Tennessee Non-Resident Fishing License: 3-Day, 10-Day, Annual & Trout Costs
A Tennessee non-resident fishing license is not one fixed price. Visitors choose by trip length and trout coverage: No Trout is cheaper, but it is not the right choice if you plan to fish for trout. This guide explains the TWRA nonresident fees, age rules, trout warnings, Reelfoot and state lake permits, and safe buying steps.
Fast Answer: How Much Is a Tennessee Non-Resident Fishing License in 2026?
For nonresidents age 16 and over, Tennessee’s visitor fishing licenses are $20 for 3-Day Fishing No Trout, $40 for 3-Day All Species including Trout, $30 for 10-Day Fishing No Trout, $61 for 10-Day All Species including Trout, $49 for Annual Fishing No Trout, and $98 for Annual Fishing All Species including Trout.
If you will fish for trout in Tennessee, do not buy the cheaper “No Trout” option. Choose the “All Species including Trout” license for your trip length, then check whether a special-location permit applies, such as a TWRA State Lake permit, Reelfoot Preservation Permit, Tellico-Citico Trout permit, or Gatlinburg permit.
Official Source Check: TWRA Controls the Final Fee
This Tennessee nonresident guide uses the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency License Structure and Fees page and Go Outdoors Tennessee, the official online license provider. TWRA says processing fees apply to all purchases, fees and seasons may change, and most annual licenses are valid 365 days from purchase unless noted otherwise.
Official fee table
TWRA’s License Structure and Fees page lists nonresident fishing license costs, special permits, exemptions, processing fee notes and purchase channels.
Open TWRA license feesOfficial online purchase
Go Outdoors Tennessee is the official online license path for most Tennessee hunting, fishing and permit purchases.
Open Go Outdoors TennesseeFinal cart check
Check trip dates, trout coverage, special permits, processing fees and effective/expiration dates before checkout.
Who This Tennessee Nonresident Fishing License Guide Is For
This guide is for visitors who need to pick the correct Tennessee fishing license before a trip, especially when trout coverage or special-location permits may change the cost.
Weekend visitors
You need to compare 3-day No Trout and 3-day All Species including Trout options.
Vacation anglers
You need to compare 10-day licenses before paying for an annual nonresident license.
Trout anglers
You need All Species including Trout and may also need local permits in special trout areas.
Families with youth
You need to understand under-12 exemptions, age 13-15 junior licensing and age 16+ adult nonresident licensing.
Lake and WMA users
You need to check Reelfoot, TWRA State Lake, Tellico-Citico and Gatlinburg permit rules.
Online buyers
You need the safe Go Outdoors Tennessee path, proof tips and payment troubleshooting.
What This Page Helps You Do
Check visitor fees
See the 3-day, 10-day, annual, no-trout and trout-inclusive nonresident prices.
Pick trout coverage
Avoid buying a No Trout license when your trip includes trout fishing.
Check age rules
Understand no license for youth 12 and under, junior ages 13-15, and age 16+ visitor rules.
Find special permits
Review Reelfoot, TWRA State Lake, Tellico-Citico and Gatlinburg extra permit situations.
Buy safely
Use Go Outdoors Tennessee, a licensed agent, regional office, county clerk or authorized seller.
Save proof
Keep your license, receipt, account login and expiration dates available while fishing.
Fix problems
Know what to do if payment fails, renewal is unavailable, proof is missing or the wrong license was bought.
Verify rules
Use TWRA regulations before fishing because seasons, limits and special waters can change.
