Photo credit
Fly fishing Meadow Creek in the Scapegoat Wilderness, Montana. Photo: Brandan W. Schulze, US Forest Service, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Virginia fishing license
You need one to fish in Virginia. Buy it from Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
Where to buy it
Online from Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Many fly shops and sporting goods stores sell them too.
Buy a license on the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website (opens in a new tab)
Where this link comes from
The agency's license store, opened Nov 8, 2026.
Before you go
| License | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Resident annual fishing license | $28.00 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
| Non-resident annual fishing license | $72.00 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
| Non-resident 1-day license | $20.00 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
| License to Fish in Designated Stocked Trout Waters (resident) | $28.00 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
| License to Fish in Designated Stocked Trout Waters (non-resident) | $48.00 | Agency page (opens in a new tab) Nov 8, 2026 |
Free fishing days
- Fall Free Fishing Days September 25-27, 2026 (inaugural; already past on 2026-11-08) Source (opens in a new tab) (Nov 8, 2026)
Who needs one
- No license needed under 16 Source (opens in a new tab) (Nov 8, 2026)
Extra permits
- License to Fish in Designated Stocked Trout Waters: needed for fishing for trout in designated stocked trout waters (and South Holston Reservoir) Source (opens in a new tab) (Nov 8, 2026)
- Carry it while you fish, on paper or on your phone if the state allows.
- Fishing for trout? Some states also need a trout stamp or permit; the agency's page says.
- Read the special regulations for the water you pick: seasons, lures and limits can differ.
- Veteran or service member? Virginia concessions, quoted from the agency.