Freshwater Fishing & Boating in Virginia

Home , Bank fishing, Occoneechee State Park, Occoquan River

FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING IN VIRGINIA January 1-December 31, 2020

www.dgif.virginia.gov www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & afﬁ liates. Annual premium for a basic liability policy not available all states. Prices vary based on how you buy. *Available with comprehensive and collision coverage. options that won’t depreciate your watercraft andaccessories That’s why we offer basic plans starting at $100 a year with 1.800.PROGRESSIVE There’s a reason they say, Curse like a sailor. | PROGRESSIVE.COM *. FRESHWATER FISHING FRESHWATER WHAT’S NEW FOR 2020 ...... 6 FISHING LICENSE INFORMATION AND FEES ...... 9 FISHING Freshwater/Saltwater License Lines on Tidal Waters ...... 12 Reciprocal Licenses ...... 13 GENERAL INFORMATION ...... 14 & BOATING Department-owned Lakes, Ponds, Streams or Boat Access Sites ...... 14 IN VIRGINIA Fish Consumption Advisories ...... 16 FRESHWATER FISH REGULATIONS ...... 18 January–December 2020 Fish Bait Information ...... 18 Creel and Length Limit Tables...... 20 NONGAME FISH, REPTILE, AMPHIBIAN, AND AQUATIC INVERTEBRATE REGULATIONS ...... 25 TROUT FISHING GUIDE ...... 27 Special Regulation Trout Waters ...... 29 2020 Catchable Trout Stocking Plan...... 34 FISH IDENTIFICATION AND FISHING INFORMATION ...... 36 PUBLIC LAKES GUIDE ...... 43 MAJOR FISHING RIVERS ...... 50 Commonwealth of Virginia VIRGINIA STATE RECORD FRESHWATER FISH ...... 53 Ralph S. Northam, Governor THE VIRGINIA ANGLER RECOGNITION PROGRAM ...... 54 Secretary of Natural Resources FRESHWATER TROPHY FISH AWARD APPLICATION FORM ...... 55 Matthew J. Strickler

Department of Game and Inland Fisheries VIRGINIA WATERCRAFT OWNER’S GUIDE Ryan J. Brown, Executive Director WATERCRAFT REGISTRATION, TITLING, AND SALES TAX REQUIREMENTS ...... 56 Members of the Board Mamie A. Parker, PhD., Chair, Dulles REQUIRED EQUIPMENT ...... 59 John W. Daniel II, Vice-chair, Richmond Summary of Boating Safety Equipment Requirements ...... 59 Frank Adams, King William SAFE BOATING Leon Boyd, Vansant Catherine H. Claiborne, Richmond Alcohol, Drugs and Boating ...... 63 Douglas Dear, Syria Virginia Boating Safety Education Requirement ...... 63 Tom Sadler, Verona Enforcement...... 63 Karen Terwilliger, Locustville Brian Vincent, Farmville Personal Watercraft (PWC) Operation ...... 64 G. K. Washington, Dillwyn Navigation Rules ...... 64 Aids to Navigation...... 66 Mission Statement Conserve and manage wildlife populations and habitat OTHER SAFETY CONCERNS for the benefit of present and future generations. Boating Accident Reporting ...... 67 Connect people to Virginia’s outdoors through boating, Naval Protection Zone ...... 67 education, fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing and other wildlife-related activities. Protect people and America’s Waterway Watch ...... 67 property by promoting safe outdoor experiences and Boat Theft Prevention ...... 67 managing human-wildlife conflicts. Carbon Monoxide ...... 67 The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries shall Capsizing and Falls Overboard ...... 68 afford to all persons an equal access to Department Virginia Boating Accident Report Form ...... 69 programs and facilities without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, ENJOYING THE WATER gender identity, age, political affiliation, or persons Towed Sports Safety ...... 68 with disabilities. If you believe that you have been Environmental Laws ...... 68 discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, please write to: Virginia Department of Game and Inland LAKE HORSEPOWER LIMITS ...... 71 Fisheries, Attn: Executive Director’s Office, 7870 Villa DGIF BOAT RAMPS AND ACCESS POINTS ...... 72 Park Dr, Suite 400, P.O. Box 90778, Henrico, VA 23228.

On the Cover: This publication is for general use and contains information regarding programs, policies, regulations, rules, or fees of the Virginia Depart- Fishing on the lake at Occoneechee State Park. ment of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) current at the time of printing. Information may change after printing and any changes will photo by Meghan Marchetti / DGIF supersede the information in this publication. DGIF’s programs, policies, regulations, rules, or fees can be found at www.dgif.virginia.gov. Specific laws are found in the Code of Virginia (http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode) or the Game Department Regulation Manual (http://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title4/agency15). For answers to specific questions about hunting and fishing, contact the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries office nearest you or visit www.dgif.virginia.gov. The sale of advertising paid a large portion of the cost of this publication. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries neither endorses the products or services offered in the advertising, nor accepts any liability from the use of such products or services. DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Greetings Virginia Freshwater Anglers! We have many exciting things planned for 2020. First, we are offering our annual Free Fishing Days from Friday, June 5th through Sunday, June 7th. No fishing license will be required on these dates in waters throughout the state, with the exception of a permit at our fee fishing areas. On these dates, staff will be putting on fishing workshops where gear, tackle, and instruction will be provided. "is is a great way to try out the great sport of fishing. See page 6 for more information. Second, we are expanding our Angler Recognition Program Williamstown, MA | Birmingham, AL to include black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, saugeye, and fallfish. We are also adding a Master Angler Level VI and an online option for anglers to submit their catch for recognition. We have made these changes to better acknowledge the variety of fish species available to Virginia anglers and to recognize those that put in the time necessary to catch a trophy fish. Next, I want you to be aware of our Urban Trout Program. We stock eight bodies of water in About This Guide urban areas including Cook Lake, Dorey Park Pond, Shield Lake, Armistead Point Park Pond, Locust Shade Park Lake, Ivy Creek Park Pond, Northwest River Park Lake, and Old Cossey Pond with trout from November 1 through April 30. Our program provides anglers in more developed This high-quality guide is offered to you areas the opportunity to catch trout in their own backyard during the winter months. A trout license is required to fish in these waters during stocking season. We will be announcing these by the Virginia Department of Game and stockings the week before they occur, so follow our website for more information. Inland Fisheries through its unique part- Speaking of trout, we will be having our second annual Hatchery Open House on Saturday, nership with J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC. May 30th at our five cold water hatchery facilities–Montebello, Coursey Springs, Paint Bank, The revenue generated through ad sales Marion, and Wytheville. Staff will be onsite to provide tours and answer questions about fish significantly lowers production costs and culture and fish stocking. Bring the whole family–we will provide food to feed the trout and do generates savings. These savings translate not forget these facilities are located in areas with beautiful scenery and great outdoor recre- into additional funds for other important ational opportunities. agency programs. See you on the water! If you have any feedback or are inter- Ryan J. Brown ested in advertising, please contact us at Executive Director 413.884.1001 or at www.JFGriffin.com

Graphic Design: Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, John Corey, Virginia’s Sport Fish Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski Program and You

Anglers and boaters like you make it possible for Virginia to Virginia Marine Resources

This guide is also pays 75 percent of many of the available online at Hidden Valley WMA, Meghan Marchetti / DGIF

2 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV Your Freshwater Fishing De!inations Await

The new Stradic FK utilizes Shimano’s latest technology while drawing on ways of the past. Hagane cold forged drive gear combined with X-Ship provides a smooth, powerful and durable reel. The sleek G-Free body provides a better weight balance to reduce fatigue. Every part has been designed to improve the anglers experience on the water.

www.greentophuntfish.com | (804) 550-2188 M!F: 9am-9pm SA: 8am!6pm SU: 9am!5pm 10150 LAKERIDGE PARKWAY | ASHLAND, VA 23005 CONTACT INFORMATION Richmond Regional Of!ces Headquarters Region 1 Region 4 3801 John Tyler Memorial Hwy. P.O. Box 996, 517 Lee Highway 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400 Charles City, VA 23030 Verona, VA 24482 Henrico, VA 23228 (804) 829-6580 (540) 248-9360 (804) 367-1000; (804) 367-1278 V/TDD Region 2 1320 Belman Road Mailing Address: 1132 "omas Jefferson Road Fredericksburg, VA 22401 P.O. Box 90778 Forest, VA 24551-9223 (540) 899-4169 Henrico, VA 23228-0778 (434) 525-7522 Boating Registration/ Region 3 License Fees 1796 Highway Sixteen (804) 367-1000 Marion, VA 24354 (276) 783-4860 Note: "e Headquarters Office is the only De- partment location where visitors may title/ register a boat. "ese services are not available at the Regional Offices.

