Skip to content
Home » Planning » Fishing License/Regulations

Fishing License/Regulations

License:
You must possess a valid fishing license or permit from either Tennessee or North
Carolina. Either state license is valid throughout the park and no trout stamp is required.
Fishing licenses and permits are not available in the park, but may be purchased in
nearby towns or online.  Special permits are required for fishing in Gatlinburg and
Cherokee.

Tennessee License Requirements
Residents and nonresidents age 13 and older must have a valid license. Residents
age 65 and older may obtain a special license from the state. Buy a license from the
state government of Tennessee.

North Carolina License Requirements
Residents and nonresidents age 16 and older need a license. Residents age 70 and
older may obtain a special license from the state. Buy a license from the state
government of North Carolina.

Persons under 16 in North Carolina and under 13 in Tennessee are entitled to the adult
daily bag and possession limits and are subject to all other regulations.

Regulations:
Rather than re-state the rules and regulations on fishing, I had rather link you to them on
the National Park website. They are subject to change and this will insure that the
information I provide stays current. They are well written, simple and easy to understand.