Virginia adds free fishing weekend Sept. 25-27

Virginians may fish in the Commonwealth’s fresh and salt waters without purchasing a fishing license from Friday, Sept. 25, through Sunday, Sept. 27, Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced Thursday.

The added fall free fishing weekend coincides with National Hunting and Fishing Day and National Public Lands Day. The license waiver applies statewide, including to Henrico residents. Other fishing regulations, including season, size and daily-limit rules, remain in effect. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources fee fishing areas still require a fee for Free Fishing Days weekend.

“Fall is the perfect time of year to explore the Commonwealth’s vast and beautiful public lands,” Spanberger said in announcing the weekend. “I encourage all Virginians to drop a line in the water and enjoy time outdoors this weekend.”

Anglers are invited to use the Virginia DWR's Explore the Wild online tool, which includes more than 1,200 federal, state, county and municipal properties that support outdoor recreation. Users can search by location, activity and species.

For details, visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ Free Fishing Days website.