Tennessee Fishing Season and Limits for 2025–2026 by Month – Species, Licenses & Hotspots
Casting a line into Tennessee’s enormous TVA lakes or its glistening mountain streams as the sun rises over the hill has a certain allure. Knowing the state’s rules may make or ruin your experience, whether you’re a guest making your first visit to the renowned Chickamauga Lake or a native angler who knows every twist and turn of the Clinch River. Unlike several northern states, Tennessee does not have “open and closed” seasons; instead, the majority of its waterways are open all year round, however some species do light up during particular periods of the year.
The Volunteer State is home to thousands of miles of trout streams that wind through the Smokies, 29 large reservoirs, and more than 500,000 acres of public freshwater. Tennessee’s varied waterways provide possibilities that equal those of any other state in the union, from giant stripers on Cherokee Lake to prize smallmouth bass in Dale Hollow. However, you must be aware of the size restrictions, creel limits, and which waters need special licenses before you go.
Everything you need to know about the 2025–2026 fishing calendar is included in this book, including where to locate the best activity, when to target particular species, and how to stay legal while pursuing your personal best.
📅 Quick Reference Table by Month
Here’s what’s happening across Tennessee waters throughout the year:
| Month | Prime Species | Fishing Conditions | Special Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Trout (tailwaters), Walleye | Winter trout stocking begins; cold-water action | Winter trout program active |
| February | Crappie (pre-spawn), Smallmouth | Crappie start staging near spawning areas | Dale Hollow smallmouth heats up |
| March | White Bass (dam runs), Trout | White bass runs begin at tailwaters | Some grabbling closures until April 30 |
| April | Crappie (spawn peak), Bass | Peak crappie and bass spawn; Douglas Lake shines | Trout stocking slows down |
| May | Largemouth Bass, Redear (shellcracker) | Post-spawn bass feeding; redear spawning at Kentucky Lake | Paddlefish season: April 24–May 31 |
| June | Largemouth (Chickamauga), Catfish | Summer patterns establish; topwater action | Prime tournament season |
| July | Catfish, White Bass (Watts Bar) | Hot weather; deep-water and night fishing | Mississippi River catfish excellent |
| August | Catfish, Bass (ledges) | Dog days; ledge fishing on reservoirs | Focus on early morning/evening |
| September | Smallmouth, Stripers | Fall transition begins; cooler temps | Excellent clarity in mountain lakes |
| October | Muskie (Melton Hill), Crappie (fall) | Fall feeding frenzy begins | Trout stocking resumes |
| November | Stripers, Trout | Winter stocking in full swing; striper schooling | Best trout stocking period |
| December | Trout, Crappie (brush piles) | Winter patterns; clear water in highlands | Holiday stocking in urban ponds |
🐟 Popular Sport Fish
Largemouth Bass 🐠
Tennessee is bass country, plain and simple. The state doesn’t impose restrictive seasons on largemouth, so you can chase them 365 days a year. The statewide creel limit is 5 bass per day with no minimum size limit on most waters (though several trophy lakes have special regulations—more on that below).
Peak Season: April through June for spawning activity, then again in September-October for fall feeding
Size Restrictions: Most waters follow the 5-bass, no-size-limit rule. However, trophy management areas exist:
- Lake Halford: No creel or length limit (unique regulation to reduce overpopulation)
- Some TWRA lakes: Check individual lake regulations
Top Waters: Chickamauga Lake is arguably the best in the nation for numbers and size. The grass flats and ledges here produce consistent catches of 4–6 pounders, with double-digit fish caught regularly. Kentucky Lake and Pickwick Lake on the western border are also legendary producers.
According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, bass fishing remains one of the state’s most popular pursuits, with angler satisfaction rates exceeding 95% on managed waters.
Smallmouth Bass
If you want world-class smallmouth action, Dale Hollow Lake and Reservoir sit at the top of every serious angler’s list. This highland reservoir has produced more trophy-sized smallmouth than anywhere else on the planet—the world record 11-pound, 15-ounce smallie came from these waters back in 1955, and that record still stands.