Additional Contacts Report Wildlife Violations Only Snakehead Fish Reporting Virginia Marine Resources (800) 237-5712 or [email protected] (804) 367-2925 Commission: Saltwater Fishing/Regulations Boating Registration/License Fees Potomac River Fisheries (757) 247-2200; (757) 247-2292 VTDD (804) 367-1000 Commission www.mrc.virginia.gov (800) 266-3904; (804) 224-7148 Trout Stocking http://prfc.us/ Department of Conservation and (434) 525-3474 Recreation Reservation Center Dept. of Environmental Quality (800) 933-7275 (800) 592-5482; (804) 698-4000 www.dcr.virginia.gov www.deq.virginia.gov Department of Forestry Headquarters: (434) 977-6555 State Forest: (804) 492-4121 www.dof.virginia.gov/stateforest/recreation/ hunting.htm Shenandoah National Park (540) 999-3500 www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm U.S. Forest Service Supervisor George Washington/ Jefferson National Forests (540) 265-5100 or (888) 265-0019 www.fs.usda.gov/gwj

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More details can be found in sections that fol- State Record Fish Program Angler Recognition Program low this summary. • New species will be recognized, including • Apply online and print your citation at home white crappie, black crappie, bluegill sunfish, in 2020 through Go Outdoors Virginia General Information redear sunfish, saugeye, a category for all https://www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com/ • "e Sportsman’s License has been reduced other sunfish, and goldfish (archery only). • New species have been added to the Angler from $133.00 to $100.00. White crappie, bluegill, saugeye, other sun- Recognition Program including black crap- • Lake Merriweather, a 450-acre impoundment fish, and goldfish categories are currently pie, white crappie, saugeye, fallfish, bluegill, owned by the Boy Scouts and located in Gos- open until qualifying catches are submitted redear sunfish, and other sunfish. For de- hen, VA, is now open for public fishing on a and approved. For qualifying minimum sizes tails on minimum lengths and weights see seasonal basis. In addition to an appropri- and program rules, see page 53. page 54. ate fishing license, a Public Access Lands for Sportsmen (PALS) permit is needed to fish this lake. • Come visit one of our coldwater hatcheries during our Hatchery Open House on May Give Fishing 30th to learn more about our efforts to raise Free Fishing Days and stock brook, brown, and rainbow trout a Try June 5-7, 2020 across the state. Make plans to take advantage of Free Fishing Days in June Creel (Harvest) and Length Limits (5th-7th). DGIF sta! will be hosting several events across • "ere are no new creel or length limits the state providing loaner rods, tackle, bait, and "shing for 2020. instructions. Invite a family member or friend Trout and come on out and wet a line without having • A trout license is not required to fish des- to purchase a "shing license. Check out our ignated stocked trout waters during Free website for speci"c locations and times later Fishing Days, June 5-7, 2020. A permit is in the spring. still required to fish at Clinch Mountain, Crooked Creek and Douthat Lake Fee Fish- dgif.virginia.gov/free!shing/!shing/ ing Areas. • Hearthstone Lake (Augusta Co.) will not be free-!shing-days stocked in spring 2020.

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Entry from 2019 Contest ANGLING EDUCATION PROGRAM Fishing is an exciting sport that everyone can enjoy! It truly brings us closer to family, friends, and the outdoors. Yet, there are so many people who have never experienced the thrill of catching a !sh! In an effort to provide opportunities to experience !shing, the DGIF Angling Education Program offers and supports angling workshops, events, and Kids Fishing Days across the Commonwealth. The Angling Education Program also offers the Materials Request Program which provides educational !shing materials for events and the Tackle Loaner Program which supplies rods, reels, and tackle on loan for individuals and events. To obtain a Materials Request form and locate a Tackle Loaner site near you, visit our website at https://www.dgif. virginia.gov/education/!shing/.

CATCH SOME For information on Kids Fishing Day events go to: EXCITEMENT! www.dgif.virginia.gov/events/kids-ﬁshing-days Kids ’n Fishing Photo Contest For more information and contest rules visit www.dgif.virginia.gov/kidsn!shing

8 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV LICENSE INFORMATION & FEES

• Guests fishing in individually owned private Fishing License ponds. Where to get • Nonresident children under 16 years of age Information (also do not need a trout license). a License • Legally blind persons. Every person who is required to have a license to • Any Indian who “habitually” resides on Online: fish, hunt, and/or trap must carry such license an Indian reservation or a member of the www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com with them (electronic copy, printed paper, or Virginia-recognized tribes who resides in • Create Your Customer Account: "e new annual hard card) and show the license imme- the Commonwealth is not required to have Go Outdoors Virginia site allows you to diately upon request of any officer whose duty a freshwater license; however, such Indian create a unique customer account to access it is to enforce the game and inland fish laws, must have on his person an identification licenses and products that apply to you based or upon the demand of any owner or lessee, or card or paper signed by the chief of his on age and residency. any employee or representative of such owner tribe, a valid tribal identification card, writ- • Existing Customers: Log in using your date or lessee, upon whose land or water such person ten confirmation through a central tribal of birth and either your DGIF Customer ID may be hunting, trapping, or fishing. registry, or certification from a tribal of- or your previous year’s DGIF license number fice. However, a saltwater fishing license and license year. Residency Qualifications is required. 1. Persons who have been a bonafide resident • Stockholders owning 50 percent or more of Select the license(s) you want, pay with your of the city, county, or state for six consecu- the stock of any domestic corporation own- credit card and print your license if needed. tive months immediately preceding the date ing land in Virginia, his or her spouse and of application for license; children and minor grandchildren, resident In Person: 2. Persons who have been domiciliary resi- or nonresident, to hunt, trap and fish within Sold by some clerks of the Circuit Court and dents of the state for at least two months the boundaries of lands and inland waters hundreds of license agents around the state. upon approval of a completed affidavit to owned by the domestic corporation. To find a license agent visit: https://li- be furnished by the Game Department; • Persons 65 years of age or older do not need cense.gooutdoorsvirginia.com/Licensing/Lo- 3. Legal voters in Virginia; a saltwater license but must comply with the cateAgent.aspx 4. Any member of the armed forces of the Virginia Fisherman Identification Program United States, or a member of the immedi- (FIP) requirements. See page 11. By Phone/Mobile Phone: ate family of such a member as defined in • Any person not fishing but aiding a disabled (804) 367-1000 during regular business hours, § 2.2-3101, upon execution of a certificate license holder. or use your GoOutdoors Virginia mobile app. of residence if the member (i) resides in the Commonwealth, (ii) is on active duty, and (iii) is stationed at a military installation within, or in a ship based in, the Com- monwealth; 5. Students (including nonresident students boarding on campus) residing in Virgin- ia who are enrolled in bonafide Virginia schools; 6. Any unnaturalized person who owns real estate in the county or city and who has actually resided there not less than five years next preceding the date of the application for the license in the county or city where they qualify. Showcase Exceptions your business! All persons, except those listed below, must purchase the proper licenses before fishing.

• Resident or nonresident landowners, their spouses, their children and grandchildren and the spouses of such children and grandchildren, or the landowner’s parents, resident or non resident, do not need a license to hunt, trap, or fish within the boundaries of their own lands and inland waters. • Residents under 16 years of age (also do not need a trout license). • Resident, active-duty members of the armed forces while on official leave. However, when trout fishing they must have copy of their Military Orders in their possession. • Tenants, on the land they rent and occupy, are not required to have a license, but must have the written permission of the landowner. For advertising inquiries, please call (413) 884-1001

Missed the printed edition? Ask about year-round digital opportunities. WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 9 LICENSE INFORMATION & FEES License Fees (The issuance fee is included in the prices below.)

Resident and nonresident licenses are valid for one year * from the date of purchase unless otherwise noted. Resident Fees LICENSES FEE LICENSES FEE

Sportsman’s License (16 years or older) $100.00 Resident Annual Fishing License for 70 Percent or Greater Service- County/City Resident Freshwater Fishing* $16.00 Resident State Freshwater Fishing License*

Resident Trout Fishing

$44.00

$65.00

$86.00 Resident State Fresh/Saltwater Fishing* Nonresident Fees Resident Saltwater Fishing License $17.50 LICENSES FEE South Holston Reservoir Fishing License $21.00 Nonresident State Freshwater Fishing** $47.00 - Nonresident Saltwater Fishing License $25.00

Resident 5-Day Freshwater Fishing $14.00 Nonresident State Fresh/Saltwater Fishing** $71.00 Nonresident 1-Day Freshwater Fishing** $8.00 Resident 5-Day Fresh/Saltwater Fishing $24.00

Nonresident 5-Day Freshwater Fishing** $21.00 Resident 10-Day Saltwater Fishing $10.00

Resident Tidal Boat Sport Fishing $126.00 Nonresident 10-Day Saltwater Fishing License $10.00

Resident 65 and Over Annual Freshwater Fishing*

Nonresident 5-Day Fresh/Saltwater Fishing**

Nonresident Tidal Boat Sport Fishing () $201.00

Nonresident Annual Fishing License for 70% or Greater Service-Connected -

- -

Nonresident Trout Fishing $47.00 Meghan Marchetti / DGIF / Marchetti Meghan

Fishing is a great way to get kids outdoors.

10 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV LIFETIME LICENSES Legacy Lifetime • Resident Junior Lifetime Hunting license is available to Virginia residents under the age of 12. This license will • Available to Virginia residents and non-residents under expire on their 12th birthday, and is transferable when the age of 2 years upon date of application receipt to they complete and submit the Youth Hunter Education Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Compliance form and a copy of their Hunter Safety or • The legacy hunting lifetime license is valid until the indi- equivalent completed certi!cate. vidual’s 12th birthday at which time they must complete an approved hunter education course or equivalent, Veteran Total and Permanent then transfer the legacy to a regular hunting lifetime at Service-Connected Lifetime no additional charge. • Virginia residents who are rated as total and permanent- Lifetime ly service-connected disabled by the U.S. Veterans Ad- ministration of!ce may apply for this lifetime license(s). • Virginia resident and non-residents lifetime licenses • The Veteran lifetime hunting license includes small available. game state hunting, bear, deer/turkey, archery, muzzle- • Virginia residents may purchase their lifetime licenses loading. All other applicable licenses, stamps, or per- online through www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com provided mits are required in addition to this license. their Virginia residency status can be veri!ed through Please visit www.dgif.virginia.gov for applications, prices, Virginia DMV. and further instructions when applying for a lifetime license. • The lifetime hunting license equals the state hunting licenses; all other applicable licenses, stamps, or permits are required in addition to this license.

