Tennessee vs Virginia fishing license
For a visitor fishing fresh water for 3 days, Tennessee is $16 cheaper than Virginia. For a visitor's annual fresh-water license, Tennessee is $23 cheaper than Virginia. You need a license from age 13 in Tennessee and from 16 in Virginia.
- 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 | Tennessee | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh water | ||
| 1 day | $20 | $20 |
| 3 days | $20 | $36 |
| 7 days | $30 | $72 |
| 1 year | $49 | $72 |
| Residents, annual | ||
| Fresh water | $33 | $28 |
| Prices for | 2026 | 2026 |
Rules side by side
| Tennessee | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| License needed from age | 13 | 16 |
| Senior residents | 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+) | Free (salt): Anglers 65 and over in salt water (no paid license, but free FIP registration needed) Resident freshwater fishing license, age 65 and over: $9 (ages 65+) Resident special lifetime freshwater fishing license, age 65 and over: $30 (ages 65+) Resident lifetime saltwater fishing license, age 65 and over (optional): $5 (ages 65+) |
| Senior visitors | Normal visitor prices | Free (salt): Anglers 65 and over in salt water (no paid license, but free FIP registration needed) |
| Required stamps | None | None |
| Next free fishing day | Sat, Jun 12, 2027 Jun 12–18, 2027 Not yet announced | Not yet announced |
| On a charter | Yes: everyone who fishes needs their own license | Usually not: the boat's license covers its passengers |
| License on your phone | – | Accepted |
| Annual licenses last | 12 months from purchase | 12 months from purchase |
| Last checked | Nov 4, 2026 | Nov 4, 2026 |
Full details and sources: Tennessee fishing license · Virginia fishing license
Shared waters
South Holston Reservoir (Virginia) (Tennessee rules)
Tennessee residents can buy an annual South Holston Reservoir License to also fish the Virginia side (Virginia residents can buy the equivalent from Virginia). You still need your home-state license, and a resident trout license from either state to fish for trout. Non-residents of both states must stay on one side unless licensed in both. Official source
South Holston Reservoir (Tennessee) (Virginia rules)
A Virginia or Tennessee resident freshwater license plus the South Holston Reservoir license ($21 a year) covers the impounded waters of both states. A Virginia trout license is needed for trout. Under 13s need no license or permit. Official source
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 | Tennessee | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass |
Black bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
| Smallmouth bass |
Black bass |
Largemouth and smallmouth bass |
| Trout |
bag 7 in total, only 2 of them lake trout |
7" minimum; bag 6 |
| Walleye |
16" minimum; bag 5 |
Walleye and saugeye |
| Crappie |
10" minimum; bag 15 in total (Statewide; 1 more) |
Crappie (black and white) |
| Catfish |
Only 1 may be over 34"; bag No limit under 34" |
Channel, white and flathead catfish Blue catfish |
| Striped bass |
Striped and hybrid striped bass |
Striped bass and hybrid striped bass (inland) Striped bass (tidal and coastal): set each year |
| Muskellunge (muskie) |
Muskellunge |
Muskellunge |
Questions
Is a Tennessee fishing license valid in Virginia?
No. Each state needs its own license, except on shared waters covered by a border agreement: South Holston Reservoir (Virginia); South Holston Reservoir (Tennessee).
Which is cheaper for visitors, Tennessee or Virginia?
1 day (fresh water): Tennessee $20, Virginia $20. 1 year (fresh water): Tennessee $49, Virginia $72.
At what age do you need a fishing license in Tennessee and Virginia?
You need a license from age 13 in Tennessee and from 16 in Virginia.