Virginia residents age 16 and older are required to obtain a fishing license before fishing on the inland waters of this state.
How much is a fishing license in the state of Virginia?
Resident Fees
Licenses |
Fee |
Resident State Freshwater Fishing License* (age 16 and older) |
1-year license: $23.00 2-year license: $44.00 3-year license: $65.00 4-year license: $86.00 |
Resident State Fresh/Saltwater Fishing* |
$39.50 |
Resident Saltwater Fishing License |
$17.50 |
What do you need to go fishing in Virginia?
Everyone is required to have a license to fish in Virginia and must have an electronic or printed copy of the license with them while fishing. Licenses can be purchased online at Go Outdoors Virginia or purchased in person at some of the Circuit Courts, license agents, and DWR headquarters.
How much is fishing without a license in Virginia?
Not Having a License is a Criminal Offense
Fishing, hunting, or trapping without a license is a class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by up to $500 in fines.
Can you fish in Virginia without a license? – Related Questions
What happens if you get caught fishing without a license in Virginia?
Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and shall pay to the clerk a fee equal to the cost of the required license to be paid into the state treasury and credited to the game protection fund.
How many rods can you fish with in Virginia?
It is unlawful to feed, bait, or snag trout in designated stocked trout waters. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing in designated stocked trout waters to use more than one rod, one line, and one baited hook (a treble hook is considered one hook); however, any combination of artificial lures is allowed.
How old do you have to be to fish without a license in Virginia?
Note: Nonresident children under 16 not required to have freshwater fishing or trout license. Fishing in most waters within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests? Need a National Forest Stamp (refer to National Forest Stamp exceptions).
Does an 11 year old need a fishing license in Virginia?
Saltwater recreational fishing license and FIP registration requirements when fishing in VA tidal waters and not on a VA or PRFC licensed charter or head boat: Younger than 16 years of age: no paid license or FIP no-cost registration required.
Do you need a fishing license to fish in a pond in Virginia?
All fishing on inland waters requires a freshwater fishing license, unless license exempt. A hand landing net may be used to land fish legally hooked in all waters. It is unlawful to have more than the daily creel limit of any fish in possession while afield or on the waters.
How much does it cost to fish at Virginia Beach?
Charter Costs: Trip Length (Private Trip) Most of the time, you will be targeting inshore species such as speckled trout and redfish. Based on 13 charters surveyed, you can find 4-hour trips in Virginia Beach for an average of $575, with the highest cost being $700 and the lowest being $300.
Do you need a fishing license in VA on a pier?
A Virginia Saltwater Fishing License is not required for pier fishing, but is for fishing on the beach.
How many fish can you catch in a day in Virginia?
The statewide limits are 6 per day, and no fish caught shall be less than 7 inches.
Can you fish all year round in Virginia?
Virginia Fishing Seasons
As we mentioned, fishing is possible 365 days a year, but it all depends on what you want to catch. The Trout streams and Bass lakes offer rewards even in the depths of winter. But spawning seasons in spring and fall are the most productive times to visit.
Can I keep fish I catch?
Refrigerate the Fish
Before refrigerating a fish, wash it in cold water and dry it with a clean cloth or paper towels. Then wrap the clean fish in waxed paper, plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it on ice or in the refrigerator. You can usually store a fish in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Are Goldfish legal bait in Virginia?
Must comply with creel and length limits. The only game fish that can be used as cut bait are bluegill, sunfish, and bream.
Fish Bait Information.
Bait Type |
Possession Limit |
Note |
Fathead minnows, golden shiners, goldfish |
Unlimited |
|
Legally purchased fish bait |
Unlimited |
Receipt needed specifying # and species |
What’s the best time to go fishing in Virginia?
Best fishing times:
- major Time: 01:27 am – 03:27 am.
- minor Time: 10:01 am – 12:01 pm.
- major Time: 01:53 pm – 03:53 pm.
- minor Time: 05:46 pm – 07:46 pm.
Can you fish any tide?
Beach Fishing and Tides
Different beaches fish differently over different stages of the tide. Many steep shingle beaches will fish well regardless of the stage of the tide as there is always a good depth of water to cast into. However, on some shallower sloping beaches, the best fishing can be had at low tide.
What is the best day to catch fish?
The best times to fish are when the fish are naturally most active. The Sun, Moon, tides, and weather all influence fish activity. For example, fish tend to feed more at sunrise and sunset, and also during a full moon (when tides are higher than average).
What is trout season in Virginia?
Trout Management in Virginia
“Designated Stocked Trout Waters” are stocked from October through May with catchable-sized trout.
How many trout can you keep per day in VA?
Virginia’s trout season is open year-round and the general statewide limits are 6 trout per day, no fish less than 7 inches.