Tennessee, start with the official Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency license page or Go Outdoors Tennessee. Tennessee license choices look simple at first, but the details matter because “general fishing” does not include trout, nonresident trout is handled differently, Reelfoot Lake has package options, South Holston Reservoir has a special supplemental license, and some residents qualify for senior, disability, veteran or lifetime licenses.

This 2026 refresh explains Tennessee fishing license cost, how to buy online, who needs a license, resident and nonresident fees, youth rules, Free Fishing Day and Free Fishing Week, trout supplemental rules, Avid Angler packages, Reelfoot Lake planning, county-of-residence fishing limits, South Holston rules, license agents, digital proof, exemptions and the common mistakes to avoid before fishing Tennessee rivers, reservoirs, creeks, trout streams, TWRA family fishing lakes or boundary waters.

Resident combo hunt/fish: $33 Resident trout supplemental: $21 Nonresident annual no trout: $49 Nonresident annual all species: $98 Free Fishing Day: June 6, 2026
Buy Through Go Outdoors Tennessee Check Official TWRA Fees Start With Quick Answer

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Tennessee Fishing License?

In Tennessee, children under 13 years old do not need a fishing license. Youth ages 13-15 can buy a Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license, and most adults need the correct resident or nonresident fishing license before fishing unless an official exemption applies.

For many Tennessee residents ages 16-64, the minimum annual license used for ordinary fishing is the Combination Hunt/Fish Annual, listed by TWRA at $33. This base option does not include trout. If you fish for trout, you need the correct trout-inclusive package or supplemental trout coverage.

🎣 Most Tennessee adults Use the resident annual combination hunt/fish license as the base license, then add trout if needed.
🧳 Most visitors Compare 3-day, 10-day, annual, no-trout and all-species nonresident options before buying.
🐟 Trout anglers General fishing does not include trout. Check trout supplemental or all-species package rules before fishing.

Source Verification Box

Publish-ready as of: May 17, 2026. Official sources checked for this refresh include TWRA license structure and fees, Go Outdoors Tennessee package information, TWRA Free Fishing Day and Family Fishing guidance, South Holston Reservoir rules, statewide fishing methods guidance, special license categories, and Tennessee fishing regulation resources.

License prices, processing fees, package names, trout rules, nonresident package logic, Free Fishing Day, Free Fishing Week, Reelfoot Lake packages, South Holston Reservoir rules, TWRA lake permit rules, senior rules, disability license applications and creel limits can change. Verify current details through TWRA and Go Outdoors Tennessee before buying, renewing, relying on an exemption or fishing a new waterbody.

Official-source reminder This guide is independent and educational. It is not TWRA, not legal advice and not a substitute for Go Outdoors Tennessee checkout details, current Tennessee fishing regulations, special lake permits or wildlife officer interpretation.
🏛️ Official agency Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, commonly called TWRA.
💻 Official portal Go Outdoors Tennessee is the official online license and package system.
👧 Youth rule Children under 13 do not need a Tennessee fishing license.
📅 2026 free day Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day is June 6, 2026.

Tennessee Fishing License Cost in 2026: Resident, Nonresident, Trout and Short-Term Fees

Tennessee fishing license cost depends on residency, age, duration, trout plans, special waters and package choice. TWRA also notes that processing fees apply to purchases, so the final checkout amount may differ from the base fee shown in a fee table.

Use these cost cards as a practical planning guide, then confirm the final item in Go Outdoors Tennessee before payment. The most important rule is simple: do not buy a no-trout license if you plan to fish for trout.