** Miscellaneous Fees LICENSES FEE $8.00 $4.00 $16.00 - day or Access Permit See page 12 for more information. County Dip Net Permit $4.50 $18

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 11 LICENSE INFORMATION & FEES Additional Fishing License Information Tidal Boat License "e tidal boat license is available to any boat owner, resident and nonresident. "e license is a special combined sport fishing license that gives the boat owner a license to fish in saltwater and freshwater within Virginia. "e license also covers all passengers on board the owner’s boat when fishing in Virginia tidal waters (to river Fall Lines) and saltwater only when the registered boat owner is present. "ere are no decals issued under this license and the VMRC Fisherman Identification Program rules apply for passengers fishing in saltwater under this tidal boat license; www.mrc.virginia.gov/regulations/recfishh&l_licensing.shtm. Meghan Marchetti / DGIF National Forest Permit

All persons are required to have a National Refer a friend to join you in the outdoors. Forest Permit (with the exceptions listed below) when fishing on National Forest lands except on the North and South Fork of the Shenandoah Use Permit is not required for forest visitors who land. "e permit fee is $4 for a daily permit or River, the James River, Skidmore Lake in Rock- practice the following activities on a state forest: $23 for an annual permit and may be purchased ingham County, North Fork Pound Reservoir, walking, hiking, or boating. Sold in coopera- online or at any license agent. Lake Moomaw, the Jackson River below Gath- tion with the Virginia Department of Forestry. right Dam, and in Wilson Creek below Douthat Replacement License Lake in Alleghany and Bath Counties. "ose Access Permit If you purchased a license from a retail license exceptions, not required to have a National An Access Permit is required when using any agent, online or by phone, you can visit www. Forest Permit, are residents under 16 and over Department-owned wildlife management area gooutdoorsvirginia.com, select “Manage Your 65, and nonresidents under 16. or fishing lake. Such permit shall not be required Account” and reprint your license anytime. You for any person holding a valid hunting, fresh- can also visit any retail license agent that sells State Forest Use Permit water fishing, or trapping license or a current hunt/fish licenses or call the Headquarters office Required for those persons aged 16 or older to certificate of boat registration issued by the De- at (804) 367-1000 during normal business hours. practice the following activities on a state forest: partment or persons 16 years of age or younger. hunting, trapping, fishing, mountain biking, "e Access Permit requirement does not apply and horse riding. No motorized vehicles on to Department-owned boat ramps or segments gated roads/trails (open or closed). "e Forest of the Appalachian Trail on Department-owned FALL LINE The Fall Line is de!ned as the following landmarks:

Freshwater/ • Potomac River*: Rt. 301 Bridge Appomattox: • Rappahannock River: Rt. 360 Bridge The remnants of Harvell Dam Saltwater • York River System (including the Matta- approx. 0.5 mi upstream of Rt. 1 poni and Pamunkey Rivers): Rt. 33 Bridges Chickahominy River: License Lines on Walkers Dam Below these designated lines a freshwater or Tidal Waters saltwater license will be valid on any tidal James River (Richmond): portion of any tributary entering the above 14th Street Bridge (Mayo Bridge) Persons fishing upstream of the designated mainstem waters. Mattaponi River: lines on the following waters must have a valid "e following waters are entirely freshwa- Rt. 360 Bridge freshwater fishing license, while those fishing ter and require a freshwater fishing license below the lines must have a valid saltwater throughout: Meherrin River, Nottoway River, Pamunkey River: fishing license: Blackwater River (Chowan drainage), Back Bay, Rt. 360 Bridge Northwest River, and North Landing River Potomac River: • Elizabeth River: "e Great Bridge Locks and Intracoastal Waterway upstream to Great Little Falls • James River: A line connecting Hog Point Bridge Locks, and Dismal Swamp Canal below on Hog Island (Surry County) and the down- (or south) of Deep Creek Locks. Occoquan River: stream point of the mouth of College Creek I-95 Bridge (James City County) * See reciprocal license section. Rappahannock River: • Piankatank River/Dragon Run: "e first Rt. 1 Bridge set of power lines immediately upriver of Anderson Point

12 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV • Chopawansic: Rt. 1 Bridge • Mattawoman Creek: Downstream of Rt. Reciprocal • Choptank: Causeway 225 Bridge • Dougue Creek: Rt. 235, Mt. Vernon Memo- Licenses rial Parkway Unnamed bays and tributaries accessible by • Four Mile Run: Rt. 1 Bridge gas-powered boats All reciprocal license agreements listed below • Hunting Creek: Rt. 1 Bridge refer to both boat and bank anglers. • Little Hunting Creek: Rt. 1 Bridge • Lower Potomac River (between its mouth • Neabsco: Rt. 1 Bridge and the Rt. 301 Bridge): Valid Virginia saltwa- Buggs Island (Kerr) and Gaston • Occoquan River: Fall Line ter (excluding county licenses), Maryland Bay Virginia or North Carolina state fishing licenses • Pohick Creek: Rt. 611 (Colchester Road) sport, or Potomac River Fisheries Commis- and permits are honored on those waters lying • Potomac Creek: Rt. 608 Bridge sion licenses are honored in the main stem. east of Union Street Dam on the Dan River in • Powells Creek: Rt. 1 Bridge In Virginia tributaries below 301, Virginia Virginia and the mouth of Difficult Creek on • Quantico Creek: Rt. 1 Bridge fresh water and saltwater, and Potomac River the Staunton River of Kerr Reservoir to the Fisheries Commission licenses are honored. Gaston Dam on the Roanoke River, including Unnamed bays and tributaries accessible by all tributary waters accessible by boat from gas-powered boats Note: Maryland regulations apply for the Upper the main bodies of the reservoirs, or from the Potomac River and the Maryland Potomac River Island Creek sub-impoundment. Note: North Maryland tributaries up to the tributaries (call 1-800-688-3467 for current Carolina regulations apply on North Carolina following demarcation lines: Maryland regulations). portions of these waters. Virginia regulations • Anacostia River: Downstream of Northeast apply in Virginia waters. Branch Bridge at northbound lane of Alter- Note: Potomac River Fisheries Commission nate Rt. 1 Bladensburg Road, and Northwest regulations are enforced in the Potomac main- Blue Ridge Parkway Branch Bridge at southbound lane of Rhode stem between the lower District of Columbia Virginia and North Carolina licenses are hon- Island Avenue border and the mouth of the Potomac (call ored on all Parkway waters. Note: Virginia • Piscataway Creek: Downstream of Rt. 224 1-804-224-7148 or 1-800-266-3904 for current regulations apply in Parkway waters in Vir- Bridge (Livingston Rd.) PRFC regulations or http://prfc.us/fishing_po- ginia except where noted herein or in federal • Henson Run: Downstream of Oxon Hill tomac.html). regulations. Road Bridge • Nanjemoy Creek: Downstream of Rt. 6 Waters between the Woodrow Wilson Bridge New River (Trappe) Bridge and Little Falls are controlled by D.C., and a Virginia or North Carolina state fishing licenses • Port Tobacco Creek: Downsteam of Rt. 6 D.C. fishing license is required. and permits are honored on the mainstream Bridge portion lying between the confluence of the North and South Forks of the New River in North Carolina (Alleghany County) downstream to the confluence of the New and Little rivers in Virginia (Grayson County). SOUTH HOLSTON RESERVOIR Potomac River Any person possessing a valid Tennessee or Virginia resident freshwater !shing license, Virginia has reciprocal license agreements for or who is legally exempt from those license requirements, and possessing the South Holston Reservoir License may !sh in the Tennessee and Virginia impounded waters of three sections of the Potomac River, one above South Holston Reservoir. Virginia residents fishing in South Holston Lake in Tennes- the District of Columbia and two below the see must have a Virginia resident license and South Holston Reservoir Permit (or District of Columbia. License requirements Tennessee nonresident fishing license); under the age of 13—no license or permit are different for these sections. required. The annual cost of the South Holston License is currently $21. The South Holston License is valid in all impounded portions of the reservoir below full pool elevation • Upper Potomac River [above Little Falls of 1,730 feet, including the con"uence of the Middle Fork and South Fork Holston rivers (upper border with the District of Columbia) and the South Fork Holston River upstream to the Route 710 Bridge at Alvarado, Virginia. to the West Virginia border/state line]: Resi- The South Holston License is not valid for possession of trout. dent anglers with state freshwater licenses in In addition to the South Holston License, a valid resident Tennessee trout !shing license Virginia or Maryland may fish the Potomac or a valid resident Virginia trout fishing license is required to fish for trout and to River and from both banks. possess trout on South Holston Reservoir. All anglers shall abide by the laws of the • Middle Potomac and its Tidal Freshwater state in which they are !shing as to manner and means of taking !sh. Size restrictions Tributaries (between Woodrow Wilson and creel limits shall be as follows: Bridge and Rt. 301): Valid Virginia freshwater and saltwater (excluding county licenses), Species Creel (Harvest) Limit Potomac River Fisheries Commission, and Maryland Bay sport licenses are all honored on the mainstem Potomac and Maryland tribu- Walleye taries up to the demarcation lines (see below); all of these same licenses, except the Virginia saltwater licenses, are honored on the Virginia tributaries up to demarcation lines (see below): Virginia tributaries up to the following demarcation lines: • Accotink Creek: Rt. 1 Bridge • Aquia Creek: First bridge above Aquia Har- bor Marina

