Chattanooga fishing tournaments

Each reservoir's own rules apply up to full pool elevation; for any species not listed for the reservoir, statewide limits apply.

TWRA – Nickajack Reservoir (Regulations)

Black bass limit is 5 per day in any combination of largemouth, smallmouth, spotted and Alabama bass.

TWRA – Chickamauga Reservoir (Regulations)

Largemouth bass must be at least 15 inches to keep.

Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission Proclamation 26-03, Sport Fishing (Section I, Black Bass table)

Smallmouth, spotted and Alabama bass (and hybrids) have no minimum length, but only one of them over 16 inches may be kept per day. They count toward the 5 black bass total.

Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission Proclamation 26-03, Sport Fishing (Section I, Black Bass table)

Conflict (outdated text): TWRA's Nickajack page narrative still describes a 15-per-day, no-minimum spotted bass limit on the upper end of Nickajack. The current proclamation and 2026–27 guide do not contain this exception. Do not publish it as current.

TWRA – Nickajack Reservoir ('What you can catch' narrative)

Older rule (superseded): Proclamation 21-07, effective March 1, 2022, allowed 15 spotted/Alabama bass per day on upper Nickajack, not counted toward the black bass limit. Proclamation 26-03 (Aug. 1, 2026) no longer lists it.

Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission Proclamation 21-07, Sport Fishing

Crappie (all species combined): 15 per day, 10-inch minimum.

TWRA – Nickajack Reservoir (Regulations)

Sauger: 10 per day, 15-inch minimum.

TWRA – Nickajack Reservoir (Regulations)

Walleye: 5 per day, 16-inch minimum.

TWRA – Nickajack Reservoir (Regulations)

Striped bass and hybrid striped bass: 2 per day combined, 15-inch minimum.

TWRA – Nickajack Reservoir (Regulations)

Catfish (all species): no daily limit on fish 34 inches and under, but only one catfish over 34 inches may be kept per day (the trophy catfish rule).

TWRA – Nickajack Reservoir (Regulations)

Paddlefish: 2 per day, season April 24 – May 31 only, and culling paddlefish is prohibited.

Tennessee Fishing Region 3 – 2026–27 TWRA Guide (eRegulations official edition)

Chickamauga only: the Hiwassee Refuge is closed Nov. 15 through the end of February, except the wildlife viewing area; boats may still pass and fish on the main river channel through the refuge.

TWRA – Chickamauga Reservoir (Special Restrictions)

You may possess only one day's limit while on the water (total possession limit is twice the daily limit), and you may not have fish altered so their species or length can't be determined.

TWRA – Statewide Regulations and Creel and Length Limits

Measure fish on a flat ruler with the mouth closed and tail squeezed; you may not pull the mouth open to add length.

TWRA – Statewide Regulations and Creel and Length Limits

No more than 3 hooks per rod or line (single, double and treble hooks each count as one). This limits multi-arm/umbrella rigs to 3 hooks.

Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission Proclamation 26-03, Sport Fishing (hook restrictions)

Tournaments that may restrict navigation or need extra officer patrols require a free TWRA Marine Event permit, applied for at least 30 days before the event.

TWRA – Handbook of Tennessee Boating Laws and Responsibilities (Marine Events)

TWRA must receive the Marine Event application at least 30 days ahead (60 days if a rule waiver is needed). Holding a marine event without approval is a criminal offense under TCA 69-9-211.

TWRA – Boating in Tennessee (Marine Event Application)

A TWRA Marine Event permit covers the water only; it does not approve use of ramps, parks or land around the lake.

TWRA – Marine Event Application (form conditions)

Events on federally navigable waters (the Tennessee River) that create extra hazards may also need a U.S. Coast Guard marine event permit, applied for at least 135 days ahead (60 days for a repeat event with essentially the same details).

33 CFR 100.15 – Submission of application (eCFR)

No TWRA tournament registration, scheduling or results-reporting requirement was found for bass tournaments on Chickamauga or Nickajack.

