FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING - IN VIRGINIA January 1-December 31, 2019 - Virginia Department of Game and Inland ...
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FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING IN VIRGINIA January 1-December 31, 2019 www.dgif.virginia.gov www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com
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FRESHWATER FRESHWATER FISHING
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2019������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6
FISHING FISHING LICENSE INFORMATION AND FEES����������������������������������������������������������������� 9
Freshwater/Saltwater License Lines on Tidal Waters��������������������������������������������������� 12
& BOATING
Reciprocal Licenses��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 13
GENERAL INFORMATION���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 14
Department-owned Lakes, Ponds, Streams
IN VIRGINIA or Boat Access Sites�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 14
Fish Consumption Advisories�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16
FRESHWATER FISH REGULATIONS������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 18
January–December 2019 Fish Bait Information��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 18
Creel and Length Limit Tables������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 20
NONGAME FISH, REPTILE, AMPHIBIAN,
AND AQUATIC INVERTEBRATE REGULATIONS���������������������������������������������������������25
TROUT FISHING GUIDE������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������27
Special Regulation Trout Waters ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������29
2019 Catchable Trout Stocking Plan���������������������������������������������������������������������������34
FISH IDENTIFICATION AND FISHING INFORMATION������������������������������������������������36
PUBLIC LAKES GUIDE���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������43
MAJOR FISHING RIVERS����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������50
Commonwealth of Virginia VIRGINIA STATE RECORD FRESHWATER FISH�������������������������������������������������������������53
Ralph S. Northam, Governor
THE VIRGINIA ANGLER RECOGNITION PROGRAM�������������������������������������������������������54
Secretary of Natural Resources FRESHWATER TROPHY FISH AWARD APPLICATION FORM�����������������������������������������55
Matthew J. Strickler
Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
VIRGINIA WATERCRAFT OWNER’S GUIDE
Bob Duncan, Executive Director WATERCRAFT REGISTRATION, TITLING,
AND SALES TAX REQUIREMENTS��������������������������������������������������������������������������������56
Members of the Board
Douglas Dear, Chair, Great Falls,
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 59
Mamie A. Parker, Ph.D.,Vice-chair, Dulles Summary of Boating Safety Equipment Requirements������������������������������������������������� 59
Leon Boyd, Vansant SAFE BOATING
Ryan J. Brown, Fork Union
Nicole S. Butterworth, Vinton
Alcohol, Drugs and Boating����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������63
H. S. Caudill, North Tazewell Virginia Boating Safety Education Requirement�����������������������������������������������������������63
Catherine H. Claiborne, Richmond Enforcement��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������63
John W. Daniel II, Richmond
Karen Terwilliger, Locustville
Personal Watercraft (PWC) Operation�������������������������������������������������������������������������64
Brian Vincent, Farmville Navigation Rules���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������64
G. K. Washington, Dillwyn Aids to Navigation������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������66
Mission Statement
OTHER SAFETY CONCERNS
Conserve and manage wildlife populations and habitat Boating Accident Reporting���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 67
for the benefit of present and future generations. Naval Protection Zone������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 67
Connect people to Virginia’s outdoors through boating,
education, fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing
America’s Waterway Watch���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 67
and other wildlife-related activities. Protect people and Boat Theft Prevention������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 67
property by promoting safe outdoor experiences and Carbon Monoxide������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 67
managing human-wildlife conflicts.
Capsizing and Falls Overboard������������������������������������������������������������������������������������68
The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries shall Virginia Boating Accident Report Form������������������������������������������������������������������������69
afford to all persons an equal access to Department
programs and facilities without regard to race, sex, ENJOYING THE WATER
color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, Towed Sports Safety��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������68
gender identity, age, political affiliation, or persons Environmental Laws���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������68
with disabilities. If you believe that you have been
discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, LAKE HORSEPOWER LIMITS���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 71
please write to: Virginia Department of Game and Inland DGIF BOAT RAMPS AND ACCESS POINTS������������������������������������������������������������������� 72
Fisheries, Attn: Executive Director’s Office, 7870 Villa
Park Dr, Suite 400, P.O. Box 90778, Henrico, VA 23228.
This publication is for general use and contains information regarding programs, policies, regulations, rules, or fees of the Virginia Depart-
On the Cover: ment of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) current at the time of printing. Information may change after printing and any changes will
Getting ready to fish the James River, supersede the information in this publication. DGIF’s programs, policies, regulations, rules, or fees can be found at www.dgif.virginia.gov.
photo © Meghan Marchetti Specific laws are found in the Code of Virginia (http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode) or the Game Department Regulation Manual
(http://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title4/agency15). For answers to specific questions about hunting and fishing, contact the
Department of Game and Inland Fisheries office nearest you or visit www.dgif.virginia.gov.
The sale of advertising paid a large portion of the cost of this publication. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries neither endorses
the products or services offered in the advertising, nor accepts any liability from the use of such products or services.
DIRECTOR’S
MESSAGE
Greetings Virginia Anglers! The upcoming 2019 season promises
great fishing opportunities and the chance to make many new memo-
ries. No matter where in Virginia you live, great fishing is nearby.
Anglers looking for a challenge should try floating the James and
New Rivers — both support world class musky fisheries. Anglers
are catching fish over 30 lbs. Remember that these fish like a big
meal — so bring big lures.
