Tennessee Fishing License Cost: 2026 Resident, Nonresident, Trout and Short-Term Fees
Tennessee fishing license cost depends on residency, age, trip length, trout plans and special waters. This guide explains resident and nonresident fees, 1-day, 3-day, 10-day and annual options, trout supplemental rules, junior and senior licenses, special permits and official TWRA buying links.
Use these shortcuts before buying. Tennessee license cost changes fast when trout, trip length, youth age, county-of-residence fishing, special lakes or Gatlinburg trout waters are involved.
The Fastest Safe Answer for Tennessee Fishing License Cost in 2026
For residents, TWRA lists the Combo Hunt/Fish annual license at $33, the 1-day fishing no-trout license at $6, the 1-day all-species license at $11, and the annual trout supplemental license at $21.
For nonresidents, TWRA lists annual fishing no trout at $49, annual all-species including trout at $98, 3-day no trout at $20, 3-day all-species at $40, 10-day no trout at $30, and 10-day all-species at $61.
Tennessee Fishing License Cost Quick Facts
Tennessee fishing can mean farm ponds, county-of-residence fishing, trout streams, state lakes, Gatlinburg waters, Reelfoot Lake, reservoirs and border waters. The cheapest license is not always the correct license.
What This Tennessee Fishing License Cost Guide Covers
Official Tennessee Fishing License Cost Links You Should Use First
Use official TWRA and Go Outdoors Tennessee links before paying. Fishing license fees, processing fees, permits and special water rules can change, and older third-party charts may miss trout or permit details.
💵 TWRA License Fees
Official TWRA license structure and fees page with resident, nonresident, special permit and application details.
Check TWRA Fees💳 Go Outdoors Tennessee
Official Tennessee online license portal for purchases, account management and free reprints.
Open License Portal🎣 Buy Your License Now
TWRA page that routes users to the official Go Outdoors Tennessee purchase system.
Buy License Online📘 Tennessee License Fees
Tennessee fishing license fee table with special permits, Gatlinburg, TWRA lakes and Reelfoot details.
Open Fee Table💵 State Cost Guide
Compare fishing license costs by state, residency, duration and permit type.
Compare State Costs🎣 General License Guide
Need the broader process? Read the main guide for online buying and state-rule basics.
Read Main GuideTennessee Resident Fishing License Cost in 2026
Tennessee residents have several fishing choices. The best option depends on whether you fish one day, fish annually, fish only in your county with natural bait, or need trout privileges.
| Resident License or Permit | TWRA Listed Cost | Who It Fits | Important Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Fishing – No Trout, ages 13-64 | $6.00 | One-day resident fishing trips where trout is not involved. | Add trout supplemental if trout applies. |
| 1-Day Fishing – All Species, ages 16-64 | $11.00 | One-day resident trips including trout. | Useful when trout might be part of the day. |
| Combo Hunt/Fish Annual, ages 16-64 | $33.00 | Residents who fish through the year or hunt small game too. | Minimum license to fish and/or hunt small game. |
| Annual Trout Supplemental | $21.00 | Residents who need trout privileges with an eligible base license. | Must be paired with combo hunt/fish, county license or 1-day no-trout license. |
| County of Residence Fishing – No Trout | $10.00 | Fishing only in county of residence with natural bait. | No artificial lures or minnows; trout supplemental required for trout. |
| Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | $4.00 | Eligible residents after reaching age 65. | WMA permits may still be required. |
| Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | $49.00 | Eligible residents age 65+ wanting a permanent option. | Proof of age and residency required. |
| Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap, ages 13-15 | $9.00 | Resident youth ages 13-15. | Must be purchased before 16th birthday. |
Tennessee Nonresident Fishing License Cost in 2026
Nonresident Tennessee fishing license cost depends mainly on duration and trout. The no-trout versions are cheaper, but they are not enough if your trip includes trout waters.
| Nonresident License | TWRA Listed Cost | Who It Fits | Trout Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fishing – No Trout, age 16+ | $49.00 | Visitors who fish Tennessee often but do not fish trout. | No |
| Annual Fishing – All Species, including Trout, age 16+ | $98.00 | Visitors who fish Tennessee often and may fish trout. | Yes |
| 3-Day Fishing – No Trout, age 16+ | $20.00 | Short trips without trout. | No |
| 3-Day Fishing – All Species, including Trout, age 16+ | $40.00 | Short trips that include trout. | Yes |
| 10-Day Fishing – No Trout | $30.00 | Vacation-length fishing without trout. | No |
| 10-Day Fishing – All Species, including Trout, age 16+ | $61.00 | Longer visitor trips with trout plans. | Yes |
| Annual Junior Hunt/Fish Combination – No Big Game | $10.00 | Nonresident youth ages 13-15 for fishing and small game. | Check current TWRA details |
Tennessee Trout Fishing License Cost: Resident and Nonresident Options
Tennessee trout cost depends on whether you are a resident or nonresident and whether you choose a license that already includes trout. Never assume a cheaper “no trout” license covers trout water.