Resident Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap $9 For Tennessee youth ages 13-15. Valid for hunting, trapping and sport fishing; WMA permits may still be needed.
Resident 1-day fishing no trout $6 Short resident option for ages 13-64. Does not include trout.
Resident 1-day all species $11 Short resident option for ages 16-64 that includes all species, including trout.
Resident combination hunt/fish annual $33 Minimum resident annual license used to fish and/or hunt small game; supplemental licenses needed for trout and other activities.
Resident annual trout supplemental $21 Allows an angler to fish for trout when purchased with an eligible base license.
County of residence fishing no trout $10 Resident county license with natural bait restrictions. Does not include trout.
Resident senior annual $4 For Tennessee residents age 65+ with proof of age and residency. WMA permits may still apply.
Resident permanent senior $49 Permanent senior hunt/fish/trap option for eligible Tennessee residents age 65+.
Resident annual sportsman $165 All-inclusive resident license for hunting, trapping and sport fishing without state supplemental licenses or non-quota permits.
Nonresident 3-day fishing no trout $20 Short visitor option for ages 16+ when not fishing for trout.
Nonresident 3-day all species $40 Short visitor option for ages 16+ including trout.
Nonresident 10-day fishing no trout $30 Good for a longer visitor trip when not fishing trout.
Nonresident 10-day all species $61 Good for longer visitor trips including trout.
Nonresident annual fishing no trout $49 Annual nonresident option for ages 16+ when not fishing trout.
Nonresident annual all species $98 Annual nonresident option for ages 16+ including trout.
Micro cost tip Tennessee is a “package logic” state. Compare your real trip first: no trout, trout, Reelfoot Lake, South Holston, county-only natural bait, one-day, 3-day, 10-day or annual. Buying the cheapest item can be the wrong choice if trout or special-water permits apply.

Who Needs a Tennessee Fishing License?

Most Tennessee anglers need a license unless they fit an official age, residency, landowner or special exemption. Children under 13 do not need a license. Youth ages 13-15 can purchase a Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license that covers sport fishing for the year.

Adult residents and nonresidents should check the specific license package before fishing. A license may be required whether you fish from shore, a boat, a dock, a pier, a kayak, a creek bank, a reservoir, a TWRA lake, a trout stream or a river.

👧 Under 13 No Tennessee fishing license is required for children under 13.
🎣 Age 13-15 Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license is the common annual youth option.
🧑 Resident age 16-64 Usually needs the correct resident fishing license package unless exempt.
🧳 Nonresident age 16+ Usually needs a nonresident license package for Tennessee fishing.

License Possession and Inspection Reminder

Tennessee fishing privileges come with inspection responsibilities. If a wildlife officer asks, you may need to show that you have the proper license for the activity, species and water you are fishing.

Keep your license proof available on your phone or in printed form. If you are fishing in a remote area with weak signal, save proof before you leave home.

How to Buy a Tennessee Fishing License Online Through Go Outdoors Tennessee

The official online route is Go Outdoors Tennessee. TWRA also lists license agents and regional offices as purchase routes. Online buying is usually fastest, but the package must match your fishing plan.

  1. Start from TWRA or Go Outdoors Tennessee Open the official TWRA license sales page or Go Outdoors Tennessee before entering personal information or payment details.
  2. Create or find your customer account Use your correct name, date of birth and residency information. Avoid duplicate accounts if you have bought a Tennessee license before.
  3. Choose resident, nonresident, senior or youth status Residency, age and proof requirements affect prices and available license packages.
  4. Select no-trout or all-species coverage If you plan to fish for trout, do not choose a no-trout license unless you also buy the correct supplemental coverage.
  5. Check special-water needs Review Reelfoot Lake, South Holston Reservoir, TWRA lakes and other special permit requirements before checkout.
  6. Review processing fees and optional card choices TWRA notes that processing fees apply. Go Outdoors Tennessee may also show optional durable card products.
  7. Save proof before fishing Keep digital proof, reprint access or a paper copy available before fishing low-signal rivers, reservoirs or trout waters.

Tennessee Trout License Rules: General Fishing Does Not Include Trout

Trout is the license detail most Tennessee anglers should double-check. TWRA lists an Annual Trout Supplemental license at $21 for residents, and it must be purchased with an eligible base license such as the combo hunt/fish, county-of-residence license or one-day fishing no-trout license.

