Tennessee and Kentucky Reciprocal Fishing Agreements Now in Effect
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) is happy to announce anglers can once again use their Tennessee resident licenses to fish certain waters shared with Kentucky as new reciprocal agreements took effect Thursday, October 16, 2025, following adjournment of the Kentucky Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy.
The reciprocal agreements had expired earlier this year, and the Kentucky Department of Natural Resources has been working to reinstate reciprocal agreements with several bordering states. Tennessee and Kentucky have a long history of cooperation on shared fisheries resources.
Sport fishing licenses issued by either state will be recognized as lawful within certain portions of Kentucky Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, and Big South Fork of the Cumberland River.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.
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