Do You Need a Fishing License to Fish on Private Property in Virginia in 2024?

In Virginia, the rules surrounding fishing licenses can be a bit confusing, especially when it comes to fishing on private property. Whether you need a license or not depends on several factors, such as your residency status, the type of water you’re fishing in, and the specific circumstances of your fishing trip.

Fishing on Private Property in Virginia

One of the most common questions anglers have is whether they need a fishing license to fish on private property in Virginia. The answer is not a simple yes or no, as there are some exceptions to the rule.

According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), a fishing license is generally required for anyone 16 years of age or older who wants to fish in public waters, including rivers, streams, and lakes. However, there are some exceptions to this rule:

• Resident or nonresident landowners, their spouses, their children and grandchildren, and the spouses of such children and grandchildren, or the landowner’s parents, resident or nonresident, do not need a fishing license when fishing on private property they own.
• Tenants on the land they rent and occupy are not required to have a license but must have the written permission of the landowner.
• Guests fishing in individually owned private ponds do not need a license.

It’s important to note that while a fishing license may not be required in these situations, anglers must still follow all other fishing regulations, such as size and creel limits, and any restrictions specific to the private property.

Saltwater Fishing Licenses

In addition to the general fishing license requirements, Virginia also has specific regulations for saltwater fishing. According to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC), a saltwater fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older who wants to fish in tidal waters, including the Atlantic Ocean out to the three-mile limit.

There are several types of saltwater fishing licenses available, including:

• Individual saltwater fishing license
• Resident and non-resident freshwater/saltwater fishing licenses
• Temporary 10-day saltwater fishing licenses
• Saltwater recreational boat licenses
• Lifetime saltwater fishing licenses for residents and non-residents

Anglers can purchase their saltwater fishing licenses online, by phone, or from authorized licensing agents throughout the state.

Exceptions to Saltwater Fishing License Requirements

While a saltwater fishing license is generally required for anyone 16 years of age or older who wants to fish in tidal waters, there are some exceptions to this rule:

• Anglers fishing from a licensed charter or head boat do not need a separate saltwater fishing license.
• Anglers fishing on private property they own do not need a saltwater fishing license.
• Nonresident children under 16 years of age do not need a saltwater fishing license.

It’s important to note that even if an angler is exempt from needing a saltwater fishing license, they must still follow all other fishing regulations, such as size and creel limits, and any restrictions specific to the fishing location.

Obtaining a Fishing License in Virginia

Anglers who need a fishing license in Virginia can purchase one online, by phone, or from authorized licensing agents throughout the state. The cost of a fishing license varies depending on the type of license and the angler’s residency status.

For example, a resident of Virginia can purchase a one-year freshwater fishing license for $23.00, while a non-resident can purchase a one-year freshwater fishing license for $47.00. Anglers who plan to fish in both freshwater and saltwater can purchase a combined freshwater/saltwater fishing license for $39.50 (resident) or $71.00 (non-resident).

In addition to the standard fishing licenses, Virginia also offers lifetime fishing licenses for both residents and non-residents. These licenses are available for anglers of all ages and provide a more cost-effective option for those who plan to fish regularly in Virginia.

Overall, while the rules surrounding fishing licenses in Virginia can be complex, it’s important for anglers to understand their obligations and ensure they are fishing legally. By following the regulations and purchasing the appropriate licenses, anglers can enjoy the state’s abundant fishing opportunities while helping to protect and preserve the resource for future generations.