Tennessee Non-Resident Fishing License: 2026 Cost, Trout Rules and Online Buying Guide
Planning to fish in Tennessee as a visitor? The right nonresident license depends on trip length, trout plans, youth age, special fishing areas and whether you need no-trout or all-species coverage. This guide explains the current Tennessee non-resident fishing license costs, rules and official TWRA buying links in plain language.
Use these shortcuts before buying. The biggest mistake nonresidents make in Tennessee is buying a no-trout license when their trip includes trout water, Gatlinburg trout, Tellico-Citico, or a stocked stream.
How Much Is a Tennessee Non-Resident Fishing License in 2026?
For nonresidents age 16 and over, TWRA lists the Tennessee annual fishing license at $49 no-trout and $98 all-species including trout. Short-term nonresident options include $20 for 3-day no-trout, $40 for 3-day all-species including trout, $30 for 10-day no-trout, and $61 for 10-day all-species including trout.
The best license depends on your trip. If you are only fishing warmwater species for a weekend, a 3-day no-trout license may be enough. If your trip includes trout, stocked trout waters, Gatlinburg trout fishing or mountain streams where trout privileges matter, choose an all-species option or verify the exact permit rule before paying.
Tennessee Nonresident Fishing License Quick Facts
Tennessee nonresident fishing fees are built around trip length and trout coverage. This makes planning easier for tourists, but only if you know whether trout is part of your fishing plan.
What This Tennessee Non-Resident Fishing License Guide Covers
Official Tennessee Nonresident Fishing License Links
Use official TWRA and Go Outdoors Tennessee resources before paying. Third-party summaries can be helpful, but the official license fee page and checkout system should be your final source.
💵 TWRA License Fees
Official Tennessee license structure and fee page, including nonresident fishing prices.
Check TWRA Fees💳 Go Outdoors Tennessee
Official online portal to purchase Tennessee licenses and get reprints.
Buy License Online📘 Tennessee Fishing Guide
Official regulation guide for statewide limits, trout rules, reciprocal agreements and special waters.
Open Fishing Regulations🎣 License Fees Page
Fishing license fee table with resident, nonresident and special permit sections.
Open License Fees💵 Cost Comparison
Compare Tennessee visitor costs with other state fishing license prices.
Compare State Costs🎣 General License Help
Need the full buying process? Read our main fishing license guide.
Read Full GuideTennessee Non-Resident Fishing License Cost in 2026
TWRA separates nonresident fishing licenses by duration and trout coverage. “No Trout” licenses are cheaper, but they are not the right choice if you plan to fish for trout or waters that require trout privileges.
| Nonresident License | TWRA Listed Cost | Best For | Important Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Junior Hunt/Fish Combination, ages 13-15 | $10.00 | Nonresident youth ages 13-15 fishing or hunting small game | Youth 12 and under do not need a license. |
| 3-Day Fishing – No Trout, age 16+ | $20.00 | Short trips without trout fishing | Does not include trout privileges. |
| 3-Day Fishing – All Species, including Trout, age 16+ | $40.00 | Weekend trips that include trout | Better if your trip includes stocked trout or trout streams. |
| 10-Day Fishing – No Trout | $30.00 | Longer visits without trout | Good for vacation trips targeting non-trout species. |
| 10-Day Fishing – All Species, including Trout, age 16+ | $61.00 | Longer trips that include trout | Includes trout coverage for the license period. |
| Annual Fishing – No Trout, age 16+ | $49.00 | Frequent nonresident trips without trout | Compare annual cost if you will fish more than one trip. |
| Annual Fishing – All Species, including Trout, age 16+ | $98.00 | Frequent nonresident anglers who want trout included | The clearest annual option if trout is part of your plan. |
How to Buy a Tennessee Non-Resident Fishing License Online
The easiest route for most visitors is Go Outdoors Tennessee. You can also buy through TWRA licensed agents or regional offices. Online buying is usually best if you want to avoid store hours and have proof ready before the trip.
Open the official license portal
Start with Go Outdoors Tennessee or the official TWRA license sales page.
Select nonresident license type
Choose nonresident unless you qualify under Tennessee resident, military, student or Native Tennessean rules.
Choose 3-day, 10-day or annual
Match your license duration to your trip. A 3-day license is good for short visits, while an annual license makes more sense if you will return often.
Choose no-trout or all-species
If you may fish for trout, choose all-species. If you are completely sure your trip does not include trout, the no-trout option may save money.
Save your proof
Keep a digital copy, confirmation, screenshot or printed backup while fishing. Go Outdoors Tennessee also offers license reprints.