For those in the Staunton area, be sure to check out Lake Mer-
riweather, a 450-acre reservoir that was recently opened to public
fishing through the funds collected by the Public Access Lands for
Sportsmen (PALS) program. You will need a PALS pass to access Williamstown, MA | Birmingham, AL
this lake, but the bass and crappie fishing will make it well worth it!
Anglers in urban areas will want to check out the opportunities available to them at their local
bodies of water. We stock trout and channel catfish in metro waters throughout the state. Try
your hand at trout fishing in Dorey Park in Henrico County, Ivy Creek Park Pond in Lynchburg, or
Old Cossey Pond in Fredericksburg. It’s a great way to get outside without having to travel too far.
And, as the season begins, remember to take a friend or family member fishing with you. This
About This Guide
trip can be a chance to reconnect – or to introduce someone new to the sport of fishing. If you
need gear, we offer loaner rods and tackle at our Richmond headquarters and at most of our
regional offices. We also host and participate in a variety of kids fishing days and other events, This high-quality guide is offered to you
which you can find out about on our website. Many of our staff will be on hand at these events by the Virginia Department of Game and
to provide fishing instruction. Inland Fisheries through its unique part-
I look forward to seeing you on the water this year! nership with J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC.
The revenue generated through ad sales
Bob Duncan
Executive Director, DGIF significantly lowers production costs and
generates savings. These savings translate
into additional funds for other important
agency programs.
If you have any feedback or are inter-
ested in advertising, please contact us at
413.884.1001 or at www.JFGriffin.com
VIRGINIA’S SPORT FISH Graphic Design:
PROGRAM AND YOU Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, John Corey,
Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski
Anglers and boaters like you make it possible for Virginia
to enjoy exceptional fishing and boating opportunities.
Through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Pro-
gram, you help the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and
Virginia Marine Resources Commission make fishing and boating even better
each time you buy a fishing reel, fishing lure, trolling motor, or gas for your boat
because a portion of the federal tax goes to the Sport Fish Restoration Program.
Virginia annually receives about $5 million of that money, which pays 75 percent
of many of the fish management and boating access projects that improve your
angling pleasure.
This guide is also
available online at
Hidden Valley WMA, Meghan Marchetti / DGIF
2 2019 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV
Your Freshwater Fishing Destinations Await
Premier freshwater fishing destinations found throughout Virginia.
Find the best place to cast by visiting our website!
www.fishvirginiafirst.com
WE FIND. YOU FISH.
GEAR UP | GET OUT
10150 Lakeridge Pkwy, Ashland, VA 23005 | (804) 550-2188
M-F: 9AM-9PM Sa: 8AM-6PM Su: 9AM-5PM
www.greentophuntfish.com
CONTACT
INFORMATION
Richmond Regional Offices
Headquarters Region 1 Region 4
3801 John Tyler Memorial Hwy. P.O. Box 996, 517 Lee Highway
7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400 Charles City, VA 23030 Verona, VA 24482
Henrico, VA 23228 (804) 829-6580 (540) 248-9360
(804) 367-1000; (804) 367-1278 V/TDD
Region 2 1320 Belman Road
Mailing Address: 1132 Thomas Jefferson Road Fredericksburg, VA 22401
P.O. Box 90778 Forest, VA 24551-9223 (540) 899-4169
Henrico, VA 23228-0778 (434) 525-7522
Boating Registration/ Region 3
License Fees 1796 Highway Sixteen
(804) 367-1000 Marion, VA 24354
(276) 783-4860
Note: The Headquarters Office is the only De-
partment location where visitors may title/
register a boat. These services are not available
at the Regional Offices.
Additional Contacts
Report Wildlife Violations Only Snakehead Fish Reporting Virginia Marine Resources
(800) 237-5712 or wildcrime@dgif.virginia.gov (804) 367-2925 Commission: Saltwater
Fishing/Regulations
Boating Registration/License Fees Potomac River Fisheries (757) 247-2200; (757) 247-2292 VTDD
(804) 367-1000 Commission www.mrc.virginia.gov
(800) 266-3904; (804) 224-7148
Trout Stocking http://prfc.us/ Department of Conservation and
(434) 525-3474 Recreation Reservation Center
Dept. of Environmental Quality (800) 933-7275
(800) 592-5482; (804) 698-4000 www.dcr.virginia.gov
www.deq.virginia.gov
Department of Forestry
Headquarters: (434) 977-6555
State Forest: (804) 492-4121
www.dof.virginia.gov/stateforest/recreation/
hunting.htm
REFER A FRIEND TO JOIN YOU IN THE OUTDOORS Shenandoah National Park
(540) 999-3500
1. Generate your referral code
at License.GoOutdoorsVirginia.com
www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm
2. Your friend uses your code at checkout
when buying their first fishing, hunting or wildlife license or permit
U.S. Forest Service Supervisor
George Washington/
3. We mail you BOTH a gift
Jefferson National Forests
Visit License.GoOutdoorsVA.com > (540) 265-5100 or (888) 265-0019
www.fs.usda.gov/gwj
4 2019 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV
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WHAT’S NEW
FOR 2019
More details can be found in sections that follow this summary.
