RICHMOND — The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is once again offering a chance for perspective anglers to try fishing without a license the first weekend in June.
DWR will be hosting the several events during Free Fishing Days weekend, with staff and volunteers on site with rods and reels, terminal tackle and bait, ready to teach participants how to fish. Events are free and no registration is required.
Those interested can attend at one of the following locations:
Saturday, June 3
- Burke Lake (Fairfax County): 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Dorey Park (Henrico County): 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Mt. Trashmore (Virginia Beach): 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Hungry Mother State Park (Marion): 9 a.m.-1 p.m. ($7 entrance fee)
Sunday, June 4
- Festival del Rio Rappahannock (Old Mill Park in Fredericksburg): 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
According to DWR, no fishing license of any kind will be required for recreational rod and reel fishing during free fishing days and permits will not be required at facilities that use them during those dates. DWR added it has also removed the restriction to fishing designated stocked trout waters, opening over 2,900 miles of trout streams, in addition to numerous ponds, small lakes and reservoirs. All fishing regulations including size, season, catch limits, and gear restrictions will remain in effect, it said, and fee fishing areas will still require a fee for Free Fishing Days weekend.
DWR notes the 2023 Freshwater Fishing and Boating Regulations can be found online, and printed regulations are also available at most major outdoor retailers throughout the state that sell hunting and fishing licensesand the Marine Resources Commission’s website has information on Virginia’s recreational fishing size, season and creel limits. DWR adds The Online Virginia Angler Recognition Program recognizes trophy freshwater catches, and it also encourages entries to the 2023 Kids ‘n Fishing Photo Contest.
For more information, visit DWR’s Free Fishing Days website.
