Virginia Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
How much is a fishing license in Virginia?
A resident annual Virginia fishing license costs $23.00, and a non-resident annual license is $47.00. Virginia also offers short-term day passes and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
🎫 Buy a Virginia Fishing License →Fishing in Virginia
Virginia reaches from the Chesapeake Bay to the Blue Ridge. The Bay and coast give up striped bass (rockfish), red and black drum, cobia and flounder inshore with tuna and billfish offshore. The New and James rivers are premier smallmouth water, the tidal rivers hold trophy blue catfish, and the mountains add trout. Saltwater anglers register with the state, and the range of water keeps the fishing going all year.
Virginia Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$23.00
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$47.00
Non-Resident 5-Day
Freshwater
$21.00
Senior (65+)
Freshwater
$9.00
VA resident 65+: $9 annual (or $25 lifetime)
Youth (under 16)
Free✅ Prices verified January 2026 from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a Virginia fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in Virginia. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 16 do not need a license. Residents under 16 need no freshwater fishing license.
- Seniors (65+)
- Virginia residents 65+ buy a $9 annual resident freshwater fishing license, or a one-time $25 senior resident lifetime freshwater (or trout) license — a reduced fee, not free. Residents 65+ also need no saltwater license, but must still register (free) under the Fisherman Identification Program.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Virginia issues special licenses to residents with disabilities through DWR — including a complimentary license for the blind — handled via DWR application forms rather than the standard fee table.
- Veterans & military
- Resident veterans rated 30% or more service-connected disabled by the VA may apply for a discounted lifetime license, the fee scaled to the current VA disability rating. Non-resident veterans rated 70%+ service-connected may buy a discounted annual license by application.
- Free fishing days (2026)
- June 5–7, 2026 — Virginia's Free Fishing Days; no license required for rod-and-reel freshwater fishing in the state's lakes, rivers, streams and reservoirs. All other regulations still apply.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Virginia Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular Virginia species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth/Smallmouth BassStatewide general; the New/James rivers have special smallmouth rules | 5 | No limit | Year-round |
| Striped Bass (Rockfish)Chesapeake seasons/slot set annually — confirm | 2 | 20" | Varies (tidal seasons) |
| Blue CatfishInvasive in tidal rivers — liberal harvest | No limit | No limit | Year-round |
| TroutSpecial-regulation streams differ | 6 | No limit | Year-round (stocked) |
⚠️ Limits are general statewide references and change year to year — many lakes and rivers carry their own bag, size, and slot rules. Always confirm the current regulation for your specific water with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
Virginia Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in Virginia?
A resident annual fishing license in Virginia costs $23.00, and a non-resident annual license costs $47.00. Virginia also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
Do you need a fishing license in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 16 are exempt. Virginia residents 65+ buy a $9 annual resident freshwater fishing license, or a one-time $25 senior resident lifetime freshwater (or trout) license — a reduced fee, not free. Residents 65+ also need no saltwater license, but must still register (free) under the Fisherman Identification Program. Always confirm current rules with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources before you fish.
Where do you buy a Virginia fishing license?
Buy directly from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources online — that's the cheapest option (no third-party markup). You can also buy at most sporting-goods retailers and many tackle shops in Virginia.
Fishing licenses in nearby states
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