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 13 GENERAL INFORMATION

• Fishing in inland waters must be by angling • No species of fish, freshwater mussel, or mol- anchoring any vessel in the waters of the Roa- with a hook and line or rod and reel. (See excep- lusk may be taken in inland waters to be sold, noke River from Leesville Dam downstream tions for nongame fish on pages 25-26.) except under special permits provided by law. 840 feet to a permanent overhead cable. How- • All fishing on inland waters requires a fresh- • It is unlawful to take, kill, capture, or pos- ever, fishing is permitted from behind safety water fishing license, unless license exempt. sess any threatened or endangered species. railings of the Department’s Leesville Dam • A hand landing net may be used to land fish fishing structure. legally hooked in all waters. Virginia Game Fish • It is unlawful to have more than the daily Includes the following: trout, largemouth bass, Fishways creel limit of any fish in possession while smallmouth bass, spotted bass, rock bass, roa- It shall be unlawful to fish or to collect bait Unforgettable Adventures. afield or on the waters. "e daily creel limit noke bass, bream, bluegill, crappie, walleye, from March 1 through June 15 within 300 feet includes live possession of fish. sauger, saugeye, chain pickerel, muskellunge, of Boshers Dam Fishway on the north bank of • Any person who fishes on another’s property northern pike, striped bass, and white bass. the James River. must have the landowner’s permission to do so except on designated stocked trout waters Stocking Fish Department-owned Lakes, Ponds, along which signs have been placed indicat- It is unlawful to stock any species of fish into the Streams, or Boat Access Sites ing that the waters are open to public fishing. inland waters of Virginia without first obtaining Motors and boats • It shall be unlawful for any person, while written approval from the Department (private Unless otherwise posted, the use of boats pro- fishing, to remove the head or tail or oth- ponds excepted). Also, blue catfish and their pelled by gasoline motors, sail, or mechani- erwise change the appearance of any game hybrids cannot be stocked in privately owned cally operated paddle wheel is prohibited at fish (except bluegill sunfish and bream of the ponds and lakes. Department-owned lakes, ponds, or streams. sunfish family) having a daily creel or size However, in Department-owned water bodies limit so as to obscure its species or render it Trout As Bait that prohibit the use of gasoline motors, it is impracticable to measure its total original Artificially raised rainbow trout may be sold as permissible to use a boat equipped with such length or count the number of such fish in bait for use in the James and New rivers, and in a motor provided the motor is turned off at all possession. In addition, it shall be unlawful impoundments (ponds, lakes, reservoirs), except times (including launch and retrieval). for any person to possess or transport such impoundments listed as designated stocked trout altered game fish while on the water. However, waters and Lake Moomaw. Persons possessing Method of fishing the prohibition against possession and trans- purchased rainbow trout for bait must have a valid Taking any fish at any Department-owned lake, portation in the previous sentence shall not invoice or bill of sale, specifying date of purchase, pond, or stream by any means other than by use apply to the preparation of lawfully obtained the number of trout purchased, and name of an of one or more attended poles with hook and line fish for immediate use as food or any lawful individual or business permitted to sell trout. attached is prohibited unless otherwise posted. commercial use of such fish. • It is unlawful to use lime, dynamite, or any oth- Special Regulations Hours for fishing er substances to destroy fish, or to cast or allow Lick Creek, Bear Creek, Hungry Mother Fishing is permitted 24 hours a day unless noxious matter to pass into watercourses that Creek, Susong Branch, Mumpower otherwise posted at Department-owned lakes, might destroy fish or fish spawn, or to deposit Creek, and Timbertree Branch ponds, streams, or boat access sites. trash in streams or lakes or along their banks. It shall be unlawful to use fish as bait in Lick • It is illegal to use SCUBA (Self-contained Creek in Smyth and Bland Counties, Bear Creek Seasons, hours and methods of Underwater Breathing Apparatus) gear to in Smyth County, Laurel Creek in Tazewell and fishing, size and creel limits, hunting take or attempt to take fish. Bland Counties (North Fork Holston River drain- "e open seasons for fishing, as well as fishing • Remove all trotlines, juglines, or set poles from age), Big Stony Creek in Giles County, Dismal hours, methods of taking fish, and the size, public waters when not in use (see page 25). Creek in Bland and Giles Counties, Laurel Creek possession and creel limits, and hunting and • Marking fish with tagging equipment for in Bland County (Wolf Creek drainage) and trapping on Department-owned lakes, ponds, personal information or research requires Cripple Creek in Smyth and Wythe counties. streams, or boat access sites shall conform to agency permission. It shall be unlawful to use seines, nets, or the regulations of the board unless otherwise traps to take fish in Lick Creek in Smyth and excepted by posted rules by the director or his Bland Counties, Bear Creek and Hungry Mother designee. Such posted rules shall be displayed Creek (above Hungry Mother Lake) in Smyth at each lake, pond, stream, or boat access site, County, Laurel Creek and tributaries upstream in which case the posted rules shall be in effect. Feel-Good Savings. of the Highway 16 Bridge in Tazewell and Bland Failure to comply with posted rules concerning Counties, Susong Branch and Mumpower Creek seasons, hours, methods of taking, bag limits, in Washington County and the City of Bristol, and size, possession, and creel limits shall con- and in Timbertree Branch in Scott County. stitute a violation of this regulation. Heed the call of adventure with great insurance coverage. Dam Regulations Other uses Boat insurance serviced by the boating experts. Get a fast, free quote today. Buggs Island Camping overnight or building fires (except in Mechanical lure launchers may not be used developed and designated areas), swimming, within 600 yards below Buggs Island Dam. or wading in Department-owned lakes, ponds, To learn more or streams (except by anglers, hunters, and about recycling Walkers Dam trappers actively engaged in fishing, hunting, your fishing Only rod and reel and hand lines permitted or trapping), is prohibited. All other uses shall line and angling within 500 yards below dam. It is illegal to snag conform to the regulations of the board unless etiquette visit our fish at Walkers Dam. excepted by posted rules. website at www. dgif.virginia.gov/ Leesville Dam Fishing tournaments, etc. recycle-your-line. It shall be unlawful to fish, attempt to fish, It shall be unlawful to organize, conduct, su- geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | Local Office assist others in fishing, collect or attempt to pervise, or solicit entries for fishing tourna- collect bait while wading, or operating, or ments, rodeos, or other fishing events on lakes,

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Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. In the state of CA, program provided through Boat Association Insurance Services, license #0H87086. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2019 GEICO GENERAL INFORMATION

ponds, or streams owned by the Department for Cleaning and Cooking Your Fish • Discard the fat that cooks out of the fish, and which prizes are offered, awarded, or accepted Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and most avoid or reduce the amount of fish drippings based on size or numbers of fish caught, either other organic contaminants usually build up that are used to flavor the meal. in money or other valuable considerations. in a fish’s fat deposits and just underneath • Eat less deep fried fish since frying seals con- "is will not prohibit events approved by the the skin. By removing the skin and fat before taminants into the fatty tissue. Department which are intended to promote cooking, you can reduce the levels of these youth fishing or provide instruction, provided chemicals. Mercury collects in the fish’s muscle IMPORTANT: !e meal advice included in no prizes, as defined above, are awarded and and cannot be reduced by cleaning and cooking this information is based on fish that have no participation fees are charged. methods. You can reduce the fat and contami- been skinned, trimmed, and cooked prop- nants (e.g. pesticides, PCBs) in the fish you eat. erly. Fish Consumption Advisories To reduce the potential harmful effects from Also remember that larger and older fish tend Fishing provides many benefits, including eating contaminated fish, VDH recommends to collect more contaminants, and fatty fish food and recreational enjoyment. Many an- the following: (such as channel catfish and carp) tend to glers keep, cook, and eat their catches. Fish collect PCBs and other organic chemicals. are routinely monitored for contaminants • Eat smaller, younger fish. Younger fish are Eating smaller, younger fish and avoiding by the Department of Environmental Qual- less likely to contain harmful levels of con- fatty species can help limit your exposure. ity. Sometimes the fish in certain waters are taminants than older, larger fish. Your exposure depends not only on the con- found to contain potentially harmful levels of • Remove the skin, the fat from the belly and taminant levels in the fish, but also on the chemicals. When this happens, the Depart- top, and the internal organs before cooking. amount of fish you eat. ment of Health issues warnings for the af- • Bake, broil, or grill on an open rack to allow fected bodies of water. For specific, up-to-date fats to drain. Avoid pan frying in butter or ani- fish consumption advisories, please go to the mal fat because these methods hold fat juices. Health Department website, fishadvisories. vdh.virginia.gov or call the Health Department at 804-864-8182. Anglers should realize that they may still fish these waters and enjoy excellent recre- Q: What do I do if I catch a tagged fish? ational fishing. Below is a section on cleaning A: Anglers should call the regional office that corresponds to the area where the and cooking your fish, which will help reduce fish was caught and report their catch information or provide that information contamination levels in fish you eat. by mail. If a study is ongoing that provides a “reward” for tag returns, the tag must be removed from fish and returned to DGIF to receive the reward.

