FishKillFlea· License Types · 5 min read
Tennessee Non-Resident Fishing License (2026) — Out-of-State Costs, Options & How to Buy
Reviewed by FishKillFlea Editorial Team
Tennessee non-resident fishing license costs $81/year or $20.50/day. Compare short-term options, border lake rules, and tips for visiting anglers.
A Tennessee non-resident annual fishing license costs $81.00, but short-term options start at just $20.50 for a 3-day trip permit. Tennessee’s combination of Great Smoky Mountains trout streams, Tennessee River bass fishing, and accessible lake systems makes it a popular destination for out-of-state anglers — and understanding your license options can save you significant money.
Tennessee Non-Resident License at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| NR Annual All-Fish License | $81.00 |
| NR 3-Day All-Fish | $20.50 |
| NR 10-Day All-Fish | $30.50 |
| NR 1-Day Fishing | $6.50 |
| Resident Annual (comparison) | $28.00 |
| Where to Buy | GoOutdoorsTennessee.com, Walmart, sporting goods stores |
| Official Agency | Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) |
| License Period | March 1 – Feb 28/29 |
Non-Resident License Options — Full Breakdown
| License Type | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Annual All-Fish | $81.00 | 4+ trips per year |
| 10-Day All-Fish | $30.50 | Week-long vacations |
| 3-Day All-Fish | $20.50 | Weekend getaways |
| 1-Day All-Fish | $6.50 | Single-day trips |
| Annual Trout | $81.00 | Dedicated trout anglers |
| 1-Day Trout | $6.50 | Quick mountain trip |
| NR Combo (Hunt + Fish) | $196.00 | Hunting + fishing |
When to Buy Annual vs. Short-Term
| Scenario | Short-Term Cost | Annual Cost | Better Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekend trip | $20.50 (3-day) | $81.00 | 3-Day ✅ |
| Week vacation | $30.50 (10-day) | $81.00 | 10-Day ✅ |
| Two weekend trips | $41.00 (2× 3-day) | $81.00 | Two 3-Days ✅ |
| Three weekend trips | $61.50 (3× 3-day) | $81.00 | Three 3-Days ✅ |
| Four-plus trips | $82.00+ | $81.00 | Annual ✅ |
Tennessee’s 3-day and 10-day permits offer excellent value for most visitors. The annual license only makes sense if you’ll visit Tennessee 4+ times in a license year.
Piscifun Fishing Tackle Backpack
Large capacity fishing backpack with tackle boxes. Waterproof rain cover included.
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Tennessee Trout Fishing for Visitors
Tennessee has world-class trout fishing in the Smokies and tailwater rivers. Non-residents need a trout license specifically for trout fishing:
| Trout License | Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| NR Annual Trout | $81.00 | Year-round trout fishing |
| NR 1-Day Trout | $6.50 | Single trout day |
| NR All-Fish License | $81.00 | Covers trout + all other species |
Important: The All-Fish license includes trout. If you plan to fish for bass AND trout on the same trip, buy the All-Fish license — no separate trout license needed.
Top Tennessee Trout Destinations
| Location | Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Great Smoky Mountains NP | Rainbow, brown, brook trout | National park license rules — TN or NC license works |
| South Holston River | Brown trout (trophy) | Tailwater — consistent year-round |
| Clinch River | Rainbow, brown trout | World-class tailwater below Norris Dam |
| Hiwassee River | Rainbow trout | Delayed harvest section |
| Tellico River | Wild rainbow, brown trout | Cherokee National Forest |
| Caney Fork River | Rainbow, brown trout | Below Center Hill Dam |
Border State Considerations
Tennessee borders 8 states. Here’s how cross-border fishing works:
| Border Water | States | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi River | TN / AR / MO / MS | Either bordering state’s license valid on the river |
| Kentucky Lake / Lake Barkley | TN / KY | Important: The TN/KY state line runs through both lakes. Need the license for the state you’re fishing in |
| Cherokee Lake border | TN only | TN license required |
| Dale Hollow Lake | TN / KY | State line divides the lake — need correct state license |
| Great Smoky Mountains streams | TN / NC | Either TN or NC license valid in the national park |
Kentucky Lake tip: The state line runs roughly through the middle of Kentucky Lake. TN non-resident license covers TN waters only. If you drift into KY waters, you need a KY license. Some anglers buy both states’ daily licenses to fish freely.
