Are you a keen angler? A Virginia fishing license is essential, regardless of whether you are a seasoned or beginner angler. Virginia offers a variety of freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities.
Who needs a Virginia fishing license?
A fishing license is required for anyone over 16 who wants to fish in Virginia. Anyone who catches, attempts to catch, or takes any fish, eel or crustacean, must also have a fishing licence. There are however a few exceptions to this rule:
- Persons who fish on their own land, or the land of their parents or legal guardians
- Persons with disabilities, who are blind or visually impaired and who fish with a Virginia resident who has a valid fishing license
- Persons who fish in a private pond, lake, or body of water that is not stocked by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
Types of Virginia Fishing Licences
There are many types of Virginia fishing licenses, from annual to short-term. These are the most popular types of fishing licences:
Annual Freshwater Fishing License
This license is valid from January 1 through December 31 each year. It allows you to fish in all freshwater streams and rivers in Virginia.
Annual Saltwater Fishing License
This license is valid from January 1 through December 31 each year. It allows you to fish in all saltwater areas of Virginia, which includes the Chesapeake Bay or its tributaries.
7-Day Freshwater/Saltwater Fishing License
The license is valid for seven consecutive calendar days starting at the date of purchase. It allows you to fish in all freshwater or saltwater areas of Virginia.
3-Day Freshwater/Saltwater Fishing License
The license is valid for three consecutive calendar days starting at the date of purchase. It allows you to fish in all freshwater or saltwater areas of Virginia.
How to get a Virginia Fishing License
There are many ways to get a Virginia fishing license.
Online
Online purchase of a fishing license is possible through the DGIF website. It is simple and you will receive your license via email. You can either print the license or save it electronically on your smartphone or tablet.
In Person
A fishing license can be purchased in person at any one of the many license agents located throughout Virginia. To find a local license agent, you can visit the DGIF website.
By Mail
Download a fishing license application from the DGIF website and complete it before mailing it to the DGIF headquarters at Richmond, Virginia. You can pay the licence by check or money order.
Virginia Fishing Regulations and Rules
There are certain rules and regulations that anglers must follow when fishing in Virginia. These are:
- Follow the catch limits and size limits of each species of fish
- Only use authorized equipment and methods to catch fish
- Fish that are too small or unpermitted to be kept can be released
- Before fishing in designated stocked trout water, you need to obtain a trout stamp
- Reporting certain fish species caught to DGIF
Virginia Fishing Laws: Penalties
You could face penalties if you violate Virginia’s fishing laws, such as fines or imprisonment. The nature of the violation will determine the severity of the penalty.
Conclusion
Anyone who wishes to fish in Virginia must have a fishing license. There are many licenses to choose from, so you can find the one that suits you best. To ensure that you fish responsibly, and sustainably, it is important to comply with all regulations.
