As an avid angler, you may be wondering if you can fish without a license in Tennessee in 2024. The answer depends on several factors, including your age, residency status, and the type of water you plan to fish in. In this article, we’ll explore the fishing license requirements in Tennessee and the exceptions that allow you to fish for free.
General Fishing License Requirements in Tennessee
In Tennessee, anyone 13 years of age and older, whether a resident or non-resident, is required to have a valid fishing license to fish in public waters, agency-owned and operated lakes, and Tennessee State Parks. The license must be carried with you while fishing and must be presented to a wildlife officer upon request.
Residents of Tennessee can prove their residency by presenting a valid Tennessee driver’s license, state-issued ID, voter registration card, vehicle registration, or I-94 record. Non-residents who were born in Tennessee may apply for Native Tennessean annual licenses, which allow them to purchase annual Tennessee fishing licenses at the same cost as a resident.
Exceptions to the Fishing License Requirement
While most anglers need a fishing license, there are several exceptions to the rule in Tennessee:
- Children under the age of 13, both residents and non-residents, do not need a fishing license.
- Landowners, their spouses, and children who fish on their own farmland do not need a license.
- Tenants, their spouses, and dependent children who fish on farmland they rent and reside on do not need a license.
- Resident grandchildren (under 16) and great-grandchildren (under 16) who fish on farmland owned by their resident grandparents or great-grandparents do not need a license.
- First cousins who jointly own farmland and their children do not need a license to fish on that land.
- Military personnel on official leave, carrying a copy of their leave orders, do not need a license.
- Residents born before March 1, 1926, do not need a license.
Free Fishing Days and Weeks in Tennessee
In addition to the exceptions mentioned above, Tennessee offers several opportunities for anglers to fish without a license:
- Free Fishing Day: This annual event usually takes place on the second Saturday in June, allowing anyone to fish without a license.
- Free Fishing Week: During this week, which typically coincides with the Free Fishing Day, children 15 and younger can fish for free in Tennessee’s public waters, agency-owned and operated lakes, and Tennessee State Parks.
It’s important to note that even if you don’t need a license to fish, you still need to abide by other fishing regulations, such as catch and size limits.
Where to Buy a Tennessee Fishing License
If you do need a fishing license in Tennessee, you can purchase one in several ways:
- Online through the Go Outdoors Tennessee portal.
- At licensed vendors, such as hardware stores, tackle shops, and Walmart locations across the state.
- From county clerks.
- From a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) office.
When purchasing a license, you’ll need your social security number and a valid form of identification to confirm your residency status.
Fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
If you plan to fish in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, you’ll need a valid fishing license from either state. Both Tennessee and North Carolina licenses are accepted within the national park boundaries.
In conclusion, while most anglers in Tennessee need a fishing license, there are several exceptions and opportunities to fish for free. By understanding the license requirements and the available exemptions, you can enjoy the state’s abundant fishing resources while staying compliant with the law. Remember to always check the current fishing regulations before heading out, as they may change from season to season or month to month.