What a 10-Day Tourist License Covers

Tennessee's 10-day tourist fishing license lets you fish in freshwater for most species without buying a full-year permit. The license is valid for any 10 consecutive calendar days you choose within a one-year window from the date of purchase — you pick when to use it, not when it expires. It covers bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and most other freshwater fish in lakes, rivers, and streams across the state.

The license does not cover trout in designated trout waters or any species in national parks. If you plan to fish for trout on the Little Pigeon River, the Clinch River, or other managed trout streams, you will need a separate trout stamp in addition to your tourist license. The license is non-transferable — it is tied to you, not to a fishing rod or boat.

Key Takeaways

  • A 10-day tourist license costs less than a full-year resident license and covers 10 consecutive days you choose within one year of purchase.
  • You can buy the license online through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website, by phone, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores and bait shops.
  • The license covers freshwater fishing for bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill but does not include trout waters or national parks without additional stamps.
  • You must carry your license with you while fishing and show it to a wildlife officer if asked.
  • Bag limits and size restrictions vary by species and location, so check current regulations before you fish.

How to Buy a 10-Day License Online or by Phone

The fastest way to get a license is through the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) website at tn.gov/twra. Go to the licensing section, select "Tourist Fishing License," choose your 10-day option, and pay by credit or debit card. The license is emailed to you immediately as a PDF. Print it or save it to your phone — either version is legal to carry while fishing.

If you prefer to buy by phone, call the TWRA at 1-844-4TNWILD (1-844-486-9453). A staff member will process your purchase and email the license to you. You can also buy in person at any authorized vendor, including Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods, local bait and tackle shops, and some marinas. Vendors have the license ready the same day.

Cost and Payment Options

The 10-day tourist license costs significantly less than a one-year resident license. Exact pricing varies slightly by vendor and whether you buy online or in person, but the 10-day option is typically one-third to one-half the price of an annual license. If you are visiting for just a week or two, the tourist license is the most economical choice.

Payment is by credit card, debit card, or cash (if buying in person). There are no refunds once the license is issued, even if you do not use all 10 days. The license is valid for one year from the purchase date, so you can spread your 10 fishing days across multiple trips if you return to Tennessee within that year.

Activating Your License and Choosing Your Dates

Your 10-day license becomes active the moment you purchase it, but you do not have to use it right away. You have one full year from the purchase date to fish your 10 consecutive days. When you are ready to start fishing, simply note the date you begin — that is day one. Your license covers the next nine calendar days automatically.

You do not need to notify TWRA which dates you are using. Keep your printed or digital license with you at all times while fishing. If a wildlife officer stops you, show them the license and tell them which day you started your 10-day period. They can verify the dates match your purchase date and current calendar.

What You Must Carry and Show to Officers

You must have your license physically with you — on paper or on your phone — every time you fish. A wildlife officer can ask to see it at any time. If you cannot produce it, you may be cited for fishing without a license, even if you bought one. Keep your printed license in a waterproof bag or case, or take a screenshot of the PDF and keep it accessible on your phone.

Along with your license, carry a valid photo ID. Officers routinely check that the name on the license matches your ID. If you are fishing from a boat, the boat operator must also have their own license if they are fishing. Guides and charter captains have their own commercial licenses and do not need your license to operate, but you still need yours to fish.

Trout Waters and Special Regulations

If you want to fish designated trout streams — including the Little Pigeon River, Clinch River, Tellico River, and several others — you must buy a separate trout stamp in addition to your 10-day tourist license. The trout stamp costs extra and is purchased at the same time as your license. Without the stamp, you cannot legally fish for trout, even if you have the base license.

Some trout waters are catch-and-release only, while others allow you to keep a limited number of fish. Check the TWRA website or call 1-844-4TNWILD for current trout regulations before you fish. Bag limits, size restrictions, and tackle rules change seasonally and vary by stream, so do not assume the same rules apply everywhere.

Bag Limits and Size Restrictions by Species

Tennessee sets daily bag limits and minimum size requirements for most fish species. Bass typically have a five-fish daily limit with a 12-inch minimum size, though this varies by lake and season. Catfish usually have no size limit but a 25-fish daily limit. Crappie limits are often 25 fish per day with a 9-inch minimum.

Bluegill and other panfish usually have no size limit but a 50-fish daily limit. These rules change, and some lakes have special regulations that differ from statewide rules. Before you fish, visit tn.gov/twra or call the agency to confirm the current limits for the specific water you plan to fish. Violating bag or size limits can result in fines and confiscation of your catch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a 10-day license if I am a Tennessee resident?

Yes. The license is called a "tourist" license, but any person can buy it, whether they live in Tennessee or out of state. Residents sometimes buy it for short trips instead of a full-year license. However, if you fish more than a few times per year, a resident annual license is cheaper overall.

What happens if I lose my license before I use all 10 days?

Contact the TWRA at 1-844-4TNWILD with your purchase receipt or the email confirmation. They can reissue the license to you. Keep your purchase confirmation email for this reason. If you cannot locate it, the TWRA can look up your purchase by name and phone number.

Do I need a separate license to fish from a charter boat or guided trip?

Yes. Even if you are on a guided charter, you must have your own valid fishing license. The guide or captain has a commercial license that allows them to operate the boat and guide clients, but it does not cover your fishing. Buy your 10-day license before the trip.

Can I fish in national parks with a Tennessee 10-day license?

No. Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other federal lands have their own regulations. You do not need a Tennessee license in the park, but you must follow National Park Service rules, which often restrict where and how you can fish. Check the park's website before your trip.

What if I want to fish for walleye or pike?

The 10-day tourist license covers walleye and pike in waters where they are present. However, these species are less common in Tennessee than bass or catfish. Check the TWRA website to find which lakes and rivers have walleye or pike populations, and confirm the current bag and size limits for those species before you fish.