REGULATIONS / VIRGINIA
Virginia · Curated reference from cited public sources · listings, not permission to fish or retain a catch · This selected Virginia saltwater reference subset is not a complete rulebook.
2026SOURCEVMRC recreational saltwater fishing rules ↗UPDATED APRIL 1, 2026 · CHECKED AUG 14, 2026, 12:00 PM UTCChecked Aug 14, 2026, 12:00 PM UTCRules vary by location, method, vessel, and emergency closure.The VMRC page is an informational summary; the applicable state regulations are authoritative. LISTINGOPENListed open
SPECIESLISTED SEASON WINDOWSJFMAMJJASONDBAGMIN SIZELISTING
Striped Bass (Virginia Coastal/Ocean Waters)Coastal seasons are January 1-March 31 and May 16-December 31; April 1-May 15 is closed. Coastal rules apply in Virginia's Territorial Sea and specified seaside waters. Chesapeake Bay seasons differ, and Atlantic Ocean federal waters beyond 3 miles are closed year-round. · Listed season windows: Jan 1, 2026 through Mar 31, 2026 · 1 fish listed · May 16, 2026 through Dec 31, 2026 · 1 fish listedListed open1 per person28"OPEN - LISTED LIMIT
- 1 per person
- LISTED MIN SIZE
- 28 inches
- LISTED MAX SIZE
- 31 inches
- LISTED SEASON WINDOWS
- Jan 1, 2026 through Mar 31, 2026 · 1 fish listed
- May 16, 2026 through Dec 31, 2026 · 1 fish listed
- APPLICABILITY
- Coastal seasons are January 1-March 31 and May 16-December 31; April 1-May 15 is closed. Coastal rules apply in Virginia's Territorial Sea and specified seaside waters. Chesapeake Bay seasons differ, and Atlantic Ocean federal waters beyond 3 miles are closed year-round.
- SOURCE AUTHORITY
- VMRC Virginia's Recreational Fishing Regulations, Regulation 4 VAC 20-252-10 et seq. (Virginia Coastal Striped Bass)
UPDATED April 1, 2026 · CHECKED Aug 14, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC · EFFECTIVE YEAR 2026
VMRC recreational saltwater fishing rules ↗The VMRC page is an informational summary; the applicable state regulations are authoritative.
This reference does not grant permission to fish or retain a catch. Location, method, vessel, species identification, and emergency closures can change what applies. Verify the applicable official rules.