West Virginia Fishing License Guide (2026)

West Virginia requires a fishing license for anyone 15 years or older. The Mountain State is a trout fishing paradise with stocked streams, trophy smallmouth bass on the New and Greenbrier Rivers, and catfish on the Ohio River. Senior license is just $3!

Official WV Website →
15+
Min Age
Yes
Free Days
$19
Resident/yr
$47
Non-Res/yr

💰 License Costs (2026)

Resident Licenses

License Type Price
Annual Resident (Class B)
Calendar year (Jan 1 – Dec 31)
$19
1-Day Resident
$3

Non-Resident Licenses

License Type Price
Annual Non-Resident
$47
10-Day Non-Resident
$25
3-Day Non-Resident
$16
1-Day Non-Resident
$7

Senior & Special Licenses

License Type Price
Senior License (65+)
$3 — one of cheapest in nation
$3

Additional Stamps & Permits

Stamp Price Required?
Trout Stamp (Class O)
Required for trout fishing in designated trout waters — $15
$15 Required
Conservation Stamp (Class CS)
Required with all fishing licenses — $15
$15 Required
See the complete West Virginia cost breakdown →

📍 Where to Buy

🌐

WVFish.com ↗

Official WVDNR online portal — instant digital license
📞

Phone Purchase

📞 (304) 558-2758
WVDNR Charleston headquarters
🏪

Retail Locations

Walmart, local bait shops, hardware stores, county clerks
Explore all West Virginia purchase options →

📅 Timing & Free Fishing Days

Free Fishing Days 2026

Jun
6
Free Fishing Day
All waters · First Saturday in June. All regulations apply. No license needed.

License Validity

West Virginia licenses expire on December 31 each year.

Full West Virginia free fishing days schedule →

👤 Age Requirements & Exemptions

👶

Under 15 Exemption

Children under 15 do not need a fishing license in West Virginia. Note: WV starts at 15, younger than most states.

👴

Senior Discount (65+)

West Virginia residents 65+ pay only $3 for annual license — one of the cheapest in the nation. See our senior fishing license guide.

🎖️

Military on Leave & Disabled Vets

Active military on leave and disabled veterans get free fishing license. See our military veterans fishing license guide.

Landowner Exemption

Landowners fishing on their own property in the county of residence are exempt.

Full West Virginia exemptions guide →

⚖️ Penalties for Fishing Without a License

$20–$ 500
Fine Range
misdemeanor
Offense Type

Misdemeanor with fines $20-$500 and possible 10-100 days in jail. Equipment may be confiscated.

Learn more about West Virginia fishing penalties →

🔧 How to Get Your License

  1. 1

    Visit the Official Portal

    Go to WVDNR Online Licensing ↗

  2. 2

    Select Your License Type

    Choose between resident/non-resident, duration, and water type based on your needs.

  3. 3

    Complete Payment & Download

    Pay online and receive your digital license instantly. You may also print a physical copy.