Fishing season is here! This is a guide for all things fishing, in Tennessee. So, get those boats serviced and ready, your tackle boxes full and let’s go catch some fish.
License & Permits
Adults need a fishing license or permit to fish, in every state. We are going to cover the Tennessee requirements to obtain a permit, even if you live out of state. We want your experience to be a memorable one.
- Fishing (and hunting) licenses go on sale on February 18th every year. They are valid until the very last day of February of the following year. You can obtain a license at most sporting goods stores, hardware stores, county clerks office, and boat dock.
- You must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license to obtain a resident fishing license.
a. if you do not drive or do not have a valid license, you have to have two of the following: voter registration card from Tennessee, current rental/mortgage contract, vehicle registration or title or and I-94.
b. you must also have a social security card to acquire a license.
c. anyone under the age of 13 does not need a fishing license.
Cost of a Fishing License:
Resident
- Annual is $34.00
- Jr. Permit (13-15 years old) $10. It must be purchased before the child’s 16th birthday.
- One day fishing $6.50
- Annual Trout (required in addition to other licenses) $22.00
- One day, all species $11.50
Non Resident
- Annual, no trout $50.00
- Jr. (13-15 years old) $11.00
- 3 days, no trout $20.50
- 3 days, all species $40.50
- Annual, all species $99.00
There are special permits for residents and non-resident and disabled citizens. Please refer to www.tn.gov for the regulations and prices.
FREE Printable tackle box checklist HERE
If you were born in Tennessee but you know longer reside here, you can purchase a Native Tennessean annual license. The cost of this license will be the same as an annual, resident license.
Misplacing or losing your license will cost $8.00 to replace. You can go into any license agent and they can print out a duplicate copy of your license.
One of the most popular fish, nationwide, is the striped bass. Every state has its own rules and regulations for how many fish you can catch (and keep) each day. In Tennessee, there are regulations for each area (lake).
Striped bass is only found in Tennessee, where they have been stocked. This is why each area has its regulations when catching these fish. The best bait to use on the striped in Tennessee; thread fin shad, gizzard shad, and other herring. With Tennessee regulations, under NO circumstances, can you use Asian carp for bait.
There is no maximum number of poles that you anglers can have in the water at a time, but there is a 3 hook limit per pole, rod or handmade line. Treble, double and single hooks each count as 1 hook.
Size & Limits
Cherokee Lake: A Tennessee reservoir formed by the Holston River located behind the Cherokee Dam. The length of the Cherokee Lake is approximately 400 miles with 28,780 acres of surface area.
The regulations are pretty simple; striped or hybrid striped bass, you are allowed to catch and keep 2 per day and they have to be a minimum of 15 inches long.
Norris Lake: located in Norris Highlands. Extending 73 miles to the Clinch River and 56 miles to the Powell River. The maximum length of Norris Lake is 206 miles with a width of 1.2 miles. The depth if 75-210 feet.
Striped Bass: The regulations are as follows; (See Guide)
- April 1st -October 31st – 2 per day, at a 15-inch minimum
- Nov. 1st – March 31st – 1 per day, with a minimum length of 36 inches
Watts Bar: this area is located between Chattanooga and Knoxville. Stretching 72 miles. The maximum depth of Watts Bar is 108 feet.
Striped or Hybrid Striped
- April 1st – October 31st – 2 per day
- November 1st – March 31st – 2 per day, ONLY 1 can be a striped bass
- April 1st – October 31st – 15 inches is the minimum length for catch and keep
- November 1st – March 31st – legal minimum length is 36 inches.
Melton Hill: located just south of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This is also known as Melton Hill Dam which opened May 1, 1963. The height is 103 feet and the length is 1,020 feet.
Striped or Hybrid Bass;
- 2 per day in combination, which includes the Clinch River area
- Striped bass; 32-42 inch PLR, but ONLY one fish may be over 42 inches
- Hybrid striped bass; 15 inches is the minimum regulation limit.
To get a proper measurement of your fish, to ensure you are keeping one of minimum length; lay your fish on a flat ruler (close to the mouth) and squeeze the lobes of the tail. This will give you the maximum length, but the mouth may not be altered at all.
Make sure when you purchase your fishing license to request the fishing guide. This will give you regulations on catch and keep, vivid pictures of each fish that you can find in Tennessee along with the descriptions of each and where they can be located for your fishing enjoyment. We hope that you enjoy your stay in Tennessee and that you have an amazing time fishing on our lakes and in our rivers. If you have any questions about any of the rules and regulations, please contact the Tennessee Game and Fish Department.
Hey FISHMONGER – make sure to check out my FISHING RESOURCES page.
This will give you regulations on catch and keep, vivid pictures of each fish that you can find in Tennessee along with the descriptions of each and where they can be located for your fishing enjoyment. We hope that you enjoy your stay in Tennessee and that you have an amazing time fishing on our lakes and in our rivers. If you have any questions about any of the rules and regulations, please contact the Tennessee Game and Fish Department.
More Helps
If you need to know more about what a striped bass looks like you can click here. This Key will show you what they look like.
What is the Tennessee record striped bass? Click here to find out.
This PDF tells you where to find the stripers in which lakes and tributaries.
Here are some of the southwest US best Striped Bass Fisheries.