Tennessee is a landlocked state, but that does not mean spearfishing is off the table. With over 230 fish species spread across rivers, reservoirs, and lakes, the state offers real underwater hunting opportunities — provided you follow a specific and often misunderstood set of rules.
Before you gear up and dive in, you need to understand exactly what the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) permits. Spearfishing laws in Tennessee are more restrictive than many anglers expect, and the wrong move can result in citations, fines, or worse. This guide walks you through every regulation you need to know.
Is Spearfishing Legal in Tennessee
Yes, spearfishing is legal in Tennessee — but it comes with firm conditions attached. Spearfishing is legal for non-game fish, but only while the angler is fully submerged and during daylight hours. That two-part requirement is non-negotiable under TWRA statewide regulations.
What does “fully submerged” mean in practice? You cannot spearfish from the surface, from a boat, or while wading. You must be completely underwater at the time you take a fish. This distinguishes spearfishing from gigging, which is a separate and differently regulated method…