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Tennessee hunting, fishing licenses could soon cost more as bass plan moves forward

by WTVCMon, August 24, 2026 at 8:18 AM

Updated Mon, August 24, 2026 at 8:19 AMUserWay icon for accessibility widget

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The vote marks the latest chapter in TWRA’s effort to raise license fees after lawmakers previously rejected an earlier proposal. (Photo: Richard Simms)

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee hunters and anglers are a step closer to paying more for licenses after wildlife commissioners approved a new fee structure that includes increases of roughly 27% to 29% for many licenses.

The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s proposed license changes during its August meeting.

One of the most common licenses, the Resident Annual Hunt/Fish Combo, would increase from $33 to $42.

That’s a $9 increase, or about 27%.

The Sportsman License would rise from $165 to $189, an increase of $24, or about 15%.

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{p}One of the most common licenses, the Resident Annual Hunt/Fish Combo, would increase from $33 to $42. That's a $9 increase, or about 27%. (Photo: Richard Simms){/p}

One of the most common licenses, the Resident Annual Hunt/Fish Combo, would increase from $33 to $42. That’s a $9 increase, or about 27%. (Photo: Richard Simms)

The changes aren’t final yet.

The new license structure will next go before the Joint Government Operations Committee for approval later this year.

The vote marks the latest chapter in TWRA’s effort to raise license fees after lawmakers previously rejected an earlier proposal.

TWRA has argued that higher fees are needed to keep up with the rising costs of managing Tennessee’s wildlife, fisheries and outdoor resources.

The agency is also trying to simplify what it describes as a complicated system of licenses and permits.

Read more: After rejection from lawmakers, TWRA tries again to raise hunting and fishing license fees

At the same meeting, commissioners got an update on another issue NewsChannel 9 has been following closely: the future of bass fishing in Tennessee.

TWRA is putting the finishing touches on a statewide Black Bass Management Plan intended to guide management from 2027 through 2036. (Photo: Richard Simms)

TWRA is putting the finishing touches on a statewide Black Bass Management Plan intended to guide management from 2027 through 2036. (Photo: Richard Simms)

TWRA is putting the finishing touches on a statewide Black Bass Management Plan intended to guide management from 2027 through 2036.

The plan focuses on seven key areas and grew out of work by a stakeholder advisory committee formed last year to represent different bass fishing interests.

A second committee made up of TWRA staff and outside experts developed objectives and strategies for reaching those goals.

Earlier this month, Chattanooga-area anglers got a chance to weigh in during a public meeting in Birchwood.

Some anglers who spoke with us described the plan as a step in the right direction while offering their own ideas about how Tennessee should manage its bass fisheries.

Read more: Chattanooga anglers say new TWRA black bass plan is a step in the right direction

The public can still have a say.