Tennessee Fishing License Cost 2026: Resident, Trout and Nonresident Fees Explained
If you are planning to fish Tennessee rivers, creeks, reservoirs, trout streams, TWRA lakes, or a quick vacation spot near the Smokies, the first thing to check is not only “Do I need a license?” but also “Do I need trout, all-species, county-only, lake permit, or a short-term visitor license?”
This guide explains Tennessee fishing license cost in plain local language, with resident and nonresident fee tables, trout add-on guidance, senior prices, youth rules, online buying steps, real examples, and common mistakes that can make people pay twice.
Official Source Check Before You Buy
This page is an independent guide, not the official Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website. Use it to understand license choices, then verify the final fee and product name in Go Outdoors Tennessee or the current TWRA guide.
Tennessee Fishing License Fees 2026 Resident and Nonresident Cost Tables
Tennessee fishing license cost depends heavily on trout. A no-trout license is cheaper, but it does not cover trout fishing. If you might fish trout later, choose carefully because buying the wrong product can cost more.
Resident fishing license fees
| Resident License | Who It Fits | What It Covers | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap | Ages 13–15 | Sport fishing plus hunt/trap privileges; WMA permits may still apply | $9 |
| 1-Day Fishing No Trout | Ages 13–64 | One day of fishing, no trout | $6 |
| 1-Day Fishing All Species | Ages 16–64 | One day, includes trout | $11 |
| County of Residence Fishing No Trout | Residents age 13+ | County-only, natural bait only, no minnows, no artificial lures | $10 |
| Annual Trout Supplemental | Residents adding trout privilege | Trout fishing when paired with qualifying license | $21 |
| Combination Hunt/Fish Annual | Ages 16–64 | Minimum annual license to fish and/or hunt small game; trout supplemental needed for trout | $33 |
| Annual Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | Resident age 65+ | Base and supplemental licenses included; WMA permits may still apply | $4 |
| Permanent Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap | Resident age 65+ | Permanent senior license option | $49 |
| Annual Sportsman | Ages 16–64 | All-inclusive state hunting, trapping and sport fishing privileges except certain permits | $165 |
Nonresident fishing license fees
| Nonresident License | Who It Fits | What It Covers | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Junior Hunt/Fish No Big Game | Nonresident ages 13–15 | Junior fishing and small-game style privileges; big game requires other products | $10 |
| 3-Day Fishing No Trout | Age 16+ | Short trip, no trout | $20 |
| 3-Day Fishing All Species | Age 16+ | Short trip, includes trout | $40 |
| 10-Day Fishing No Trout | Visitor fishing longer than weekend | 10 days, no trout | $30 |
| 10-Day Fishing All Species | Visitor fishing trout too | 10 days, includes trout | $61 |
| Annual Fishing No Trout | Visitor age 16+ | Annual fishing, no trout | $49 |
| Annual Fishing All Species | Visitor age 16+ | Annual fishing, includes trout | $98 |
Processing-fee reminder:
TWRA states processing fees apply to purchases. Treat the amounts above as license fees, then confirm the exact final checkout total before paying.
Which Tennessee Fishing License Should You Buy? Simple Cost Picker
The fastest way to pick the right Tennessee license is to answer four questions: Are you a resident? Are you fishing trout? How many days will you fish? Are you staying inside your county with natural bait only?
Use This 30-Second Tennessee License Picker
Tennessee Resident Fishing License Cost What Locals Should Know
Tennessee residents have several low-cost fishing options, but each one has limits. The county license is cheap, but it is not a statewide artificial-lure license. The one-day no-trout license is cheap, but it does not cover trout.
1-Day No Trout
Best for a quick local fishing trip when you are not fishing trout. It costs $6 for eligible residents.
1-Day All Species
Best for a one-day trip where trout may be part of the plan. It costs $11 for eligible residents.
County No Trout
Best for very local natural-bait fishing in your county of residence. It costs $10 but has important bait and lure limits.
County-of-residence license warning
This license is not a normal statewide fishing license. It is for your county of residence, no trout, natural bait only, and no artificial lures. If you plan to use lures, minnows, fish another county, or fish trout, choose a different license path.
Tennessee Nonresident Fishing License Cost Short Trips and Annual Options
Nonresident visitors get practical short-term choices. The big decision is trout. If trout is possible, do not buy no-trout just because it is cheaper.
3-Day No Trout
$20 for a short visitor trip without trout fishing.
3-Day All Species
$40 for a short trip that includes trout.
10-Day No Trout
$30 for a longer visitor stay without trout.