Season: Open year-round
Daily Limit: 5 bass (combined species: largemouth, smallmouth, spotted)
Best Timing: February through May for pre-spawn and spawn; September-November for fall feeding
The ultra-clear water and rocky structure make Dale Hollow a sight-fishing paradise in spring. Center Hill Lake and the upper Caney Fork River also produce excellent smallmouth action.
Spotted Bass (Kentucky Bass)
Often overlooked but incredibly fun to catch, spotted bass thrive in Tennessee’s reservoirs. They’re more aggressive than their cousins and love current breaks and deep structure.
Regulations: Included in the 5-bass daily aggregate limit
Prime Waters: Tims Ford Lake, Dale Hollow, and many TVA reservoirs
Trout (Rainbow, Brown, Brook) 🎣
Tennessee’s trout program is one of the most robust in the Southeast. The state has designated trout waters in the mountainous eastern region, with both wild populations and heavily stocked streams.
Statewide Trout Limit: 7 trout per day (5 per day in Community Lakes Fishing Program locations)
Special Regulations:
- March 1–September 30: 7 trout limit, only 2 may be brown trout
- October 1–February 28: Check specific water regulations
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park has separate federal regulations
License Requirements: As of the 2025-26 season, the trout stamp is now included in the base hunting and fishing combination license for residents—no separate stamp needed! Non-residents purchasing the “All Species” license also get trout access automatically.
Stocking Schedule: Winter stocking runs from November through March, with rainbow trout being the primary species planted in tailwaters, community lakes, and designated trout streams. The TWRA maintains an active stocking schedule updated weekly.
Hotspots:
- South Holston tailwater (world-class fishery)
- Clinch River below Norris Dam
- Tellico and Citico Creek areas (permit required)
- Watauga River and Reservoir
One unique quirk: In Gatlinburg-managed waters, Thursday is closed to fishing because that’s when hatchery trucks stock the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River.
Crappie (Black and White) 🐠
Crappie fishing is a cherished tradition here, especially on the big reservoirs where brush piles and submerged timber create ideal habitat. Tennessee allows you to keep plenty, too.
Daily Creel Limit: 30 crappie (all species combined)
Special Regulations:
- Lake Halford: 20 per day, with only 5 fish over 12 inches allowed (protecting trophy fish)
Best Season: March through May during the spawn, then again in October-November when they school up in deep brush
Top Lakes: Douglas Lake in April is legendary—anglers come from across the country for the shallow-water spawn. Reelfoot Lake, Kentucky Lake, and Cordell Hull also produce excellent catches. If you’re exploring other states, you might also check out Georgia’s fishing opportunities for similar crappie action just across the border.
Walleye
Tennessee’s walleye fishery has improved significantly through targeted stocking efforts, particularly in the Cumberland River system.
Daily Limit: 5 walleye
Minimum Size: No statewide minimum (check local exceptions)
Prime Waters: Old Hickory Lake, Dale Hollow tailwater, portions of the Emory River
Best Season: Late winter and early spring when they move into tributaries; night fishing in summer under bridges and points
Special Note: A section of the Emory River (Highway 27 Bridge to Highway 299 Bridge) has a single-hook restriction from January 1 through April 30 to protect spawning walleye.
Catfish (Channel, Blue, Flathead)
If you’re looking for low-key fun or feeding the family, catfish deliver. Tennessee has lenient regulations that let you keep plenty of smaller cats while protecting the true giants.
Daily Limit: No limit on catfish under 34 inches; only 1 catfish over 34 inches may be harvested per day
Size Minimum: None
Season: Open year-round
Hot Spots: The Mississippi River along Tennessee’s western border is world-class catfishing water. Kentucky Lake and Pickwick Lake also hold massive populations. During summer nights, the tailwaters below TVA dams come alive with feeding cats.
Methods: Beyond rod and reel, Tennessee allows trotlines (up to 100 hooks total), limblines (up to 25), and jugs (up to 50) for anglers with a sport fishing license—though certain waters have restrictions near dams and in TWRA lakes.
