Fishing is a popular recreational activity in Virginia, with the state offering a diverse array of freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities. However, before you cast your line, it’s important to understand the licensing requirements in the Commonwealth. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of fishing licenses in Virginia, including who needs one, how to obtain it, and the associated fees.
Residency Requirements
In Virginia, the definition of a resident varies depending on the type of license you’re seeking. For a state resident fishing license, you must have been a domiciliary resident of Virginia for at least two months immediately prior to purchasing the license. Members of the U.S. armed forces stationed in Virginia, their spouses, and dependents are also considered residents.
For a city or county resident fishing license, you must have been a bona fide resident of that specific city or county for at least six months immediately before purchasing the license. Legal voters of the city or county are also eligible for a resident license. Additionally, residents of a city whose limits are wholly within a county can purchase a resident license for that county if they have physically resided within the city for at least six consecutive months prior to the purchase.
License Requirements
In general, anyone 16 years of age or older must possess a valid fishing license to fish in Virginia’s inland waters. The specific license requirements depend on your residency status and the type of fishing you plan to engage in.
For Virginia residents 16 and older, the following licenses are required:
- A state or county freshwater fishing license
- An additional trout license if fishing in designated stocked trout waters (required from October 1 through June 15)
- A National Forest Stamp if fishing in most waters within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
- A signed landowner permit card for some wild trout and special regulation waters
For nonresidents 16 and older, the following licenses are required:
- A nonresident annual, daily, or 5-day freshwater fishing license
- An additional nonresident trout license if fishing in designated stocked trout waters
- A National Forest Stamp if fishing in most waters within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
- A signed landowner permit card for some wild trout and special regulation waters
It’s important to note that nonresident children under 16 are not required to have freshwater fishing or trout licenses.
License Fees
The cost of a Virginia fishing license varies depending on the type and duration of the license. Here are some of the most common fees for residents:
- 5-Day Freshwater Fishing (not valid in designated stocked trout waters): $14.00
- State Freshwater Fishing (1-year): $23.00
- Saltwater Fishing License (1 year): $17.50
- State Freshwater Fishing (2-year): $44.00
- State Freshwater Fishing (3-year): $65.00
- State Freshwater Fishing (4-year): $86.00
For nonresidents, the fees are:
- 1-Day Freshwater Fishing: $8.00
- 5-Day Freshwater Fishing: $21.00
- 10-Day Saltwater Fishing: $10.00
- Combination Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing (5-day): $31.00
Additional fees may apply for certain types of fishing, such as the National Forest Permit ($4), State Forest Use Permit ($16), County Dip Net Permit ($4.50), or Daily Permit ($8) for specific fee fishing areas.
Exceptions and Exemptions
While most anglers 16 and older are required to possess a valid fishing license, there are some exceptions and exemptions in Virginia:
- Resident or nonresident landowners, their spouses, children, grandchildren, and parents do not need a license to fish within the boundaries of their own lands and inland waters
- Residents under 16 years of age do not need a fishing or trout license
- Resident, active-duty members of the armed forces on official leave do not need a license, but must have a copy of their military orders when trout fishing
- Tenants on the land they rent and occupy do not need a license but must have written permission from the landowner
- Guests fishing in individually owned private ponds do not need a license
- Nonresident children under 16 years of age do not need a freshwater fishing or trout license
- Legally blind persons do not need a license
- Certain Native Americans who habitually reside on reservations or are members of Virginia-recognized tribes do not need a freshwater license but must have proper identification
- Stockholders owning 50% or more of a domestic corporation owning land in Virginia, their spouses, children, and grandchildren do not need a license to fish within the boundaries of the corporation’s lands and inland waters
- Persons 65 years of age or older do not need a saltwater license but must comply with the Virginia Fisherman Identification Program (FIP) requirements
- Any person not fishing but aiding a disabled license holder does not need a license
It’s important to note that while these individuals may not need a fishing license, they may still be subject to other regulations and requirements, such as the National Forest Stamp or landowner permit cards.
Where to Purchase a License
Virginia fishing licenses can be purchased through several convenient methods:
- Online at the GoOutdoorsVirginia website
- By phone during regular business hours by calling (804) 367-1000
- Through the GoOutdoorsVirginia mobile app
- In person at some Circuit Court clerks, license agents, and DWR headquarters (not available at DWR regional offices)
When purchasing a license, you’ll need to provide personal information such as your name, date of birth, and residency status. If you’re a resident, you may also need to provide proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or voter registration card.
It’s important to note that fishing licenses are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you lose your license, you can obtain a duplicate for a fee of $6.00.
In conclusion, understanding the fishing license requirements in Virginia is essential for anglers who want to enjoy the state’s abundant fishing resources legally and responsibly. By obtaining the appropriate license and adhering to the regulations, you can help protect and preserve Virginia’s fish populations for generations to come.