There's a particular kind of magic to handing a kid a fishing rod for the first time, and once a year, Tennessee makes that moment a little easier by removing the paperwork from the equation entirely. On the first Saturday in June, anyone — resident or visitor, young or old — can cast a line into the state's public waters without a license. For a region as thoroughly built around trout streams as Sevier County, that's worth circling on the calendar.
What Is Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day?
Tennessee's 2026 Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day is set for Saturday, June 6. On this day, all state residents and visitors of any age may fish for free without a license in Tennessee's public waters, which include TWRA-owned and operated lakes as well as state park facilities.
The event has been a Tennessee tradition since 1991, run by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency with the explicit goal of introducing people — particularly kids — to fishing and outdoor recreation. It's named for Bobby Wilson, who spent more than 40 years with the agency, including 35 years in the Fisheries Division, before retiring in 2022.
The rule that makes this especially useful for families: youth ages 15 and younger can fish for free for an entire week, from Free Fishing Day on June 6 through the following Friday, June 12. So even if your trip doesn't line up with the Saturday itself, kids in your group can fish license-free for the full week surrounding it.
One thing to note — this applies to public waters, TWRA-owned lakes, and state park facilities. Some privately-owned pay lakes and trout farms still charge their normal fees on Free Fishing Day, so if you're headed to one of those, it's worth a quick call ahead to confirm.
A Local Detail Worth Knowing
If you're planning to fish in the Gatlinburg area specifically on June 6, there's one regulation worth knowing about. On Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day, the section of the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River along River Road — from Maples Lane upstream to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundary, about six-tenths of a mile — is closed to anglers age 16 and older until 11 a.m. local time. This stretch is reserved for younger anglers during the morning hours, which is exactly the kind of detail that turns into a frustrating surprise if you don't know about it ahead of time. If you're an adult planning to fish that section, plan around the 11 a.m. opening, or pick a different stretch of water for the morning.
Where to Fish in the Smokies
Sevier County sits inside what's often called the trout capital of the South, and the variety of options means there's something for every skill level and patience threshold.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has roughly 2,000 miles of streams, and fishing is permitted year-round from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. The park holds some of the last wild trout habitats in the Eastern United States, with rainbow, brown, and native brook trout all present depending on elevation and stream.
The East Prong of the Little River, accessible from Elkmont Campground, is the most popular and heavily fished stream in the park — a good option if you don't mind company and want reliable access with easy parking. For something with a bit more solitude and a reputation as one of the best trout streams in the Southeast, Abrams Creek near Cades Cove holds the largest rainbow trout in the park, along with smallmouth bass.
The Little Pigeon River is arguably the centerpiece of local fishing. Often called the premier trout fishing stream in Tennessee, it splits into three forks near Sevierville, with the West Fork running through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Fishing is permitted within the city of Pigeon Forge itself, and the Riverwalk Greenway offers easy in-town access if you want to fish without driving into the park.
For families with younger kids, Herbert Holt Park in Gatlinburg is home to Tennessee's only municipal trout farm, and the park designates a section of surrounding water specifically for children-only fishing. Just be aware that rainbow trout are released into the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River there every Thursday, and fishing isn't allowed on those release days. Mynatt Park, near LeConte Creek in Gatlinburg, also reserves a stretch of stream for kids — from the national park boundary to about a quarter-mile downstream.
If lake fishing is more your speed, Douglas Lake is a 28,000-acre reservoir just minutes from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, rated among the top crappie and largemouth bass lakes in the country, with smallmouth bass, bluegill, catfish, walleye, and trout also present.
Licenses: What You Need the Rest of the Year
Outside of Free Fishing Day and Free Fishing Week for kids, Tennessee requires anglers age 13 and older to hold a valid fishing license for public waters. A one-day license or an annual basic combination hunting and fishing license (starting around $33) covers most needs, though certain species and waterways require supplemental licenses.
One detail specific to this area: if you plan to fish within the city limits of Gatlinburg, a special city fishing license is required in addition to your state license. These can be purchased in person at city locations alongside your regular license. You cannot purchase a fishing license inside the national park itself — pick one up beforehand at a sporting goods store, Walmart, or local bait and tackle shop in Sevierville or Pigeon Forge.
A Few Practical Tips
Gear: If you don't own fishing gear, Big Rock Dude Ranch in Pigeon Forge offers a stocked catch-and-release pond with bluegill, crappie, catfish, and bass that doesn't require a license, and for a one-time low cost, they'll supply the rod, reel, and bait — valid for three days. It's a good no-commitment option for families who want to try fishing without buying equipment.
Guided trips: If you want a more structured experience — especially for fly fishing — several local outfitters offer guided wade trips and float trips on the area's rivers, with all gear provided and no experience necessary. This can be a good option if Free Fishing Day falls during your trip and you want to make the most of the no-license window with someone who knows the water.
Weather and water conditions: Early June in the Smokies can bring afternoon thunderstorms that raise water levels and muddy streams temporarily. Morning fishing tends to offer the clearest water and the most active fish before the day heats up.
Catch and release etiquette: Some streams in the park have specific regulations about which species can be kept and which must be released — these are clearly marked, but it's worth checking current TWRA regulations before you head out, especially if your group includes anglers who aren't familiar with Tennessee's rules.
Building a Trip Around It
Free Fishing Day falls on a Saturday in early June — solidly within the early summer window when the Smokies are green, the rivers are running well, and the bigger holiday crowds haven't arrived yet. It's a quieter time to visit than July or August, and a morning spent introducing kids to fishing on the Little Pigeon River pairs naturally with an afternoon hike, a trip into Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, or simply relaxing at the cabin with the day's catch.
If you're planning a stay around early June, our cabin portfolio opens for bookings starting July 1 — but the Smokies are worth a return trip all summer long, and early June is one of the best windows for a quieter, outdoor-focused visit. Take a look at what's available at smokiestays.com/cabins.
Information on Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day and Free Fishing Week is provided by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. For current regulations, license information, and stocking schedules, visit tn.gov/twra or the Go Outdoors Tennessee licensing portal.