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Unauthorized introduction (i.e., stocking) of !sh or wildlife, • Hydrilla, Eurasian Milfoil, and Water Chestnut; many ex- including game, bait, and aquarium species, into new waters otic invasive aquatic plants are easily transported on boats can harm the environment and destroy public !sheries. and trailers. Many introduced species cause signi!cant and irreversible Releasing exotic or potentially harmful species is illegal: damage, but their long-term impacts may not be recognized • Blue Catfish, which are overabundant in our tidal rivers, until the population is established and eradication is impossible. with ongoing efforts to reduce their abundance; You can help by: • Flathead Catfish, which are native to the Midwest, prey on other !sh species almost from the time they hatch; • Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! Carefully inspect your boat, trailer, and equipment every time you launch or retrieve • Northern Snakeheads, which are exotics from Asia, with your boat, and every time you !sh a new waterbody. unknown impacts on other species; • Clean, Drain, and Dry! Remember that some of the most • Minnows released from bait buckets, which can out-com- destructive invasive species (e.g., zebra mussels or didymo) pete native species and/or disrupt spawning of important can survive and spread from INSIDE your boat engine, live species; and wells, bilge, coolers, waders, or other recreational gear. • Rusty Crayfish, which can destroy aquatic vegetation used • Destroy, or hold for future use, any unused live bait. as nursery habitat by game !sh; • Remember that blue cat!sh and their hybrids cannot be • Zebra or Quagga Mussels, and New Zealand Mud stocked into privately-owned ponds and lakes. Snails; all invasive exotic mollusks that may be easily and accidentally transported on or in boats, trailers, bait buck- • Report suspicious and illegal activity to 1-800-237-5712. ets, waders, or other !shing equipment; • Report suspected new populations of invasive plants or animals at: http://www.vainvasivespecies.org/report-sightings

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Seasons Catch-and-Release Fishing this reduces their survival by making them "ere is a continuous, year-round season for all It is often necessary to release a fish because it is more susceptible to disease or infection. freshwater fish, with the following exceptions: too small, illegal to keep, or you just don’t want • Remove hook promptly using needle nose to take it home to eat. In some cases, releasing pliers or a “hook out” device. If the hook is • Special times and limited closures for trout fish unharmed is a conservation measure that too deep or hooked in the stomach or throat, (Designated Stocked Trout Waters pg. 27, will assist in helping to maintain and build cut the line and leave the hook in. "e hook Youth-only Stocked Trout Waters pg. 28, population abundance and size. "e Depart- will dissolve without harming the fish. Trout Heritage Waters pg. 33, Urban Program ment of Game and Inland Fisheries encourages • Carefully revive the fish if it appears ex- Waters pg. 28, Blue Ridge Parkway pg. 28, anglers who practice catch-and-release fishing hausted by holding it upright and moving it and Fee Fishing trout waters pg. 33); and to use a few simple precautions when doing so. gently forward so water runs over the gills. • Certain seasons for special methods to take Using the tips below will help to assure that Release the fish when it begins to struggle nongame fish pages 25–26. the fish you release will survive to bite again and is able to swim. another day. • Do not hold fish in a live well and later decide Regulations for anadromous (coastal) striped to release it. If you are going to release a fish, bass, alewife and blueback herring above and be- • When catching a fish, play it quickly and do so right away. low the fall line, in tidal rivers of the Chesapeake keep the fish in the water as much as pos- • With a little care and by following the guide- Bay; and anadromous (coastal) American shad sible while handling. Avoid the use of a net lines set above, you can give released fish a and hickory shad, and all other saltwater fish be- in landing the fish and release it quickly to better chance of survival. low the fall line, in tidal rivers of the Chesapeake avoid exhaustion. • See the “Qualifying a Trophy Fish by Length Bay, are set by the Virginia Marine Resources • Handle the fish gently and as little as possible. and Photo” option for Trophy Fish Awards Commission. For more information call 757- Do not put your fingers in its eyes or gills. on page 54. 247-2200 or go online at www.mrc.virginia.gov. Avoid wiping the slime or scales off the fish;

Legal Methods for Capturing Fish Bait Information Nongame Bait: BAIT TYPE POSSESSION LIMIT NOTE • Seine not exceeding 4 feet depth by 10 feet in length. 1 50 • Minnow traps with throat openings no larger than 1 inch in diameter. • Collected by angling with hook and line 1 50 • Cast net. • Hand-held bow nets with diameter no larger 1 Hellgrammites 50 than 20 inches and handle length not to exceed 8 feet. 1 Salamanders 50 • Umbrella-type net not to exceed 5 by 5 feet square. • Dip nets may be used to take shad, herring, 2 Shad mullet, and suckers only but may not be used in waters where anadromous (American) shad and herring cannot be possessed. Trout Areas Restricted:

• Designated stocked trout waters between 4 only October 1 and June 15. • Department-owned lakes, unless otherwise posted. • Lick Creek in Smyth and Bland counties, Bear Creek in Smyth County, Laurel Creek and tributaries upstream of the Highway 16 bridge in Tazewell and Bland counties, Hungry Mother Creek above Hungry Mother Lake in Smyth County, Susong Branch and Mumpower Creek in Washington County and the City of Bristol, - and Timbertree Branch in Scott County. • Unlawful to take salamanders in Grayson Highlands State Park and on national forest lands in the Jeﬀerson National Forest in those portions of Grayson, Smyth, and Washington counties bounded on the east by Rt. 16, on the north side by Rt. 603, and on the south and west by Rt. 58. • "e use of nets other than cast nets (throw nets) to collect bait in the Roanoke (Staunton) and Dan Rivers in Campbell, Charlotte, Hali- fax, and Pittsylvania counties, and in the City For more information see pages 25-26. of Danville is prohibited. Cast nets may be used to collect bait in these rivers.

18 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV DON’T LET THEM HITCH A RIDE Zebra mussels are small (<1") freshwater bivalves with dark and light bands on their shells. They can attach to surfaces, in clusters, leading to tremendous recreation, wildlife, and eco nomic damage. They can be accidentally transported to Virginia by boaters and anglers, and we are counting on you to help stop the spread of zebra mussels by taking the following precautions: • Visually inspect and scrub boat hulls, motors, anchors, and trailers, removing any attached vegetation at site of origin, then hose equipment with hot (140°F) and/or high- pressure water if possible. • Bilges, live wells, and any other water-holding compart- ments should be drained at the site of origin and "ushed with disinfectant or hot water. • Boat and other equipment should remain completely dry for at least 24 hours before being used again. • Take same precautions with waders, bait buckets, and other equipment that can hold water or come into contact with water. If you believe you have seen or found a zebra mussel, please contact the Department immediately at (804) 367-6913 or Brian Watson at the Department’s Forest Of!ce (434-525- 7522). For more information on zebra mussels, please see Lee Walker / DGIF our website.

HOW TO USE CREEL & LENGTH LIMIT TABLE Q: I am !shing for smallmouth bass at Lake Moomaw. How many and what size may I keep? A: The statewide creel limit for bass is 5 in the aggregate, with no length limit. However, under GEOGRAPHICAL EXCEPTIONS, Lake Moomaw is listed. The exception is that no bass may be kept less than 12 inches long. Unless otherwise posted at the site, you could keep 5 bass but none of them can be less than 12 inches long. Q: What does the term “in the aggregate” mean? A: Aggregate means combined. In the example above for Lake Moomaw, unless otherwise posted, you can keep 5 bass in the aggregate but none can be less than 12 inches long. Example: You could keep 3 largemouth bass and 2 smallmouth bass for a combined or aggregate total of 5 but none of the 5 can be less than 12 inches in length. Q: I am !shing for largemouth bass at Lake Brittle in Fauquier County. How many can I keep and of what size length? A: Lake Brittle is not listed as a GEOGRAPHICAL EXCEP- TION since this is not a major lake. The DGIF website at www.dgif.virginia.gov/lakes under Lake Brittle indicates there is a 12–15 inch slot limit on largemouth, where all bass between 12–15 inches must be released. You could keep 5 bass but none between 12–15 inches long. This restriction should also be posted at Lake Brittle. 19 CREEL (HARVEST) AND LENGTH LIMITS How to Measure a Fish "e tables that follow give statewide creel (harvest) and length limits for major sport fish and exceptions for major rivers and lakes. Regulations for many smaller lakes and boat access areas are posted on site, and posted regulations are in effect (see “OTHER USES” under Department-owned Lakes, Ponds, Streams or Boat Access Sites, page 14). For smaller lakes, information can be found online at: www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing. Creel limits are per person per day.