Tennessee Nonresident Fishing License Quick Facts
| Item | 2026 practical answer | Where to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Official agency | Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency | TWRA license fees |
| Official online purchase | Go Outdoors Tennessee | Open Go Outdoors Tennessee |
| Nonresident adult age | TWRA nonresident fishing rows are listed for age 16 and over. | TWRA nonresident fishing table |
| Youth 12 and under | TWRA says no license is required for youth 12 and under in the nonresident junior context. | TWRA nonresident junior license text |
| Annual validity | Most annual licenses and permits are valid 365 days from purchase unless otherwise noted. | TWRA license expiration notes |
| Processing fees | TWRA says processing fees apply to all purchases. | TWRA fee table and checkout cart |
Tennessee Nonresident Fishing License Cost 2026: TWRA Fee Table
These are the main TWRA nonresident fishing fees for visitors. Processing fees may apply, and the final checkout cart should always be verified before payment.
| License item | TWRA listed cost | Best for | Important warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Fishing – No Trout | $20 | A short trip where you will not fish for trout. | Not the right choice for trout fishing. |
| 3-Day Fishing – All Species including Trout | $40 | A weekend or short trip that includes trout. | Check special trout-area permits too. |
| 10-Day Fishing – No Trout | $30 | A longer visit without trout fishing. | Do not use for trout waters. |
| 10-Day Fishing – All Species including Trout | $61 | A vacation trip that includes trout fishing. | Compare against annual if you will return later. |
| Annual Fishing – No Trout | $49 | A nonresident who fishes Tennessee multiple times but not for trout. | Annual does not mean trout coverage unless the license includes trout. |
| Annual Fishing – All Species including Trout | $98 | A nonresident who fishes Tennessee often and wants trout coverage. | Still verify special permits and location rules. |
No Trout vs All Species including Trout: Do Not Buy the Wrong Tennessee License
The most important Tennessee nonresident choice is trout coverage. The cheaper No Trout licenses are only a good fit if your trip will not include trout. If you plan to fish trout streams, stocked trout waters, Gatlinburg trout waters, Tellico-Citico areas, or other trout opportunities, check the All Species including Trout option and any special permit.
Tennessee Nonresident Youth Fishing License Rules
Age matters for Tennessee visitors. TWRA lists no license required for youth 12 and under in the nonresident junior section, and an Annual Junior Hunt/Fish Combination – No Big Game for nonresidents ages 13-15. Nonresident fishing licenses listed for adult visitors are age 16 and over.
| Age group | TWRA guidance | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Youth 12 and under | TWRA says no license is required for youth 12 and under in the nonresident junior context. | All fishing regulations, limits, adult-helper rules and special waters still apply. |
| Nonresident ages 13-15 | Annual Junior Hunt/Fish Combination – No Big Game is listed at $10. | Before 16th birthday rule, trout coverage, WMA or special permit situations. |
| Nonresident age 16+ | TWRA nonresident fishing licenses are listed for age 16 and over. | Trip length, trout coverage, processing fees and special permits. |
| Free Fishing Week for children | TWRA lists June 6-12, 2026, as Free Fishing Week for children ages 15 and younger. | Regulations, location rules and any special area permit requirements. |
Special Tennessee Permits That Can Change the Visitor Cost
A nonresident fishing license may not be the full cost in every location. TWRA lists several special permits for specific waters and activities.
| Permit or location | TWRA listed cost | When it matters | Visitor note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reelfoot Preservation Permit | 1-day $3, 3-day $10, annual $16 | Required for Reelfoot WMA users unless an exemption applies. | Cost is the same for residents and nonresidents. |
| Tellico-Citico Trout 1-Day Permit | $6 | Required seasonally for Tellico River and Citico Creek, and year-round on Green Cove Pond. | TWRA says required for all ages. |
| TWRA State Lake Fishing Permit – Daily | $6 | Required in addition to base fishing license for one day on TWRA State Lakes. | Applies to nonresidents 16+ where required. |
| TWRA State Lake Fishing Permit – Annual | $48 | Annual state lake permit option. | Check whether your trip is on a TWRA State Lake before buying. |
| Gatlinburg Trout License / Permit | 1-Day Gatlinburg Trout License $11; 1-Day Gatlinburg Trout Permit $3; 3-Day permit listed separately by TWRA | Fishing Gatlinburg waters. | TWRA notes Gatlinburg streams are closed Thursdays due to stocking. |
How to Buy a Tennessee Nonresident Fishing License Safely
TWRA says most licenses are available through Go Outdoors Tennessee, licensed agents, regional offices, county clerks, sporting goods stores, hardware stores and boat docks. Use official channels and check the final cart before paying.