General Information • There are new creel and length limit changes
© Shutterstock.com
• Lake Merriweather, a 450-acre impoundment for white bass on Buggs Island Lake/Kerr
owned by the Boy Scouts and located in Gos- Reservoir. See page 21.
hen, VA, is now open for public fishing on a sea- • There are new creel and length limits for blue
sonal basis. In addition to an appropriate fishing catfish on Lake Gaston. See page 22.
license, a Public Access Lands for Sportsmen • Rock bass and Roanoke bass regulations
(PALS) permit is needed to fish this lake. have been revised statewide for simplifica-
• There are additional streams where anglers tion purposes and to protect rare Roanoke
are restricted from using fish as bait. These bass populations. See page 22.
include Big Stony Creek in Giles County, • Moratorium on possession of American
Dismal Creek in Bland and Giles counties,
Laurel Creek in Bland County (Wolf Creek
shad. Anglers on the Meherrin River below
Emporia Dam, Nottaway River, Blackwater Free Fishing
drainage) and Cripple Creek in Smyth and
Wythe counties. See page 14.
River (Chowan Drainage), North Landing
and Northwest rivers and their tributaries Days
June 7-9, 2019
• Goldfish are now legal to take with bow and plus Back Bay are no longer allowed to har-
arrow or crossbow. vest American shad. Possession of American
shad while on public waters is prohibited
Creel (Harvest) and Length Limits statewide. A trout license is not required
• There are new largemouth, smallmouth, and to fish designated stocked trout
spotted bass length and creel limits on Clay- Nets and Seines, pg. 26 waters during free fishing days.
tor Lake as well as new length and creel limits • Use of cast nets in the Staunton and Dan
for striped bass and striped bass X white bass Rivers – It is now legal to use cast (throw) For more information:
hybrids. See pages 20 and 21. nets in the Staunton and Dan Rivers to col- www.dgif.virginia.gov
• A new trophy fish regulation has been es- lect bait fish. The use of other types of nets
tablished for smallmouth bass on the Levisa (other than hand landing nets and cast nets)
Fork River in Buchanan County. See page 20. is still prohibited in these rivers. • Hearthstone Lake (Augusta Co.) and North
• New length limits for crappie on Buggs Island Fork Moorman’s River (Albemarle Co.) will
Lake/Kerr Reservoir, Briery Creek and Sandy Trout not be stocked in 2019.
River reservoirs. See page 21. • A trout license is not required to fish des- • Two new special regulation (catch and release)
• Creel and length limit changes for striped ignated stocked trout waters during Free waters established, Beaver Creek (Bristol)
bass. See page 21. Fishing Days, June 7-9, 2019. and Wolf Creek (Abingdon). See pages 31-32.
More Boat Launches
than stoplights.
Mecklenburg County is made for exploring. Open roads connect charming towns. Our State Parks and Wildlife
Management Areas are ideal for hiking and biking. And, 17 public launches make it easy to explore the rivers and lakes.
More of what matters. More Mecklenburg.
visitmeckva.com | #moremeck
6
TM
DGIF’s enhanced, online solution to support Virginia’s
hunters, anglers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts.
HIGHLIGHTS & FEATURES
Customer Focus License Packages Auto Renewals Annual Hard Cards
View your licenses, purchase Take the hassle out of Enroll in DGIF’s new Now offering customers a
new items, and manage your determining which licenses auto renew program to stylish, hard card license
preferences all in one place. and permits you need. set up your licenses to for only $5. Cards offer a
Your account is accessible Choose a package by activity automatically renew more durable option with
whenever you need it. type, ensuring you’re ready every year. Never miss a collectible designs updated
to enjoy the outdoors. memory! every year.
DGIF’S NEW MOBILE APP
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Record & confirm your harvest wherever you are.
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Photos by Meghan Marchetti / DGIF
Know the where and how to paddle Virginia
waterways and your purchase
connects kids to the outdoors
through the Virginia Wildlife Guides are
Grant Program. And remember to available at
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Entry from
2018 Contest
ANGLING EDUCATION PROGRAM
Fishing is such an exciting sport, one that can be enjoyed by all. One of the
great things about fishing is that there are no restrictions to participants,
regardless of age, gender, or ability; anyone can enjoy fishing and the
outdoors! Yet there are so many who have never experienced the thrill of
catching a fish!
In an effort to provide opportunities to experience fishing, the DGIF Angling
Education Program offers and supports angling workshops and Kids Fishing
Days events across the Commonwealth. The Fishing Education in the Schools
program (FESP) trains and supplies teachers with materials to teach fishing
in schools, while the Fishing in the Parks (FIP) program trains and supplies
parks and youth organizations. The Angling Education Program also offers the
Materials Request Program to provide educational fishing materials for events
and the Tackle Loaner Program supplies rods, reels, and tackle on loan for
CATCH SOME individuals and events. To obtain a Materials Request form and locate a Tackle
Loaner site near you, go to the DGIF website and click on “Fishing” and then
EXCITEMENT! “Fishing Education.”
Kids ’n Fishing For information on Kids Fishing Day events go to:
Photo Contest www.dgif.virginia.gov/events/kids-fishing-days
For more information and contest
rules visit www.dgif.virginia.gov
8 2019 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOVLICENSE
INFORMATION & FEES
Fishing License • Guests fishing in individually owned private
ponds. Where to get
Information • Nonresident children under 16 years of age
(also do not need a trout license). a License
• Legally blind persons.
