Virginia Announces First Fall Free Fishing Days This Weekend
Virginia is holding its first-ever Fall Free Fishing Days this weekend, September 25-27, allowing everyone to fish in fresh and saltwater across the state without needing a license or facility use permit.
Richmond Petersburg, VA, September 25, 2026 —
Virginia residents and visitors will have the opportunity to fish without a license this weekend as the state hosts its inaugural Fall Free Fishing Days. The event is scheduled to take place from Friday, September 25, through Sunday, September 27.
During these three days, individuals will be permitted to fish in all Virginia public waters, encompassing both freshwater and saltwater environments, without the requirement of purchasing a fishing license or a facility use permit. This initiative aims to encourage participation in recreational fishing across the commonwealth.
Typically, a Virginia fishing license is required for most individuals aged 16 and older to fish in the state’s public waters. The Free Fishing Days serve as a special exception to these licensing regulations for a limited period.
The specific details regarding any specific regulations or creel limits that may still apply during the Free Fishing Days were not detailed in the provided summary. It is generally advisable for anglers to familiarize themselves with the standard fishing regulations set forth by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to ensure compliance, even when licenses are waived.
This marks the first time Virginia has designated specific dates for a Fall Free Fishing event, following a pattern of similar license-free opportunities that have been offered in the past, often during the summer months.
Story summarized from the original created by WTVR Web Staff on www.wtvr.com, see more information here.