Tennessee Nonresident Trout Rules: No-Trout vs All-Species License
The most important cost decision for visitors is trout. Tennessee sells nonresident “No Trout” licenses and “All Species, including Trout” licenses. If your trip includes trout fishing, the cheaper no-trout license is not the safe choice.
Use for: trips targeting bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill or other non-trout fishing where trout privileges are not needed.
Use for: trout fishing, stocked trout waters, mountain streams, tailwaters or any trip where trout may be targeted.
Watch closely: Gatlinburg has special permit options and a one-day trout license for certain situations.
Special area: A Tellico-Citico trout permit can be seasonally required for all ages on listed waters.
3-Day, 10-Day or Annual: Which Tennessee Nonresident License Is Best?
The best value depends on how long you will fish and whether trout is included. A 3-day license is usually best for a weekend. A 10-day license fits longer vacations. An annual license is better if you will fish Tennessee more than once during the year.
Best for: quick trips where you know you will not fish trout waters.
Best for: weekend visitors who may fish trout streams or stocked waters.
Best for: longer lake trips targeting bass, crappie, catfish or similar species.
Best for: longer vacations that include mountain trout or tailwater trout.
Best for: frequent nonresident anglers who do not fish trout.
Best for: repeat Tennessee visitors who want trout included all year.
Tennessee Nonresident Youth Fishing License Rules
TWRA says no license is required for youth 12 and under, although some permits may still apply. Nonresident ages 13-15 need the annual junior hunt/fish combination to fish or hunt small game.
| Youth Age | License Rule | Cost | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 and under | No license required | $0 basic license | Some special permits or area rules may still apply. |
| 13-15 nonresident | Annual Junior Hunt/Fish Combination – No Big Game | $10.00 | Required for nonresidents ages 13-15 to fish or hunt small game. |
| 16 and over | Adult nonresident fishing license options | Depends on duration and trout | Choose 3-day, 10-day or annual no-trout/all-species. |
Special Tennessee Permits Nonresidents Should Check
A Tennessee nonresident fishing license does not automatically cover every special area or special use. Some areas have extra permits or separate rules. This matters most for Gatlinburg trout, Tellico-Citico, TWRA lakes, Reelfoot and special management areas.
| Permit or Area | Listed Fee Example | Who Should Check It? |
|---|---|---|
| Tellico-Citico Trout 1-Day Permit | $6 | Anglers fishing Tellico River or Citico Creek during required periods. |
| Daily TWRA Lake Fishing Permit | $6 | Anglers using TWRA fishing lakes where lake permits apply. |
| Annual TWRA Lake Fishing Permit | $48 | Frequent TWRA lake users. |
| Gatlinburg 1-Day Trout Permit | $3 | Anglers who already have the required fishing license and need the Gatlinburg trout permit. |
| Gatlinburg 1-Day Trout License | $11 | Residents and nonresidents ages 13+ fishing Gatlinburg for one day where this is the only requirement. |
| Reelfoot Preservation Permit | $3 one-day; $10 three-day; $16 annual | Users of Reelfoot WMA unless an official exception applies. |
Native Tennessean Annual License Option for Nonresidents
TWRA says nonresidents who were born in Tennessee may apply for Native Tennessean annual licenses. These licenses allow nonresidents born in the state, but no longer living there, to purchase annual Tennessee hunting, fishing and trapping licenses at the same cost as a resident.
First-time applicants must use the Native Tennessean annual license application. People who have already applied can renew online through Go Outdoors Tennessee.
Tennessee Fishing Rules Nonresidents Must Check After Buying
A Tennessee nonresident fishing license gives you license coverage, but it does not replace fishing regulations. You still need to follow limits, seasons, legal methods, trout rules, special water rules and reciprocal agreements.
Before fishing in Tennessee, check this list
- Do you have the correct nonresident license duration?
- Does your license include trout if trout is part of the trip?
- Do Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, TWRA lake or Reelfoot permits apply?
- What are the statewide creel and length limits?
- Does the lake, stream, river or tailwater have special regulations?
- Are live bait, artificial lure, hook or method restrictions involved?
- Do reciprocal agreement rules apply on border waters?
- Can you show your license proof if requested?
Tennessee Nonresident License Proof, Reprints and Buying Locations
Go Outdoors Tennessee allows license purchases and free reprints online. TWRA also lists licensed agents and regional offices as purchase options. Visitors should save proof before leaving the hotel, campsite or cabin.
Save the confirmation
Keep the purchase confirmation, license number and email in an easy-to-find place.
Take a screenshot
Cell service can be weak around mountain streams, lakes and rural access points. A screenshot helps when the portal will not load.
