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License Requirements

See Fishing License Fees for details and costs.

Note: The trout license is only required from October 1 through June 15. From June 16 through September 30 anglers can fish in stocked trout waters without a trout license.

Fee Fishing Areas require a daily fishing permit in addition to an appropriate freshwater fishing license.

Residents 16 years of age and older:

  1. A state or county freshwater fishing license.
  2. Fishing a Designated Stocked Trout Water? Need an additional trout license.
  3. Fishing in most waters within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests? Need a National Forest Stamp (refer to National Forest Stamp exceptions).
  4. Fishing in wild trout and most special regulation waters? Some require a signed landowner permit card which can be obtained online.

Nonresidents 16 years of age and older:

  1. A nonresident annual, daily, or 5-day freshwater fishing license.
  2. Fishing a Designated Stocked Trout Water? Need an additional nonresident trout license. Note: Nonresident children under 16 not required to have freshwater fishing or trout license.
  3. Fishing in most waters within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests? Need a National Forest Stamp (refer to National Forest Stamp exceptions).
  4. Fishing in wild trout and most special regulation waters? Some require a signed landowner permit card which can be obtained online.