Every person who is required to have a license to • Any Indian who “habitually” resides on Online:
fish, hunt, and/or trap must carry such license an Indian reservation or a member of the www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com
with them (electronic copy, printed paper, or Virginia-recognized tribes who resides in • Create Your Customer Account: The new
annual hard card) and show the license imme- the Commonwealth is not required to have Go Outdoors Virginia site allows you to
diately upon request of any officer whose duty a freshwater license; however, such Indian create a unique customer account to access
it is to enforce the game and inland fish laws, must have on his person an identification licenses and products that apply to you based
or upon the demand of any owner or lessee, or card or paper signed by the chief of his tribe, on age and residency.
any employee or representative of such owner a valid tribal identification card, written con- • Existing Customers: Log in using your date
or lessee, upon whose land or water such person firmation through a central tribal registry, or of birth and either your DGIF Customer ID
may be hunting, trapping, or fishing. certification from a tribal office. However, a or your previous year’s DGIF license number
saltwater fishing license is required. and license year.
Residency Qualifications • Stockholders owning 50 percent or more of
1. Persons who have been a bonafide resident the stock of any domestic corporation own- Select the license(s) you want, pay with your
of the city, county, or state for six consecu- ing land in Virginia, his or her spouse and credit card and print your license if needed.
tive months immediately preceding the children and minor grandchildren, resident
date of application for license; or nonresident, to hunt, trap and fish within In Person:
2. Persons who have been domiciliary resi- the boundaries of lands and inland waters Sold by some clerks of the Circuit Court and
dents of the state for at least two months owned by the domestic corporation. hundreds of license agents around the state.
upon approval of a completed affidavit to • Persons 65 years of age or older do not need To find a license agent visit: https://li-
be furnished by the Game Department; a saltwater license but must comply with the cense.gooutdoorsvirginia.com/Licensing/Lo-
3. Legal voters in Virginia; Virginia Fisherman Identification Program cateAgent.aspx
4. Any member of the armed forces of the (FIP) requirements. See page 11.
United States, or a member of the immedi- • Any person not fishing but aiding a disabled By Phone/Mobile Phone:
ate family of such a member as defined in license holder. (804) 367-1000 during regular business hours,
§ 2.2-3101, upon execution of a certificate or use your GoOutdoors Virginia mobile app.
of residence if the member (i) resides in
the Commonwealth, (ii) is on active duty,
and (iii) is stationed at a military instal-
lation within, or in a ship based in, the
Commonwealth;
5. Students (including nonresident students
boarding on campus) residing in Virginia
who are enrolled in bonafide Virginia
schools;
6. Any unnaturalized person who owns real
estate in the county or city and who has
actually resided there not less than five
years next preceding the date of the ap-
plication for the license in the county or
city where they qualify.
Exceptions
All persons, except those listed below, must
purchase the proper licenses before fishing.
• Resident or nonresident landowners, their
spouses, their children and grandchildren
and the spouses of such children and grand-
children, or the landowner’s parents, resident
or nonresident, do not need a license to hunt,
trap, or fish within the boundaries of their
own lands and inland waters.
• Residents under 16 years of age (also do not
need a trout license).
• Resident, active-duty members of the armed
forces while on official leave. However, when
trout fishing they must have copy of leave
papers in their possession.
• Tenants, on the land they rent and occupy, are
not required to have a license, but must have
the written permission of the landowner.
WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 9LICENSE
INFORMATION & FEES
License Fees
(The issuance fee is included in the prices below.)
Resident and nonresident licenses are valid for one year * A valid trout license (annual or lifetime) is required in addition to other
from the date of purchase unless otherwise noted. resident licenses only if you are fishing in designated stocked trout waters
(October 1–June 15).
Resident Fees
LICENSES FEE LICENSES FEE
Sportsman’s License (16 years or older) $133.00 Resident Tidal Boat Sport Fishing (see page 12) $126.00
Includes hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license (valid July 1–
Resident 65 and Over Annual Freshwater Fishing* $9.00
June 30), archery license, muzzleloader license, freshwater fishing license
and trout license Special Resident Annual Fishing License for Partially
$12.00
County/City Resident Freshwater Fishing* $16.00 Disabled Veterans
(For county or city of residence only) Resident veterans rated and certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs as having at least 70 percent service-connected disability upon certi-
Resident State Freshwater Fishing* (age 16 and older) $23.00
fication. All applicable licenses, stamps, or permits are required in addition to
Resident Freshwater Fishing License* (age 16 and older) this license. See page 12 for more details.
1-year license $23.00 Resident Trout Fishing (October 1–June 15) $23.00
2-year license $44.00 Required in addition to other resident licenses if fishing in stocked waters.
3-year license $65.00 Resident Legacy Lifetime Freshwater Fishing License $125.00
4-year license $86.00
Must be purchased before age 2. See page 12 for more details.
Resident State Fresh/Saltwater Fishing* $39.50
Resident Lifetime Freshwater Fish*
Resident Saltwater Fishing License $17.50
(A valid trout fishing license is also required to fish in stocked trout waters.)
South Holston Reservoir Fishing License $21.00
See page 12 for more details.
Allows fishing in both Tennessee and Virginia waters of South Holston Res-
ervoir upstream of the dam. A valid resident fishing license is also required. Age up to age 44 $260.00
See page 13 for more details.
Age 45-50 $210.00
Resident 5-Day Freshwater Fishing $14.00
Age 51-55 $160.00
(5 consecutive days) Not valid in designated stocked trout waters
Age 56-60 $110.00
Resident 5-Day Fresh/Saltwater Fishing $24.00
(5 consecutive days) Not valid in designated stocked trout waters Age 61-64 $60.00
Resident 10-Day Saltwater Fishing $10.00 Age 65 and over $20.00
(10 consecutive days)
Resident Lifetime Trout Fishing
(A valid resident fishing license is also required.) See page 12 for more details.
