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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.
Anglers under 16 fish free in both fresh and saltwater. Virginia residents 65 and older qualify for a discounted lifetime license. 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 freshwater includes 1-day at $7 and 5-day at $14.
Lifetime resident licenses are available, with senior (65+) lifetime freshwater at $10. Annual licenses are valid 365 days from purchase.
Where to Buy a Virginia Fishing License
Buy online at gooutdoorsvirginia.com 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.