Can I Fish in Tennessee with a North Carolina Fishing License in 2024?

In 2024, anglers from North Carolina and Tennessee can take advantage of a reciprocal fishing license agreement between the two states. This agreement allows valid statewide fishing licenses obtained from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission or the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, or their authorized agents, to be honored in certain boundary waters shared by the states.

Boundary Waters Covered by the Reciprocal Agreement

The reciprocal license agreement between North Carolina and Tennessee covers fishing in the following boundary waters:

The portion of Slick Rock Creek that coincides with the state line between North Carolina and Tennessee
Calderwood Reservoir

To fish in these waters, anglers must have a valid statewide fishing license from either North Carolina or Tennessee. The license from one state will be honored by the other state for fishing in the specified boundary waters.

Regulations to Follow When Fishing with a Reciprocal License

When fishing in the boundary waters covered by the reciprocal agreement, anglers must follow certain regulations:

Anglers must comply with the fishing regulations of the state in which they are fishing
When fishing where they are not licensed, anglers must comply with the most restrictive regulations of either state
Persons legally exempted from license requirements in either state are entitled to the privileges and provisions of the reciprocal agreement

It’s important for anglers to familiarize themselves with the specific regulations of each state, as they may vary in areas such as creel limits, size restrictions, and permitted fishing methods.

Advantages of the Reciprocal Fishing License Agreement

The reciprocal fishing license agreement between North Carolina and Tennessee offers several benefits for anglers:

It allows anglers to fish in shared boundary waters without needing to purchase separate licenses from each state
It promotes fishing opportunities and access to popular fishing destinations along the Tennessee-North Carolina border
It fosters cooperation and collaboration between the two states in managing shared fishery resources

By honoring each other’s fishing licenses in designated boundary waters, North Carolina and Tennessee make it easier and more convenient for anglers to enjoy fishing in these areas.

Importance of Respecting Fishing Regulations

While the reciprocal fishing license agreement provides flexibility for anglers, it’s crucial that they respect and adhere to the fishing regulations of the state in which they are fishing. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties, such as fines or revocation of fishing privileges.

Anglers should also be mindful of any changes or updates to the regulations, as they may occur from time to time. It’s always a good practice to check the current regulations before embarking on a fishing trip in the boundary waters covered by the reciprocal agreement.

In conclusion, the reciprocal fishing license agreement between North Carolina and Tennessee offers a valuable opportunity for anglers to fish in shared boundary waters without the need for separate licenses. By understanding the terms of the agreement and following the applicable regulations, anglers can enjoy the benefits of this cooperative arrangement while helping to ensure the sustainability of the shared fishery resources.