For nonresidents, Go Outdoors Tennessee package language warns that Tennessee does not offer a separate nonresident trout license. If a nonresident buys a no-trout license and later decides to fish trout, they may need to buy the full all-species license with no discount.

🐟 Resident trout plan Buy an eligible resident base license plus the annual trout supplemental, or choose an all-species option when available.
🧳 Nonresident trout plan Choose a 3-day, 10-day or annual all-species nonresident license if trout is part of the trip.
❌ Do not “add later” casually Nonresident no-trout purchases can become expensive if you later decide to fish trout.
Trout checklist Before fishing stocked trout, tailwaters or coldwater streams, check your license package, trout coverage, daily creel limit, size limit, bait rule, special regulation area and public access.

Tennessee Resident Fishing License Options

For many Tennessee residents ages 16-64, the annual Combination Hunt/Fish license is the base annual fishing license. It is also a small-game hunting license, but for anglers the key point is that it is the minimum annual resident license used for ordinary fishing and does not include trout unless the proper trout supplemental is added.

Residents who fish only in their county with natural bait may look at the County of Residence Fishing license, but it has important limits: it does not include trout, minnows are not allowed, artificial lures are not allowed, and it only applies in the county of residence.

Fishing planResident annual fishing, no trout
Likely itemCombination Hunt/Fish
Cost$33
Micro noteAdd trout supplemental if trout is part of the trip.
Fishing planResident trout fishing
Likely itemBase + trout supplemental
Cost$33 + $21
Micro noteCheck special trout waters and current creel limits.
Fishing planResident one-day trip
Likely item1-day no trout or all species
Cost$6 / $11
Micro noteChoose all species if trout is included.
Fishing planCounty-only natural bait
Likely itemCounty of Residence
Cost$10
Micro noteNatural bait only; no minnows, no artificial lures, no trout unless supplemental is added.

Tennessee Nonresident Fishing License Options

Nonresident anglers should choose by trip length and trout plan. If you will not fish trout, no-trout packages may be cheaper. If trout is possible, choose all-species from the start because nonresident trout coverage is not a simple separate add-on.

Visitors fishing Tennessee for a weekend often compare the 3-day no-trout and 3-day all-species licenses. Visitors staying longer compare 10-day options. Repeat visitors may need annual no-trout or annual all-species coverage.

🧳 Short no-trout trip Use the nonresident 3-day fishing no-trout license if you are certain trout is not included.
🐟 Short trout trip Use the 3-day or 10-day all-species license if trout is part of your Tennessee trip.
🔁 Repeat visitor Compare the annual no-trout and annual all-species licenses if you may fish Tennessee multiple times.
Visitor planning tip Before buying, write one sentence: “I will fish Tennessee for 3 days / 10 days / all year, and I will or will not fish trout.” That usually identifies the correct nonresident license.

Tennessee Youth Fishing License Rules

Children under 13 do not need a Tennessee fishing license. Youth ages 13-15 can purchase a Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license for $9. TWRA also lists Free Fishing Week for children ages 15 and younger from June 6 through June 12, 2026.

Youth anglers still need to follow fishing regulations, creel limits, size limits, bait restrictions, special water rules and safe access rules. If an adult actively fishes while helping a child, the adult’s own license status matters.

👧 Under 13 No Tennessee fishing license is required.
🎣 Ages 13-15 Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license costs $9 and must be purchased before the 16th birthday.
📅 Free Fishing Week Children ages 15 and younger can fish for free June 6-12, 2026.

Tennessee Senior, Lifetime, Veteran and Disability Fishing License Rules

Tennessee residents age 65 and older can purchase an Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license for $4 or a Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license for $49. Proof of age and residency is required, and WMA permits may still need to be purchased separately.

