If you’re planning on fishing in West Virginia, you’ll need a fishing license. If we want to ensure that the abundant fishery continues to flourish for future generations, we all need to do our part and be responsible anglers. Part of being a responsible angler and ensuring that future generations of anglers get to enjoy the same fantastic fishing that we do is following all regulations, including bag and size limits, and purchasing a fishing license.
In the following guide to buying a fishing permit in West Virginia, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including:
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Types of Fishing Licenses
West Virginia offers a variety of different fishing license types, including both resident and non-resident fishing permits. The main types of fishing licenses include:
- Resident Lifetime Fishing Licenses, including Class B-L and O-L.
- Annual Resident License.
- Trout Fishing Stamp – Required for all anglers except for holders of Class X, XJ, B-L, B-L-I, AB-L, and AB-L-I licenses.
- Junior Fishing License – Ages 15 – 17.
- Non-Resident Annual License.
- Non-Resident One Day Fishing License.
You can find out more information about West Virginia fishing licenses, including types and costs, and where you can purchase them by visiting the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources website.
Your purchase of a fishing permit or appropriate stamp will help to preserve and protect the state resources for generations to come. Fees collected from permits and stamps go back into habitat development, fish management, conservation education, access improvement and maintenance, and endangered species programs across the state.
By being responsible anglers and following all season, bag, and size limits, along with releasing unwanted fish safely and cleaning the area we fished in, we’re all ensuring that future generations of anglers get to enjoy the same fantastic fishing experiences.
Cost of Fishing Licenses
West Virginia offers anglers various fishing license types, including resident and non-resident fishing permits. The main types of fishing licenses and their associated costs are below. Please note license fees and costs are subject to change, and it’s essential to stay up to date with any changes.
- Resident Lifetime Fishing Licenses, including Class B-L and O-L – $325.
- Annual Resident License – $18.
- Trout Fishing Stamp – Required for all anglers except for holders of Class X, XJ, B-L, B-L-I, AB-L, and AB-L-I licenses – $10.
- Junior Fishing License – Ages 15 – 17 – $15.
- Non-Resident Annual License – $35.
- Non-Resident One Day Fishing License – $5.
You can find out more information about West Virginia fishing licenses, including types and costs, and where you can purchase them by visiting the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources website. Please note additional stamps are required for many waterways and Trout fishing. Before you fish, it pays to check that you have the appropriate fishing permits and stamps for the species and area you plan on fishing in.
Age Requirements for Fishing License
Both residents and non-residents of West Virginia under the age of 15 are not required to purchase a license or permit in order to fish in state waters. Residents who turned 65 before 1/1/12 are not required to purchase a license or permit.
You can find out more about age requirements here.
Teaching future generations of anglers the basics of fishing, the importance of conservation, and the role it plays in the future of the fishery is vital to ensure the continued abundance of fishing opportunities we enjoy today.
Where to Obtain a Fishing License
Fishing licenses and permits in West Virginia can be purchased in three ways:
- Online at at www.wvfish.com. Please note that there is a website issuing fee of $2 per license purchased.
- At one of over 350 physical locations which are located throughout the state, including all county clerk offices. Please note there is a $3 issuing fee for the 1st purchase and a $1 issuing fee for subsequent purchases.
- Over the phone by calling the Hunting and Fishing License Unit by calling (304) 558-2758.
Complete Guide to West Virginia Fishing Licenses – Conclusion
If you’re planning on going fishing in West Virginia, this article contains everything you need to know about West Virginia fishing licenses, including types, costs, and how to purchase your fishing permits. West Virginia is an excellent place for angling; we’re sure you’ll enjoy it as much as we do.
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If you have any questions about angling permits in West Virginia, including where to buy a permit or license, please don’t hesitate to comment below!