Total Length

CREEL OR LENGTH LIMITS CREEL AND LENGTH LIMIT GEOGRAPHIC EXCEPTIONS FOR EXCEPTIONS Bass

Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted LAKES - -

20 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV CREEL OR LENGTH LIMITS CREEL AND LENGTH LIMIT GEOGRAPHIC EXCEPTIONS FOR EXCEPTIONS Striped Bass

Landlocked Striped Bass and Landlocked Striped Bass X White Bass Hybrids - -

Anadromous (coastal) striped bass above the fall line in all coastal rivers of the Chesapeake Bay -

Striped bass in the Meherrin, Nottoway, Blackwater (Chowan Drainage), North Landing and Northwest rivers and their tributaries plus Back Bay Walleye, Saugeye Sauger White Bass release only) Chain Pickerel Northern Pike

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 21 CREEL (HARVEST) AND LENGTH LIMITS

CREEL OR LENGTH LIMITS CREEL AND LENGTH LIMIT GEOGRAPHIC EXCEPTIONS FOR EXCEPTIONS Muskellunge

- Bluegill (bream) and other sunﬁsh excluding Crappie, Rock Bass (redeye) and Roanoke Bass

Crappie (black or white)

Rock Bass (redeye)

Roanoke Bass

Perch (yellow and white)

Trout

22 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV CREEL OR LENGTH LIMITS CREEL AND LENGTH LIMIT GEOGRAPHIC EXCEPTIONS FOR EXCEPTIONS Catﬁsh

Channel, White and Flathead

Blue

Yellow, brown, black, ﬂat, and snail bullhead

All Catﬁsh Hickory Shad Above and below the fall line in all coastal rivers of the Chesapeake Bay

Meherrin River below Emporia Dam, Nottoway River, Blackwater River, (Chowan Drainage), North Landing and Northwest rivers, and their tributaries plus Back Bay American Shad Anadromous (coastal) Alewife and Blueback Herring Above and below the fall line in all coastal rivers of the Chesapeake Bay and their tributaries -

Meherrin River, Nottoway River, Blackwater River (Chowan Drainage), North Landing and Northwest rivers and their tributaries, plus Back Bay Other native or naturalized nongame ﬁsh

Threatened and endangered species

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 23 CREEL (HARVEST) AND LENGTH LIMITS

CREEL OR LENGTH LIMITS CREEL AND LENGTH LIMIT GEOGRAPHIC EXCEPTIONS FOR EXCEPTIONS Grass Carp Northern Snakehead - Non-native (Exotic) Fish See pages 25–26 Longnose Gar Bowﬁn American Eel - Saltwater Marine Species See Virginia Marine Resources website: www.mrc.virginia.gov

The most up-to-date regulations online.

24 NONGAME FISH, REPTILE, AMPHIBIAN, AND AQUATIC INVERTEBRATE REGULATIONS

» Period of captivity does not exceed 30 days; length with a throat opening not exceeding General » Animals must be liberated at the site 36 inches. Taking turtles by hook and line Harvesting or collecting fish by any of the fol- of capture; requires a fishing license. lowing methods listed in this section requires » Animals must have been housed sepa- a freshwater fishing license. It shall be unlawful rately from other wild-caught and do- SCUBA: to take, possess, import, cause to be imported, mestic animals; and It is illegal to use SCUBA (Self-contained Un- export, cause to be exported, buy, sell, offer for » Animals that demonstrate symptoms of derwater Breathing Apparatus) gear to take or sale or liberate within the Commonwealth any disease or illness or that have sustained attempt to take fish. wild animal unless otherwise specifically per- injury during their captivity may not mitted by law or regulation. Native or natural- be released. Trotlines, juglines (noodles) ized albino reptiles, native or naturalized albino or set poles (limb lines): amphibians, and any domestic animals may be Methods to Capture or Take "ese may be used to take nongame fish and imported, possessed, and sold. A list of domestic General Methods: turtles provided they are not baited with live bait animals and the Department’s official listing • Except as provided for under “Other Meth- (worms are permissible), except on designated of “Native and Naturalized Fauna of Virginia” ods” and except in any waters where the stocked trout waters, Department-owned lakes, is available from the Richmond and regional use of nets is prohibited, the species listed and within 600 feet of any dam. Live bait other offices, and at www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife. in the previous section (Possession Lim- than game fish may be used on trot lines to take its) may only be taken by hand, hook and catfish in Carroll, Dickenson, Giles, Grayson, line, with a seine not exceeding 4 feet in Montgomery, Pulaski and Wythe counties, and Native and depth by 10 feet in length, an umbrella- in the Clinch River in Russell, Scott, and Wise type net not exceeding 5 by 5 feet square, counties. (See page 13 for South Holston Naturalized small minnow traps with throat openings Reservoir.) no larger than 1 inch in diameter, cast nets, Any person setting or possessing the above Species and handheld bow nets with diameter not equipment shall have it clearly marked by per- to exceed 20 inches and handle length not manent means with his or her name, address, Possession Limits to exceed 8 feet. and telephone number, and is required to check (see exceptions for certain species below) • Gizzard shad and white perch may also be all lines and remove all fish and animals caught taken from below the fall line in all tidal riv- each day. Personal Use & Not for Sale ers of the Chesapeake Bay using a gill net in Remove all trotlines, juglines, or set poles 5 – Amphibians and Reptiles accordance with Virginia Marine Resources (limb lines) from public waters when not in use. 20 – Nongame Fish and Aquatic Invertebrates Commission recreational fishing regulations. Additional requirements for juglines (also • Bullfrogs may also be taken by gigging or bow called “noodles”): Defined as a single hook, Exceptions: and arrow and from private waters by firearms including one treble hook, and line attached 1. No possession allowed. "reatened and en- no larger than .22 caliber rimfire. Taking to a float. Jugline/noodle sets on public waters dangered species, freshwater mussels, candy bullfrogs with a gig, .22 caliber rimfire, or shall be restricted to 20 per angler and must be darter, eastern hellbender, diamondback bow and arrow requires a hunting license. attended (within sight) by anglers at all times. terrapin, and spotted turtle. • Snapping turtles may be taken for personal Also, in addition to being labeled with the 2. No possession limits – can be possessed in use with hoop nets not exceeding 6 feet in angler’s name, address and telephone number, unlimited numbers. Carp, mullet, yellow bullhead, brown bullhead, black bullhead, snail bullhead, white sucker, northern hog- sucker, gizzard shad, threadfin shad, white perch, yellow perch (10 fish limit in Lake Moomaw), alewife and blueback herring DIDYMO... [see limits under Anadromous (coastal) in table on page 23)], stoneroller (horny- Spread the word, not the algae. head), fathead minnow, golden shiner, gold- Didymo is an invasive freshwater • DRY: If cleaning is not practical, dry fish, and Asian clams. algae that can form massive blooms equipment in the sun for at least 3. See page 23 for catfish and page 23 for and cover entire river bottoms. It 48 hours before using in another anadromous (coastal) shad and herring limits. thrives in cold, clear, shallow water stream. 4. Fish bait: minnows and chubs (Cyprinidae), and is currently found in at least four • LEAVE: Fish, plants, and vegeta- salamanders (less than 6 inches), crayfish, Virginia trout rivers: Smith, Jackson, tion should not be moved between and hellgrammites—50 in aggregate (all Pound, and Dan rivers below dams. species combined) unless said person has streams. Four steps anglers can take to help purchased fish bait and has a receipt speci- For more information, visit our website at prevent the spread of didymo: DIDYMO... fying the number of individuals purchased www.dgif.virginia.gov/!shing/didymo. by species. Note: Madtoms, crayfish, and • CHECK: Before leaving the river, spread the word, not the algae salamanders cannot be bought or sold. look for strands of algae on your 5. Bullfrogs – 15 per day. equipment. Remove the strands Snapping turtles – 5 per day, only from and leave them on-site. June 1 to September 30. Cannot be taken from the banks or waters of designated • CLEAN: Soak and scrub all gear for stocked trout waters. at least one minute in a 2% solution 6. Native amphibians and reptiles that are of household bleach. Make sure captured within the Commonwealth and that all surfaces of your equipment possessed live for private use and not for are thoroughly treated. sale may be liberated under the following conditions:

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 25 NONGAME FISH, REPTILE, AMPHIBIAN, AND AQUATIC INVERTEBRATE REGULATIONS