🦞 Specialty Species
Paddlefish
These prehistoric-looking filter feeders offer a unique angling opportunity. Tennessee restricts paddlefish harvest to a short spring season from April 24 through May 31.
Daily Limit: 2 paddlefish
Size Limit: No minimum
Where: Kentucky Lake, Pickwick Reservoir, and portions of the Cumberland River
Paddlefish are typically snagged using weighted treble hooks in areas where they congregate during spring. It’s an unusual type of fishing, but the roe (eggs) is prized, and the meat is excellent smoked.
Striped Bass and Hybrids (Wipers)
Striped bass provide explosive surface action when they’re schooling on shad. Tennessee has self-sustaining striped bass populations in the Cumberland and Tennessee River systems, supplemented by stocking of hybrid stripers (white bass × striped bass crosses).
Daily Limit: 5 stripers/hybrids (combined)
Minimum Size: 15 inches (on most waters)
Best Waters: Cherokee Lake, Watts Bar, Center Hill Lake
Prime Time: Early summer (May-June) and fall (September-November) when they chase baitfish to the surface. Look for diving gulls—that’s where the fish are.
Muskie
Melton Hill Reservoir near Oak Ridge is Tennessee’s premier muskie destination. The lake has produced fish over 50 inches and continues to improve each year.
Daily Limit: 1 muskie
Minimum Size: Check current regulations (typically 40+ inches)
Season: Best in late fall through winter (October-January)
Muskie fishing requires specialized tackle and patience—it’s called “the fish of 10,000 casts” for a reason—but landing one is an unforgettable experience.
🐠 Panfish & Everyday Catches
These are the fish that keep families coming back year after year—easy to catch, fun to reel in, and delicious on the plate.
| Species | Daily Creel Limit | Size Limit | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | 30 | None | May–August (spawn) |
| Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker) | 30 (combined with other sunfish) | None | May (full moon spawn) |
| Rock Bass | 30 | None | Spring-Summer |
| White Bass | 25 | None | March–April (spawning runs) |
| Yellow Perch | No statewide limit | None | Winter-Spring |
Pro Tip: The “full moon in May” is when redear sunfish (shellcrackers) spawn en masse on Tennessee’s big reservoirs, especially Kentucky Lake and Pickwick. Anglers target shell beds in 5–12 feet of water using crickets and red worms. It’s some of the best family fishing you’ll find anywhere.
White bass also put on spectacular shows during spring spawning runs. They pour into dam tailwaters and river mouths by the thousands, hitting anything that moves. Watts Bar Lake’s white bass runs in July are particularly famous.
🦆 Stocked & Managed Waters
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) operates an extensive stocking program across the state:
Winter Trout Program: From late fall through early spring, TWRA stocks rainbow trout in designated streams, tailwaters, and community lakes. Check the TWRA trout stocking schedule for exact dates and locations. Popular urban stocking locations include Nashville’s Shelby Park pond, Memphis-area lakes, and Knoxville’s community waters.
Community Fishing Program: These are family-friendly lakes with easy bank access, often located near population centers. They’re regularly stocked with channel catfish, rainbow trout, and sometimes bass. Creel limits are usually lower (5 trout instead of 7) to spread the resource among more anglers.
Special Management Lakes: TWRA manages several small impoundments as trophy fisheries or youth/senior-only waters. Allen Branch Pond and Chilhowee Pond in Cherokee WMA, for example, have special regulations.
🌍 Public vs Private Waters
Public Waters make up the vast majority of Tennessee’s fishing opportunities. This includes:
- All TVA reservoirs (Kentucky, Pickwick, Chickamauga, Watts Bar, Cherokee, Douglas, Fort Loudoun, Norris, etc.)
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes (Dale Hollow, Center Hill, Old Hickory, J. Percy Priest, Cordell Hull)
- State-managed TWRA lakes
- Rivers and streams (unless posted otherwise)
Public Access: Most major reservoirs have multiple boat ramps, fishing piers, and bank-fishing areas managed by TVA, USACE, or local municipalities. State Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) also provide access, though some require a WMA permit.