TWRA also lists special resident licenses for eligible disabled veterans, wheelchair-restricted residents, intellectually disabled residents, SSI intellectual disability fishing, and lifetime sportsman categories. Many of these require applications or proof.

👴 Annual senior Resident senior annual hunt/fish/trap license costs $4 for age 65+.
♾️ Permanent senior Resident permanent senior hunt/fish/trap license costs $49.
🎖️ Disabled veteran Resident disabled veteran hunting and fishing license is listed at $10 with certification requirements.
♿ Wheelchair license Permanent sport combination license for qualifying wheelchair-restricted residents is listed at $10.
Application reminder If your Tennessee license depends on senior, disability, veteran, wheelchair, SSI, intellectual disability or lifetime status, check the official application requirement before your trip.

Tennessee Free Fishing Day and Free Fishing Week 2026

Tennessee lists Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day on June 6, 2026. On that day, everyone can fish for free under TWRA’s Free Fishing Day guidance.

Tennessee also lists Free Fishing Week for children ages 15 and younger from June 6 through June 12, 2026. Free fishing events do not remove all fishing rules; creel limits, size limits, closed waters, special regulations and safe access rules still apply.

✅ Free Fishing Day June 6, 2026. A good time for beginners and families to try fishing.
👧 Free Fishing Week Children ages 15 and younger can fish for free June 6-12, 2026.

Special Tennessee Fishing Waters: Reelfoot, South Holston and TWRA Lakes

Some Tennessee waters need extra attention before you buy. Reelfoot Lake has Go Outdoors package options. South Holston Reservoir has a supplemental license rule for Tennessee residents fishing the Virginia portion. TWRA lakes can have separate permit, gear, boat rental, time and lake-specific rules.

Do not assume one statewide license solves every special water. Check the current TWRA fishing guide before visiting Reelfoot Lake, South Holston Reservoir, TWRA family fishing lakes, tailwaters, trout streams, state park waters or boundary waters.

🌊 Reelfoot Lake Check Reelfoot Angler packages and current Reelfoot rules before fishing.
🧭 South Holston Reservoir Tennessee residents may need the South Holston supplemental license for the Virginia portion.
🏞️ TWRA lakes Check TWRA lake permits, legal gear, hours, boat rentals and lake-specific regulations.

South Holston Reservoir Micro-Check

TWRA explains that Tennessee residents may purchase an annual South Holston Reservoir License to fish the Virginia portion of South Holston Reservoir. Anglers must also have whatever licenses are required to fish in their home state, and trout fishing still requires a valid resident Tennessee or Virginia trout fishing license where applicable.

County of Residence Fishing License: Cheap but Limited

The County of Residence Fishing license is not a normal statewide all-method license. It allows an angler to fish in the county of residence with natural bait such as worms, crickets or corn, but not minnows. Artificial lures are not allowed, and trout requires supplemental coverage.

This option can be useful for a very specific local fishing style, but it is easy to misuse. If you fish outside your county, use artificial lures, fish with minnows or fish for trout, check a broader license.

✅ Good fit Resident fishing only in their county of residence using natural bait and not fishing trout.
❌ Bad fit Artificial lures, minnows, trout, statewide travel or fishing outside the county.
🐟 Trout reminder A supplemental trout license is required if trout fishing is part of the plan.

Tennessee Digital License Proof, Reprints and License Agents

Go Outdoors Tennessee allows anglers to buy licenses, manage accounts and obtain reprints. TWRA also lists licensed agents and regional offices as purchase options.

Digital proof is convenient, but Tennessee has many low-signal fishing areas. Save license proof before visiting mountain streams, rural reservoirs, tailwaters, boat ramps or areas where cell service is unreliable.

💻 Online account Use Go Outdoors Tennessee for purchases, account access and reprints.
📱 Phone proof Save digital proof before fishing where signal may be weak.
🖨️ Paper backup A printed backup helps if your phone battery dies or app login fails.
📍 License agents Use TWRA licensed agents if you prefer in-person help.

