Waterbody · Alabama
Tennessee River Fishing Regulations 2026
Tennessee River fishing regulations in 2026: top targets are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish. 42 current rules across 5 species from DCNR.
Species pages for Tennessee River
Dedicated rule pages for the most-targeted species at this water.
Rules (42)
DCNR regulates 42 rules across 5 species at this water.
Catfish
Alabama Public Waters
- Daily bag
- 1
It shall be unlawful to transport live catfish 34 inches in length or greater beyond the boundaries of this State.
Blackwater River BasinOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Max size
- 34"
This size limit shall not apply to catfish harvested from the Perdido, Conecuh, Blackwater, Yellow, Choctawhatchee, Chipola, and Chattahoochee rivers basins.
Chattahoochee River BasinOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Max size
- 34"
This size limit shall not apply to catfish harvested from the Perdido, Conecuh, Blackwater, Yellow, Choctawhatchee, Chipola, and Chattahoochee rivers basins.
Chipola River BasinOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Max size
- 34"
This size limit shall not apply to catfish harvested from the Perdido, Conecuh, Blackwater, Yellow, Choctawhatchee, Chipola, and Chattahoochee rivers basins.
Choctawhatchee River BasinOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Max size
- 34"
This size limit shall not apply to catfish harvested from the Perdido, Conecuh, Blackwater, Yellow, Choctawhatchee, Chipola, and Chattahoochee rivers basins.
Conecuh River BasinOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Max size
- 34"
This size limit shall not apply to catfish harvested from the Perdido, Conecuh, Blackwater, Yellow, Choctawhatchee, Chipola, and Chattahoochee rivers basins.
Perdido River BasinOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Max size
- 34"
This size limit shall not apply to catfish harvested from the Perdido, Conecuh, Blackwater, Yellow, Choctawhatchee, Chipola, and Chattahoochee rivers basins.
Yellow River BasinOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Max size
- 34"
This size limit shall not apply to catfish harvested from the Perdido, Conecuh, Blackwater, Yellow, Choctawhatchee, Chipola, and Chattahoochee rivers basins.
Largemouth Bass
Harris Reservoir
- Slot min
- 13"
- Slot max
- 16"
It is illegal to possess any largemouth bass between 13 inches and 16 inches in total length.
Lewis Smith Reservoir
- Slot min
- 13"
- Slot max
- 15"
It is illegal to possess any largemouth bass, Alabama bass or spotted bass between 13 inches and 15 inches in total length.
R. L. Harris Lake
- Slot min
- 13"
- Slot max
- 16"
Largemouth bass between 13 inches and 16 inches in total length must be returned to the lake unharmed
Walter F. George Reservoir (Lake Eufaula) And Its Tributaries
- Min size
- 14"
Smallmouth Bass
Town Creeks
- Min size
- 15"
It is illegal to possess any smallmouth bass less than 15 inches in total length.
Skipjack Herring
Tennessee RiverClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Skipjack herring taken from the Tennessee River and its tributaries are illegal for sale or trade.
Tennessee River And Its TributariesClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Skipjack herring taken from the Tennessee River and its tributaries are illegal for sale or trade.
Tennessee River TributariesClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
Skipjack herring taken from the Tennessee River and its tributaries are illegal for sale or trade.
River Carpsucker
FAQ
Who regulates fishing on Tennessee River?
DCNR regulates fishing on Tennessee River.
What species can I target on Tennessee River?
Tennessee River is best known for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish. Other species are present and tracked in the rule tables below.
Where should I verify these rules?
These rules summarize DCNR's published content. Always confirm with the official source before keeping a catch.
Reference only. Regulations change mid-season. Always verify with the official source before keeping a catch.