What a Tennessee Nonresident Annual License Covers
A Tennessee nonresident annual fishing license lets you fish in Tennessee's public waters for a full calendar year without buying a new license each trip. The license covers freshwater fishing — lakes, rivers, and streams — and is valid from January 1 through December 31 of the year you purchase it. You can fish for any species open to public harvest during their legal seasons, using legal methods for that species.
The license does not cover saltwater fishing, trout in designated trout streams (which require a separate trout permit), or private water where the owner restricts access. It also does not exempt you from following Tennessee's daily catch limits, size restrictions, or seasonal closures for specific fish — those rules apply to everyone, resident and nonresident alike.
Key Takeaways
- A Tennessee nonresident annual license costs a set fee and covers freshwater fishing statewide for the full calendar year.
- You can purchase the license online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website, by phone, or at authorized vendors across the state.
- The license is not valid for trout in designated trout streams, which require a separate trout permit you buy at the same time.
- You must carry your license or a digital copy on your phone while fishing, and you are responsible for knowing the current season dates and catch limits for each species.
How to Purchase Your License
The fastest way to get a nonresident annual license is through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) website at tnwildlife.org. You can buy it online in minutes, receive a digital copy immediately, and start fishing the same day. You will need a valid photo ID to verify your identity and an email address to receive your license.
If you prefer not to buy online, you can call the TWRA at their main office during business hours, or visit an authorized vendor — most sporting goods stores, tackle shops, and some outdoor retailers in Tennessee sell licenses over the counter. Vendors charge the same price as the online purchase, with no additional fee. When you buy in person, you receive a printed license on the spot.
You can also purchase a license before you arrive in Tennessee if you know your trip dates. This is useful if you are driving from out of state and want to fish immediately upon arrival without stopping at a vendor first.
License Cost and What It Includes
The cost of a nonresident annual license varies depending on your age and residency status. TWRA sets the price each year, and it typically ranges from around $60 to $100 for an adult nonresident, though you should check the current fee on the TWRA website before purchasing. Seniors and youth under 16 may have reduced rates.
Your annual license covers all freshwater species in all public waters statewide — lakes, rivers, streams, and reservoirs managed by TWRA or open to public fishing. You do not need separate licenses for different water bodies or species, except for trout in designated trout streams. If you plan to fish for trout, you must buy a trout permit in addition to your annual license; the permit is inexpensive and sold alongside the license.
Trout Fishing and the Separate Permit Requirement
Tennessee's designated trout streams — mostly in the eastern mountains and some tailwaters below dams — require a separate trout permit on top of your annual license. These streams are stocked with rainbow and brown trout and have their own season dates and catch limits that differ from general freshwater rules. Without the trout permit, you cannot legally fish for trout even if you hold a valid annual license.
The trout permit is valid for the same calendar year as your annual license and costs significantly less than the license itself. You buy it at the same time and place as your annual license — online, by phone, or at a vendor. If you are unsure whether a stream you want to fish is designated, check the TWRA website or call their office; they maintain a current list of all trout streams and their regulations.
What to Carry While Fishing
You must have your license with you at all times while fishing. This can be the printed license you received when you bought it, or a digital copy on your phone — TWRA accepts either. If you bought online, save or screenshot your digital license before you go fishing, because you may not have cell service on the water.
Game wardens check licenses regularly, especially on popular lakes and rivers. If you cannot produce a valid license when asked, you face a citation and a fine. Losing your printed license does not void it — if you bought online, you can retrieve a replacement copy from your TWRA account or call TWRA to confirm your purchase. If you bought in person and lost the printed copy, contact TWRA with your purchase details and they can issue a replacement.
Seasons, Limits, and Species-Specific Rules
Your annual license is valid year-round, but individual fish species have their own open and closed seasons. Bass, crappie, catfish, and panfish each have different season dates and daily catch limits. Some species are open year-round; others close for part of the year. TWRA publishes a current fishing guide each year that lists every species, its season dates, size limits, and daily catch limits — this guide is free and available on the TWRA website.
You are responsible for knowing the rules for the species you want to fish. Ignorance of the season or limit is not a defense if you are cited. Before you fish, download the current guide or call TWRA to confirm the rules for that day. Regulations can change year to year, and some waters have special rules that override the statewide limits.
Waters You Cannot Fish With This License
Your nonresident annual license does not cover private water — ponds, lakes, or streams on private land where the owner has not granted public access. You need the landowner's permission to fish private water, regardless of your license status. Some private lakes and ponds are leased by clubs or outfitters; if you want to fish there, you must pay their fee or be invited by a member.
Saltwater fishing in Tennessee's coastal waters (if you fish in the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic) requires a separate saltwater license, which is not included in your freshwater annual license. Most of Tennessee is landlocked, so this applies only if you are traveling to the coast. Trout in designated trout streams also require the separate trout permit described above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish the day I buy my license?
Yes. If you buy online, you can fish the same day — your digital license is valid immediately. If you buy at a vendor, your printed license is valid as soon as you receive it. There is no waiting period.
What happens if I lose my printed license?
If you bought online, log into your TWRA account and print a new copy, or show the digital copy on your phone. If you bought in person and lost the printed copy, contact TWRA with your purchase details and they will issue a replacement. Keep a photo or screenshot of your license as backup.
Do I need a separate license for each lake or river?
No. One nonresident annual license covers all public freshwater in Tennessee — lakes, rivers, streams, and reservoirs. You do not need multiple licenses for different water bodies.
Can I fish at night?
Night fishing is allowed for most species in most waters, but some lakes and streams have restrictions. Check the TWRA fishing guide or call TWRA to confirm the rules for the specific water you plan to fish.
What if I want to fish for multiple days but not a full year?
Tennessee offers short-term nonresident licenses — typically 7-day and 14-day options — that cost less than the annual license. If you are visiting for a week or two, a short-term license may be more economical. Compare the prices on the TWRA website to decide which option suits your trip.