Short answer: TWRA fishing licenses are sold at bait shops and outdoor stores around the lake. Big Fish Outfitters, Jerry's Bait Shop, and EZ-Troll Outdoors are the standard counters; you can also buy online at twrastore.com.
Tennessee fishing licenses are issued by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). Bait shops, outfitters, and outdoor retailers near Watts Bar are typically TWRA agents and sell licenses on the spot.
Online purchase via the TWRA store is the fastest path if you don't need bait. The bait shops listed below sell licenses in person and can answer regulation questions while you're there.
A 30-year Rockwood bait shop with a Weird Al cameo and a market in the back.
An independent bait and tackle shop in Rockwood, family-owned for more than 30 years per the shop's own site, with the Sisters Market gift and produce shop sharing the building.
A serious tackle shop with a working diner inside, just upstream of the lake.
A large bait and tackle shop on Highway 321N in Lenoir City, with a deep tackle floor for both fresh and saltwater anglers and an attached diner-style grill that gets unexpectedly strong food write-ups.
A small outdoor shop in Harriman with deeper inventory than the storefront suggests.
An independent outdoor shop on Roane State Highway in Harriman. Fishing tackle, apparel, shoes, and a backpacking section are tucked into a footprint that looks small from the parking lot.
Yes. TWRA licenses are required to fish in Tennessee public waters from shore, dock, or boat, regardless of whether the access is private or public.
Yes. TWRA sells non-resident annual, 10-day, and 3-day licenses. Most local bait shops sell all of them. Pricing is on the TWRA site.
Last updated: 2026-04-30