Virginia anglers — and anyone who’s been thinking about giving fishing a try — get ready. Free Fishing Days are back June 5–7, 2026, and it’s the perfect excuse to grab a family member or friend and spend a little time by the water.
During these three days, no fishing license is required for recreational rod‑and‑reel fishing anywhere in the Commonwealth. Facilities use permits are also waived, making it even easier to get out and enjoy Virginia’s waterways.
To open up even more opportunities, the Department of Wildlife Resources has lifted the usual restrictions on designated stocked trout waters for the weekend. That means more than 2,900 miles of trout streams, plus countless ponds, small lakes, and reservoirs, are fair game. With Virginia’s diverse trout habitat, anglers of all experience levels will find plenty of places to cast a line.
A few things to keep in mind:
- All standard fishing regulations still apply, including size limits, seasons, catch limits, and gear rules.
- DWR fee fishing areas are not included — those locations will still require a paid fee even during Free Fishing Days.