Magnet Fishing Laws in Tennessee

State Agency & Regulatory Framework

Tennessee's waterways involve a unique federal entity: the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). TVA manages its reservoir system under its own regulations, and recreational access rules on TVA waters should be verified with TVA's Natural Resources staff. The Cumberland, Hiwassee, and other TVA rivers flow through historically significant territory. Tennessee's antiquity laws protect archaeological resources on state land. Found firearms must be reported to local law enforcement under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-14-105.

State Park Policy

Tennessee State Parks (TDEC) and TWRA-managed areas have not prohibited magnet fishing. Nashville (Metro) has noted that magnet fishing from pedestrian bridges over the Cumberland River is generally tolerated provided it does not block pedestrian traffic. Contact specific parks and TWRA district offices.

Waterway Access & Navigability

Tennessee's major navigable waterways include the Tennessee River system (managed by TVA), the Cumberland River, and the Mississippi River (western border). TVA manages 29 reservoirs and 11,000 miles of shoreline — contact Tennessee Valley Authority for waterway-specific rules on TVA-managed waters.

If You Find a Firearm

Regardless of Tennessee state law details, the protocol for a firearm find is consistent: do not transport it, call the local non-emergency police line immediately, document the find location, and turn it over to the responding officer. Request a case number. For the full protocol, see: Found a Gun While Magnet Fishing.

Historical Artifact Reporting

Items 100+ years old recovered from public land in Tennessee may be protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (federal) and Tennessee state antiquity law. Contact your State Historic Preservation Office before disturbing or retaining any potentially historical find.

Tennessee SHPO: State Historic Preservation Office, (615) 532-1550

Quick Reference

• Managing Agency: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) — (615) 781-6500
• General Access Status: Generally Permitted
• State Parks: Tennessee State Parks (TDEC) and TWRA-managed areas have not...
• SHPO: Tennessee SHPO: State Historic Preservation Office, (615) 532-1550
• Found Firearms: Call non-emergency police, do not transport
• Federal Waterways: Contact USACE district office for managed sites

Key Guides for Tennessee Magnet Fishers