You need a separate resident trout license on top of your regular Virginia fishing license
Virginia requires two distinct licenses to fish for trout as a resident: your base resident fishing license and an additional resident trout license. The trout license is not a replacement — it is a separate permit that works alongside your fishing license. You cannot legally fish for trout in Virginia with only one or the other.
This two-license system exists because Virginia manages trout waters differently from other freshwater fisheries. The trout license funds specific trout management programs, habitat work, and stocking efforts. Without it, you can fish for bass, catfish, and other species in most Virginia waters, but trout waters are off-limits.
Both licenses are issued by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR). You can purchase them together online, by phone, or at authorized retailers across the state. Most anglers buy both at the same time to avoid confusion at the water.
Key Takeaways
- A resident trout license is required in addition to your resident fishing license and cannot be used without it.
- You can purchase both licenses together through VDWR online, by phone at 804-367-1000, or at tackle shops and sporting goods retailers throughout Virginia.
- The trout license is valid for one calendar year and must be renewed annually, even if your fishing license is still current.
- Virginia residents aged 16 and older need both licenses; children under 16 may fish for trout without a license if supervised by a licensed adult.
- Trout stamps and special permits may be required for certain trout waters in addition to both licenses.
How to purchase the resident trout license
The fastest way to buy your resident trout license is through the VDWR website at dwr.virginia.gov. Look for the "Licenses and Permits" section. You will select "Resident Fishing License" and "Resident Trout License" as separate items in your cart. Payment is by credit or debit card, and you receive your license number immediately by email. You can print it or show it on your phone.
If you prefer to buy in person, visit any authorized license agent in Virginia — these include most tackle shops, Walmart locations, Bass Pro Shops, and sporting goods stores. Call ahead to confirm they have trout licenses in stock. You will pay cash or card on the spot and receive a printed license card the same day.
You can also call VDWR directly at 804-367-1000 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to purchase over the phone. Have your driver's license number and payment method ready. They will mail your license or provide a temporary number you can use while waiting for the card.
Cost and validity period
The resident trout license costs vary depending on whether you buy a one-year or multi-year option. A one-year resident trout license is the most common choice and covers the calendar year from January 1 through December 31. If you purchase one in June, it remains valid through the end of that same calendar year — you do not get a partial refund or extension into the next year.
Virginia also offers a three-year resident trout license at a discounted rate compared to buying three separate one-year licenses. This option locks in your cost and means you do not have to renew as often. Check the VDWR website or call for current pricing, as fees change periodically.
Your resident fishing license and resident trout license operate on the same calendar-year schedule, so both expire on December 31. You must renew both together each January if you plan to fish for trout again. Setting a calendar reminder in early December can help you avoid showing up at a trout stream with an expired license.
What the trout license covers and does not cover
The resident trout license permits you to fish for trout in Virginia's designated trout waters during open seasons. It covers all trout species that Virginia stocks or supports naturally: rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. The license is valid statewide and works in any Virginia water where trout fishing is open to the public.
The trout license does not cover fishing on private land without permission from the owner. It does not override posted "No Trespassing" signs or grant you access to private ponds or streams. You still need written permission from the landowner, even with a valid license.
Some Virginia trout waters require additional permits or stamps beyond the base trout license. For example, certain delayed-harvest areas or trophy trout sections may require a special permit or a trout stamp. Always check the specific water's regulations before you go — VDWR publishes detailed rules for each trout stream and lake on their website.
Who needs a resident trout license
Any Virginia resident aged 16 or older must have a resident trout license to fish for trout. Residency is determined by your Virginia driver's license or state ID. If you have recently moved to Virginia, you have 30 days to obtain a Virginia ID before you are required to hold a resident license; during that window, you can fish with an out-of-state license if you hold one.
Children under 16 may fish for trout without a license, but only if they are directly supervised by an adult who holds a valid resident fishing license and resident trout license. "Direct supervision" means the adult is within sight and can intervene — not simply present at the water. The adult does not need to be actively fishing.
Virginia residents who are 65 or older may be may be able to access for a discounted or free resident fishing license depending on income and other factors. Contact VDWR to learn whether you may have access to for a senior discount on the trout license as well.
Carrying and displaying your license
You must have your resident trout license with you whenever you fish for trout in Virginia. A Virginia game warden or VDWR officer can ask to see it at any time. You can carry either the printed card or show the license number on your phone — both are legally valid. If you purchased online and printed it, keep the printed copy in a waterproof pocket or bag.
If you lose your license card, you can request a replacement through VDWR. Call 804-367-1000 or visit the website to report the loss and request a duplicate. There is typically a small fee for a replacement card, though you can use your license number immediately while waiting for the new card to arrive.
Fishing without a valid resident trout license is a violation of Virginia law. Penalties include fines, confiscation of equipment, and potential suspension of your fishing privileges. It is not worth the risk — licenses are inexpensive and easy to obtain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish for trout with just my resident fishing license and no trout license?
No. Virginia law requires both licenses. Your resident fishing license alone does not permit trout fishing. If a warden checks you and you have only a fishing license, you can be cited for fishing without a trout license, even if you are not actively fishing for trout at that moment.
Do I need a trout license if I am fishing on private land with the owner's permission?
Yes. The trout license requirement applies to all trout fishing in Virginia, regardless of whether the water is public or private. You must have both your resident fishing license and resident trout license, plus written permission from the landowner to be on the property.
What happens if my trout license expires while I am in the middle of the year?
Your license expires on December 31 each year. If it expires, you cannot legally fish for trout the next day. You must renew both your resident fishing license and resident trout license before January 1 to continue fishing. Renewing online takes minutes and can be done anytime in December.
Can I buy a trout license for just one month or one week?
Virginia does not offer short-term trout licenses. The shortest option is a one-year resident trout license, which runs from January 1 through December 31 regardless of when you purchase it. If you fish only occasionally, the annual license is still the most practical option.
Do I need a separate trout license if I already have a multi-year fishing license?
Yes. The trout license is independent of your fishing license term. If you bought a three-year fishing license, you still need to renew your trout license every calendar year. Both must be current to fish for trout legally.