Fishing is a popular pastime in Virginia, with the state offering a diverse array of waterways teeming with various species of fish. However, before you cast your line, it’s crucial to understand the fishing license requirements in the Commonwealth. In 2024, Virginia requires both residents and non-residents to obtain a fishing license, with a few exceptions.
Fishing License Requirements for Residents
If you are a Virginia resident, you must possess a valid fishing license to fish in the state’s waters. The requirements vary depending on your age and the type of fishing you plan to engage in.
Residents 16 years of age and older must have one of the following licenses:
- State or county freshwater fishing license
- Trout license if fishing in designated stocked trout waters (in addition to the freshwater license)
- National Forest Stamp if fishing in most waters within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
- Signed landowner permit card for wild trout and most special regulation waters
Residents under 16 years of age do not need a fishing or trout license.
Fishing License Requirements for Non-Residents
Non-residents 16 years of age and older must have the following licenses:
- Annual, daily, or 5-day freshwater fishing license
- Trout license if fishing in designated stocked trout waters (in addition to the freshwater license)
- National Forest Stamp if fishing in most waters within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
- Signed landowner permit card for wild trout and most special regulation waters
Non-resident children under 16 years of age are not required to have freshwater fishing or trout licenses.
Exceptions to Fishing License Requirements
There are a few exceptions to the fishing license requirements in Virginia:
- Resident or non-resident 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
- Non-resident 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 do not need a freshwater license but must have proper identification
- Persons 65 years of age or older do not need a saltwater license but must comply with the Virginia Fisherman Identification Program (FIP) requirements
Where to Purchase a Fishing License
In 2024, Virginia offers several options for purchasing fishing licenses:
- Online through the GoOutdoorsVirginia website
- By phone at (804) 367-1000 during regular business hours
- In person at some clerks of the Circuit Court and hundreds of license agents around the state
The cost of a fishing license varies depending on the type and duration of the license. For example, a one-year state freshwater fishing license for residents costs $23, while a non-resident annual freshwater fishing license costs $16.
Additional Fees and Permits
In addition to a fishing license, anglers may need to purchase additional permits or pay daily fees in certain areas:
- National Forest Permit ($4) for fishing on National Forest lands
- State Forest Use Permit ($16) for fishing in state forests
- County Dip Net Permit ($4.50) for taking shad, herring, and mullet
- Daily Permit ($8) for fishing at Clinch Mountain, Crooked Creek, and Douthat State Park fee fishing areas
It’s important to note that fishing regulations help protect and preserve fish populations in Virginia. Anglers must check the current set of regulations before each fishing trip, as they are updated regularly and vary by season or month.