Who Can Get a Junior License and What It Costs

West Virginia issues junior fishing licenses to young people ages 15 and 16. A junior license lets you fish in state waters with the same privileges as an adult — you can keep the same number and size of fish, use the same methods, and fish the same seasons. The license costs less than a full resident license, though the exact price varies by year and whether you choose a one-day or annual permit.

You do not need a license at all if you are under 15, as long as you fish under the direct supervision of a licensed adult. Once you turn 17, you must buy a full resident or non-resident license depending on your state residency status. If you are a non-resident, West Virginia offers junior licenses as well, though they cost more than resident junior licenses.

Key Takeaways

  • Junior licenses in West Virginia are for ages 15 and 16 and cost less than adult licenses, with both one-day and annual options available.
  • You can purchase a junior license online through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website, by phone, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores.
  • Children under 15 can fish without a license as long as a licensed adult is with them and directly supervising.
  • A junior license gives you the same fishing rights as an adult license — same daily limits, same seasons, same methods.
  • Once you turn 17, you must purchase a full resident or non-resident license depending on where you live.

How to Get Your Junior License

The fastest way to buy a junior license is online through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website. You will need to provide your date of birth and a valid payment method. The license is delivered electronically and you can print it or show it on your phone to a game warden if asked.

If you prefer not to buy online, you can call the Division of Natural Resources directly during business hours, or visit an authorized vendor. Sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations sell West Virginia fishing licenses. Call ahead to confirm the vendor near you has junior licenses in stock, since smaller shops may not always carry them.

What You Can Fish For and Where

A junior license covers freshwater fishing in all state-owned and public waters across West Virginia. You can fish for bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and other species that are open to harvest during their seasons. The same daily catch limits apply to junior anglers as to adults — for example, a 5-fish limit on largemouth bass, or 25 bluegill per day.

Trout streams have special rules. Some sections of West Virginia streams are stocked with trout and open year-round; others have seasonal closures. Check the current West Virginia fishing regulations before you go, because trout seasons and special catch-and-release areas change. The regulations booklet is free and available online or at any vendor that sells licenses.

Seasons and Regulations You Need to Know

Bass season in West Virginia typically runs from the second Saturday in June through the end of February, though exact dates shift slightly each year. Crappie and catfish have their own seasons. Trout season usually opens in March and runs through October, but some waters stay open year-round. Check the current year's regulations before planning your trip, because dates do change.

Size limits matter as much as seasons. Largemouth and smallmouth bass must be at least 12 inches long to keep. Walleye must be 15 inches. Trout vary by stream and stocking type. If you catch a fish that is too small, you must release it immediately. A game warden can check your catch at any time, so keep your license with you and know the rules for the water you are fishing.

Where to Fish as a Junior Angler

West Virginia has thousands of miles of fishable streams and dozens of public lakes and reservoirs. Bluegill Pond near Charleston is small and well-stocked, making it a good beginner spot. Summersville Lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass and is accessible from multiple public boat ramps. The New River and Greenbrier River both have public access points and hold smallmouth bass and musky.

State parks often have ponds or lake access open to the public. Babcock State Park and Bluestone State Park both have fishing areas. Many county parks also allow fishing. Before you go, confirm the water is open to public fishing and check whether you need a parking permit or day-use fee. Some waters require catch-and-release only, so read the posted signs or call ahead.

Supervision Rules for Younger Anglers

If you are 14 or younger, you do not need a license, but you must fish under the direct supervision of a licensed adult. "Direct supervision" means the adult is with you and actively watching — not fishing elsewhere on the same lake. The adult must have their own valid license and be able to show it to a game warden if asked.

Once you turn 15, you need your own junior license even if you are fishing with an adult. The adult does not need to be present, though it is always safer to fish with someone, especially on larger waters or moving streams. If you are under 18, tell a parent or guardian where you are going and when you expect to return.

Renewing Your Junior License

A junior license is valid for one year from the date you buy it, or for a single day if you purchase a one-day permit. When your annual license expires, you can renew it the same way you bought it — online, by phone, or at a vendor. You do not have to wait until your birthday; you can renew any time after the expiration date.

Keep track of your license expiration date. Game wardens check licenses regularly, and fishing without a valid license can result in a fine. If your license expires while you are on the water, you are fishing illegally. Set a phone reminder a week before expiration so you do not forget to renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish out of state with my West Virginia junior license?

No. Your West Virginia junior license is valid only in West Virginia waters. If you want to fish in another state, you will need to buy that state's license. Each state has its own licensing system and regulations.

What happens if I turn 17 while my junior license is still valid?

Your junior license becomes invalid on your 17th birthday, even if you paid for a full year. You must buy a full resident or non-resident license before you fish again. Buy it before your birthday so you do not have a gap in coverage.

Do I need a license to fish in a private pond?

It depends on who owns the pond. If it is on private property and you have the owner's permission, you do not need a state license. If it is on public land or a public water body, you need a license. When in doubt, ask the landowner or call the Division of Natural Resources.

Can I buy a junior license as a gift for someone else?

Yes, but the person receiving it must be 15 or 16 years old. You will need their date of birth to complete the purchase. Some vendors may allow you to buy a gift certificate instead, which the recipient can use to buy their own license.

What do I do if I lose my license?

Contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and provide your name and date of birth. They can issue a replacement, though there may be a small fee. In the meantime, ask if they can provide a temporary permit so you can fish while waiting for the replacement to arrive.