Everyone can fish for free in Tennessee’s public waters this Saturday, June 7, for the state’s annual Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day.
“This annual event is a fantastic way to introduce children to fishing and nature,” the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) writes in its 2024-25 fishing guide.
The annual event allows all state residents and visitors of any age to fish for free without a license in public waters, lakes owned and operated by TWRA, and state park facilities throughout the Volunteer State.
Some privately owned pay lakes may continue to charge during Free Fishing Day, TWRA notes.
In addition to Free Fishing Day, kids 15-years old and under can fish for free without a license all week, from June 7 through Friday, June 13.
Every year since 1991, TWRA said it has provided the annual free fishing opportunity “in hopes of introducing children and families to fishing and outdoor recreation.”
“Fishing is a great family activity and helps bring awareness to the natural environment,” the agency added.
TWRA replenishes several thousand pounds of fish in Tennessee waters every year to prepare for various events, including free fishing days.
This year’s Free Fishing Day is the third event named after Bobby Wilson, who retired in 2022 after more than 40 years of service to the TWRA. Before being named TWRA Deputy Director in 2015 and Executive Director in 2020, Wilson served in the Fisheries Division for 35 years.
Tennessee has one of the most diverse assemblages of fish in North America with at least 320 species – approximately 285 species of which are considered native to the state, according to TWRA.
Children under 13 years old do not need a fishing license to fish in Tennessee. Children ages 13-15 can purchase a Junior Hunt/Fish license for $9 to fish the entire year.
For residents aged 16-64, the state’s Annual Hunting and Fishing Combination license can be purchased for $33 to fish or hunt small game the entire year.
Seniors aged 65 or older and residents of Tennessee can purchase the same license for just $4 to fish or hunt small game the entire year.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Fishing with Friends” by MYFWC CC2.0.
