FishKillFlea The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) manages the VA fishing license. Because Virginia touches the mighty Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Freshwater and Saltwater are split. The base resident Freshwater license costs $23 annually.
2025 VA Fishing License Cost — Resident
| License | Price | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater Annual | $23.00 | 1 Year | Bass, crappie, catfish |
| Saltwater Annual | $17.00 | 1 Year | Tidal waters, Bay, Ocean |
| FW/SW Combo | $39.00 | 1 Year | Saves $1 vs buying separate |
| County/City | $16.00 | 1 Year | Valid ONLY in your home county |
| Trout License | $23.00 | Oct 1–Jun 15 | Required for designated stocked waters |
| 5-Day Freshwater | $14.00 | 5 Days | Perfect for a long weekend |
| Senior (65+) FW | $9.00 | 1 Year | Requires VA residency |
| Sportsman's | $100.00 | 1 Year | All hunt/fish/trout tags included |
VA Non-Resident Fishing License
| License | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NR FW Annual | $47.00 | 1 Year |
| NR SW Annual | $25.00 | 1 Year |
| NR 5-Day FW | $21.00 | 5 Days |
| NR 1-Day FW | $12.00 | 1 Day |
| NR Trout License | $47.00 | Oct 1–Jun 15 |
The 365-Day Validity
In Virginia, annual fishing licenses are valid for a full year from the date of purchase (e.g., if bought June 5, 2025, it expires June 4, 2026). They do not automatically expire on December 31st or June 30th!
Compare VA With Neighboring States
| State | Res Annual | NR Annual | Trout Addition | Coastal (Saltwater) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $20.50 | $30.50 | +$5.00 | $15 (Chesapeake) |
| North Carolina | $30.00 | $45.00 | Included in Unified | $19 (Coastal) |
| West Virginia | $19.00 | $37.00 | +$10.00 | N/A |
| Kentucky | $23.00 | $55.00 | +$10.00 | N/A |
Virginia's $23 freshwater license is highly competitive. Where the price begins to stack is the addition of the $23 trout permit—making a full-blown mountain trout trip $46 for a resident. However, comparing VA's saltwater license ($17) to Maryland ($15 for Chesapeake) and North Carolina ($19), VA is right in the middle for fantastic Atlantic coast access.
FAQ
What about fishing the Potomac River?
Virginia and Maryland have reciprocal agreements for the tidal mainstem of the Potomac River. Generally, if you hold a valid Virginia Saltwater license or a Maryland Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport license, you can fish the tidal Potomac. Be sure to check exactly where the tidal line ends. See VA fishing spots.