Private Waters: Tennessee law gives landowners control over ponds and small impoundments on their property. Always secure permission before fishing private ponds, even if they’re visible from the road. Trespassing fines can be steep.
Reciprocal Agreements: Tennessee has reciprocal agreements with neighboring states on boundary waters:
- Pickwick Lake: Tennessee, Alabama, or Mississippi licenses are valid in the reciprocal zone
- Mississippi River: Tennessee and Missouri licenses recognized in river waters
- South Holston Reservoir: Special reciprocal licenses allow Tennessee and Virginia residents to fish both sides
- Dale Hollow Lake: Reciprocal agreement with Kentucky anticipated to be resolved by early 2026
For those interested in comparing with neighboring states, North Carolina’s fishing regulations might be worth exploring if you fish near the eastern border.
🎟️ Fishing License Guide
All anglers age 13 and older need a valid fishing license in Tennessee. Here’s the breakdown:
Resident Licenses (2025-26 Season)
- Annual General Fishing (no trout): $27.50
- Annual All-Species (includes trout): $42.00 (trout stamp now included!)
- Combo Hunt/Fish License: $42.00 (includes trout)
- 1-Day General Fishing: $6.50
- 1-Day All-Species: $11.50
- Junior License (ages 13–15): Reduced rates
- Senior License (ages 65+): Standard license required, but no special permits needed for most waters
Important Changes for 2025: The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission approved license fee increases that took effect July 1, 2025. Most significantly, the trout supplemental stamp is now bundled into the base combo license, eliminating the need to purchase a separate trout permit.
Non-Resident Licenses
- 3-Day All-Species: $40.00
- 10-Day (no trout): $30.00
- 10-Day All-Species: $61.00
- Annual (no trout): $50.00
- Annual All-Species: $98.00
Exemptions
- Under 13 years old: No license required (resident or non-resident)
- Residents 65 and older: Must have a license but exempt from most special permits
- Tennessee landowners: Exempt on their own property (and immediate family)
- Disabled veterans: Eligible for free Lifetime Sportsman License
Where to Buy
Licenses are available 24/7 at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com, via the TWRA On The Go mobile app, or at thousands of retail agents statewide including sporting goods stores, bait shops, and some grocery stores.
Pro Tip: The lifetime licenses are available for Tennessee residents and make great gifts for kids or grandkids. They pay for themselves over time and guarantee hunting and fishing privileges for life.
❓ FAQ Section
Q: Do kids need a fishing license in Tennessee?
A: No license is required for anyone under 13 years old, whether they’re residents or visitors. However, teens ages 13–15 need a Junior Fish/Hunt license, which is available at reduced rates.
Q: Can I fish with multiple rods at once?
A: Yes! Tennessee has no limit on the number of rods you can use simultaneously on most waters. The restriction is on the number of hooks per rod—maximum of 3 hooks (single, double, or treble) per rod, unless using sabiki rigs for baitfish.
Q: Are live bait and artificial lures both legal?
A: Absolutely. You can use live bait (minnows, worms, crickets, etc.), cut bait, or artificial lures. Some specific trout waters have artificial-only or fly-fishing-only regulations during certain times, so check the exceptions list for those streams.
Q: Is night fishing allowed?
A: Yes, Tennessee allows night fishing on public waters unless specifically posted otherwise. Catfishing and crappie fishing are particularly productive after dark. Some boat ramps have restricted hours, so plan accordingly.
Q: Can I use a boat on Tennessee lakes without a permit?
A: You need to register your boat with the state and display current registration numbers. Some specific lakes (like Reelfoot Lake and certain TWRA-managed waters) require a special lake permit in addition to standard boat registration and fishing license. These permits help fund lake management.
Q: What happens if I catch a tagged fish?
A: Report it! TWRA conducts tagging studies on various species. If you catch a tagged fish, note the tag number, location, and fish details, then report it through the TWRA website or by calling their regional office. You might even win a prize.