Tennessee Fishing Regulations: License Is Only Step One

A Tennessee fishing license gives fishing privileges, but it does not decide what you can keep. Current TWRA regulations still control creel limits, length limits, possession limits, gear restrictions, closed areas, trotlines, limblines, jugs, slat baskets, snagging, grabbling, archery, speargun use, trout rules and special water restrictions.

Before keeping fish, check the current Tennessee fishing guide for the exact water and species. This matters for trout, bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, sauger, paddlefish, skipjack, striped bass, hybrid bass, Reelfoot Lake, South Holston, TWRA lakes, tailwaters and boundary waters.

📏 Length limits Measure fish before keeping them. Limits can vary by water and species.
🧺 Creel limits Know daily creel and possession limits before fish go in a cooler.
🎣 Methods matter Trotlines, limblines, jugs, slat baskets, snagging and grabbling have special rules.
🧭 Special waters Reelfoot, TWRA lakes, tailwaters and boundary waters can have added requirements.

Common Tennessee Fishing License Mistakes to Avoid

Most Tennessee fishing license mistakes happen because anglers buy a no-trout license, assume a youth rule applies to older teens, ignore special waters, or choose a county license that does not match how they actually fish.

❌ Buying no-trout for trout General fishing does not include trout. Choose supplemental or all-species coverage as needed.
❌ Nonresident trout add-on confusion Nonresidents should choose all-species from the start if trout is possible.
❌ Misusing county license County of Residence license is limited to county, natural bait, no minnows and no artificial lures.
❌ Ignoring Reelfoot or South Holston Special packages or supplemental rules can apply to these waters.
❌ No proof saved Save your license before fishing low-signal reservoirs, tailwaters or mountain streams.
❌ Assuming Free Fishing Day removes limits Free fishing events do not remove size, creel, access or special regulation rules.
❌ Forgetting processing fees TWRA notes processing fees apply to purchases; confirm final checkout total.
❌ Ignoring gear restrictions Trotlines, jugs, limblines, slat baskets and special methods have detailed rules.

These related guides help with online buying, general license planning and nearby-state comparisons. Use them for planning, then verify final requirements through TWRA before fishing in Tennessee.

🎣 Fishing License Guide

Use this for a broader explanation of fishing license basics, costs, age rules, official portals and proof.

Read Main Guide
💻 Buy Fishing License Online

General official-portal safety guide for buying, saving proof and avoiding wrong-license mistakes.

Online Buying Guide
🍑 Georgia Fishing License

Helpful comparison for anglers who fish both Tennessee and nearby southeastern states.

Read Georgia Guide

Use official Tennessee sources for final decisions. Third-party guides can explain the process, but TWRA and Go Outdoors Tennessee control license products, fees, packages, permits, exemptions, Free Fishing Day and current fishing regulations.

🏛️ TWRA License Structure and Fees

Official TWRA page for resident, nonresident, senior, trout, sportsman, disability and special license fees.

Open TWRA Fees
💻 Go Outdoors Tennessee

Official online portal for Tennessee license purchases, packages, reprints and account management.

Open Go Outdoors TN
🎟️ Buy Your License Now

Official TWRA page pointing anglers to Go Outdoors Tennessee purchase and account services.

Buy License Info
📅 Family Fishing and Free Fishing Day

Official TWRA page with Free Fishing Day, youth fishing and family fishing event guidance.

Open Family Fishing
📘 Tennessee Fishing Regulations

Official statewide regulations, creel limits, methods, special rules and water-specific guidance.

Check Regulations
🎣 TWRA Fishing Hub

Official Tennessee fishing hub for regulations, where-to-fish resources, family fishing and agency updates.

Open Fishing Hub

Find Tennessee Fishing License Agents Near You

If you do not want to buy online, TWRA lists licensed agents and regional offices as purchase options. Call before visiting if you need a senior, disability, veteran, lifetime, Reelfoot, trout, South Holston or special permit question handled in person.