Age up to age 44 $260.00
Age 45-50 $210.00
Age 51-55 $160.00
Age 56-60 $110.00
Age 61-64 $60.00
Age 65 and over $20.00
Service-connected Totally and Permanently Disabled
No charge
Veteran Resident Lifetime License*
© Shutterstock.com
To freshwater fish and/or hunt. A valid trout fishing license is also required to
fish in stocked trout waters. See page 12 for more details.
Totally and Permanently Disabled Resident Special Fishing
$15.00
Lifetime License
All applicable licenses, stamps, or permits are required in addition to this
fishing license. See page 12 for more details.
Reel in the memories. Fishing buddies for life.
10 2019 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV** A valid nonresident trout license ($47.00 annual or $555.00 lifetime) is
required in addition to other nonresident licenses only if you are fishing in
designated stocked trout waters (October 1–June 15).
Nonresident Fees Miscellaneous Fees
LICENSES FEE LICENSES FEE
Daily Permit Required at Clinch Mountain, Crooked Creek,
Nonresident State Freshwater Fishing** (age 16 or older) $47.00 $8.00
and Douthat State Park Fee Fishing Areas
Nonresident Saltwater Fishing License $25.00 Required in addition to regular resident, resident 5-day license, nonresident,
or nonresident 1-day or 5-day license. See page 33.
Nonresident State Fresh/Saltwater Fishing** $71.00 National Forest Permit $4.00
For fishing in the National Forest. This permit is required in addition to other
Nonresident 1-Day Freshwater Fishing** $8.00 fishing licenses (exceptions: residents under 16 and over 65, nonresidents
under 16).
Nonresident 5-Day Freshwater Fishing** $21.00 Virginia State Forest Use Permit $16.00
Allows hunting, trapping, fishing, mountain biking, and horse riding. No mo-
(5 consecutive days)
torized vehicles on gated roads/trails (open or closed). Sold in cooperation
with the Virginia Department of Forestry.
Nonresident 10-Day Saltwater Fishing License $10.00
$4.00 per
day or
(10 consecutive days) Access Permit
$23.00
per year
Nonresident 5-Day Fresh/Saltwater Fishing** $31.00
See page 12 for more information.
(5 consecutive days) County Dip Net Permit $4.50
To take shad, herring, and mullet. River herring and American shad may not
Nonresident Tidal Boat Sport Fishing (see page 12) $201.00 be harvested from tidal waters.
Public Access Lands for Sportsmen (PALS) Permit $18
Special Nonresident Annual Fishing License for Partially
$24.00 To fish Lake Merriweather in Rockbridge County, in addition to appropriate
Disabled Veterans
fishing license.
Resident veterans rated and certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs as having at least 70 percent service-connected disability upon certi-
fication. All applicable licenses, stamps, or permits are required in addition to
this license. See page 12 for more details.
Service-connected Totally and Permanently Disabled Non-
$12.50
resident Veteran Annual Fishing License
For nonresident veterans rated and certified by the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs as having a total and permanent disability that is service
connected. All applicable licenses, stamps, or permits are required in addi-
tion to this fishing license. See page 12 for more details.
Nonresident Trout Fishing (October 1–June 15) $47.00
Required in addition to other nonresident licenses if fishing in stocked
waters.
Nonresident Legacy Lifetime Freshwater Fishing License $250.00
Must be purchased before age 2. See page 12 for more details.
Nonresident Lifetime Freshwater Fishing** $555.00
See page 12 for more details.
Nonresident Lifetime Trout Fishing $555.00
To fish in designated stocked trout waters, a valid nonresident fishing license
is also required. See page 12 for more details.
WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV2019 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 11LICENSE
INFORMATION & FEES
State Forest Use Permit
Additional Fishing disability or service-connected total and per-
manent disability are eligible. Required for those persons aged 16 or older to
License Information Virginia resident military veterans who are practice the following activities on a state forest:
rated total and permanent service-connected hunting, trapping, fishing, mountain biking,
can apply for discounted lifetime licenses; and horse riding. No motorized vehicles on
Legacy Fishing or please visit our website for applications. gated roads/trails (open or closed). The Forest
Hunting Licenses All first-time requests must be submitted Use Permit is not required for forest visitors who
• Issued only to an individual who is younger by application; please visit our website (listed practice the following activities on a state forest:
than two years of age and is valid for the above) for annual or lifetime applications and walking, hiking, or boating. Sold in coopera-
lifetime of the license holder regardless of any physician’s affidavit. To renew your veterans tion with the Virginia Department of Forestry.
change in that person’s status as a resident license please call us (804) 367-1000.
or nonresident. Access Permit
• Legacy hunting license is valid until the Tidal Boat License An Access Permit is required when using any
individual’s 12th birthday. Upon proof of The tidal boat license is available to any boat Department-owned wildlife management area
completion of a hunter education course or owner, resident and nonresident. The license or fishing lake. Such permit shall not be required
equivalent, this license is transferable to a life- is a special combined sportfishing license that for any person holding a valid hunting, fresh-
time hunting license at no additional charge. gives the boat owner a license to fish in saltwater water fishing, or trapping license or a current
• The Legacy hunting or fishing license is avail- and freshwater within Virginia. The license certificate of boat registration issued by the De-
able by application. Cost is $125 for resident also covers all passengers on board the owner’s partment or persons 16 years of age or younger.
