What a Tennessee Junior Fishing License Covers
A Tennessee junior fishing license lets young anglers fish in freshwater across the state without needing a standard adult license. The license covers all freshwater species — bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and others — in public waters, lakes, and streams. It does not cover saltwater fishing or trout in designated trout waters, which have separate rules.
The license is valid for one year from the date of purchase. You can fish during any open season for the species you target, as long as you follow daily catch limits and size restrictions that apply to everyone. The junior license costs less than an adult license and is designed specifically for young people learning to fish.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee junior licenses are for ages 13 to 16 and cost significantly less than adult licenses.
- You can purchase a junior license online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website, by phone, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores.
- Children under 13 do not need a license to fish in Tennessee, but anyone 13 and older must have one.
- The license covers freshwater fishing only; trout waters and saltwater require separate permits or licenses.
- You must carry your license with you while fishing and show it to a wildlife officer if asked.
Age Requirements and Who Needs a License
In Tennessee, anyone age 13 or older must have a fishing license to fish in freshwater. Children under 13 can fish without a license as long as they are supervised by a licensed adult. The junior license is available to anglers ages 13 through 16.
Once you turn 17, you will need to purchase an adult license instead. Some young anglers transition to an adult license before age 17 if they want to fish in trout waters or saltwater, since the junior license does not cover those areas.
How to Buy a Tennessee Junior License
You can purchase a junior license through three main routes. The easiest is online at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) website — you can buy and print or download your license immediately. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and address.
You can also call the TWRA at their licensing phone line to purchase over the phone using a credit or debit card. The third option is to visit an authorized vendor in person. Sporting goods stores, Walmart locations, and many bait-and-tackle shops throughout Tennessee sell licenses. Vendors can print your license on the spot, though some may charge a small processing fee on top of the license cost.
Whichever method you choose, have your Social Security number or state ID number ready — TWRA requires this for all license purchases. The license is valid for one year from the purchase date, not from a calendar year.
Cost and What the Money Supports
A Tennessee junior fishing license costs less than half the price of an adult license. The exact cost varies slightly depending on whether you buy online or through a vendor (vendors may add a small fee), but the base license fee is set by the state. Check the TWRA website for the current year's price, as fees can change annually.
The money from license sales funds fish stocking, habitat restoration, and wildlife management across Tennessee. It also supports the work of game wardens and conservation education programs. When you buy a junior license, you are directly supporting the lakes and streams where you fish.
Rules You Must Follow While Fishing
Carrying your license is required. You must have it with you at all times while fishing and show it to a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officer if asked. A digital copy on your phone is acceptable if you can display it immediately.
Daily catch limits and minimum size requirements apply to all anglers, including junior license holders. These vary by species and by water body — for example, bass may have a five-fish daily limit in one lake and a three-fish limit in another. Check the TWRA fishing guide or call ahead before you fish to confirm the rules for your target species and location.
You cannot fish in designated trout waters with a junior license. If you want to fish for trout in places like the Clinch River or designated trout streams, you will need to upgrade to an adult license and purchase a trout permit. Saltwater fishing also requires a separate saltwater license.
Special Situations: Trout and Saltwater
Tennessee's trout waters — including tailwaters below dams and designated trout streams — require a separate trout permit in addition to any fishing license. If you hold a junior license and want to fish for trout, you have two options: purchase an adult license and a trout permit, or wait until you turn 17 when you will need an adult license anyway.
Saltwater fishing in Tennessee is limited to coastal areas and requires a saltwater license. This is a separate purchase from a freshwater license. Most junior anglers focus on freshwater lakes and rivers, but if you plan to fish in saltwater, you will need to purchase that license instead of or in addition to a junior freshwater license.
Renewing Your License and Transitioning to Adult
Your junior license expires one year from the purchase date. To continue fishing, you will need to renew it through the same methods available for initial purchase — online, by phone, or at a vendor. You can renew before your current license expires so there is no gap in your fishing.
When you turn 17, you will no longer be able to purchase a junior license. At that point, you must buy an adult license to fish. The adult license covers the same freshwater species as the junior license but also opens access to trout waters (with a trout permit) and other options. Many anglers renew their junior license right up until their 17th birthday, then switch to an adult license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish without a license if I am under 13?
Yes. Children under 13 can fish in freshwater without a license, but they must be supervised by a licensed adult. The adult does not have to be actively fishing — they just need to be present and responsible for the child.
What happens if I lose my license or it gets wet?
Contact the TWRA or return to the vendor where you purchased it. If you bought online and printed it, you can print another copy from your account. If you bought through a vendor, they can reprint it or issue a replacement. Keep a photo of your license on your phone as a backup.
Can I fish in other states with a Tennessee junior license?
No. A Tennessee license is valid only in Tennessee. If you travel to another state to fish, you will need to purchase that state's license. Most states offer junior licenses as well, usually at a low cost.
Do I need a license to fish in a private pond?
It depends on who owns the pond. If you have written permission from the landowner, you generally do not need a license to fish on private property in Tennessee. If the pond is public or you do not have permission, you need a license.
What if I turn 17 before my junior license expires?
Your junior license becomes invalid on your 17th birthday. You will need to purchase an adult license to continue fishing, even if your junior license still has time remaining on it.