Gone Fishing!
Whether you’ re an avid fisherman or just testing the waters, East Tennessee is home to some of the finest fishing in the country. Our area offers opportunities to drop a line in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Little Pigeon River, and Douglas Lake, the latter located less than 20 miles northeast of Pigeon Forge.
A valid Tennessee Fishing License is required regardless of where you choose to fish. A license is also required if you attempt to take fish( including crayfish) by any method or if you assist anyone else to do so.
Fishing License
You can purchase a Tennessee Fishing License online at gooutdoorstennessee. com or from J & B Market located at 4250 Parkway in Pigeon Forge.
More information, including a list of fishing regulations, can be found at nps. gov / grsm for national park waters or tn. gov / twra for area stream and lake fishing.
Exemptions
• You are under 13 years of age( resident or non-resident) in Tennessee or North Carolina
• You are on military leave, carrying a copy of your leave orders; a pass does not meet this requirement
A bad day of fishing is still better than a good day at the office!
Tennessee Free Fishing Day
Interested in giving fishing a try? Every June, Tennessee State Parks offer two opportunities to fish for free and without a license. Free Fishing Day is June 6, 2026 and is open to anyone. Free fishing week is June 6-12, 2026, and allows children ages 15 and younger to fish for free.
A free children’ s First Fish Certificate is available to download at www. tnwildlife. org and commemorates the day they caught their first fish.
20 Fishing