If you’re planning a fishing trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee in 2024, it’s important to understand the licensing requirements. Fishing in Gatlinburg and the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires special permits and licenses for both residents and non-residents. In this article, we’ll explore the details of obtaining a fishing license in Gatlinburg and what you need to know before casting your line.
Tennessee Fishing License Requirements
According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), residents and non-residents age 13 and older must have a valid fishing license to fish in Tennessee waters, including Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Residents age 65 and older may obtain a special license from the state.
You can purchase a Tennessee fishing license online through the Go Outdoors TN Portal, by phone with a credit card (subject to a $3.95 service fee), or at various physical storefronts near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Some popular in-person purchase locations include Gatlinburg City Hall, Ace Hardware of Gatlinburg, Old Smoky Outfitters, Smoky Mountain Angler, and Walmart in Sevierville.
Tennessee fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase for most license types. Giving false information to obtain a license is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine and/or loss of license.
Gatlinburg-Specific Fishing Permits
In addition to a Tennessee fishing license, special permits are required for fishing in Gatlinburg. The City of Gatlinburg operates a trout farm and stocks city streams with trout year-round, except on Thursdays when the streams are closed for stocking.
The following Gatlinburg-specific permits are available:
1-Day Gatlinburg Trout License (097): The only requirement for residents or non-residents to fish for one day in Gatlinburg. Costs $11.00.
1-Day Gatlinburg Trout Permit (099): Required for both residents and non-residents ages 13-64 in addition to the appropriate fishing licenses, except for non-residents who purchase the 1-Day Gatlinburg Trout License (097). Costs $3.00.
3-Day Gatlinburg Trout Permit (096): Required for both residents and non-residents ages 13-64 in addition to the appropriate fishing licenses, except for non-residents who purchase the 1-Day Gatlinburg Trout License (097). Costs $9.00.
These permits can be purchased online through the Go Outdoors TN Portal, the TWRA On The Go App, at TWRA Licensed Agents, or at TWRA Regional Offices.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fishing Regulations
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which spans both Tennessee and North Carolina, offers exceptional fishing opportunities with over 2,900 miles of streams within its boundaries. The park protects one of the last wild trout habitats in the eastern United States.
To fish in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you must possess a valid fishing license or permit from either Tennessee or North Carolina. Either state license is valid throughout the park, and no trout stamp is required.
Additional fishing regulations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park include:
Fishing is permitted year-round in open waters.
Fishing is allowed from a half-hour before official sunrise to a half-hour after official sunset.
The daily possession limit is five brook, rainbow, or brown trout, smallmouth bass, or a combination of these.
Trout or smallmouth bass caught less than the legal length must be immediately returned to the water.
Fishing is permitted only by the use of one hand-held rod, and the use or possession of any form of fish bait or liquid scent other than artificial flies or lures is prohibited.
It’s important to note that fishing licenses and permits are not available for purchase within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park itself. You must obtain your license from the state government of Tennessee or North Carolina before entering the park.
In conclusion, fishing in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires careful planning and adherence to licensing requirements. By understanding the specific permits needed for Gatlinburg and the general regulations for the national park, you can ensure a successful and legal fishing trip in 2024.