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Do You Need a Fishing License in Virginia?
Yes. Anyone age 16 or older needs a fishing license in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) handles freshwater licenses, while the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) handles saltwater registration.
Active-duty military stationed in Virginia fish at resident rates.
Trout anglers need a separate trout license to fish designated stocked trout waters. Saltwater anglers need either a saltwater license or registration with the VMRC Saltwater Recreational Angler program.
How Much Does a Virginia Fishing License Cost in 2026?
Resident freshwater annual fishing license costs $23. Resident saltwater is $17.50. Resident trout license is $23 additional. Resident annual combo (fresh + salt + trout) runs $48.
Nonresident freshwater annual fishing license costs $47. Nonresident saltwater is $25. Short-term nonresident licenses are covered in the next section.
Lifetime resident licenses are covered below. Annual licenses are valid 365 days from purchase.
| License | 2026 fee |
|---|---|
| Resident annual freshwater | $23 |
| Resident annual saltwater | $17.50 |
| Resident trout license (add-on) | $23 |
| Resident combo (fresh + salt + trout) | $48 |
| Nonresident annual freshwater | $47 |
| Nonresident annual saltwater | $25 |
| Nonresident 1-day freshwater | $7 |
| Nonresident 5-day freshwater | $14 |
| Resident 65+ lifetime freshwater | $10 |
How Much Is a 1-Day Fishing License in Virginia?
A 1-day Virginia fishing license costs $7. That is the nonresident short-term freshwater license, which also comes in a 5-day version at $14.
Fishing designated stocked trout waters requires a separate trout license on top of the freshwater license.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Fishing License in Virginia?
Virginia sets the cutoff at 16: anglers under 16 fish free in both freshwater and saltwater, but they still have to follow DWR and VMRC bag limits, size limits, and seasons.
How Much Is a Lifetime Fishing License in Virginia?
For Virginia residents age 65 and older, a lifetime freshwater fishing license costs just $10. Residents under 65 can also buy a resident lifetime license from DWR at standard age-based rates; otherwise they pay $23 a year for the annual freshwater license.
Bring or upload proof of age and Virginia residency when you buy.
Where to Buy a Virginia Fishing License
Buy online at Go Outdoors Virginia (opens in a new tab) or through the Go Outdoors Virginia mobile app. Digital licenses are accepted statewide by DWR conservation police officers.
In-person sales happen at Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, Dick's Sporting Goods, and over 600 authorized agents. Bring valid ID and proof of residency for resident rates.
Phone orders are available at 1-866-721-6911. Online and phone purchases include a small convenience fee.
Virginia Free Fishing Days 2026
Virginia Free Fishing Days fall on the first weekend of June each year. In 2026, free fishing days are Friday, June 5, Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7. No freshwater license is required during this three-day window.
Saltwater fishing also does not require a license or registration on these days. All trout license requirements are also waived.
All bag limits, size limits, and area regulations remain in effect during free fishing days.
Virginia Fishing Regulations You Should Know
Statewide freshwater limits include 5 largemouth bass (12-inch minimum statewide, exceptions on some lakes), 5 smallmouth bass (varies by river), and 25 crappie with a 9-inch minimum on most reservoirs.
Designated stocked trout waters require a trout license. Daily creel is 6 trout total. Wild trout streams have catch-and-release sections, single-hook artificial rules, and special seasons.
Saltwater bag limits cover species like striped bass (2 daily, 28-36 inch slot or 1 over 36, Chesapeake Bay regulations), summer flounder, and croaker. Check VMRC for current rules before fishing tidal waters.
Best Fishing Spots in Virginia
The Chesapeake Bay is the centerpiece of Virginia saltwater fishing, with world-class striped bass, red drum, speckled trout, and cobia. Smith Mountain Lake and Lake Anna lead for freshwater striped bass and largemouth.
The James River, Shenandoah River, and New River are top smallmouth bass destinations. The New River produces some of the largest smallmouth in the eastern US.
Mossy Creek, the South Fork Shenandoah, and Whitetop Laurel are famous wild trout streams. Stocked trout waters throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains offer easy access for rainbows, browns, and brook trout.
Frequently Asked Questions
A resident freshwater annual license costs $23. Resident saltwater is $17.50. Nonresidents pay $47 for freshwater annual. A separate $23 trout license is required for stocked trout waters.
No. Anglers under age 16 fish free in both freshwater and saltwater in Virginia. They must still follow DWR and VMRC bag limits, size limits, and seasons.
Free Fishing Days run Friday, June 5 through Sunday, June 7, 2026. No license is required for freshwater, saltwater, or trout fishing during this three-day window.
Yes if you fish designated stocked trout waters. The resident trout license costs $23 on top of the freshwater license. Some wild trout streams do not require it.
Buy online at gooutdoorsvirginia.com or through the Go Outdoors Virginia app. Digital licenses are accepted by DWR conservation police statewide.
Yes. Saltwater anglers age 16+ need either a Virginia saltwater fishing license or free registration with the VMRC Saltwater Recreational Angler program.