What a Three-Day Tourist License Covers
Tennessee's three-day tourist fishing license lets you fish in freshwater for three consecutive calendar days without holding a resident or annual license. You can fish for any freshwater species — bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and others — using rod and reel, cast net, or other legal methods during those three days. The license does not cover saltwater fishing or trout in designated trout waters, which have separate rules.
The license is designed for visitors who want to fish a weekend or short trip without committing to a full year. Once your three days end, you must either buy another three-day license, switch to a different license type, or stop fishing until you obtain one.
Key Takeaways
- A three-day tourist license costs a set fee and covers three consecutive calendar days of freshwater fishing in Tennessee.
- You can buy the license online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website, by phone, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores and bait shops.
- The license is not valid for trout in designated trout streams or for any saltwater fishing.
- You must carry your license with you while fishing and show it to any wildlife officer who asks.
- The three days run consecutively from the date you activate the license, not from the date you purchase it.
How to Buy a Three-Day License
You can purchase a three-day tourist license through three main channels. The fastest option is online at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) website, where you can buy and print your license immediately or have it sent to your phone. You will need a valid form of identification and a payment method.
You can also call the TWRA licensing office during business hours to buy over the phone. A third option is to visit an authorized vendor — most bait and tackle shops, sporting goods retailers, and some convenience stores throughout Tennessee sell licenses in person. Vendor locations and hours vary, so calling ahead is wise if you are on a tight schedule.
When you purchase, you choose the start date for your three-day period. The license becomes active on that date and expires at the end of the third consecutive day.
Cost and Payment Methods
The fee for a three-day tourist license is set by the state and does not vary by where you buy it. Payment methods depend on how you purchase: online purchases accept credit and debit cards; phone purchases typically accept the same; in-person vendors may accept cash, card, or both depending on the location.
No discounts or exemptions apply to the three-day license. The price is the same whether you are 16 or 65, whether you fish one day or all three, or whether you buy it a week in advance or the morning you arrive.
What to Bring While Fishing
You must carry your license with you at all times while fishing. If you printed it, bring the printed copy. If you have it on your phone, make sure the image is clear enough to read — a screenshot of your confirmation email or the TWRA website works. Tennessee wildlife officers can ask to see your license at any time, and fishing without one or without it in your possession is a violation.
You should also carry a valid photo ID. While the license itself serves as proof you paid, officers may ask for ID to verify the name on the license matches the person fishing.
Regulations That Apply to Your License
A three-day tourist license is subject to all Tennessee freshwater fishing regulations: daily catch limits, size restrictions, closed seasons, and gear rules all apply. For example, if the daily limit for largemouth bass is five fish, that limit applies whether you hold a three-day license or an annual one.
Trout fishing in designated trout streams requires a separate trout license, even if you hold a valid three-day license. Similarly, if you want to fish in a state park or national forest, check whether additional permits or day-use fees apply — the fishing license covers the right to fish but not necessarily access to the land.
Some waters are closed to fishing during certain times of year or have special rules. Before you fish, check the TWRA website or call their office to confirm the water you plan to visit is open and what regulations apply there.
When a Three-Day License Makes Sense
A three-day license is the right choice if you are visiting Tennessee for a short trip and want to fish one or two days without buying an annual license. It is also useful if you are a resident who wants to fish occasionally but does not fish often enough to justify an annual license — you can buy three-day licenses as needed throughout the year.
If you plan to fish more than a few days per year, an annual non-resident license is usually cheaper per day and does not expire. Compare the cost of multiple three-day licenses against an annual license to see which makes sense for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start my three days on one date and finish on another?
No. Your three days are consecutive calendar days. If you activate your license on Friday, it covers Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You cannot pause it or split it across two separate trips.
What happens if I buy a license but don't use it?
Once you purchase a three-day license and activate it, the three-day period begins. If you do not fish during those three days, the license still expires at the end of the third day and cannot be refunded or extended. Buy your license on the day you plan to start fishing, not before.
Do I need a separate license to fish different waters?
No. One three-day license covers all freshwater fishing in Tennessee during those three days, whether you fish a lake one day and a river the next. The exception is designated trout waters, which require a trout license.
Can I fish at night with a three-day license?
Yes, as long as night fishing is legal in the water you are fishing. Some waters have nighttime closures or restrictions. Check the TWRA regulations for the specific lake or river before you go.
What if I lose my license while I'm fishing?
Contact the TWRA immediately. They can issue a replacement, though the process may take time. Until you have a replacement, you should not fish, as you are required to carry your license. Keep a photo of your license on your phone as a backup.