Fishing in Virginia

Fishing Regulations in Virginia

Size limits, bag limits, and seasons by species in Virginia.

Virginia's Department of Wildlife Resources manages mountain trout streams, the smallmouth of the Shenandoah and James, and bass and panfish reservoirs, while the tidal rivers reach toward the Chesapeake. Limits and seasons vary by region and species, so confirm the rules for your water before you keep a fish.

40 species with limits13 special regulation bodies of water

Notable waters

Chesapeake Bay (Virginia)New River (above Claytor Dam)South Holston ReservoirBuggs Island Lake (John H. Kerr Reservoir)Claytor LakeFlannagan ReservoirLake GastonLake Moomaw

Statewide

Year-round

Daily bag5Possession10

No Min Size

Black Bass Aggregate: 5 combined w/ Smallmouth Bass.

Specific bodies of water may have special regulations.

Always confirm with the official state agency before keeping a fish. Regulations can change and local exceptions may apply.

Check Virginia Regulations on the App

Take size limits, bag limits, and seasons for every species with you on the water. CatchVault is on iOS, with Android on the way.

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