TWRA – Handbook of Tennessee Boating Laws and Responsibilities (Marine Events)

Culling is legal, but a culled (released) fish must be alive and healthy enough to survive. A fish landed with a gaff cannot be culled.

Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission Proclamation 26-03, Sport Fishing (Section XV definitions)

A gaffed fish counts as kept: it must be of legal size and goes toward your daily limit.

Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission Proclamation 26-03, Sport Fishing (Section XV definitions)

Even while culling, you may never hold more than one day's limit (5 black bass on Chickamauga/Nickajack) in the boat.

Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission Proclamation 26-03, Sport Fishing (Section I.A)

Live fish may only be released back into the water they came from. Never release tournament fish into a different lake or river.

TWRA – Tennessee Fishing Guide and Regulations (Basic Laws)

No Tennessee rule requiring aerated livewells or specific livewell equipment for tournaments was found.

Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission Proclamation 26-03, Sport Fishing (culling definition)

TWRA-hosted tournament fish-care guidance could not be verified: Hamilton County links to a TWRA copy of B.A.S.S. 'Keeping Bass Alive', but the link returned 'not found' on Oct. 9, 2026.

Hamilton County Parks – CFP Fishing Tournament Rules and Regulations (PDF)

Tournament effects are under review in TWRA's 2027–36 Black Bass Management Plan, but the plan is guidance and does not change current regulations.

TWRA News – Black Bass, Trout Management Plans Highlighted at October Commission Meeting (Oct. 9, 2026)

Tennessee residents born after January 1, 1989 need a TWRA boating safety certificate to operate a boat over 8.5 horsepower.

TWRA – Boating Safety Education (FAQ)

Visiting boaters born after January 1, 1989 need a NASBLA-approved boating education certificate to run a boat over 8.5 horsepower in Tennessee.

TWRA – Boating Safety Education (FAQ)

Carry the boating card while operating. An uncertified operator is allowed only if an adult (18+) who can take control is aboard, and that adult must be certified if born after Jan. 1, 1989.

TWRA 2026–2027 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Guide (PDF), Mandatory Boater Education

Operators under 12 running a boat over 8.5 hp must have a supervisor aboard who is at least 18 and can take immediate control (certified if born after Jan. 1, 1989).

TWRA – Handbook of Tennessee Boating Laws and Responsibilities (Who May Operate a Vessel)

The Tennessee boating safety exam no longer has to be proctored (it can be taken online).

TWRA News – Commission Unanimously Passes Wildlife Proclamations, Boating Exams Permanent Rule (July 11, 2025)

The Boating Safety Exam Permit costs $10; a replacement card costs $5, sold by license agents, TWRA regional offices and online.

TWRA News – Commission Unanimously Passes Wildlife Proclamations, Boating Exams Permanent Rule (July 11, 2025)

Every boat needs a wearable, Coast Guard-approved life jacket of the right size for each person aboard.

TWRA – Handbook of Tennessee Boating Laws and Responsibilities (PFDs)

Boats 16 feet and longer (except canoes and kayaks) must also carry a throwable (Type IV) device that is immediately available.

TWRA – Handbook of Tennessee Boating Laws and Responsibilities (PFDs)

Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket on an open deck unless the boat is anchored, moored or aground.

TWRA – Boating Regulations and Safety Concerns

Everyone aboard must wear a life jacket inside marked hazardous areas below dams and locks, such as below Chickamauga Dam.

TWRA – Tennessee Fishing Guide and Regulations (Basic Laws)

Inflatable life jackets are not approved for anyone under 16 (or for PWC or whitewater use).

TWRA – Handbook of Tennessee Boating Laws and Responsibilities (PFDs)

Federal law: operators of covered boats under 26 feet must wear the engine cut-off switch link whenever on plane or above displacement speed.

46 U.S.C. 4312(b)(1) – Engine cut-off switches (U.S. Code, via Cornell Legal Information Institute)

The cut-off switch use rule took effect April 1, 2021 for recreational boats under 26 feet.

