Freshwater/Saltwater License Lines on Tidal Waters
Persons fishing upstream of the designated lines on the following waters must have a valid freshwater fishing license while those fishing below the lines must have a valid saltwater fishing license:
| River | Line |
|---|---|
| Potomac River* | Rt. 301 Bridge |
| Rappahannock River | Rt. 360 Bridge |
| Piankatank River/Dragon Run | The 1st set of power lines immediately upriver of Anderson Point |
| York River System (including the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers) | Rt. 33 Bridges |
| James River | A line connecting Hog Point on Hog Island (Surry County) and the downstream point of the mouth of College Creek (James City County). |
Below these designated lines a freshwater or saltwater license will be valid on any tidal portion of any tributary entering the above mainstem waters.
The following waters are entirely freshwater and require a freshwater fishing license throughout:
- Meherrin River
- Nottoway River
- Blackwater River (Chowan drainage)
- Back Bay, Northwest River, and North Landing River and Intercoastal Waterway upstream to Great Bridge Locks
- Dismal Swamp Canal below (or South) of Deep Creek Locks
* Please see reciprocal license section.