children and $250 for nonresident children. boat when fishing in Virginia tidal waters (to The Access Permit requirement does not apply
river Fall Lines) and saltwater only when the to Department-owned boat ramps or segments
Can be purchased in person at the DGIF head- registered boat owner is present. There are no of the Appalachian Trail on Department-owned
quarters office or via a mail-in application. decals issued under this license and the VMRC land. The permit fee is $4 for a daily permit or
Application available at www.dgif.virginia. Fisherman Identification Program rules apply $23 for an annual permit and may be purchased
gov/licenses/lifetime. for passengers fishing in saltwater under this online or at any license agent.
tidal boat license; www.mrc.virginia.gov/regula-
Lifetime Licenses and tions/recfishh&l_licensing.shtm. Replacement License
Veteran’s Licenses If you purchased a license from a retail license
Virginia Residents (18+) can purchase their life- National Forest Permit agent, online or by phone, you can visit www.
time licenses online or by calling (804) 367-1000 All persons are required to have a National gooutdoorsvirginia.com, select “Manage Your
provided their Virginia residency can be verified Forest Permit (with the exceptions listed below) Account” and reprint your license anytime. You
through our DMV e-residency verification. when fishing on National Forest lands except on can also visit any retail license agent that sells
All others please visit www.dgif.virginia. the North and South Fork of the Shenandoah hunt/fish licenses or call the Headquarters office
gov/forms for available lifetime applications. River, the James River, Skidmore Lake in Rock- at (804) 367-1000 during regular business hours.
ingham County, North Fork Pound Reservoir,
U.S. Military Veterans Lake Moomaw, the Jackson River below Gath-
Annual discounted licenses for hunting and right Dam, and in Wilson Creek below Douthat
freshwater fishing are available for resident and Lake in Alleghany and Bath Counties. Those
nonresident disabled veterans. Veterans rated exceptions, not required to have a National
and certified by the US Dept. of Veterans Af- Forest Permit, are residents under 16 and over
fairs with having at least 70% service-connected 65, and nonresidents under 16.
FALL LINE
The Fall Line is defined as the
following landmarks:
Freshwater/ • Potomac River*: Rt. 301 Bridge Appomattox:
• Rappahannock River: Rt. 360 Bridge
Saltwater
The remnants of Harvell Dam
• York River System (including the Matta- approx. 0.5 mi upstream of Rt. 1
poni and Pamunkey Rivers): Rt. 33 Bridges
License Lines on Chickahominy River:
Walkers Dam
Tidal Waters Below these designated lines a freshwater or
saltwater license will be valid on any tidal James River (Richmond):
portion of any tributary entering the above 14th Street Bridge (Mayo Bridge)
Persons fishing upstream of the designated mainstem waters. Mattaponi River:
lines on the following waters must have a valid The following waters are entirely freshwa- Rt. 360 Bridge
freshwater fishing license, while those fishing ter and require a freshwater fishing license
below the lines must have a valid saltwater throughout: Meherrin River, Nottoway River, Pamunkey River:
fishing license: Blackwater River (Chowan drainage), Back Bay, Rt. 360 Bridge
Northwest River, and North Landing River Potomac River:
• Elizabeth River: The Great Bridge Locks and Intracoastal Waterway upstream to Great Little Falls
• James River: A line connecting Hog Point Bridge Locks, and Dismal Swamp Canal below
on Hog Island (Surry County) and the down- (or south) of Deep Creek Locks. Occoquan River:
stream point of the mouth of College Creek I-95 Bridge
(James City County) * See reciprocal license section. Rappahannock River:
• Piankatank River/Dragon Run: The first Rt. 1 Bridge
set of power lines immediately upriver of
Anderson Point
12 2019 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV• Chopawansic: Rt. 1 Bridge • Mattawoman Creek: Downstream of Rt.
Reciprocal • Choptank: Causeway 225 Bridge
• Dougue Creek: Rt. 235, Mt. Vernon Memo-
Licenses rial Parkway Unnamed bays and tributaries accessible by
• Four Mile Run: Rt. 1 Bridge gas-powered boats
All reciprocal license agreements listed below • Hunting Creek: Rt. 1 Bridge
refer to both boat and bank anglers. • Little Hunting Creek: Rt. 1 Bridge • Lower Potomac River (between its mouth
• Neabsco: Rt. 1 Bridge and the Rt. 301 Bridge): Valid Virginia saltwa-
Buggs Island (Kerr) and Gaston • Occoquan River: Fall Line ter (excluding county licenses), Maryland Bay
Virginia or North Carolina state fishing licenses • Pohick Creek: Rt. 611 (Colchester Road) sport, or Potomac River Fisheries Commis-
and permits are honored on those waters lying • Potomac Creek: Rt. 608 Bridge sion licenses are honored in the main stem.
east of Union Street Dam on the Dan River in • Powells Creek: Rt. 1 Bridge In Virginia tributaries below 301, Virginia
Virginia and the mouth of Difficult Creek on • Quantico Creek: Rt. 1 Bridge freshwater and saltwater, and Potomac River
the Staunton River of Kerr Reservoir to the Fisheries Commission licenses are honored.