Plano Guide Series Rod Tube Case
Hard-shell rod tube protects rods during travel. Airline-approved for checked baggage.
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Visitor Fishing Permits — Special Options
Tennessee offers a unique Visitor Annual License ($31.00) for people from certain neighboring states:
| License | Cost | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Annual All-Fish | $31.00 | Residents of AR, GA, MS, VA, NC, AL, KY, MO |
| Standard NR Annual | $81.00 | All other states |
If you live in a state bordering Tennessee, check if you qualify for the $31 Visitor license instead of the $81 non-resident license. This is a 62% savings!
Military Stationed in Tennessee
| Situation | Rate | Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Active duty at Fort Campbell | Resident ($28) | Military ID + PCS orders |
| Active duty at NSA Mid-South | Resident ($28) | Military ID + PCS orders |
| TN National Guard | Check TWRA | Active-duty orders |
| Disabled veteran (30%+ VA) | Free Type 28 | VA letter |
KastKing Blackhawk II Telescoping Rod
Portable telescoping design collapses to 17 inches. Perfect for travel fishing.
Affiliate link · Prices may vary
How to Buy Your TN Non-Resident License
Online (Fastest)
- Visit GoOutdoorsTennessee.com
- Create an account with your home-state address
- Select your license type (annual, 10-day, 3-day, or daily)
- Pay and print — valid immediately
At Retail Stores
- Walmart — all TN locations
- Bass Pro Shops (Nashville, Memphis)
- Cabela’s
- Academy Sports (Memphis area)
- Local bait and tackle shops
Before Your Tennessee Trip
- Download the TWRA on the Go app for digital license, regulations, and fishing reports
- Check TWRA Weekly Fishing Report for current conditions
- Review bag limits for your target species — they vary by lake and region
Top Fishing Destinations for Visiting Anglers
| Destination | Target Species | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Lake | Largemouth bass, crappie | 160,000 acres; excellent spring crappie |
| Dale Hollow Lake | Smallmouth bass (world record!) | Crystal-clear water; world-record smallmouth |
| Center Hill Lake | Largemouth bass, walleye | Scenic middle TN reservoir |
| Reelfoot Lake | Crappie, bluegill, catfish | Northwest TN; shallow cypress swamp |
| Norris Lake | Striped bass, walleye | Clear East TN reservoir |
| Old Hickory Lake | Bass, crappie, catfish | Nashville metro; easy access |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Tennessee non-resident fishing license? The annual non-resident all-fish license costs $81.00. Short-term options: 10-day ($30.50), 3-day ($20.50), and 1-day ($6.50). Residents of neighboring states may qualify for a $31 Visitor License.
Do I need a separate trout license in Tennessee? Not if you buy the All-Fish license, which includes trout. If you buy a general fishing license, yes — you need a separate trout license for designated trout waters.
Can I fish Kentucky Lake with a Tennessee license? Only in the Tennessee portion of the lake. The state line divides Kentucky Lake — you need the correct state’s license for the side you’re fishing on.
Can I fish in Great Smoky Mountains with a Tennessee license? Yes — the Great Smoky Mountains National Park accepts either a Tennessee or North Carolina fishing license. No additional park permit required.
What is Tennessee’s Visitor License? A special $31 annual all-fish license available to residents of states bordering Tennessee (AR, GA, MS, VA, NC, AL, KY, MO). It offers 62% savings over the standard $81 non-resident license.
What is the cheapest way to fish in Tennessee as a visitor? The 1-day license at $6.50 is the cheapest single option. For a weekend, the 3-day at $20.50 is the best value. If you live in a neighboring state, the $31 Visitor License is the best annual option.
Compare all states’ non-resident costs in our Non-Resident Fishing License Guide, or see TN-specific regulations on our Tennessee state page. Seniors? Check our Senior Fishing License Guide.
Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency — Prices as of 2025-26 license year