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Upcoming Events: Fishing

May 2026

May20WedAug12Wed

VOW Women’s Mentored Flyfishing Virtual Series (8 classes)

Virtual

Registration for this virtual series opens April 17th @ 8:00am.

Beginning in 2026, the VOW Program will be hosting an annual Women's Mentored Flyfishing Virtual Series covering all topics related to flyfishing in Virginia. Virtual classes will be held every other week beginning on May 20th and concluding on September 5th. This series will cover flyfishing in general, and will not focus on any specific fish species, but instead is designed for beginners and women interested in flyfishing and need the basic information and resources to get started. Throughout the series, there will also be scheduled in-person opportunities and additional events/workshops throughout the state to promote a sense of community.

The Virginia Outdoor Women (VOW) program's goal is to help women feel comfortable and confident in the outdoors - no matter their experience level. DWR is committed to developing a community of women who enjoy the outdoors, value the importance of conservation and outdoor recreation, and want to have opportunities for personal growth, independence, and empowerment.

Please NOTE: All virtual VOW courses do not qualify for any of the VOW Certificates. By registering for this event, you are automatically registered for ALL classes, EXCEPT the final workshop on Sept. 5th. Separate registration is required for the in-person workshop and will be a first come - first served basis at the conclusion of the August 12th virtual class.

Classes will generally be 45 minutes of instruction/presentation, followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. Please visit the registration page for class schedule and agenda.

Two men fishing and looking at a fish

June 2026

Jun6Sat

Free Fishing Days 2026 at Burke Lake Park (CANCELED)

Fairfax Station, VA

This event has been cancelled.

Jun6Sat

Free Fishing Days 2026 at Dorey Park

Henrico, VA

DWR will be hosting this Free Fishing Days event. Agency staff and volunteers will be on site with rods and reels, terminal tackle, and bait, ready to instruct you on how to fish. Events are free and no registration is required. No fishing license of any kind will be required for recreational rod and reel fishing during Free Fishing Days (June 5–7, 2026). Also during that time facilities use permits will also not be required. All fishing regulations including size, season, catch limits, and gear restrictions will remain in effect.

Jun6Sat

Free Fishing Days 2026 at Carvins Cove Reservoir

Roanoke, VA

DWR will be hosting this Free Fishing Days event. Agency staff and volunteers will be on site with rods and reels, terminal tackle, and bait, ready to instruct you on how to fish. Events are free and no registration is required. No fishing license of any kind will be required for recreational rod and reel fishing during Free Fishing Days (June 5–7, 2026). Also during that time facilities use permits will also not be required. All fishing regulations including size, season, catch limits, and gear restrictions will remain in effect. Daily fees to enter Carvins Cove will be waived for the general public attending DWR’s free fishing days event.

Jun6Sat

Free Fishing Days 2026 at Mt. Trashmore Park

Virginia Beach, VA

DWR will be hosting this Free Fishing Days event. Agency staff and volunteers will be on site with rods and reels, terminal tackle, and bait, ready to instruct you on how to fish. Events are free and no registration is required. No fishing license of any kind will be required for recreational rod and reel fishing during Free Fishing Days (June 5–7, 2026). Also during that time facilities use permits will also not be required. All fishing regulations including size, season, catch limits, and gear restrictions will remain in effect.

Jun7Sun

Free Fishing Days 2026 at Williams Wharf Landing

Mathews, VA

DWR will be hosting this Free Fishing Days event. Agency staff and volunteers will be on site with rods and reels, terminal tackle, and bait, ready to instruct you on how to fish. Events are free and no registration is required. No fishing license of any kind will be required for recreational rod and reel fishing during Free Fishing Days (June 5–7, 2026). Also during that time facilities use permits will also not be required. All fishing regulations including size, season, catch limits, and gear restrictions will remain in effect.