License Requirements
Residents
All residents 16 years of age and older are required to possess a state freshwater fishing license to fish for trout. Persons who fish in designated stocked waters (those waters listed in the Trout Stocking Plan) must have an additional trout license. A National Forest Stamp is necessary when fishing in most waters within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Refer to the Freshwater Fishing Regulations for specific exemptions and costs of licenses.
When fishing in non-designated trout waters, such as wild trout streams or those special regulation areas not listed in the Trout Stocking Plan, the angler does not need a trout license. However, some of the special regulation areas require a signed landowner permit card which can be obtained from certain VDGIF offices and streamside landowners (refer to individual stream descriptions in this guide for details).
Non-Residents
Out-of-state anglers who fish designated stocked waters need to purchase:
- both a non-resident state freshwater fishing license (five-day, non-resident licenses are available),
- a non-resident trout license, and
- a National Forest Stamp (where appropriate).
For fishing in wild trout or most special regulation waters, the non-resident needs only:
- a non-resident state freshwater fishing license,
- the appropriate National Forest Stamp and
- landowner permit cards.
Note: The trout license is only required from October 1 through June 15. From June 16 through September 30 anglers can fish in stocked trout waters without a trout license.
Fee-fishing areas require a state or non-resident freshwater fishing license and a daily fishing permit that can be obtained on-site.
Senior citizens holding previously issued (but no longer available) $5 senior lifetime fishing licenses do not need to purchase any additional fishing or trout licenses. Virginia residents 65 years or older do not need to purchase a National Forest Stamp.