Fishing in Tennessee
Tennessee delivers on every fishing front. Reelfoot Lake, formed by the New Madrid earthquake, is a crappie and bluegill destination unlike any other. The TVA chain (Kentucky, Pickwick, Watts Bar, Chickamauga) grows trophy largemouth and smallmouth. Dale Hollow holds the smallmouth world-record system. Tailwaters below Center Hill, Norris, Cherokee, South Holston, and Watauga produce trophy brown trout. The Tennessee, Cumberland, and Mississippi rivers add big sauger, blue cats, and stripers.
License Types & Fees
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Annual Combination Hunt/Fish | $33.00 |
| Resident Senior Hunt/Fish/Trap | $4.00 |
| Resident Annual Sportsman | $165.00 |
| Resident Annual Trout Supplemental | $21.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual Fishing (No Trout) | $49.00 |
| Non-Resident Annual Fishing (All Species) | $98.00 |
| Non-Resident 1-Day Fishing (No Trout) | $6.00 |
| Non-Resident 3-Day Fishing (No Trout) | $20.00 |
| Non-Resident 3-Day Fishing (All Species) | $40.00 |
| Non-Resident 10-Day Fishing (No Trout) | $30.00 |
| Non-Resident 10-Day Fishing (All Species) | $61.00 |
| Slat Basket Tag | $10.00 |
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current pricing on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website before purchasing.
Log Your Tennessee Catches
CatchVault is available on iOS. Identify species with AI, measure with LiDAR, and keep a private journal of every fish you land in Tennessee.
Tennessee Fishing License FAQ
How much does a Tennessee fishing license cost?
A resident annual combination hunt/fish fishing license in Tennessee costs $33.00. Fees vary by residency, age, and license type, see the full breakdown above for short-term, non-resident, and senior options.
Where can I buy a Tennessee fishing license?
Tennessee fishing licenses are sold online by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and are also available from authorized retailers, bait shops, and sporting goods stores across the state.
Who issues fishing licenses in Tennessee?
Fishing licenses in Tennessee are issued by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.