Fishing in Tennessee

Fishing Regulations in Tennessee

Size limits, bag limits, and seasons by species in Tennessee.

Tennessee's Wildlife Resources Agency manages trophy trout tailwaters below the dams, the smallmouth of Pickwick and the rivers, and bass and crappie across its many reservoirs. Tailwaters and reservoirs carry their own limits and seasons, so confirm the rules for your water before you keep a fish.

48 species with limits144 special regulation bodies of water

Notable waters

Nickajack ReservoirCordell Hull ReservoirMelton Hill ReservoirWatts Bar ReservoirFt. Patrick Henry ReservoirGreat Falls ReservoirBoone ReservoirCalderwood Reservoir

Statewide

Year-round

Daily bag5

Includes: Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted, Alabama, Coosa, and all hybrids combined

Limit Detail: No more than 5 Black Bass per day in any combination.

Specific bodies of water may have special regulations.

Always confirm with the official state agency before keeping a fish. Regulations can change and local exceptions may apply.

Check Tennessee Regulations on the App

Take size limits, bag limits, and seasons for every species with you on the water. CatchVault is on iOS, with Android on the way.

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