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West Virginia Fishing License

Explore the regulations, requirements, and types of fishing licenses available in West Virginia. Get tips on obtaining the right license for your angling adventures in the Mountain State’s lakes, rivers, and streams.

West Virginia Fishing

How Much is a Fishing License in West Virginia?

Fishing in West Virginia’s pristine waters is a beloved pastime that connects anglers with nature’s beauty. However, before casting your line, it’s crucial to understand the state’s licensing requirements and fees. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the

F.A.Q.

The cost of a West Virginia fishing license varies depending on the type and duration. For residents, an annual fishing license is $19, while non-residents pay $37. Lifetime licenses and short-term options are also available at different price points.

You can purchase a West Virginia fishing license online through the WVDNR Electronic Licensing System, or in person at authorized license agents across the state, such as sporting goods stores, bait shops, and some convenience stores.

If you plan to fish for trout in West Virginia’s stocked streams and lakes, you will need a trout stamp in addition to your fishing license. The trout stamp costs $10 for residents and $16 for non-residents.

Anglers under the age of 15, both residents and non-residents, are not required to have a fishing license in West Virginia. Residents who turned 65 before January 1, 2012, are also exempt from needing a license.

West Virginia has reciprocal agreements with Ohio and Maryland that allow anglers with valid licenses from those states to fish in certain boundary waters without a West Virginia license, subject to WV regulations.

West Virginia enforces size and daily catch limits for various fish species to promote sustainable populations. For example, the daily limit for black bass is 6 with no minimum size, while muskellunge have a minimum size of 30 inches and a daily limit of 2.