Choose 3-day, 10-day or annual based on how many days you will fish Tennessee.
If trout is possible, compare All Species including Trout first. Do not rely on a No Trout license for trout waters.
Youth 12 and under, ages 13-15 and age 16+ visitors have different paths.
Look for Reelfoot, TWRA State Lakes, Tellico-Citico, Gatlinburg and other local permit needs.
Use Go Outdoors Tennessee, a TWRA licensed agent, regional office, county clerk or authorized seller.
Keep your license, receipt, account login, effective date, expiration date and any permit proof while fishing.
Decision Table: Which Tennessee Visitor License Should You Compare?
| Your situation | Compare this first | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| You will fish 1-3 days and no trout | 3-Day Fishing – No Trout | It is the lowest listed short-trip nonresident fishing option. |
| You will fish 1-3 days and may fish trout | 3-Day All Species including Trout | No Trout does not cover trout fishing. |
| You will visit up to 10 days without trout | 10-Day Fishing – No Trout | Cheaper than annual for one longer non-trout trip. |
| You will visit up to 10 days and fish trout | 10-Day All Species including Trout | Covers trout for a vacation-length trip. |
| You will return to Tennessee multiple times | Annual No Trout or Annual All Species including Trout | Multiple short-term licenses can cost more than annual. |
| You will fish Reelfoot, state lakes, Tellico-Citico or Gatlinburg | Base license plus special permit | Location-specific permits may be required in addition to your license. |
After You Buy: What Tennessee Nonresidents Should Save
Do this before you reach the water, especially if you are fishing in mountains, rural areas or low-signal spots.
Save proof
Keep a digital copy, printed copy, app/account proof or screenshot of your license and permits.
Check dates
Confirm your 3-day, 10-day or annual effective date and expiration date before fishing.
Check trout coverage
Make sure your proof says All Species including Trout if trout fishing is part of the trip.
Keep permits together
Save Reelfoot, state lake, Tellico-Citico, Gatlinburg or other special permits with your license.
Read regulations
License purchase does not replace seasons, size limits, creel limits, bait rules or closed waters.
Save TWRA contact
Keep the TWRA contact page handy for license, enforcement, regional office or violation-reporting questions.
Common Tennessee Nonresident Fishing License Mistakes
Buying No Trout for a trout trip
This is the biggest mistake. If trout is possible, compare All Species including Trout.
Ignoring processing fees
TWRA says processing fees apply to purchases, so final checkout can be higher than the base fee.
Forgetting special permits
Reelfoot, TWRA State Lakes, Tellico-Citico and Gatlinburg can add location-specific requirements.
Buying annual too fast
For one vacation, 3-day or 10-day may be cheaper. Compare before paying.
Not checking youth age
Youth 12 and under, ages 13-15 and age 16+ visitors have different license needs.
Using old screenshots
TWRA notes fees and seasons can change. Verify the current fee page and checkout cart.
Troubleshooting: Payment, Proof, Wrong License or Login Problems
Contact, Complaints and Violation Reporting
For general license questions, use TWRA’s contact page, Go Outdoors Tennessee account support, or a TWRA regional office. TWRA lists Central Office and General Information at 615-781-6500, Ask.TWRA@tn.gov, and License Section & Agency Sales at 615-781-5270. For hunting, fishing or boating violations, TWRA lists regional poaching hotlines by region.
General TWRA help
Use TWRA’s contact page for agency departments, regional office contacts and license questions.
Open TWRA contact pageViolation reporting
Use TWRA’s regional poaching hotline information to report illegal hunting, fishing or boating activity.
Check TWRA violation contactsRegional offices
Call the region for the area where you will fish if you need local enforcement or office help.
Find TWRA regional officesNo Map or Video Embedded: Source Safety Note
No map is embedded because nonresident fishing licenses can be purchased online, at statewide agents, county clerks, regional offices and other sellers, and locations can change. No video is embedded because the official TWRA fee table and Go Outdoors Tennessee checkout are safer than a video for current price, trout coverage and permit rules.
