Is Net Fishing Legal in Virginia

Sports License (16 years of age or older) Includes all of the following: hunting license, bear license, deer/turkey license, archery license, muzzle loading license, freshwater fishing license, and trout license Fishing offers many benefits, including food and recreational fun. Many fishermen keep, cook and eat their catch. Fish are regularly monitored for contaminants by the Department of Environmental Quality. Sometimes fish in certain waters are found to contain potentially harmful amounts of chemicals. In this case, the Ministry of Health issues warnings for the affected waters. For specific and up-to-date recommendations on fish consumption, please visit the Department of Health website, fishadvisories.vdh.virginia.go, before calling the Department of Health at 804-864-8182. Anglers need to know that they can still fish in these waters and enjoy excellent recreational fishing. Below is a section on cleaning and cooking your fish that will help reduce contamination of the fish you eat. For more experienced anglers, you`ll be pleased to know that there are more than 30 species of freshwater fish in the state`s lakes, rivers, and streams. The famous Virginia Scenic River has 815 miles of fishing area and there are 22 state rivers, streams, lakes or ponds. Although there are thousands of anglers throughout the country, there are plenty of fish that suit everyone. Non-residents 16 years of age and older: All non-residents 16 years of age and older must hold some form of freshwater fishing licence, whether annual, daily or 5-day licence. Non-residents of any age who wish to fish trout must also hold an additional non-resident trout licence.

Just like local residents, fishermen who want to fish in national waters such as George Washington and Jefferson forests need a national forest stamp in addition to fishing licenses. For anglers who love boat fishing, a fantastic place is Bear Creek Lake in Cumberland, Virginia. It has 40 acres of lake that has jetted, fishing piers and boat rentals. The park includes fish such as largemouth perch, bluegill, red-eared sunfish, blackbird and canal catfish. On Mossy Creek, it is known as a place for experienced fly fishermen. Brown trout can measure up to 25 inches tall here. A special boat launch permit is required to organize, direct, supervise or solicit fishing tournaments, rodeos or other fishing activities. To renew your fishing license, visit your online portal at the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Go to your account and renew your expired permissions.

You can also call customer service at 1-866-721-6911 or send an email CustomerService@dgif.virginia.gov. Available opening hours are Monday to Friday during business hours. Finally, you can contact one of the Commonwealth Region`s authorized agents. For residents and non-residents of Virginia, there are several ways to obtain a fishing license. Events on lakes, ponds or streams owned by the department for which prizes are offered, awarded or accepted based on the size or number of fish caught, either in cash or in exchange for other valuable consideration. All fish caught during a fishing tournament, rodeo or other approved fishing event on ministry-owned lakes, ponds or streams and reported for assessment or review must be released immediately at the fishing site. A special boat launch permit is not required for national or national fishing tournaments, rodeos or other fishing events that do not have a designated venue. Camping at night or building fires (except in developed and designated areas), swimming or wading in departmental lakes, ponds or streams (except for fishers, hunters and trappers who fish, hunt or fall actively) are prohibited. All other uses must comply with the by-laws of the Board of Directors, unless exempted by posted rules. Expiry of fishing licence: For resident and non-resident licences, fishing licences are valid for one year from the date of purchase, unless otherwise stated. For example, you can purchase a two-year license or a different time period. Open fishing seasons, fishing seasons, fishing methods and size, property and barrier limits, as well as hunting and trapping on departmental lakes, ponds, streams or boat entrances, must comply with the rules of the committee, unless otherwise provided by the rules posted by the Director or designate.