Print a backup
A paper copy is useful for boat bags, tackle boxes and family trips where one person manages everyone’s license proof.
Use free reprints if needed
Go Outdoors Tennessee states users can purchase licenses and get unlimited free license reprints.
Common Tennessee Nonresident Fishing License Mistakes
Most visitor mistakes happen because anglers buy too quickly. Tennessee makes it easy to buy online, but you still need to choose duration, trout coverage and special permits correctly.
The no-trout license is cheaper, but it is not the right choice if your trip includes trout.
A 3-day license may be enough for a weekend, but a 10-day or annual license may fit longer plans better.
Gatlinburg trout has separate permit/license rules, so check before fishing city waters.
Youth 12 and under do not need a license, while nonresident ages 13-15 have a junior license category.
TWRA says processing fees apply to all purchases, so the final checkout can be higher.
TWRA says licenses are not transferable. Buy each license for the correct person.
How This Tennessee Nonresident Fishing License Guide Was Checked
This guide was prepared using official Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency license fee information, Go Outdoors Tennessee license purchase resources and Tennessee fishing regulation resources. The focus is nonresident recreational fishing costs and rules because that is the core user intent for this page.
- TWRA nonresident fishing license fees for no-trout and all-species options.
- 3-day, 10-day and annual nonresident license categories.
- Nonresident junior hunt/fish license rule for ages 13-15.
- No-license note for youth 12 and under.
- Go Outdoors Tennessee purchase and reprint resources.
- Special permit examples for Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, TWRA lakes and Reelfoot.
- Native Tennessean annual license option.
- TWRA processing-fee and non-transferable license notes.
Find Tennessee Fishing License Agents Near You
If you do not want to buy online, search for a TWRA licensed agent or regional office. Call before visiting because store hours, counter staffing and license system access can vary.
Search Tennessee Fishing License Agents
Use this map for a general search, then confirm through TWRA or Go Outdoors Tennessee before relying on a location.
Tennessee Non-Resident Fishing License FAQs
How much is a Tennessee non-resident fishing license in 2026?
TWRA lists nonresident fishing at $20 for 3-day no-trout, $40 for 3-day all-species including trout, $30 for 10-day no-trout, $61 for 10-day all-species including trout, $49 for annual no-trout, and $98 for annual all-species including trout. Processing fees apply.
Can nonresidents buy a Tennessee fishing license online?
Yes. Nonresidents can buy Tennessee fishing licenses through Go Outdoors Tennessee, at TWRA licensed agents, or at regional offices.
Which Tennessee license should I buy if I want trout?
Choose an all-species license that includes trout, or check the special trout permit rule for the exact water. Do not choose a no-trout license if trout is part of the trip.
Do nonresident kids need a Tennessee fishing license?
TWRA says no license is required for youth 12 and under. Nonresident ages 13-15 need the annual junior hunt/fish combination to fish or hunt small game.
Is the Tennessee 3-day nonresident license cheaper than annual?
Yes, for a short trip. The 3-day no-trout license is $20 and the 3-day all-species license is $40, while annual nonresident licenses are $49 no-trout and $98 all-species.
Do I need a separate Gatlinburg trout permit?
Possibly. Tennessee lists separate Gatlinburg trout permit and one-day Gatlinburg trout license options. Check the current Gatlinburg trout rule before fishing those waters.
Are Tennessee fishing licenses transferable?
No. TWRA states that licenses are not transferable. Each angler should have the correct license under their own name.
What if I was born in Tennessee but live out of state?
TWRA says nonresidents who were born in Tennessee may apply for Native Tennessean annual licenses, which allow eligible applicants to buy annual Tennessee hunting, fishing and trapping licenses at resident cost.
Does a Tennessee nonresident license cover TWRA lakes?
Not always by itself. TWRA lake permits may be required for certain agency lakes. Check the current TWRA lake permit rule before fishing.
Where should I verify Tennessee nonresident fishing fees?
Use the official TWRA license sales page or Go Outdoors Tennessee checkout system. Final costs can include processing fees, so review the checkout total before paying.
Final Summary: Choose the Right Tennessee Nonresident Fishing License Before You Cast
The right Tennessee non-resident fishing license depends on your trip length and whether you need trout. For 2026, TWRA lists $20 for 3-day no-trout, $40 for 3-day all-species, $30 for 10-day no-trout, $61 for 10-day all-species, $49 for annual no-trout and $98 for annual all-species.
The safest path is to buy through Go Outdoors Tennessee or TWRA, choose no-trout only if you are sure trout is not involved, check special permits for Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, TWRA lakes and Reelfoot, save proof, and read the current Tennessee fishing regulations before keeping fish.