Gaston Dam on the Roanoke River, including Unnamed bays and tributaries accessible by
all tributary waters accessible by boat from gas-powered boats Note: Maryland regulations apply for the Upper
the main bodies of the reservoirs, or from the Potomac River and the Maryland Potomac River
Island Creek sub-impoundment. Note: North Maryland tributaries up to the tributaries (call 1-800-688-3467 for current
Carolina regulations apply on North Carolina following demarcation lines: Maryland regulations).
portions of these waters. Virginia regulations • Anacostia River: Downstream of Northeast
apply in Virginia waters. Branch Bridge at northbound lane of Alter- Note: Potomac River Fisheries Commission
nate Rt. 1 Bladensburg Road, and Northwest regulations are enforced in the Potomac main-
Blue Ridge Parkway Branch Bridge at southbound lane of Rhode stem between the lower District of Columbia
Virginia and North Carolina licenses are hon- Island Avenue border and the mouth of the Potomac (call
ored on all Parkway waters. Note: Virginia • Piscataway Creek: Downstream of Rt. 224 1-804-224-7148 or 1-800-266-3904 for current
regulations apply in Parkway waters in Vir- Bridge (Livingston Rd.) PRFC regulations or http://prfc.us/fishing_po-
ginia except where noted herein or in federal • Henson Run: Downstream of Oxon Hill tomac.html).
regulations. Road Bridge
• Nanjemoy Creek: Downstream of Rt. 6 Waters between the Woodrow Wilson Bridge
New River (Trappe) Bridge and Little Falls are controlled by D.C., and a
Virginia or North Carolina state fishing licenses • Port Tobacco Creek: Downsteam of Rt. 6 D.C. fishing license is required.
and permits are honored on the mainstream Bridge
portion lying between the confluence of the
North and South Forks of the New River in
North Carolina (Alleghany County) down-
SOUTH HOLSTON RESERVOIR
stream to the confluence of the New and Little
rivers in Virginia (Grayson County).
Potomac River Any person possessing a valid Tennessee or Virginia resident freshwater fishing license,
Virginia has reciprocal license agreements for or who is legally exempt from those license requirements, and possessing the South
three sections of the Potomac River, one above Holston Reservoir License may fish in the Tennessee and Virginia impounded waters of
the District of Columbia and two below the South Holston Reservoir. Virginia residents fishing in South Holston Lake in Tennes-
District of Columbia. License requirements see must have a Virginia resident license and South Holston Reservoir Permit (or
are different for these sections. Tennessee nonresident fishing license); under the age of 13—no license or permit
required. The annual cost of the South Holston License is currently $21. The South
Holston License is valid in all impounded portions of the reservoir below full pool elevation
• Upper Potomac River [above Little Falls
of 1,730 feet, including the confluence of the Middle Fork and South Fork Holston rivers
(upper border with the District of Columbia) and the South Fork Holston River upstream to the Route 710 Bridge at Alvarado, Virginia.
to the West Virginia border/state line]: Resi- The South Holston License is not valid for possession of trout.
dent anglers with state freshwater licenses in
Virginia or Maryland may fish the Potomac In addition to the South Holston License, a valid resident Tennessee trout fishing license
River and from both banks. or a valid resident Virginia trout fishing license is required to fish for trout and to
• Middle Potomac and its Tidal Freshwater possess trout on South Holston Reservoir. All anglers shall abide by the laws of the
Tributaries (between Woodrow Wilson state in which they are fishing as to manner and means of taking fish. Size restrictions
and creel limits shall be as follows:
Bridge and Rt. 301): Valid Virginia freshwa-
ter and saltwater (excluding county licenses), Species Restrictions Creel (Harvest) Limit
Potomac River Fisheries Commission, and Black bass No smallmouth less than 15 inches 5 per day
Maryland Bay sport licenses are all honored on Spotted bass 15 per day
the mainstem Potomac and Maryland tribu- Walleye No walleye less than 18 inches 5 per day
taries up to the demarcation lines (see below); Crappie No crappie less than 10 inches 15 per day
all of these same licenses, except the Virginia Trout No minimum size–only 2 lake trout per day 7 per day
White bass No harvest–all white bass must be released
saltwater licenses, are honored on the Virginia
Catfish Only 1 catfish over 34 inches 20 per day
tributaries up to demarcation lines (see below):
Bluegill No minimum size 50 per day
Rock bass No minimum size 20 per day
Virginia tributaries up to the following Trotlines* 100 hooks per angler
demarcation lines: Jugs* 50 per angler
• Accotink Creek: Rt. 1 Bridge Limb-lines* 15 per angler
• Aquia Creek: First bridge above Aquia Har- *All trotlines, limb-lines, and jugs must be tagged with angler’s name/address or license number.
bor Marina
WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV2019 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 13GENERAL
INFORMATION
• Fishing in inland waters must be by angling • No species of fish, freshwater mussel, or mol- any vessel in the waters of the Roanoke River
with a hook and line or rod and reel. (See excep- lusk may be taken in inland waters to be sold, from Leesville Dam downstream 840 feet to a
tions for nongame fish on pages 25-26.) except under special permits provided by law. permanent overhead cable. However, fishing
• All fishing on inland waters requires a fresh- • It is unlawful to take, kill, capture, or pos- is permitted from behind safety railings of the
water fishing license, unless license exempt. sess any threatened or endangered species. Department’s Leesville Dam fishing structure.
• A hand landing net may be used to land fish
legally hooked in all waters. Virginia Game Fish Fishways
• It is unlawful to have more than the daily Includes the following: trout, largemouth bass, It shall be unlawful to fish or to collect bait
creel limit of any fish in possession while smallmouth bass, spotted bass, rock bass, roa- from March 1 through June 15 within 300 feet
afield or on the waters. The daily creel limit noke bass, bream, bluegill, crappie, walleye, of Boshers Dam Fishway on the north bank of
includes live possession of fish. sauger, saugeye, chain pickerel, muskellunge, the James River.
