Free Fishing Days in Virginia are June 7–9, 2024
Whether it’s stripers on the coast, trout in the mountains, or anything in between, it’s time to experience the fun of fishing in Virginia!
Make plans to take advantage of Free Fishing Days on June 7–9, 2024! Invite a family member or friend to get out and wet a line without having to purchase a fishing license.
Looking for a place to fish near you?
There are countless opportunities right in your backyard!
Check out Explore the Wild to get started or join DWR at an event listed below!
DWR will be hosting the following Free Fishing Days events. Agency staff and volunteers will be on site with rods & reels, terminal tackle, and bait, ready to instruct you on how to fish. Events are free and no registration is required. If you’re interested in learning how to fish you can attend an event with family and friends at one of the following locations:
Saturday, June 8, 2024
- Northern Virginia: Burke Lake Park (Fairfax County) – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039)
- Northwestern Virginia: Rappahannock County Park (Rappahannock County) – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (7 Park Lane, Washington, VA 22747)
- Central Virginia: Dorey Park (Henrico County) – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (2999 Darbytown Rd, Henrico, VA 23231)
- Eastern Virginia: Mt. Trashmore Park (Virginia Beach) – 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (310 Edwin Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23462)
- Southwest Virginia: Hungry Mother State Park (Marion) – 8:00 am – 3:00 pm (2854 Park Blvd, Marion, VA 24354)
Sunday, June 9, 2024
- Eastern Virginia: Williams Wharf Landing (Mathews County) – 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (1039 Williams Wharf Road, Mathews, VA)
The Mathews Land Conservancy, in partnership with DWR, VIMS, Virginia Cooperative Extension, YMCA of Virginia Peninsulas, Rotary Club of Mathews, Kiwanis of Mathews, VMRC, and USCG Auxiliary, is pleased to offer a fun, informative program on Sunday 6/9/24, from 1–4pm, allowing community members to experience the best of our waterfront community. Several interactive learning stations are scheduled, including saltwater fishing, seining, touch tanks, bay ecology, & boater safety. The free event is held at 1039 Williams Wharf Road in Mathews VA, at the historic Williams Wharf Landing. Go to mathewslandconservancy.org for more information.
No fishing license of any kind will be required for recreational rod and reel fishing during free fishing days. Also during that time facilities use permits will also not be required. To increase angling opportunities, DWR has removed the restriction to fishing designated stocked trout waters for free fishing weekend. This will open over 2,900 miles of trout streams, in addition to numerous ponds, small lakes and reservoirs. Virginia’s diversified trout habitat offers a wide range of trout fishing prospects. All fishing regulations including size, season, catch limits, and gear restrictions will remain in effect.
DWR fee fishing areas still require a fee for Free Fishing Days weekend.
Need some information on how to get started fishing?
Check out the videos below.
