This may be a dumb question but are fish traps legal in Tennessee? I looked at the regulations but it seems unclear. I seen where it said hoop nets could be fished year round but so no mention of other types of traps.
Thanks TNGunsmoke!See page 20 of the fishing guide under slat baskets.
Persons eligible to fish with a slat basket may fish
with one slat basket, provided the slat basket is
marked with a metal tag, obtainable from the
TWRA for an annual fee of $10.00. Possession or
use of more than one slat basket is prohibited. A
slat basket is defined as a device used for taking
nongame fish and catfish only. Slat baskets may
have only one outside funnel opening and must
be made of wood, plastic or cane slats which
are placed lengthwise and so constructed that
there must be a minimum of four openings in the
catching area, each being at least 1½ inches wide
and 6 inches long. Fish taken may not be sold.
The slat basket may not be set within 100 yards
of the mouth of any river, creek or slough. Slat
basket must be checked at least every 72 hours.
Applications for metal tags can be obtained
by writing to: TWRA Sales Office, P.O. Box 41729,
Nashville, TN 37204. If you are applying in person
and need directions to the TWRA central office,
call 615-781-6500. You may also apply online at,
GoOutdoorsTN.com