Fishing Regulations in Tennessee
Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and tips — updated 2026-03-05
Always verify current regulations before fishing. Regulations change frequently. Visit the official Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website for the most up-to-date rules, emergency closures, and special regulations.
🎫 Fishing License Fees
2025–2026Resident License
Non-Resident License
Senior Discount
No license required age 12 and under. Resident annual trout supplemental is $21.
🐟 Season Dates & Bag Limits
| Species | Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bass | Year-round | 5/day combined | None statewide | Statewide limits; many water-specific exceptions. Plan by waterbody in Tennessee, since local chapters and seasonal access details can differ significantly. |
| Crappie | Year-round | 15/day | 10 inches | Region 1 exception allows 30/day unless otherwise noted. |
| Walleye | Year-round | 5/day | 16 inches | TWRA statewide table. Plan by waterbody in Tennessee, since local chapters and seasonal access details can differ significantly. |
| Muskellunge | Year-round | 1/day | 36 inches | Statewide default. Plan by waterbody in Tennessee, since local chapters and seasonal access details can differ significantly. |
| Trout | Year-round where open – Check special waters | 7/day (all trout species combined; only 2 may be lake trout) | None statewide | See TWRA on trout tailwaters and designated streams. |
Source: TWRA / eRegulations 2025-2026. Last updated: 2026-03-05. Regulations may have changed — always verify with the official agency.
About Fishing in Tennessee
Tennessee offers varied freshwater fishing across rivers, reservoirs, and local waters, with consistent opportunity for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Striped Bass. Success usually comes from matching your plan to each waterbody instead of relying on one statewide pattern. Use TWRA / eRegulations 2025-2026 materials alongside current conditions to choose access points, launch timing, and presentations that fit the day. Peak bass and crappie movement into shallower structure statewide. Strong ledge fishing for bass and productive night catfish patterns. Shad migrations trigger aggressive schooling fish in reservoirs. Tailwater and tailrace trout fishing remains strong with stable flows. License costs listed here include $33 Combo Hunt/Fish (base annual) and $49 annual fishing no trout; $98 annual all species incl. trout, so confirm eligibility and carry proof while on the water. Build a simple pre-trip checklist covering regulations, weather shifts, and backup spots so you can adjust quickly and keep more time with lines in the water.
Best Times to Fish in Tennessee
🌱 Spring
Peak bass and crappie movement into shallower structure statewide.
☀️ Summer
Strong ledge fishing for bass and productive night catfish patterns.
🍂 Fall
Shad migrations trigger aggressive schooling fish in reservoirs.
❄️ Winter
Tailwater and tailrace trout fishing remains strong with stable flows.
🎣 Expert Fishing Tips for Tennessee
- On Chickamauga and Pickwick, scan ledges and shell beds in summer for offshore bass schools.
- For tailwater trout below dams like South Holston and Watauga, monitor generation schedules before launching.
- In spring crappie season, spider-rigging creek-channel edges on Kentucky Lake is consistently productive.
- If targeting catfish on Tennessee River reservoirs, night drifting cut bait along channel ledges is a reliable pattern.
🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
📞 (615) 781-6500
🗺️ Nearby States (South)
Also available: Hunting Regulations in Tennessee — deer, turkey, waterfowl season dates, bag limits, and license info.