10-Day All Species
$61 for a longer trip that includes trout.
Tennessee Trout License Cost No Trout vs All Species
Trout is the place where many people make a mistake. Tennessee has no-trout and all-species options. Residents may also see an annual trout supplemental. Nonresidents should pay close attention because Tennessee does not treat no-trout and all-species the same.
Choose all species if trout may happen
If your trip includes trout streams, trout-stocked water, Gatlinburg-area trout, or mountain trout plans, pick an all-species or trout-covered path from the start.
Do not buy no-trout for trout water
A no-trout license is cheaper because it does not include trout. Buying the wrong license can make you return to the portal and pay again.
Trout tip:
If the words “trout,” “Smokies,” “mountain stream,” “Gatlinburg,” “Tellico,” or “Citico” are part of your trip plan, slow down and check trout requirements before checkout.
Tennessee Senior Fishing License Cost Age 65 and Older
Tennessee resident seniors have low-cost options. These can only be purchased when the 65th birthday is reached, and proof of age and residency is required.
Annual Senior Hunt/Fish/Trap
The annual senior license costs $4 and includes base and supplemental licenses, though WMA permits may still apply.
Permanent Senior Hunt/Fish/Trap
The permanent senior option costs $49 and is a long-term resident senior license choice.
Senior Sportsman
The senior sportsman license costs $49 and is an all-inclusive resident sportsman-style option.
Tennessee Youth Fishing License Rules Ages 12 and Under, 13–15, and 16+
Youth rules are age-based. Ages 12 and under generally do not need a license, but some permits may still apply. Ages 13–15 have a junior license. At age 16, adult-style license rules start for many products.
Ages 12 and under
No license is generally required, but permit rules can still matter in some places.
Ages 13–15
The junior hunt/fish/trap resident license is $9. Nonresident junior options differ.
Age 16 and older
Adult fishing license rules usually apply, especially for nonresidents and all-species/trout products.
Special Tennessee Fishing Permits TWRA Lakes, Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico and Reelfoot
Some places need more than a regular license. Do not assume a base fishing license covers every TWRA lake or special trout area.
| Permit | When It Matters | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Tellico-Citico Trout 1-Day | Required seasonally for Tellico River and/or Citico Creek where applicable | $6 |
| Daily TWRA Lake Fishing Permit | Required for TWRA Fishing Lakes where applicable | $6 |
| Annual TWRA Lake Fishing Permit | Regular TWRA lake users where applicable | $48 |
| Gatlinburg 1-Day Trout Permit | Required in Gatlinburg area in addition to appropriate license except special 1-day Gatlinburg trout license | $3 |
| Gatlinburg 1-Day Trout License | Only requirement for residents and nonresidents age 13+ to fish Gatlinburg for one day | $11 |
| Reelfoot Preservation Permit | Required for many users of Reelfoot WMA, with listed exceptions | $3 / $10 / $16 |
How to Buy a Tennessee Fishing License Online Step-by-Step Guide
Go Outdoors Tennessee is the official online license system. The process is easy, but the license menu can be confusing if you do not know whether you need trout or no trout.
Open Go Outdoors Tennessee
Start at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com or the official customer lookup portal.
Create or locate your TWRA customer account
New customers create a profile. Returning customers should locate the existing account to keep license history together.
Confirm residency
Resident status is verified with Tennessee driver license or state ID rules. Pick resident only if you qualify.
Choose fishing products
Select the fishing product that fits your trip: 1-day, county, annual, no trout, all species, senior, or nonresident short-term.
Add special permits if needed
Check trout, TWRA lake, Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, Reelfoot, or other area-specific permits before checkout.
Review dates and fees
Annual licenses and permits are generally valid 365 days from purchase unless otherwise noted. Check effective and expiration dates in the cart.
Pay and save proof
After payment, save the emailed electronic license. It is a true and legal copy of the license.
How to Reprint a Tennessee Fishing License Electronic Copy Help
Go Outdoors Tennessee allows users to obtain free reprints. If you lose the email, log back into your account and select the reprint option.
Email copy is legal
The electronic copy received by email is a true and legal copy of your license.
Reprint from account
Log in and select “reprint my license” if you need another copy sent or printed.
Use mobile backup
Keep a screenshot or saved PDF if you fish areas with poor cell service.
Real-Life Tennessee Fishing License Cost Examples What Should You Buy?
Example 1: Resident fishing one day at a local lake, no trout
The resident 1-day fishing no trout license may fit if trout is not part of the plan.
Example 2: Resident fishing trout for one day
The resident 1-day all species license may be the cleaner one-day choice if trout is included.