$21: Allows an angler to fish for trout when purchased with an eligible base license.
$11: Includes trout for one-day resident fishing where the age rule applies.
$40: Includes trout for a short Tennessee visitor trip.
$61: Includes trout for a longer visitor trip.
$98: Best for frequent nonresident Tennessee anglers who may fish trout.
Special rule: Gatlinburg trout waters have separate one-day and three-day permit/license choices.
Tennessee Short-Term Fishing License Cost: 1-Day, 3-Day and 10-Day Choices
Short-term licenses are often the best value for tourists, weekend anglers and first-time visitors. The big decision is trout or no trout.
Resident Short Trip
Residents can use 1-day no-trout for $6 or 1-day all-species for $11 when eligible.
$6 / $11Nonresident Short Trip
Visitors can compare 3-day and 10-day options, with or without trout.
$20 to $61Quick value check
- One resident fishing day without trout: check the $6 one-day no-trout option.
- One resident fishing day with trout: check the $11 one-day all-species option.
- Nonresident weekend without trout: check the $20 three-day no-trout option.
- Nonresident weekend with trout: check the $40 three-day all-species option.
- Nonresident vacation without trout: check the $30 ten-day no-trout option.
- Nonresident vacation with trout: check the $61 ten-day all-species option.
Tennessee Youth, Junior and Senior Fishing License Cost
Tennessee youth and senior rules can lower cost, but the exact age matters. TWRA notes that no license is required for youth 12 and under. Youth ages 13-15 have junior license options.
| Age or Category | License Cost | Who It Fits | Important Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth 12 and under | No license required | Children fishing in Tennessee. | Rules, limits and special waters still matter. |
| Resident Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap, ages 13-15 | $9 | Resident youth before 16th birthday. | WMA permits may still apply. |
| Nonresident Annual Junior Hunt/Fish Combination, ages 13-15 | $10 | Nonresident youth ages 13-15 for fishing and small game. | No license required for youth 12 and under. |
| Resident Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | $4 | Eligible residents once age 65 is reached. | Proof of age and residency required. |
| Resident Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | $49 | Eligible residents age 65+ wanting permanent coverage. | WMA permits and quota fees may still apply. |
Tennessee Special Fishing Permits That Can Add to Your Cost
Some Tennessee waters require more than a base license. Special permit rules can apply to trout waters, TWRA State Lakes, Bedford Lake, Gatlinburg, Reelfoot Lake and other areas.
| Special Permit | Cost | Where It Applies | Important Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tellico-Citico Trout 1-Day Permit | $6 | Tellico River, Citico Creek and Green Cove Pond rules. | Required for all ages when applicable. |
| TWRA State Lake Fishing Permit – Daily | $6 | TWRA State Lakes. | Required in addition to base fishing license when applicable. |
| TWRA State Lake Fishing Permit – Annual | $48 | TWRA State Lakes. | Useful for repeat State Lake anglers. |
| Bedford Lake 1-Day Fishing Permit | $6 | Bedford Lake. | One-day permit for the lake. |
| 1-Day Gatlinburg Trout Permit | $3 | Gatlinburg trout fishing with appropriate licenses. | Not needed if buying the Gatlinburg one-day trout license. |
| 1-Day Gatlinburg Trout License | $11 | Gatlinburg trout fishing for one day. | Only requirement for residents and nonresidents ages 13+ to fish Gatlinburg for one day. |
| 3-Day Gatlinburg Trout Permit | $9 | Gatlinburg trout fishing. | Required with appropriate licenses except Gatlinburg one-day trout license. |
| Reelfoot Preservation Permit – Annual | $16 | Reelfoot Lake area where required. | 1-day and 3-day Reelfoot permits are also listed. |
How to Buy a Tennessee Fishing License Online
TWRA says licenses and permits can be purchased through Go Outdoors Tennessee, at a TWRA licensed agent or at a regional office. Online buying is usually easiest for most anglers.
Open Go Outdoors Tennessee
Start from Go Outdoors Tennessee or the official TWRA buy license page.
Choose resident or nonresident
Select the correct residency category. Giving false information to obtain a license can create legal trouble and loss of license.
Choose trout or no trout
If trout may be part of the trip, choose all-species or the correct trout supplemental path before paying.
Add special permits if needed
Add Tellico-Citico, TWRA State Lake, Gatlinburg, Bedford Lake, Reelfoot or other permits when your water requires them.
Save proof and reprint if needed
Go Outdoors Tennessee lets users manage accounts and obtain free reprints. Keep proof with you while fishing.
Tennessee Fishing Rules to Check After Paying the License Cost
A Tennessee fishing license does not remove creel limits, length limits, trout rules, bait rules, special water permits, reciprocal-water rules or local restrictions. Check current TWRA regulations for the exact water you will fish.
Before fishing in Tennessee, check this list
- Are you resident or nonresident?
- Are you fishing trout or no trout?
- Is your license valid for the exact dates?
