VA Fishing Without a License — Penalties, Wardens & Creel Limits (2026)

VA fishing penalties: $50 + massive $100+ court processing fees! Report poachers to 1-800-237-5712. Trout limit is strictly 6.

Fishing without a valid VA fishing license carries strict penalties enforced by DWR Conservation Police Officers and Marine Police.

ViolationFine RangeNotes
No fishing license$50 + License CostPlus mandatory court processing fees ($100+)
Fishing closed trout waters$100 – $250Strictly enforced on stocking days
Over bag limit$100+Plus strict resource replacement fees per fish

Key Creel Limits

SpeciesDaily LimitNotes
Largemouth/Smallmouth5 (Combined)Most rivers/lakes. Size limits vary heavily.
Trout67 inch minimum in designated stocked waters
Striped Bass (Inland)420" minimum (mostly lakes/reservoirs)
Speckled Trout (Marine)5Strict slot: 14" to 24" (only 1 over 24")
Crappie25Statewide limit

Call the Wildlife Crime Line hotline: 1-800-237-5712.

An VA freshwater license is $23. Get yours.