West Virginia Fishing License (2026): Cost, Where to Buy & Rules
Issued by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
How much is a fishing license in West Virginia (WV)?
A resident annual West Virginia fishing license costs $19.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license is $50.00. West Virginia also offers short-term day passes for out-of-state visitors and discounted youth and senior licenses, all sold by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
How does West Virginia compare? See the 2026 fishing license cost by state price index.
🎫 Buy a West Virginia Fishing License →Fishing in West Virginia
West Virginia is mountain-stream fishing. Cold streams and tailwaters hold wild and stocked trout, and the New, Greenbrier and Potomac rivers are excellent smallmouth water. The state has genuine native muskellunge water, and the reservoirs and the Ohio River add walleye, bass and catfish. A trout stamp covers the cold water. Between the trout streams and the warmwater rivers, there's a season for every kind of angler.
West Virginia Fishing License Types & 2026 Prices
Resident Annual
Freshwater
$19.00
Base; ~$24 with the $5 Conservation Stamp most anglers must add
Non-Resident Annual
Freshwater
$50.00
$37 base + $13 Conservation/LE stamp
Non-Resident 3-Day
Freshwater
$16.00
Senior (65+)
Freshwater
$25.00
WV resident 65+ (on/after 1/1/2012): $25 Class XS lifetime. Free lifetime if 65 before 1/1/2012.
Youth (under 15)
Free✅ Prices verified August 2026 from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. License fees can change year to year — confirm current rates with the agency before you buy.
Who needs a West Virginia fishing license?
Most adult anglers need a license to fish in West Virginia. Several groups are exempt or pay a reduced fee:
- Youth
- Children under 15 do not need a license. West Virginia residents under 15 need no fishing license.
- Seniors (65+)
- No $1 annual senior license exists. Residents who turned 65 on or after January 1, 2012 buy a one-time $25 Class XS senior lifetime hunting/trapping/fishing license (bundles the Conservation and trout stamps); residents who turned 65 before January 1, 2012 already hold a FREE lifetime license.
- Anglers with disabilities
- Class Q special hunting & fishing permit for WV residents with a qualifying permanent disability (application + certification to WVDNR); WVDNR also stocks Class-Q-designated trout waters reserved for anglers with disabilities and children 14 and under. Residents 20 or younger with a life-threatening condition get a free Class DT license.
- Veterans & military
- A West Virginia resident honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces who receives a VA pension for total permanent service-connected disability may hunt, trap and fish without a license (WV Code §20-2-28).
- Free fishing days (2026)
- June 13–14, 2026 — West Virginia's Free Fishing Days; residents and non-residents may fish without a license or Conservation Stamp for two days. All other regulations still apply.
Short-term day licenses are available for visitors and occasional anglers. Always confirm the current rules with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources before heading out. ✅ Exemptions verified August 2026.
Where to buy a West Virginia fishing license
Online (cheapest): buy directly from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources — that’s the cheapest option, with no third-party markup.
In person: most sporting goods retailers (Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Walmart) and many tackle shops in West Virginia also sell licenses.
West Virginia Fishing Limits by Species (2026)
General statewide bag, size, and season limits for popular West Virginia species.
| Species | Daily Bag | Min Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| TroutCatch-and-release and special-reg sections differ | 6 | No limit | Year-round (stocked in-season) |
| Smallmouth BassThe New/Greenbrier have special size rules | No limit | No limit | Year-round |
| MuskellungeStatewide general limit | 1 | 30" | Year-round |
| WalleyeStatewide general limit | No limit | 15" | Year-round |
⚠️ 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 West Virginia Division of Natural Resources before you keep a fish. Reviewed July 2026.
West Virginia Fishing License FAQ
How much is a fishing license in West Virginia?
A resident annual fishing license in West Virginia costs $19.00, and a non-resident (out-of-state) annual license costs $50.00. West Virginia also offers short-term (day) licenses for visitors, discounted youth and senior options. Licenses are sold by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
How much is an out-of-state fishing license in West Virginia?
An out-of-state (non-resident) annual fishing license in West Virginia costs $50.00. For a shorter trip, West Virginia also sells 3-Day licenses. Buy online from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources before you fish.
Do you need a fishing license in West Virginia?
Yes. West Virginia requires a fishing license to fish recreationally. Children under 15 are exempt. No $1 annual senior license exists. Residents who turned 65 on or after January 1, 2012 buy a one-time $25 Class XS senior lifetime hunting/trapping/fishing license (bundles the Conservation and trout stamps); residents who turned 65 before January 1, 2012 already hold a FREE lifetime license. Always confirm current rules with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources before you fish.
Where do you buy a West Virginia fishing license?
Buy directly from the West Virginia Division of Natural 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 West Virginia.
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