TWRA Opens Public Comment Period for 2026–27 Fishing Regulations

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has opened a public comment period for its proposed 2026–27 fishing regulations, giving anglers across the state a chance to share input on how Tennessee’s fisheries are managed.

From Friday, August 1 through Wednesday, August 27, 2025, members of the public can submit their ideas, concerns, and suggestions online. Feedback will be reviewed by TWRA staff and considered alongside scientific fishery assessments to help guide future regulation decisions.

The proposed changes will be previewed at a Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting in early 2026. A separate public comment window will be available following that presentation, allowing for additional input before final regulations are adopted. Approved changes will take effect on August 1, 2026.

TWRA fisheries biologists use a range of tools to evaluate fish populations, including data on species growth, density, mortality, and recruitment. The agency also supports fish habitats, stocks a variety of fish species, and surveys anglers to assess preferences, fishing effort, catch rates, and economic impact.

Those wishing to participate can submit feedback by scanning the QR code or visiting the following link:
https://stateoftennessee.formstack.com/forms/2026_fishing_reg_public_comment

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency oversees the conservation and management of the state’s fish and wildlife resources and is also tasked with ensuring public safety through law enforcement and education on Tennessee waterways.