Fisheries laws and regulations are strictly enforced in the region. For this reason, researching and reading local newspapers should be at the top of your list before you go on a trip. Don`t forget to check for updates, as some regulations change depending on the season and the current fish stock. Use the link below for an updated list of Tennessee fishing regulations. It also gives you detailed information about size and ownership restrictions and fishing logbooks. Paddlefish: Paddlefish can be fished from April 24 to May 31. The daily limit at the gate is 2 fish per day with no size limit. Slaughter is prohibited. The exceptions for Center Hill, Cherokee and Watts Bar reservoirs are in regions 3 and 4. Below are the door and size restrictions that apply nationwide. There are exceptions to these limits in several waters.
On the red pages at the bottom of this page you will find exceptions to national regulations. If you are fishing in an area for which there are no exceptions listed in this guide, national restrictions apply. Of course, residents enjoy certain privileges such as discounted rates and special licenses from the State of Tennessee. Several criteria had to be met for a fisher to be considered a «resident» and receive the associated benefits. If you qualify below, you can get your fishing license as a Tennessee resident: If you travel to Tennessee during the annual free fishing day and free fishing week, you won`t have to worry about buying a fishing license. Please note that children under 15 years old can also fish for free on these days! The goal of TWRA is to manage each fish species with door and length restrictions nationwide wherever possible. However, many water bodies require individual valve and length limits due to their unique characteristics. These rules improve fishing for all fishermen.
Alligator gar: No harvest allowed. Must be returned to the water immediately. During your visit, taking care of your environment should be a priority. Local fishing rules and regulations serve the well-being of marine life and their respective habitats. It is about preserving their people and their beauty for generations to come. Getting a fishing license in Tennessee is very easy, and this article will show you how to buy it and what type of license you need to fish in TN`s abundant waters. The following matrix shows the various fishing licenses issued by the State of Tennessee: The following phone numbers are for reporting gambling violations only. Call between 7:00 a.m. and midnight, seven days a week. In general, if you catch fish or try to catch fish (including crabs) using any method, or if you help someone else do so in the state of Tennessee, you must have a valid fishing license.
However, there are some exceptions. If you are one of the following, you do NOT need to obtain a fishing license before fishing in Tennessee State waters: The only requirement from the age of 13 to fish for a day in Gatlinburg. Do not take more than 5 black bass per day in any combination. The waters of Lake Cherokee at Panther Creek State Park and Tim`s Ford Lake are teeming with perch, large and small, making it a popular destination for seasoned anglers and weekend enthusiasts. You can easily purchase your own Tennessee fishing license online from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website or from registered agents such as a fishing store or one of your local sports stores. The following links will answer all your questions about licensing information and online registrations. Place the fish on a flat ruler, close your mouth and press the lobes of the caudal fin to reach the maximum length. The mouth of the fish should not be handled or lengthened. Mandatory to fish the Agency`s fishing lakes, except for persons under 16 years of age and residents 65 years of age or older.
Are you planning to go to Tennessee on a fishing weekend? Good choice! The state is home to more than 20,000 miles of streams, numerous lakes and reservoirs, and rare fish species, making it a unique fishing destination. But before you get your hands on the largemouth perch biting on Cherokee Lake in Panther Creek State Park or many black bass lands on Tim`s Ford Lake, you`ll first need to get a fishing license. Mandatory for non-residents aged 13 to 15 years, only fishing and small game It is forbidden to possess or transport live specimens of the following animals: Hybrid striped bass or striped bass (any combination). Possession limits for yellowfish, coat, bluegill, warmouth, bream, bullhead, pike, northern pike, yellowfish and non-wild species: The total property limit is double the daily limit at the gate.