Q: Are there catch-and-release-only waters?
A: Yes, a few designated trout streams and special management areas have catch-and-release or artificial-only regulations. South Holston tailwater has catch-and-release sections, and certain trophy bass waters may have slot limits protecting specific size ranges. Always check the TWRA regulations page before fishing new water.
Q: Is bowfishing legal in Tennessee?
A: Yes, for non-game species only. You can bowfish for carp, gar (except alligator gar), buffalo, drum, and other rough fish. Game fish, catfish over 34 inches, sturgeon, and paddlefish cannot be taken by bow. Bowfishing is prohibited within 100 yards below dams and in some special management areas.
🔗 Related Guides
Planning to fish beyond Tennessee’s borders? Check out these nearby state guides:
- Compare regulations with Kentucky’s fishing guidelines if you’re hitting shared waters
- Explore Alabama’s coastal and freshwater options on the southern border
- Discover Missouri’s Mississippi River fishing with reciprocal access
🗺️ Map & Hotspots
Must-Visit Fishing Destinations for 2025-26
1. Chickamauga Lake (Near Chattanooga)
The crown jewel of Tennessee bass fishing. This 36,000-acre reservoir consistently ranks among the nation’s top bass fisheries. Grass flats, ledges, and river channels hold massive populations of largemouth, with 5-pound fish being routine catches. Spring and early summer are prime time, but fall ledge fishing is equally productive. The lake receives intense tournament pressure but continues to produce remarkable numbers.
2. Dale Hollow Lake (Tennessee/Kentucky Border)
If you’re chasing smallmouth bass, Dale Hollow is pilgrimage-worthy. The ultra-clear highland reservoir features rocky bluffs, gravel points, and pristine water quality. The world record smallmouth came from here, and trophy fish over 5 pounds are caught every season. Spring sight-fishing is exceptional, and fall smallies feed aggressively before winter.
3. Kentucky Lake (Western Tennessee)
Part of the massive Tennessee River system, Kentucky Lake offers over 160,000 surface acres of opportunity. Crappie, bass, catfish, stripers, and white bass all thrive here. The lake’s sheer size means you can find productive water even on busy weekends. Spring crappie fishing and summer striper action are highlights.
4. South Holston Tailwater (Upper East Tennessee)
One of the Southeast’s premier coldwater fisheries. The tailwater below South Holston Dam supports wild brown and rainbow trout, including legitimate trophy browns over 20 inches. The sulphur hatch in May brings world-class dry fly fishing. Wading is excellent, and guided float trips are popular.
5. Reelfoot Lake (Northwest Corner)
This natural oxbow lake is a cypress swamp wonderland teeming with crappie and bass. The stumps, cypress trees, and shallow bays create ideal habitat. Reelfoot is especially famous for spring crappie fishing when fish move into the shallows. It’s also a waterfowl paradise, so combine fishing with birding if you visit in winter.
Interactive Resources
- TWRA Fishing Lakes Map: Find waters near you
- TVA Lake Info: Interactive maps, boat ramps, and generation schedules at TVA.com
- Trout Stocking Schedule: Updated weekly at TWRA’s website
✅ Wrap-Up
Whether you’re wading a mountain stream for wild browns, casting for bass on a renowned reservoir, or just spending a quiet afternoon catching bluegill with the kids, Tennessee’s waterways are beckoning. Excellent stocking programs, simplified licensing (no separate trout stamp!), and some of the nation’s most varied fishing possibilities are all part of the 2025–2026 season.
Verify the bag limitations for your destination water (particularly trophy lakes with unique rules), confirm that your license is up to date, and show consideration for the environment so that future generations may appreciate what we have now. Although Tennessee’s fisheries are well maintained, they rely on fishermen abiding by the law and harvesting ethically.
Take out your rod, fill the tackle box, and go fishing. The next bigmouth wallhanger may be waiting on the very next cast, and those smallmouths won’t catch themselves. Good lines, everyone! 🎣