- Do you need a special permit for Tellico-Citico, Gatlinburg, TWRA State Lakes, Bedford Lake or Reelfoot Lake?
- Are you using natural bait only under a county-of-residence license?
- Do creel limits or length limits apply to your species?
- Are you fishing a reciprocal water such as South Holston or a border-water area?
- Are you fishing on private farmland, and does a true exemption apply?
Where Else Can You Buy a Tennessee Fishing License?
Online buying is convenient, but Tennessee licenses and permits can also be purchased through TWRA licensed agents and regional offices. Call first if you need a special permit, reprint or help with a residency question.
Search Tennessee Fishing License Agents Near You
Use this map as a general search tool, then confirm through TWRA or the agent before depending on that location.
Common Tennessee Fishing License Cost Mistakes
Most Tennessee mistakes happen because anglers buy the cheapest license without checking trout or special-water rules. Price matters, but correct coverage matters more.
No-trout licenses are cheaper, but they do not cover trout fishing.
Gatlinburg trout fishing has separate permit/license options and stocking closure notes.
TWRA State Lakes may require a lake permit in addition to the base license.
County-of-residence fishing is limited to natural bait and does not allow artificial lures or minnows.
Nonresidents should compare 3-day, 10-day and annual options before paying.
Keep license proof with you while fishing, especially in rural areas with poor cell service.
How This Tennessee Fishing License Cost Guide Was Checked
This guide was prepared from official Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency license structure and fee pages, Go Outdoors Tennessee purchase information, Tennessee fishing license fee tables and TWRA regulation pages.
- Resident 1-day no-trout, 1-day all-species and combo hunt/fish annual fees.
- Annual trout supplemental fee and eligible pairing language.
- County-of-residence fishing license cost and bait restrictions.
- Resident junior and senior fishing license fee examples.
- Nonresident annual, 3-day and 10-day fishing fees with and without trout.
- TWRA purchase routes through Go Outdoors Tennessee, licensed agents and regional offices.
- Special permits for Tellico-Citico, TWRA State Lakes, Bedford Lake, Gatlinburg and Reelfoot Lake.
- Free Fishing Day and children’s Free Fishing Week notes for 2026.
Tennessee Fishing License Cost FAQs: Resident, Nonresident, Trout and Short-Term Fees
How much is a Tennessee resident fishing license in 2026?
TWRA lists the resident Combo Hunt/Fish annual license at $33, 1-day fishing no trout at $6, 1-day all-species including trout at $11, and the annual trout supplemental license at $21.
How much is a Tennessee nonresident fishing license in 2026?
TWRA lists nonresident annual fishing no trout at $49 and annual all-species including trout at $98. Nonresident 3-day no trout is $20, 3-day all-species is $40, 10-day no trout is $30, and 10-day all-species is $61.
Do I need a trout license in Tennessee?
Yes, if you fish for trout. Residents can use all-species one-day options or the annual trout supplemental with an eligible base license. Nonresidents should choose the all-species license when trout is included in the trip.
Where can I buy a Tennessee fishing license?
TWRA says licenses and permits can be purchased through Go Outdoors Tennessee, at a TWRA licensed agent or at a regional office.
Do kids need a Tennessee fishing license?
No license is required for youth 12 and under. Youth ages 13-15 have junior license options, such as resident Junior Hunt, Fish & Trap and nonresident Annual Junior Hunt/Fish Combination.
How much is a Tennessee senior fishing license?
TWRA lists the Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license at $4 and the Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license at $49 for eligible residents after reaching age 65.
How much is a Tennessee 1-day fishing license?
For residents, TWRA lists the 1-day fishing no-trout license at $6 and the 1-day all-species license at $11. Nonresident short-term options are usually 3-day and 10-day licenses.
How much is a Tennessee 3-day nonresident fishing license?
TWRA lists the nonresident 3-day fishing no-trout license at $20 and the 3-day all-species including trout license at $40.
Are there extra Tennessee fishing permits?
Yes. Extra permits can apply for Tellico-Citico trout waters, TWRA State Lakes, Bedford Lake, Gatlinburg trout fishing, Reelfoot Lake and other specific waters or activities.
Is Tennessee fishing free on any day in 2026?
TWRA lists Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day on June 6, 2026, and Free Fishing Week for children ages 15 and younger from June 6-12, 2026. All other rules still apply.
Final Summary: Tennessee Fishing License Cost in 2026
Tennessee fishing license cost depends on residency, trout plans and trip length. Residents commonly compare the $33 combo hunt/fish annual license, $6 one-day no-trout license, $11 one-day all-species license and $21 trout supplemental. Nonresidents commonly compare $49 annual no-trout, $98 annual all-species, $20 three-day no-trout, $40 three-day all-species, $30 ten-day no-trout and $61 ten-day all-species licenses.
The safest path is to use official TWRA or Go Outdoors Tennessee links, choose trout or no-trout correctly, add special permits when required, save proof, and check current fishing rules for the exact Tennessee water you plan to fish.