Georgia vs Tennessee fishing license
For a visitor fishing fresh water for 3 days, Georgia is $3 cheaper than Tennessee. For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, Tennessee is $1 cheaper than Georgia. You need a license from age 16 in Georgia and from 13 in Tennessee.
- Free
- Official sources first
- Checked monthly
- Independent, not a state website
What visitors pay
Cheapest way for an adult non-resident to cover the trip, including required stamps, worked out from each state's price list. The cheaper state is marked.
| Trip | Georgia | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $10 | $20 |
| 3 days | $17 | $20 |
| 7 days | $31 | $30 |
| 1 year | $50 | $49 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $15 | $33 |
| Prices for | 2026 | 2026 |
Rules side by side
| Georgia | Tennessee | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 16 | 13 |
| Senior residents | Resident senior fishing license (65+): $4 (ages 65+) Resident senior lifetime fishing license (65+): $35 (ages 65+) | Resident annual senior citizen hunt/fish/trap license: $4 (ages 65+) Resident permanent senior citizen hunt/fish/trap license: $49 (ages 65+) Resident lifetime license (senior, 65+): $329 (ages 65+) |
| Senior visitors | Normal visitor prices | Normal visitor prices |
| Required stamps | Saltwater Information Program (SIP) permit: Free | None |
| Next free fishing day | Not yet announced | Sat, Jun 12, 2027 Jun 12–18, 2027 Not yet announced |
| On a charter | It depends on the boat and where you fish | Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license |
| License on your phone | – | – |
| Annual licenses last | 12 months from purchase | 12 months from purchase |
| Last checked | Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 4, 2026 |
Full details and sources: Georgia fishing license · Tennessee fishing license
Shared waters
Neither state lists a special agreement for waters shared with the other. Where you fish decides which license you need.
Limits for fish found in both states
Guide only. Statewide rules; many waters have their own. Check each state's official rules before you keep a fish.
| Fish | Georgia | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass |
Black bass |
Black bass |
| Smallmouth bass |
Black bass |
Black bass |
| Trout |
bag 8 |
bag 7 in total, only 2 of them lake trout |
| Walleye |
bag 8 |
16" minimum; bag 5 |
| Crappie |
bag 30 |
10" minimum; bag 15 in total (Statewide; 1 more) |
| Catfish |
Channel and flathead catfish |
Only 1 may be over 34"; bag No limit under 34" |
| Striped bass |
Striped, white and hybrid bass |
Striped and hybrid striped bass |
Questions
Is a Georgia fishing license valid in Tennessee?
No. Each state needs its own license. There's no general agreement between the two states.
Which is cheaper for visitors, Georgia or Tennessee?
1 day (fresh water): Georgia $10, Tennessee $20. 1 year (fresh water): Georgia $50, Tennessee $49.
At what age do you need a fishing license in Georgia and Tennessee?
You need a license from age 16 in Georgia and from 13 in Tennessee.