Tennessee Fishing License 2026 —
Requirements, Fees & Where to Buy
Complete guide to Tennessee fishing license requirements for residents and non-residents. Covers all license types, fees, age exemptions, endorsements, season dates, and direct links to purchase from the official Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Tennessee Fishing License Types & Fees
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency offers several fishing license types depending on your residency, the water type you're fishing, and how long you need the license.
| License Type | Fee | Valid Period | Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Fishing License (Annual) | $34.00 | 1 year | |
| Youth Fishing License (Under 16) | $0.00 | 1 year | Free in most states for anglers under 16 — confirm exemption age with your state agency. |
| Resident 3-Day Fishing License | $17.00 | 3 days | Estimated — verify current price at official agency website before purchasing. |
| Senior Fishing License (65+) | $17.00 | 1 year | Estimated — verify current price at official agency website before purchasing. Some states offer free licenses for seniors 65+. |
| Resident Fishing License (1-Day) | $6.00 | 1 day | Sourced from takemefishing.org (verify current fee at official agency website) |
* Tennessee resident means a person who has resided continuously in the state for more than 6 months immediately before applying for a license.
| License Type | Fee | Valid Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident Fishing License (Annual) | $50.00 | 1 year | |
| Non-Resident Fishing License (10-Day) | $30.50 | 10 days | Sourced from takemefishing.org (verify current fee at official agency website) |
| Non-Resident 3-Day Fishing License | $20.00 | 3 days | Estimated — verify current price at official agency website before purchasing. |
| Non-Resident Fishing License (1-Day) | $11.50 | 1 day | Sourced from takemefishing.org (verify current fee at official agency website) |
| Non-Resident Fishing License (3-Day) | $9.50 | 3 days | Sourced from takemefishing.org (verify current fee at official agency website) |
Tennessee Fish Species — Status & License Requirements
Tennessee offers diverse fishing opportunities. Click any species for detailed season dates, bag limits, and regulations.
Tennessee Fishing Season Dates, Bag Limits & Size Rules
Key seasons for the most commonly targeted species. Always verify with official Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency regulations before fishing.
| Species | Season Status | Open Date | Close Date | Daily Bag Limit | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Largemouth Bass | Open | 10 | general | ||
| Tennessee Rainbow Trout – Caney Fork | Open | 2025-10-15 | 2026-04-30 | 7 | fly-fishing |
| Tennessee Walleye | Open | 2025-03-01 | 2025-05-31 | 8 | general |
| Tennessee Crappie | Open | 30 | general | ||
| Tennessee Muskellunge – Dale Hollow | Open | 2025-12-01 | 2026-03-31 | 1 | general |
* Statewide regulations shown. Specific water bodies may have different rules. Always check the official Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency regulations for your target destination.
Tennessee Fishing Tags, Stamps & Endorsements
Some species and water types require additional stamps or endorsements beyond your base fishing license.
How to Get Your Tennessee Fishing License
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency makes purchasing straightforward. You can be licensed in under 5 minutes online.
Where to Buy in Tennessee
Purchase directly at the official state agency website. Fast, available 24/7, license instantly downloadable. Accepts all major credit cards.
Buy Official LicenseWalmart, Bass Pro Shops, Academy Sports, Cabela's, and thousands of local bait shops and sporting goods stores sell licenses over the counter. Instant issuance.
Find a retailer near you