AI Quick Answer Block
Official agency: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Main nonresident fees: 3-Day No Trout $20, 3-Day All Species including Trout $40, 10-Day No Trout $30, 10-Day All Species including Trout $61, Annual No Trout $49, and Annual All Species including Trout $98.
Trout warning: Buy All Species including Trout if you plan to fish for trout.
Extra cost warning: Processing fees, Reelfoot permits, TWRA State Lake permits, Tellico-Citico Trout permits and Gatlinburg rules may add cost.
Best next step: Verify your exact license and permit needs on TWRA, then buy through Go Outdoors Tennessee or another authorized channel.
Official Source Notes
Use these official sources before paying, renewing, replacing proof, reporting a violation or relying on any Tennessee nonresident license rule.
TWRA License Structure and Fees — official nonresident fishing license costs, processing fee notes, youth rules and special permits Go Outdoors Tennessee — official online license purchase, account and renewal portal TWRA Fishing — official fishing information, regulations and resources TWRA Trout Fishing and Stockings — official trout resources TWRA Contact Information — regional offices, license contacts and violation reportingPeople Also Search: Tennessee Visitor License Intent Answers
Tennessee Nonresident Fishing License FAQs
How much is a Tennessee nonresident fishing license in 2026?
TWRA lists nonresident fishing fees at $20 for 3-Day No Trout, $40 for 3-Day All Species including Trout, $30 for 10-Day No Trout, $61 for 10-Day All Species including Trout, $49 for Annual No Trout, and $98 for Annual All Species including Trout. Processing fees may apply.
Which Tennessee nonresident license do I need for trout?
If you plan to fish for trout, choose a nonresident All Species including Trout license for your trip length. Do not use a No Trout license for trout fishing.
How much is the Tennessee 3-day nonresident fishing license?
The Tennessee 3-Day Fishing No Trout nonresident license is $20, and the 3-Day Fishing All Species including Trout nonresident license is $40.
How much is the Tennessee 10-day nonresident fishing license?
The Tennessee 10-Day Fishing No Trout nonresident license is $30, and the 10-Day Fishing All Species including Trout nonresident license is $61.
How much is the Tennessee annual nonresident fishing license?
The Tennessee Annual Fishing No Trout nonresident license is $49, and the Annual Fishing All Species including Trout nonresident license is $98.
Do nonresident children need a Tennessee fishing license?
TWRA says no license is required for youth 12 and under in the nonresident junior context. Nonresidents ages 13-15 have junior license options, and age 16 and over visitors use the listed nonresident fishing licenses.
Where can I buy a Tennessee nonresident fishing license online?
You can buy through Go Outdoors Tennessee, the official online license provider. TWRA also lists licensed agents, regional offices, county clerks, sporting goods stores, hardware stores and boat docks as purchase channels.
Do Tennessee nonresident fishing licenses last 365 days?
TWRA says most annual licenses and permits are valid 365 days from the date of purchase unless otherwise noted. Short-term 3-day and 10-day licenses are tied to the selected license period.
Do I need extra permits besides a Tennessee nonresident fishing license?
You might. Reelfoot Preservation Permits, TWRA State Lake permits, Tellico-Citico Trout permits, Gatlinburg trout permits and other special rules can apply depending on where and how you fish.
Is FishingLicenseInfo.org the official Tennessee license website?
No. FishingLicenseInfo.org is an independent informational guide. TWRA and Go Outdoors Tennessee control the official license fees, rules, purchase process, renewals, proof and enforcement requirements.
Final Summary: Buy the License That Matches Your Tennessee Trip
For a short non-trout trip, compare the 3-day or 10-day No Trout license. For any trout trip, compare the All Species including Trout version. For repeat visits, compare annual No Trout or annual All Species including Trout before buying multiple short-term licenses.
Before paying, verify TWRA’s current fee table, check processing fees, confirm the effective dates, and look for special-location permits such as Reelfoot, TWRA State Lakes, Tellico-Citico or Gatlinburg. Then buy through Go Outdoors Tennessee or another TWRA-authorized channel.
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