U.S. Coast Guard News – Recreational boat engine cut-off switch law will improve maritime safety (Mar. 25, 2021)

A 'covered' boat is under 26 feet and makes at least 115 lb of static thrust (about 3 hp). If an engine cut-off switch is present, it must be used.

U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety – Engine/Propulsion Cut-Off Devices FAQ (Q8)

Running lights are required from sunset to sunrise and in restricted visibility, which covers pre-dawn tournament launches and night tournaments.

TWRA – Boating Regulations and Safety Concerns (Boat Lighting)

Boating under the influence is illegal in Tennessee; a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or more is presumed under the influence.

TWRA – Handbook of Tennessee Boating Laws and Responsibilities (Alcohol and Drugs)

Federal BUI standard on federal waters: a recreational operator at 0.08% BAC or higher is under the influence.

33 CFR 95.020 – Standard for under the influence of alcohol or a dangerous drug (eCFR)

Reckless, negligent or dangerous operation is illegal (fine up to $2,500 and up to six months in jail). Exceeding slow, no-wake speed in marked No Wake areas and going faster than idle within 300 feet of a commercial dock are listed violations.

TWRA – Handbook of Tennessee Boating Laws and Responsibilities (Unlawful Operation)

Slow to no-wake speed within 100 feet of a law enforcement boat showing flashing blue lights.

TWRA – Handbook of Tennessee Boating Laws and Responsibilities

Boats registered in another state may use Tennessee waters unless Tennessee has become their state of principal use; Tennessee-based motorboats must carry Tennessee registration.

TWRA – Boating in Tennessee (Vessel Registration)

Other equipment required by law includes a fire extinguisher if the fuel tank or engine is enclosed, a sound-signaling device, and the registration card on board with numbers and decal displayed.

Tennessee Fishing – Boating Safety (Required by Law checklist), 2026–27 TWRA Guide (eRegulations official edition)

A temporary suspension of a Nickajack Reservoir no-wake zone was proclaimed (Proclamation 26-12, effective Sept. 20, 2026), but its text could not be read, so the location and dates are not verified.

Tennessee Secretary of State – Wildlife Proclamations index (Proclamation 26-12)

Chester Frost Park: tournaments need county approval. Email the organization, tournament name, contact, date and times, estimated participants and website to the park's tournament email; approval is not guaranteed.

Hamilton County Parks and Recreation – Apply to Have a Fishing Tournament

Chester Frost Park allows only one tournament permit per day, none on holidays, and the park must stay open to the public.

Hamilton County Parks – CFP Fishing Tournament Rules and Regulations (PDF)

Chester Frost Park tournaments must follow all TWRA rules, organizers must clean up after weigh-in, and excessive fish kills can bring fines or penalties.

Hamilton County Parks – CFP Fishing Tournament Rules and Regulations (PDF)

Chester Frost Park tournament trailer parking: day tournaments get 24 spaces plus 1 ADA space at the ramp, with extra parking in designated lots only, and no more than 65 tournament trailers in the park. Night tournaments may use the whole lot 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. (Eastern).

Hamilton County Parks – CFP Fishing Tournament Rules and Regulations (PDF)

Chester Frost Park tournament fees and minimum advance notice are not published.

Hamilton County Parks and Recreation – Apply to Have a Fishing Tournament

Harrison Bay State Park has a free 24-hour boat ramp at the marina (Tennessee River mile 478, Chickamauga Lake).

Tennessee State Parks – Harrison Bay Marina

Booker T. Washington State Park has a day-use boat launch ramp on Chickamauga Lake (bring your own boat).

Tennessee State Parks – Booker T. Washington Boating

Tennessee State Parks rules ban sports events and similar spectator events in a park without the Park Manager's written permission. The rule does not name fishing tournaments, so contact the park before holding a weigh-in at Harrison Bay or Booker T. Washington.

TDEC Rule 0400-02-02-.25 Special Events (Rules of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation)

No tournament-specific permit, fee or notice requirement is published for Harrison Bay or Booker T. Washington State Parks.

Tennessee State Parks – Policies

In state parks, fishing is not allowed within 200 feet of public swim rafts/floats or inside designated mooring or swimming areas, and may be posted off within 200 feet of public boat docks.