Example 3: Resident fishing only in home county with worms
The county-of-residence license may fit, but only if you follow its no-trout, natural-bait, no-minnows, no-artificial-lures limits.
Example 4: Visitor fishing the Smokies for trout
Choose a nonresident all-species license for the right duration. No-trout is not the right path for trout fishing.
Example 5: Visitor fishing three days, no trout
The nonresident 3-day no trout license may fit a short trip without trout.
Example 6: Senior Tennessee resident age 65+
Check the annual senior, permanent senior, or senior sportsman options before buying a regular product.
Helpful Official Video: TWRA On The Go App
This official-style TWRA app video is included because users often want to understand mobile license access. Use it for app familiarity only. Final license purchase and fees should be confirmed in Go Outdoors Tennessee.
If the video screen looks older, follow the current Go Outdoors Tennessee portal and TWRA guide.
Find a Tennessee Fishing License Agent Near You Map Search
If you prefer buying in person, use the official agent locator or search nearby license agents, sporting goods stores, bait shops, or county offices. Call first because license services and hours can vary.
Tennessee Fishing License Cost Mistakes Avoid These Before Paying
Buying no-trout when trout is possible
If trout might be part of the trip, choose all species or the proper trout-covered path before checkout.
Misusing the county license
The county-of-residence license has county, bait, lure, and trout limits. It is not a normal statewide license.
Ignoring processing fees
TWRA states processing fees apply to purchases. Check the final total before paying.
Forgetting special permits
TWRA lakes, Gatlinburg trout, Tellico-Citico, Reelfoot, and other areas may need extra permits.
Not saving the electronic license
Keep the email, screenshot, PDF, or reprint so you can show proof while fishing.
Thinking the license removes limits
A license does not remove creel limits, length limits, seasons, or water-specific rules.
Final Tennessee Fishing License Checklist Before You Cast
- Confirm resident or nonresident status.
- Check the angler’s age: 12 and under, 13–15, 16–64, or 65+.
- Decide whether trout is part of the trip.
- Do not use county-of-residence license outside its limits.
- Check special permits for TWRA lakes, Gatlinburg, Tellico-Citico, Reelfoot, and other special areas.
- Buy through Go Outdoors Tennessee, a licensed agent, or a TWRA office.
- Review effective dates, expiration dates, and processing fees before checkout.
- Save or reprint your electronic license.
- Check current TWRA fishing regulations before keeping fish.
Independent guide notice:
This article is for practical planning only. It is not the official Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website and is not legal advice. Always verify current fees, license products, exemptions, permits, and fishing regulations with TWRA before purchasing or fishing.
Tennessee Fishing License Cost FAQ Resident and Nonresident Fees
How much is a Tennessee resident fishing license in 2026?
A resident 1-day fishing no trout license is $6, a resident 1-day all species license is $11, the county-of-residence no trout license is $10, and the annual trout supplemental is $21 when paired with a qualifying license.
How much is a Tennessee nonresident fishing license?
A nonresident 3-day no trout license is $20, a 3-day all species license is $40, a 10-day no trout license is $30, a 10-day all species license is $61, an annual no trout license is $49, and an annual all species license is $98.
Does Tennessee have a separate trout license?
Tennessee has trout-related products. Residents may use an annual trout supplemental with a qualifying license, while nonresidents should choose all-species options when trout is part of the trip.
Where do I buy a Tennessee fishing license online?
Buy online through Go Outdoors Tennessee, the official TWRA licensing system. You can also buy from a licensed agent or TWRA regional office.
Are Tennessee annual fishing licenses valid for 365 days?
Annual licenses and permits are generally valid 365 days from the date of purchase unless otherwise noted. Check effective and expiration dates in the cart before checkout.
Do kids need a Tennessee fishing license?
No license is generally required for ages 12 and under, though some permits may still apply. Ages 13–15 have junior license options.
How much is the Tennessee senior fishing license?
The annual senior citizen hunt/fish/trap license is $4, and the permanent senior citizen hunt/fish/trap license is $49 for eligible Tennessee residents age 65 and older.
Can I reprint my Tennessee fishing license?
Yes. Log in to your Go Outdoors Tennessee account and select the reprint option. The electronic license copy sent by email is a true and legal copy.
Do I need a special permit for TWRA lakes?
Some TWRA lakes require a daily or annual lake fishing permit. Check the specific water before fishing.
Are Tennessee fishing license fees final at checkout?
No. TWRA states processing fees apply to purchases, so your final checkout total may be higher than the listed license fee.