• Any person who fishes on another’s property northern pike, striped bass, and white bass.
must have the landowner’s permission to do Department-owned Lakes, Ponds,
so except on designated stocked trout waters Stocking Fish Streams, or Boat Access Sites
along which signs have been placed indicat- It is unlawful to stock any species of fish into the Motors and boats
ing that the waters are open to public fishing. inland waters of Virginia without first obtaining Unless otherwise posted, the use of boats pro-
• It shall be unlawful for any person, while written approval from the Department (private pelled by gasoline motors, sail, or mechani-
fishing, to remove the head or tail or oth- ponds excepted). Also, blue catfish and their cally operated paddle wheel is prohibited at
erwise change the appearance of any game hybrids cannot be stocked in privately owned Department-owned lakes, ponds, or streams.
fish (except bluegill sunfish and bream of the ponds and lakes. However, in Department-owned water bodies
sunfish family) having a daily creel or size that prohibit the use of gasoline motors, it is
limit so as to obscure its species or render it Trout As Bait permissible to use a boat equipped with such a
impracticable to measure its total original Artificially raised rainbow trout may be sold as motor provided the motor is trimmed up (out of
length or count the number of such fish in bait for use in the James and New rivers, and in the water) and turned off at all times (including
possession. In addition, it shall be unlawful impoundments (ponds, lakes, reservoirs), except launch and retrieval).
for any person to possess or transport such impoundments listed as designated stocked trout
altered game fish while on the water. However, waters and Lake Moomaw. Persons possessing Method of fishing
the prohibition against possession and trans- purchased rainbow trout for bait must have a valid Taking any fish at any Department-owned lake,
portation in the previous sentence shall not invoice or bill of sale, specifying date of purchase, pond, or stream by any means other than by use
apply to the preparation of lawfully obtained the number of trout purchased, and name of an of one or more attended poles with hook and line
fish for immediate use as food or any lawful individual or business permitted to sell trout. attached is prohibited unless otherwise posted.
commercial use of such fish.
• It is unlawful to use lime, dynamite, or any oth- Special Regulations Hours for fishing
er substances to destroy fish, or to cast or allow Lick Creek, Bear Creek, Hungry Mother Fishing is permitted 24 hours a day unless
noxious matter to pass into watercourses that Creek, Susong Branch, Mumpower otherwise posted at Department-owned lakes,
might destroy fish or fish spawn, or to deposit Creek, and Timbertree Branch ponds, streams, or boat access sites.
trash in streams or lakes or along their banks. It shall be unlawful to use fish as bait in Lick
• It is illegal to use SCUBA (Self-contained Creek in Smyth and Bland Counties, Bear Creek Seasons, hours and methods of
Underwater Breathing Apparatus) gear to in Smyth County, Laurel Creek in Tazewell and fishing, size and creel limits, hunting
take or attempt to take fish. Bland Counties (North Fork Holston River drain- The open seasons for fishing, as well as fishing
• Remove all trotlines, juglines, or set poles from age), Big Stony Creek in Giles County, Dismal hours, methods of taking fish, and the size,
public waters when not in use (see page 25). Creek in Bland and Giles Counties, Laurel Creek possession and creel limits, and hunting and
• Marking fish with tagging equipment for in Bland County (Wolf Creek drainage) and trapping on Department-owned lakes, ponds,
personal information or research requires Cripple Creek in Smyth and Wythe counties. streams, or boat access sites shall conform to
agency permission. It shall be unlawful to use seines, nets, or the regulations of the board unless otherwise
traps to take fish in Lick Creek in Smyth and excepted by posted rules by the director or his
Bland Counties, Bear Creek and Hungry Mother designee. Such posted rules shall be displayed
Creek (above Hungry Mother Lake) in Smyth at each lake, pond, stream, or boat access site,
County, Laurel Creek and tributaries upstream in which case the posted rules shall be in effect.
of the Highway 16 Bridge in Tazewell and Bland Failure to comply with posted rules concerning
Counties, Susong Branch and Mumpower Creek seasons, hours, methods of taking, bag limits,
in Washington County and the City of Bristol, and size, possession, and creel limits shall con-
and in Timbertree Branch in Scott County. stitute a violation of this regulation.
RECYCLE Dam Regulations Other uses
YOUR Buggs Island
Mechanical lure launchers may not be used
Camping overnight or building fires (except in
developed and designated areas), swimming,
FISHING within 600 yards below Buggs Island Dam. or wading in Department-owned lakes, ponds,
LINE! Walkers Dam
or streams (except by anglers, hunters, and
trappers actively engaged in fishing, hunting,
Only rod and reel and hand lines permitted or trapping), is prohibited. All other uses shall
Look for these within 500 yards below dam. It is illegal to snag conform to the regulations of the board unless
Lee Walker / DGIF
containers at boat fish at Walkers Dam. excepted by posted rules.
ramps and marinas.
Leesville Dam Fishing tournaments, etc.
It shall be unlawful to fish, attempt to fish, assist It shall be unlawful to organize, conduct, super-
others in fishing, collect or attempt to collect vise, or solicit entries for fishing tournaments,
bait while wading, or operating, or anchoring rodeos, or other fishing events on lakes, ponds,
14 2019 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOVYou could get a discount when you combine your auto and boat policies.
geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office
Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of
Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2018 GEICOYou can also read