Tennessee Fishing License FAQs

How much is a Tennessee fishing license in 2026?

Common TWRA fees include $33 for the resident Combination Hunt/Fish Annual license, $21 for the resident Annual Trout Supplemental, $49 for the nonresident annual fishing no-trout license and $98 for the nonresident annual all-species fishing license. Processing fees may apply.

Can I buy a Tennessee fishing license online?

Yes. Use Go Outdoors Tennessee, the official TWRA online licensing portal. You can also buy through TWRA licensed agents or regional offices.

Who needs a Tennessee fishing license?

Children under 13 do not need a license. Youth ages 13-15 can buy a Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license. Most adults need the correct resident or nonresident fishing license unless an official exemption applies.

Does a Tennessee general fishing license include trout?

No. General or no-trout fishing options do not include trout. Tennessee residents may need an eligible base license plus trout supplemental coverage, while nonresidents should choose an all-species license if they plan to fish trout.

How much is a Tennessee trout license?

TWRA lists the resident Annual Trout Supplemental at $21. It must be purchased with an eligible base license. Nonresidents should use all-species license packages because Tennessee does not offer a separate nonresident trout license in the same way.

How much is a Tennessee nonresident fishing license?

TWRA lists nonresident options including 3-day no trout at $20, 3-day all species at $40, 10-day no trout at $30, 10-day all species at $61, annual no trout at $49 and annual all species at $98.

When is Tennessee Free Fishing Day in 2026?

Tennessee lists Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day on June 6, 2026. Children ages 15 and younger can also fish free during Free Fishing Week from June 6 through June 12, 2026.

Do kids need a Tennessee fishing license?

Children under 13 do not need a Tennessee fishing license. Youth ages 13-15 can purchase a Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license for $9.

What is the Tennessee County of Residence Fishing license?

It is a limited resident license for fishing in the county of residence with natural bait such as worms, crickets or corn. It does not allow minnows or artificial lures and does not include trout without supplemental coverage.

Do I need a special Tennessee license for South Holston Reservoir?

Tennessee residents may purchase a South Holston Reservoir supplemental license to fish the Virginia portion of the reservoir. Trout fishing still requires the proper resident Tennessee or Virginia trout fishing license.

Does Reelfoot Lake need a special package?

Go Outdoors Tennessee lists Reelfoot Angler packages. Check the current package and Reelfoot rules before fishing because the best license may differ from ordinary statewide fishing.

Where should I verify Tennessee fishing license rules?

Verify through TWRA, Go Outdoors Tennessee and the current Tennessee fishing regulations before buying a license, relying on an exemption, fishing trout or fishing a special waterbody.

Editorial Disclaimer

This Tennessee fishing license guide is for general educational use. It does not replace Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency rules, Go Outdoors Tennessee checkout details, Tennessee fishing regulations, special water permits, trout rules, Reelfoot Lake packages, South Holston Reservoir rules, wildlife officer interpretation or current creel and length limits.

Before fishing, verify your license type, trout coverage, proof of purchase, exemption status, age category, residency, senior eligibility, special water permits, Free Fishing Day rules, creel limits, length limits, gear rules, access permission and any waterbody-specific regulations through official Tennessee sources.

Final Summary: Tennessee License Choice Starts With Trout, Age and Trip Length

The safest Tennessee fishing license path starts with three questions: How old is the angler, are they a resident or nonresident, and will they fish for trout? Children under 13 do not need a license, youth ages 13-15 can use the junior license, many residents use the $33 annual combination hunt/fish license, and trout requires the proper supplemental or all-species coverage.

Visitors should choose carefully between 3-day, 10-day, annual, no-trout and all-species options. Special waters such as Reelfoot Lake, South Holston Reservoir and TWRA lakes can add extra requirements. Buy through Go Outdoors Tennessee, save proof, then check the current Tennessee fishing regulations before keeping fish.

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