What You Pay for a Tennessee Fishing License

A Tennessee fishing license costs between $27 and $110 depending on whether you fish in freshwater only, saltwater only, or both, and whether you want a license that lasts one year or five years. Residents and non-residents pay different amounts. A resident freshwater license is $27 for one year; a non-resident freshwater license is $110 for one year. If you want to fish both freshwater and saltwater as a resident, you pay $47 for one year.

Tennessee issues licenses through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). You can buy a license online at the TWRA website, by phone, or at authorized vendors around the state — hardware stores, sporting goods shops, and some bait-and-tackle shops sell them. The license is digital; you receive it by email and can fish the same day you buy it.

Key Takeaways

  • A resident freshwater license costs $27 for one year; a non-resident freshwater license costs $110 for one year.
  • Multi-year licenses are available — a five-year resident freshwater license costs $110, which works out cheaper per year than buying annually.
  • You can buy a license online through the TWRA website, by phone, or at sporting goods stores and bait shops throughout Tennessee.
  • Your license arrives by email and is valid to fish the same day you purchase it.
  • Children under 13 do not need a license if they fish under direct supervision of a licensed adult.

Resident vs. Non-Resident License Prices

Tennessee charges residents less than non-residents. A resident is someone who has lived in Tennessee for at least six months and holds a valid Tennessee driver's license or state ID. If you meet that definition, you pay $27 for a one-year freshwater license. Non-residents pay $110 for the same license.

If you fish both freshwater and saltwater, a resident pays $47 for one year; a non-resident pays $160. Saltwater-only licenses exist but are uncommon in Tennessee because most saltwater fishing happens in coastal states. The TWRA website lists the current prices for all combinations.

Multi-Year Licenses and Better Rates

If you fish regularly, a five-year license saves money. A resident can buy a five-year freshwater license for $110 — that is $22 per year instead of $27. A non-resident five-year freshwater license costs $385, or about $77 per year instead of $110. The longer commitment pays off if you plan to fish for more than a few seasons.

The TWRA also offers a three-year resident freshwater license for $65 ($21.67 per year) if you want a middle ground between annual and five-year terms. Check the TWRA website for the current three-year and five-year pricing, as these occasionally change.

Where to Buy Your License

The fastest way to buy a license is online through the TWRA website at tn.gov/twra. You enter your information, pay by credit or debit card, and receive your license by email within minutes. You can then fish when ready — you do not have to wait for a physical card to arrive.

If you prefer to buy in person, authorized vendors throughout Tennessee sell licenses. These include Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, local sporting goods stores, and bait-and-tackle shops. Call ahead to confirm the vendor has licenses in stock. You can also call the TWRA directly at 1-888-814-8972 to buy over the phone.

Who Needs a License and Who Does Not

Anyone 13 or older who fishes in Tennessee must have a license, with a few exceptions. Children under 13 do not need a license if they fish under the direct supervision of a licensed adult — meaning the adult is present and actively supervising. A licensed adult can supervise multiple children.

Tennessee residents 65 and older can buy a lifetime license for $27 (one-time payment), which is a significant discount if you plan to fish for many years. Military personnel on active duty stationed in Tennessee can fish without a license. Check the TWRA website for other exemptions, which occasionally change.

What Your License Covers

Your license covers the right to fish in public waters — lakes, rivers, and streams open to the public. It does not cover private property; you still need permission from the landowner to fish on their land. Your license also does not cover special permits for certain species or methods. For example, if you want to fish for trout in designated trout streams, you may need a separate trout permit depending on the stream.

Check the TWRA website or the current Tennessee Fishing Guide for rules about specific waters and species. Some lakes and streams have different seasons, catch limits, and size restrictions. Your license gives you the right to fish; the regulations tell you where, when, and how.

Renewing Your License

If you buy an annual license, you can renew it online, by phone, or at a vendor before it expires. Renewal is the same price as a new license. If your license expires, you cannot fish legally until you renew it — there is no grace period. Set a reminder a few weeks before your expiration date so you do not accidentally fish without a valid license.

If you bought a multi-year license, you do not need to renew until that term ends. The TWRA sends renewal reminders by email if you provided an email address when you bought the license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish in Tennessee with a license from another state?

No. You must have a Tennessee license to fish in Tennessee waters, even if you hold a valid license from another state. Non-residents can buy a Tennessee license for one year or multiple years.

Do I need a separate license to fish for catfish or bass?

No. Your freshwater license covers all freshwater species in Tennessee, including catfish, bass, crappie, and bluegill. Some special waters or methods may require an additional permit, but the basic license covers most fishing.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license is a violation of Tennessee law. Penalties include fines and possible court costs. The TWRA enforces fishing regulations, and game wardens patrol public waters. It is cheaper and easier to buy a license than to pay a fine.

Can I get a refund if I buy a license and do not use it?

Refund policies vary depending on where you bought the license and how long ago. Contact the TWRA or the vendor where you purchased it to ask about their refund policy.

Do I need a license to fish from a boat or from shore?

Yes. You need a license to fish from shore, from a boat, or from any location in Tennessee public waters. The location does not matter — the license does.