What you pay for a Tennessee fishing license

A Tennessee fishing license costs $27 for a one-year resident license as of the current year. If you fish only occasionally, Tennessee offers a three-day license for $11. Non-residents pay $63 for a one-year license or $27 for a three-day license.

These prices cover freshwater fishing in lakes, rivers, and streams across the state. If you want to fish in saltwater (the Gulf of Mexico or coastal areas), you need a separate saltwater license, which costs $27 for residents and $63 for non-residents for a full year.

You do not need a license if you fish on your own private property, fish from a licensed charter boat, or participate in certain free fishing days that Tennessee offers throughout the year. Children under 13 can fish without a license when supervised by a licensed adult.

Key Takeaways

  • A one-year Tennessee resident fishing license costs $27 and covers freshwater fishing statewide.
  • A three-day license costs $11 for residents and is useful if you fish only occasionally.
  • Non-residents pay $63 for a one-year license or $27 for three days.
  • You can purchase a license online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website, by phone, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores and bait shops.
  • Children under 13 do not need a license when fishing with a licensed adult.

Where to buy your license

You can purchase a Tennessee fishing license online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) website at tnwildlife.org. The online purchase is when ready—you receive your license when ready and can print it or show it on your phone.

You can also buy a license by phone by calling the TWRA at 1-888-814-8972. A staff member will process your purchase and mail the license to you, which takes about five to seven business days.

In-person purchases are available at thousands of authorized vendors across Tennessee, including Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, local bait and tackle shops, and sporting goods stores. Call ahead to confirm the vendor near you carries licenses, since not all locations stock them.

What information you need to provide

When you purchase a license, you will need to provide your full name, date of birth, and Tennessee driver's license number or state ID number. If you do not have a Tennessee ID, you can use an out-of-state driver's license number instead.

You will also need to choose whether you want a freshwater license, a saltwater license, or both. If you plan to fish in both environments, buying both licenses at the time of purchase is simpler than adding one later.

How long your license lasts

A one-year resident license runs from the date of purchase and expires one year later. A three-day license is valid for three consecutive calendar days starting the day you purchase it.

If you buy your license late in the year, it still expires on the anniversary of your purchase date, not on a calendar year boundary. This means a license purchased in November expires in November the following year.

Special licenses and exemptions

Tennessee offers a lifetime resident fishing license for $267, which is a one-time purchase that never expires. This option makes sense if you plan to fish regularly for many years.

Senior residents (age 62 and older) pay $13.50 for a one-year license, half the standard resident price. Disabled veterans and certain other groups may may have access to for reduced rates or free licenses—contact the TWRA directly to learn whether you may have access to.

You do not need a license to fish during Tennessee's free fishing days, which the state designates several times per year. These days are announced on the TWRA website and are open to anyone, regardless of age or residency.

What your license covers

Your fishing license allows you to fish in any public water in Tennessee during the open season for that species. It does not give you permission to fish on private land—you must have the landowner's permission for that, even with a valid license.

The license covers the act of fishing but does not cover the fish you catch. Tennessee has separate regulations on how many fish you can keep, what sizes are legal, and which species are in season. These rules change by location and time of year, so check the current regulations on the TWRA website before you fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish without a license on private property?

Yes. You do not need a license to fish on your own private property or on private property where you have the owner's written permission. However, you still must follow Tennessee's size and bag limits for each species.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a required license is a violation of Tennessee law. Penalties include fines and possible confiscation of your fishing equipment. The fine amount varies depending on the circumstances, so it is cheaper to buy a license upfront.

Can I buy a license for someone else?

You can purchase a license online or by phone using someone else's information, but you will need their date of birth and ID number. The license is issued in their name, and they must carry it when they fish.

Do I need a separate license to fish in different counties?

No. A single Tennessee fishing license is valid statewide in all counties and all public waters. You do not need multiple licenses for different regions.

What if I lose my license?

Contact the TWRA at 1-888-814-8972 or visit tnwildlife.org to request a replacement. You will need to provide your name and the date you purchased the original license. A replacement typically costs a small fee and takes five to seven business days by mail.