Pay Lake FishingIndependent US pay lake directory

Pay lakes in Tennessee

Tennessee has 27 pay lakes; 6 stock catfish; listed day prices run $20.

Find a pay lake in Tennessee by name or town

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    Tackle box filters 27 lakes
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    Pay lakes by city in Tennessee

    Do you need a fishing license at a pay lake in Tennessee?

    Yes. Tennessee has no pay-lake exemption: anyone 13 or older fishing a private pay lake needs a Tennessee fishing license unless a personal exemption applies (e.g., landowner/farmland family, military leave).

    "If you take, or attempt to take fish or game (including crayfish and salamanders) by any method or if you assist someone else to do so, you must have a valid fishing or hunting license. There are some exceptions: Residents or nonresidents under 13 years of age. Landowners, their spouses, children, and children's spouses who fish or hunt on their own farmland."

    Source: Tennessee Fishing Guide (TWRA official regulations digest hosted by eRegulations) - License Exemptions; statutory basis TCA 70-2-204 (farmland exemption), checked November 2026. Compare every state on our pay lake license rules page.

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