Fishing is a popular pastime in West Virginia, offering a variety of opportunities for both residents and non-residents. However, before you can cast your line, you need to understand the licensing requirements. This guide will provide comprehensive information on fishing licenses in West Virginia, including costs, where to purchase, and who is exempt.
Who Needs a Fishing License in West Virginia?
Anyone over the age of 15 who wishes to fish in West Virginia waters is required to possess a valid West Virginia fishing license. This applies to both residents and non-residents. However, there are exceptions for residents who are 65 and older, as well as for certain groups such as those who are blind, on leave from active military duty, permanently service-related disabled veterans, developmentally disabled, or patients of a mental hospital.
Cost of Fishing Licenses in West Virginia
The cost of a fishing license in West Virginia varies depending on the type of license and whether the angler is a resident or non-resident. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
| License Type | Resident Price | Non-Resident Price |
|---|---|---|
| One Day | N/A | $3 |
| Five Day | $8 | N/A |
| Annual | $19 | $37 |
In addition to the fishing license, anglers are required to purchase conservation stamps, except for those residents who hold a lifetime fishing license. These stamps can be purchased for $5 for West Virginia residents and $13 for non-residents. If you plan to fish for trout, you must also purchase a trout stamp, which costs $10 for West Virginia residents and $16 for non-residents.
Combination Licenses
West Virginia also offers combination fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses for both residents and junior non-residents. The pricing for these licenses is as follows:
| License Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Annual fishing, hunting, and trapping (ages 15 to 17) | $16 |
| Annual fishing, hunting, and trapping (ages 18 to 64) | $35 |
| Annual fishing, hunting, trapping, and trout fishing | $45 |
| Three-year fishing, hunting, trapping | $105 |
| Three-year fishing, hunting, trapping, and trout fishing | $135 |
Free Licenses
Free West Virginia fishing licenses are available for residents and non-residents who are under 21 and have been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease.
Purchasing a West Virginia Fishing License
You can purchase a West Virginia fishing license online from the Division of Natural Resources website. After creating an account, you can purchase any fishing license online and print it off from home.
Fishing licenses are also available for purchase from any Walmart store that has an outdoor and sporting goods department.
Lifetime West Virginia Fishing License
Lifetime fishing licenses are available to residents and non-residents attending a college or university as full-time students. The prices for these lifetime licenses are as follows:
| License Type | Age Class | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing | Less than 2 years old | $276 |
| Fishing | Ages 2+ | $552 |
| Trout fishing | Less than 2 years old | $115 |
| Trout fishing | Ages 2+ | $230 |
| Combination fishing, trapping, and hunting | Less than 2 years old | $402.50 |
| Combination fishing, trapping, and hunting | Ages 2 to 64 | $805 |
| Combination fishing, trapping, and hunting | Ages 65+ | $25 |