TDEC Rule 0400-02-02-.13 Fishing (Rules of Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation)

TVA: launching and loading at a TVA boat ramp is a general public use, so a tournament that only launches and loads may not need a TVA Special Use License.

TVA – How to Request Use of TVA Reservoir Land for a Special Use or Special Event (PDF)

TVA: a weigh-in setup, banners, signs or extra parking on TVA land requires a TVA Special Use License; apply at least 45 days ahead with an Event Plan. The application fee is $500 for events under 1,500 people.

TVA – How to Request Use of TVA Reservoir Land for a Special Use or Special Event (PDF)

Anyone who fishes in Tennessee, or helps someone else fish, needs a valid Tennessee fishing license unless an exemption applies.

TWRA 2026–2027 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Guide (PDF), License Information

Kids 12 and under (residents and nonresidents) do not need a fishing license. A Social Security Number is required to buy a Tennessee license.

TWRA 2026–2027 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Guide (PDF), Resident Licenses

Other listed exemptions are narrow: Tennessee residents born before March 1, 1926 (must carry proof of age and residency), people on military leave with leave orders, and certain resident farmland owners/tenants fishing their own farmland.

TWRA 2026–2027 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Guide (PDF), License Exemptions

To buy a resident license you generally need a Tennessee driver's license or state ID; new residents must get a Tennessee driver's license within 30 days. Active-duty military stationed in Tennessee and qualifying students can also buy resident licenses.

Tennessee Fishing License Fees – 2026–27 TWRA Guide (eRegulations official edition)

Resident options: a 1-day fishing license (no trout) is $6, a 1-day all-species license is $11, and the annual Combo Hunt/Fish ($33) is the minimum annual license for residents 16–64. Residents 13–15 buy a $9 Junior Hunt/Fish/Trap license.

TWRA 2026–2027 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Guide (PDF), Resident Licenses fee table

Residents 65 and older buy a Senior Citizen Hunt/Fish/Trap license: $4 annual or $49 permanent, available on or after the 65th birthday.

Tennessee Fishing License Fees – 2026–27 TWRA Guide (eRegulations official edition)

Visiting (nonresident) anglers 16 and older can buy short-term licenses: 3-day no-trout $20, 3-day all-species $40, 10-day no-trout $30, 10-day all-species $61.

TWRA 2026–2027 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Guide (PDF), Nonresident Licenses fee table

Nonresident annual fishing licenses cost $49 (no trout) or $98 (all species). Nonresidents 13–15 need a $10 Annual Junior Hunt/Fish license.

TWRA 2026–2027 Tennessee Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Guide (PDF), Nonresident Licenses fee table

On Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day, Saturday, June 12, 2027, anyone may fish Tennessee public waters without a license; kids 15 and under fish free June 12–18, 2027.

TWRA – Fishing In Tennessee

Anglers must let TWRA officers check licenses and catch; refusing inspection is a violation.

TWRA – Statewide Regulations and Creel and Length Limits (Notice of inspection law, TCA 70-6-101(b)(1))

Conflict: Tennessee State Parks' policy page gives a license age range of 13–78, which does not match TWRA's 2026–27 guide (license required from age 13 with no upper age cutoff except residents born before March 1, 1926). Follow TWRA.

Tennessee State Parks – Policies (Fishing)

Most of Lake Guntersville is in Alabama, where Alabama licenses and ADCNR rules apply. Tennessee's Guntersville rules cover only the short Tennessee section from the state line up to Nickajack Dam. Official Alabama licensing: https://www.outdooralabama.com/licenses/freshwater-fishing-licenses

Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission Proclamation 26-03, Sport Fishing (Section XV, reservoir definitions)

TWRA's only listed fishing-license reciprocal agreement with Alabama covers Pickwick Lake, not Guntersville, Nickajack or Chickamauga, so a Tennessee license alone does not cover Alabama waters of Guntersville.

TWRA – Statewide Regulations and Creel and Length Limits (Reciprocal Agreements)