Laurel Fork

Fishing in Tennessee requires a valid state fishing license for anglers. Licenses include resident and non-resident, annual and short-term, available online or at authorized retailers.

In Tennessee, no fishing license is required for anglers under 13 or residents 65 and older. A few other exceptions worth knowing:

• Free fishing days — most states designate 1–2 weekends a year where anyone can fish without a license

• Tribal waters — tribal members fishing on tribal land operate under separate tribal regulations

• Private ponds — landowners fishing their own water typically don't need a license

Non-residents usually pay more for a license than residents. Some species also require an extra stamp or endorsement on top of your base license.