jugs/noodles shall also be labeled with a reflec- fishing license. Permits are valid in the county’s lands in the Jefferson National Forest in those tive marker that encircles the jugs/noodles to inland waters for which issued. All other fish portions of Grayson, Smyth and Washington allow for visibility at night. species taken are to be immediately returned counties bounded on the east by Rt. 16, on to the water alive. the north by Rt. 603, and on the south and Bow and Arrow (including crossbows): west by Rt. 58. "ese may be used to take common carp, grass Herring: carp, northern snakehead, and gar (fishing li- "e Virginia Marine Resources Commission Non-Native (Exotic Animals) cense required) during day and night hours (24 enacted a ban on the possession of river her- A special permit is required, and may be is- hrs.), except from waters stocked with trout. ring in tidal waters, effective January 1, 2012, sued by the Department, if consistent with the Bowfin and catfish may be taken in tidal waters due to the collapse of the stock and in order to Department’s fish and wildlife management (below Fall Line, see page 12). Spearguns and comply with an Atlantic States Marine Fisheries program, to import, possess, or sell the fol- poisoned arrows are prohibited. Snakehead must Commission directive. lowing non-native (exotic) amphibians, fish, be immediately killed and reported to DGIF. mollusks, aquatic invertebrates, and reptiles: Must comply with creel limits on fish. Suckers Taken with Dip Nets: giant or marine toad, tongueless or African Limit of 20 per day. clawed frog, barred tiger salamander, gray tiger Snagging, grabbing, snaring, gigging, Season: February 15– May 15. salamander, blotched tiger salamander, small- and the use of a striking iron: Dip nets shall not be more than 6 feet square. mouth buffalo, bigmouth buffalo, black buffalo, "ese are legal methods to take nongame fish in Dip net permits are not required for taking piranhas, bighead carp, grass carp or white certain waters in certain counties as follows (see suckers in Brunswick, Greensville, and Sus- amur, red shiner, silver carp, black carp, rudd, table page 23 for certain nongame fish limits): sex counties. tench, ruffe, snakeheads, air-breathing catfish, tilapia, swamp eel, tubenose goby, round goby, 1. In the waters of the following counties [ex- Nets and Seines: zebra mussel, New Zealand mudsnail, quagga cept public impoundments, the Roanoke Nets and Seines are prohibited while fishing in mussel, rusty crayfish, Australian crayfish, (Staunton) and Dan Rivers, and those wa- designated stocked trout waters and for taking marbled crayfish, Chinese mitten crab, alliga- ters stocked by the Department]: Amelia, fish from Department-owned or controlled tors, caimans, brown tree snake, crocodiles, Appomattox, Brunswick, Campbell, Char- lakes, except as otherwise posted (see table and gavials. lotte, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Goochland page 18 for certain nongame fish limits). "e Anglers may legally possess snakehead fish (except James River), Greensville, Halifax, use of nets and seines, except for hand-landing taken from Virginia waters provided they im- Louisa, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Not- nets and cast (throw) nets, is prohibited in mediately kill the fish and notify DGIF at 804- toway, Pittsylvania, and Prince Edward. the public waters of the Roanoke (Staunton) 367-2925. 2. From April 1 through May 15 and October and Dan rivers in Campbell, Charlotte, Hali- Grass carp may be legally harvested from 1 through November 30 during the daytime fax and Pittsylvania counties, and in the City public inland waters (rivers and streams), ex- in the following waters: Buchanan County, of Danville. Seines, nets, and traps are also cept from department-owned or department- all waters except Dismal River; Grayson prohibited in Lick Creek in Smyth and Bland controlled lakes. Anglers must ensure that all County, New River; Lee County, Powell counties, Bear Creek in Smyth County, Laurel harvested grass carp are dead. River; Russell County, Clinch River; Scott Creek and tributaries upstream of Highway 16 All other non-native (exotic) amphibians, County, Clinch River and its tributaries; bridge in Tazewell and Bland counties, Hungry fish, aquatic invertebrates, and reptiles not listed Tazewell County, Dry Run Creek; Wise Mother Creek above Hungry Mother Lake in above may be possessed, purchased, and sold, County, Clinch River; and Washington Smyth County, Susong Branch and Mumpower provided that such animals shall be subject County, Middle Fork and South Fork of Creek in Washington County and the City of to all applicable local, state, and federal laws the Holston River. Creel limit: 20 suckers Bristol, and Timbertree Branch in Scott County. and regulations, including those that apply to per day. However, these restrictions do not prohibit the threatened/endangered species, and further 3. Snagging for carp and suckers during April use of a hand-landing net to land fish legally provided that such animals shall not be liber- in Wolf and Big Walkers Creek in Giles hooked. Seasons and local restrictions govern- ated within the Commonwealth. County. ing the use of nets and seines are complex. Per- 4. Snagging for carp and suckers in Walkers sons deciding to try this type of fishing should Leave Snakes Alone Creek, Wolf Creek and the North Fork of contact the closest DGIF regional office for Under Virginia law, snakes are classified as a the Holston in Bland County. more information. See “Legal Methods for nongame species and are afforded protection 5. Bow and arrow and gigging for carp year- Capturing Nongame Bait” on page 18 for under nongame regulations. While killing round in the Shenandoah River. additional information on bait collecting. snakes is not a permitted activity, they can be 6. Shooting with a rifle for suckers and carp taken (except for state or federally listed spe- from April 15 to May 31 during daylight Areas/Species Restricted cies) when classified as a “Nuisance species” hours in the shoals of the Clinch River Designated Stocked Trout Waters: (29.1-100); when found committing or about within the limits of Scott County, except Nongame fish may be harvested only by hook to commit depredation upon agricultural or that it shall be unlawful to shoot fish on and line in designated stocked trout waters property damage, or when concentrated in Sunday or within the limits of any town, or between October 1 and June 15. numbers and manners to constitute a health from any bridge. Fishing license is required. hazard or other nuisance. For example, if a Creel limit: 20 per day. Mollusks: blacksnake is found in your chicken coop, Unlawful to take the spiny riversnail (Io flu- you have the legal right to kill it; or if a cop- Dip nets: vialis) in the Tennessee drainage in Virginia perhead is found in your garage, you have the Dip nets may be used to take shad, herring, (Clinch, Powell and the North, South and Mid- legal right to kill it. But to wantonly go out mullet and suckers except in designated stocked dle Forks of the Holston rivers and tributaries). and shoot snakes when they are not posing an trout waters, Department-owned or controlled It shall be unlawful to take mussels from any imminent threat to human safety or livestock lakes, in certain waters where anadromous shad inland waters in Virginia. is an unlawful activity. Snakes play a valuable and herring cannot be possessed (see page 23 role in our ecosystems as both predator and for shad and herring limits), and as restricted Salamanders: prey, and killing them for no justifiable reason below. "e user and all helpers (regardless of Unlawful to take salamanders in Grayson is contrary to the conservation mission of age) must have dip net permits ($4.50) or valid Highlands State Park and on National Forest the Department.

26 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV TROUT FISHING GUIDE

a number of exceptions found below for certain Stocking Plan (see pages 34–35). "ese wa- Trout Fishing areas and waters (i.e., heritage, urban, special ters will only be considered designated stocked area, special regulation, and fee fishing waters), trout waters from October 1 through June 15 Virginia contains over 3,500 miles of trout so please study the sections following for fish- (trout license required). A trout license is not re- streams, in addition to numerous ponds, small ing times, dates, and limits. "ese different quired from June 16 through September 30. Trout lakes and reservoirs. "e total includes over restrictions have been applied to certain wild angling hours on designated stocked trout waters 2,900 miles of wild trout streams and about trout waters, as well as several types of stocked are from 5:00 am until one hour after sunset. 600 miles of water inhabited with stocked trout. trout streams, to provide anglers with the op- See exceptions for Trout Heritage Waters (page Virginia’s diversified trout habitat offers a wide portunity to catch more and larger trout. 33), Urban Program Waters (page 28) and Fee range of trout fishing opportunities. Success for both wild and stocked trout should Fishing Areas (page 33). Designated stocked Trout management in Virginia consists of be very high through the spring, fall, and mild trout waters are posted by the Department with three basic programs: winter periods. From June through September, appropriate “stocked trout waters” signs. normally low stream flows and warming water It is unlawful to fish in designated stocked • !e Catchable Trout Stocking Program is temperatures make trout fishing more difficult. trout waters after the daily creel limit of trout the best known and most popular. “Designat- However, experienced trout anglers can find good has been obtained or during the closed hours ed Stocked Trout Waters” are stocked from trout fishing opportunities throughout the year. for taking trout. Once a trout is taken into pos- October through May with catchable-sized session by placing in the creel (basket, bucket, trout. See the Trout Stocking Plan for the Changes/Updates stringer, cooler, etc.) it becomes part of the daily streams and lakes stocked and their stock- • Hearthstone Lake (Augusta Co.) will not be creel limit and may not be released (culled). It ing schedule. stocked in spring 2020. is unlawful to feed, bait, or snag trout in desig- • !e Wild Trout Program includes the man- • A trout license will not be required to fish nated stocked trout waters. It shall be unlawful agement of reproducing populations of brook, designated stocked trout waters during Free for any person fishing in designated stocked rainbow, and brown trout. Efforts are directed Fishing Days June 5-7, 2020. A permit is still trout waters to use more than one rod, one line, primarily at habitat preservation and proper required to fish at Clinch Mountain, Crooked and one baited hook (a treble hook is consid- regulation for protection of spawning stocks. Creek, and Douthat Lake Fee Fishing Areas. ered one hook); however, any combination of • !e Fingerling Trout Stocking Program • Stocking dates for Urban Stocked Trout Wa- artificial lures is allowed. It shall be unlawful involves stocking sublegal trout into waters ters will be posted the week prior to stocking to use seines and nets in designated stocked that have cold summer water temperatures on the Department’s trout stocking info page, waters, except that a hand-landing net to land and a good food source. "is is the smallest dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/trout-stocking- fish legally hooked may be used in all waters. of the three programs, but includes many schedule and trout stocking telephone line. of our high quality, special regulation trout Kids Fishing Events fishing waters. Designated Trout Waters Kids fishing events that are sponsored by the (Catchable Trout Stocking Waters) Department and held on designated stocked Virginia’s trout season is open year-round “Designated Stocked Trout Waters” include those trout waters will be closed to adults (anglers and the general statewide limits are 6 trout waters that are stocked with catchable-sized trout over 15 years of age) from noon the day before per day, no fish less than 7 inches. "ere are and are listed by the Director in the annual Trout the event until the conclusion of the special

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR TROUT FISHING (See pages 10–11 for details and costs)

Note: The trout license is only required from October 1 through June 15. From June 16 through September 30 anglers can !sh in stocked trout waters without a trout license. Fee Fishing Areas (page 33) require a daily !shing permit in addition to an appropriate freshwater !shing license.

Residents 16 years of age and older. Nonresidents 16 years of age and older. 1. A state or county freshwater !shing license. 1. A nonresident annual, daily, or 5-day freshwater !shing license. 2. Fishing a Designated Stocked Trout Water? Need an additional trout license. (Note a resident may not use a 5-day 2. Fishing a Designated Stocked Water? Need an additional freshwater license in combination with a trout license). nonresident trout license. 3. Fishing in most waters within the George Washington and Note: Nonresident children under 16 not required to have Jefferson National Forests? Need a National Forest Stamp freshwater !shing or trout license. (refer to National Forest Stamp exceptions on pg. 12). 3. Fishing in most waters within the George Washington and 4. Fishing in wild trout or most special regulation waters? Jefferson National Forests? Need a National Forest Stamp Some require a signed landowner permit card which can (refer to National Forest Stamp exceptions on pg. 12). be obtained from certain DGIF of!ces, streamside land- 4. Fishing in wild trout or most special regulation waters? owners (see individual stream descriptions), and online at Some require a signed landowner permit card which can www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com. be obtained from certain DGIF of!ces, streamside landowners (see individual stream descriptions), and online at www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com.

