Virginia · Fishing license
Virginia fishing license
Do I need one?
Yes — anyone 16 or older needs one.
A year costs $23 if you live here and $47 if you don't. Just passing through? Freshwater, one day costs $8. Stocked trout water from 1 October to 15 June needs the extra 23-dollar trout licence.
What it costs
If you live in Virginia
| license | Price |
|---|---|
| Freshwater, annualDWR also sells two-, three- and four-year versions, the four-year at 86. | $23 |
| Saltwater, annual | $17.50 |
| Freshwater and saltwater combinationCheaper than the two separate licences. | $39.50 |
| Freshwater, senior (65+) | $9 |
| Freshwater, 5 days | $14 |
| Trout licenceOn top of the fishing licence, and only for stocked trout water between 1 October and 15 June. | $23 |
If you're visiting
| license | Price |
|---|---|
| Freshwater, annual | $47 |
| Saltwater, annual | $25 |
| Freshwater and saltwater combination | $71 |
| Freshwater, one day | $8 |
| Freshwater, 5 days | $21 |
| Trout licenceSame price for visitors as for residents. | $23 |
Stocked trout water between 1 October and 15 June needs the separate 23-dollar trout licence on top of the fishing licence — the same price whether you live in Virginia or not.
How long it lasts
A Virginia licence runs a year from the day you buy it, unless the licence itself says otherwise. DWR also sells the freshwater licence as a multi-year package.
Who doesn't need one
- Anyone under 16 years of age
DWR words the age rule this way: DWR: persons under 16 need no licence. Virginians of 65 and over are not exempt but pay a reduced 9-dollar freshwater licence.
Where to buy it
- Online through Go Outdoors Virginia
- By telephone on 804-367-1000
- At licence agents across Virginia and at selected Circuit Court clerks
Wondering about the big retailers? A shop like Walmart sells the state's license at the state's price — it sets none of its own.
Days you can fish without one
DWR publishes this as a recurring rule rather than a fixed date. Check the exact days on their free fishing page before you plan around it.
Where to use it today
Waters we read every morning in Virginia.
- 5 Picky Kerr Lake
- 2 Lockjaw Virginia Beach