Virginia will hold its inaugural fall free fishing days starting Friday, Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced Thursday.
From Friday through Sunday, Virginians will be able to fish the commonwealth’s fresh and saltwater without purchasing a fishing license. The weekend is designed to provide an opportunity for “anyone interested in trying it out and getting hooked on angling,” the governor’s office said in a news release.
“Fall is the perfect time of year to explore the commonwealth’s vast and beautiful public lands,” Spanberger said in the release. “Adding this opportunity to our annual celebration of public outdoor recreation just makes sense. I encourage all Virginians to drop a line in the water and enjoy time outdoors this weekend.”
Anglers can use the Explore the Wild online app developed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to find a fishing location near them. The app features more than 1,200 federal and state-owned properties that support outdoor recreation in the commonwealth. It also features an expanding inventory of county and municipal properties, Spanberger’s office said.
Former Del. Will Wampler III, R-Washington County, sits on the Department of Wildlife Resources Board and said that the free weekend is a great way to get people outdoors and into fishing.
“One good fishing experience can have a lifelong impact. I hope our more experienced anglers will bring a friend or introduce someone new to fishing this weekend,” he said via email.
No fishing licenses of any kind will be required this weekend for recreational rod-and-reel fishing in both fresh and saltwater. Facility use permits are also not required during the weekend.
“If you’ve always wanted to give fishing a try, this is your chance. Find a beautiful spot or staffed event near you,” David Bulova, secretary of natural and historic resources, said in the release. “Whether it is one of Virginia’s 50 wildlife management areas, 44 state parks, 26 state forests or the thousands of local parks, this is an opportunity to do something fun and get outside.”
The Department of Wildlife Resources also plans to lift restrictions on fishing in designated stocked trout waters. That action is expected to open access to more than 2,900 miles of trout streams, numerous ponds, small lakes and reservoirs, according to the department.
All fishing regulations, including size, season, catch limits and gear restrictions, will remain in effect. The department’s three fee fishing areas will still require payment.
Virginia’s free fishing weekend typically takes place each June. This year is the first with a second free fishing weekend, which was scheduled to coincide with National Hunting and Fishing Day and National Public Lands Day.
