Tennessee License Price Calculator
How Much Is a Fishing License in Tennessee?
A Tennessee resident annual fishing license costs $33.00 (Combination Hunt/Fish, no trout). Non-residents pay $49.00 for the same annual license. Tennessee's biggest gotcha is trout: the standard resident and non-resident licenses don't include trout fishing privileges by default, so budget for the supplement if Gatlinburg or East Tennessee trout streams are on your itinerary.
Tennessee Fishing License Price Table (2026)
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $33.00 | $49.00 | Combination Hunt/Fish, no trout |
| 1-Day | $11.00 | $20.50 | Single-day fishing |
| Trout Supplement | $21.00 | $98.00 | See notes above |
| 3-Day (No Trout) | N/A | $20.50 | See notes above |
| Youth (Under 16) | Free | Free | Most states exempt young anglers |
Trout Costs Extra — Know Before You Go
Tennessee residents pay $33 for the base Combination Hunt/Fish license, which does not include trout. Adding the Annual Trout Supplemental license costs another $21. Non-residents choose upfront between a no-trout annual ($49) and an all-species annual that includes trout ($98) — there's no add-on stamp option for visitors, so pick correctly before you buy.
Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day and Free Fishing Week
Tennessee's Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day falls on June 6, 2026 — anyone, resident or not, can fish public waters that day without a license. Kids 15 and younger get an entire Free Fishing Week (June 6-12, 2026) where they can fish license-free in public waters, agency lakes, and state parks.
The Real Cost of Full Access: Resident vs. Non-Resident
A resident who wants every species, including trout, pays $54 total ($33 base + $21 trout supplement). A non-resident wanting the same access pays $98 flat for the all-species annual — roughly 1.8x the resident price for equivalent privileges. If you're a non-resident who's certain you won't target trout, the $49 no-trout annual saves exactly the $49 difference versus guessing wrong and needing to upgrade.
Tennessee Fishing Seasons & Bag Limits (2026)
These are Tennessee's default statewide season windows and bag/size limits for the most commonly targeted species. Many individual lakes, rivers, and reservoirs carry their own special regulations that override these defaults — always confirm the rules for your specific water before you fish.
| Species | Season | Min. Size | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trout (combined species) | Year-round, statewide default | No min. | 7/day (max. 2 may be lake trout) |
| Bass (Black Bass, combined) | Year-round, statewide default | No statewide min. (most reservoirs impose 15") | 5/day |
| Crappie | Year-round | No statewide min. | 20/day (only 5 over 12") |
Where to Buy a Tennessee Fishing License Locally
In addition to the official state portal linked above, Tennessee fishing licenses are typically available at Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and Dick's Sporting Goods locations statewide, along with independent bait & tackle shops. Call ahead if you need a specific license type (combination, lifetime, or trout stamp) since not every retail counter carries every product.
Tennessee Fishing License — FAQs
How much is a Tennessee fishing license?
The standard Tennessee resident Combination Hunt/Fish license costs $33 and does not include trout — add $21 for the Annual Trout Supplemental. Non-residents pay $49 for a no-trout annual license or $98 for an all-species license that includes trout.
Do Tennessee licenses include trout fishing?
Not by default. Residents need the $21 Annual Trout Supplemental in addition to the base license. Non-residents must choose the $98 all-species option upfront, since there's no separate non-resident trout add-on.
When does a Tennessee fishing license expire?
Tennessee annual licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase, not a fixed calendar date.
Is there a free fishing day in Tennessee?
Yes. Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day is June 6, 2026, when anyone can fish Tennessee public waters without a license. Kids 15 and younger can fish free the entire week of June 6-12, 2026.
Do I need a license to fish in Gatlinburg?
Yes, plus a separate Gatlinburg trout permit if you're targeting trout there — a one-day version costs about $11.50 and doesn't require a base TWRA license.
Where can I buy a Tennessee fishing license?
Buy online through Go Outdoors Tennessee, at TWRA regional offices, county clerk offices, or licensed vendors including many hardware stores and Walmarts.