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 27 TROUT FISHING GUIDE

event (only in the posted section). Any person over the age of 15 and accompanying a child who is incapable of hooking and landing a fish YOUTH-ONLY STOCKED unassisted, must be properly licensed to fish in designated stocked trout waters. TROUT PROGRAM (2020) Urban Program Waters The waters listed below have been designated by the Direc- tor and will only be considered Youth-Only Stocked Trout Waters in the Urban Fishing Program will be Waters from April 1 through June 15. Only youth age 15 and considered designated stocked trout waters under will be allowed to !sh during that time period. Adults can assist youth only from November 1 through April 30 only (trout by baiting the hook, casting, and removing the !sh from the hook. Adults cannot license required). A trout license is not re- assist with setting the hook or retrieving the !sh. The daily creel limit shall be 3 quired from May 1 through October 31. In trout. Adults assisting youth are not required to have a !shing license or a trout addition trout may be creeled from these waters license. Parking or access fees may be required at some locations. year-round and the trout creel limit is 4 per day, no fish less than 7 inches. Once a trout Youth-Only Waters will be stocked 3 times between April 1 and June 1. Stock- is taken into possession by placing in the creel ing times may vary depending on the distance from the hatchery to the receiv- (basket, bucket, stringer, cooler, etc.) it becomes ing water. DGIF will strive to stock between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. DGIF may part of the daily creel limit and may not be re- postpone or change the date of any of these stocking events due to circum- leased (culled). Stocking dates for these waters stances that compromise the resource or public safety. will be posted the week prior to stocking on the Department’s trout stocking info page and STOCKING DATES trout stocking telephone line (see box below). Special Trout Areas Blue Ridge Parkway Fishing is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise. No live or dead fish or fish eggs may be used as bait. Digging for worms is prohibited. Special creel limits and other regulations for Parkway waters may be posted. Shenandoah National Park Only single-point hook artificial lures may be used—no bait. On those streams open to harvest, the creel limit is 6 trout per day with a 9-inch minimum size for brook trout and a 7-inch minimum size for brown and rainbow trout. On all other streams open to fishing, catch and release regulations apply. "e release of any brown trout back into any Park stream is PRE-ANNOUNCED STOCKED prohibited and brown trout less than 7 inches must be disposed of within the Park but away TROUT WATERS (2020) from Park streams, roads or trails. "is is an Stocking times may vary depending on the distance from the hatchery to the effort to limit the impacts of brown trout on receiving water but most stocking will occur between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. the native brook trout populations. Contact There will be no temporary stream or lake closures associated with these stock- the Shenandoah National Park at 540-999-3500 ing events. The DGIF may postpone or change the date of any of these stocking for the annual list of streams open to harvest. events due to circumstances that compromise the resource or public safety.

WATER STOCKING DATE TROUT STOCKING INFORMATION 434-525-FISH (3474) Information is updated each day at 3:00 p.m. during the stocking season. Stocking information is also updated daily on the Depart- ment’s website. www.dgif.virginia.gov/!shing/trout- stocking-schedule

28 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV SPECIAL REGULATION T R O U T WAT E R S Quick Reference Special Regulation Trout Waters STREAM COUNTY REGULATION Bait Allowed Jackson River Tail- water (Alleghany County): From Gathright Dam Grayson downstream to the West- vaco Dam at Covington: No rainbow trout 12 to 16 inches; no brown trout Grayson less than 20 inches; 4 trout (combined rainbow and brown) creel (harvest) limit per day, only Conway River 1 of 4 can be a brown trout over 20 inches. All Dan River rainbow trout between 12 and 16 inches and all Dan River brown trout less than 20 inches must be released immediately. "e 7-inch statewide minimum Garth Run size limit does not apply to rainbow trout in this section of river. Bait allowed. Hardware River* Lake Moomaw (Alleghany/Bath Counties): "e entire reservoir has the special 16-inch Holmes Run* minimum size limit and 2 fish per day creel limit on trout. Bait allowed. Smith River (Henry County): From Philpott Dam downstream to the State Route 636 bridge crossing (Mitchell Bridge) located approximately 31 miles downstream of Philpott Dam and approximately 10.5 miles Grayson below Martinsville Dam: No brown trout 10 to 24 inches, only 1 brown trout per day longer Grayson than 24 inches. "e length limit for rainbow and brook trout is 7-inch minimum. "e creel limit for all trout combined is 6 fish/day, and only one brown trout can be larger than 24 inches. "e use of bait and any combination of artificial lure is allowed throughout this section North River* of river. (A trout license is required in the Put- Warren N-Take stocked sections of Smith River October 1 through June 15.) Bait allowed. Pedlar River* South Holston Reservoir Pound River (Washington County): Pound River* Grayson 7 per day creel (harvest) limit, only 2 of 7 can be a Lake trout; no length limits. See licenses Rapidan River and regulations in the reciprocal section on page 13. Bait allowed. Roaring Run 9-inch Minimum Big and Little Wilson Creeks and Smith River their tributaries, Quebec Branch, Wilburn Branch, and Mill Creek South River (Grayson County): Spring Run* "at portion within the Grayson Highlands State Park and the Jefferson National For- est Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. With the special regulation on Cabin Creek Wildcat Hollow (see below), all of the streams within Grayson Highlands State Park are under one regula- Grayson tion. Access can be gained through Grayson Highlands State Park on Route 806 and 817 off

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 29 SPECIAL REGULATION T R O U T WAT E R S

U.S. Route 58. Be prepared to do some hiking to fish this area. Regulations for the 9-inch, 12-inch, 16-inch/2 fish, 20-inch/1 Cabin Creek (Grayson County): fish, and Catch and Release trout stream sections that follow: "at portion of stream and its tributaries within 1. Only single-point hook artificial lures may be used unless otherwise the Grayson Highlands State Park and the Jef- noted. (see arti!cial lure de!nition on page 31) ferson National Forest Mount Rogers National 2. No bait may be in possession while !shing these waters unless otherwise Recreation Area. See above for more informa- noted. tion on the area. 3. All trout less than the minimum size must be immediately returned to Conway River/Devils Ditch (Greene the water unharmed. No trout less than the minimum size may be in and Madison Counties): possession while fishing in these waters. "at portion of Conway River and its major tributary, Devils Ditch, within the Rapidan Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and the Shenandoah National Park. "e stream lies north of Stanardsville and can be reached by 12-inch Minimum can be obtained by visiting DGIF’s website Route 615 from Graves Mill. Snake Creek (Carroll County): www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/trout. "at portion of Big Snake Creek below Hall Ford Garth Run (Madison County): and that portion of Little Snake Creek below the *Dan River (Patrick County): "at portion of stream within the Rapidan junction of Routes 922 and 674, downstream "at portion from Talbott Dam approximately WMA. "e stream can be reached by Route 615 to Route 58. Fishing downstream of Route 58 6 miles downstream to a sign posted just up- from Graves Mill. Most of the stream is acces- is no longer permitted. Parking and angler ac- stream from the confluence of the Dan River sible only by foot as the streams enters a gorge. cess is only permitted along Route 922 and at and Townes Reservoir. "e upper reaches can the Route 58 bridge (unless an individual is a be reached by taking Route 614 south from Little Stony Creek (Giles County): landowner or guest). Meadows of Dan, turn right on Route 601, and "at portion of stream within the Jefferson proceed to Talbott Dam. "e lower reach can National Forest. "e stream is located near Smith Creek (Alleghany County): only be accessed by boat at the upper end of Pembroke and can be reached by Route 623. "at portion from the Clifton Forge Dam down- Townes Reservoir. *A permit from the City of stream to a sign at the Forest Service boundary Danville is required and can be obtained at no Little Stony Creek (Shenandoah County): above the C & O Dam. Best stream access is by charge from the City Utilities Department or "at portion of stream within the George Wash- Route 606 from Clifton Forge to the Clifton on site at the Pinnacles Powerhouse. Contact: ington National Forest, including Woodstock Res- Forge Water Plant access road; anglers must City of Danville, Director of Electric Division, ervoir. "e stream is located west of Woodstock park at the entrance and walk a half mile to Department of Utilities, P.O. Box 3300, Dan- and the Forest Service Road 92 crosses the lower the stream. ville, VA 24543. Phone: 434-799-5270. portion of the special regulation section. Much of the upper reaches can only be reached by foot trail. Whitetop Laurel/Green Cove Jackson River (Bath County): Creeks (Washington County): "at portion from the Forest Service swinging Mill Creek (Giles County): Whitetop Laurel (2 sections)—that portion bridge, located just upstream from the mouth "at portion of Mill Creek and its tributaries upstream from the first railroad trestle above of Muddy Run, upstream 3 miles to the last upstream of the Poplar Street Bridge in the Taylor Valley to the mouth of Green Cove Creek ford on Forest Service Road 481D. "is section Town of Narrows (Mill Creek flows through at Creek Junction and that portion upstream is stocked several times a year with catchable- the National Forest in Giles County and the from the mouth of Straight Branch to a sign at sized trout and good populations are always Town of Narrows.) "e stream can be accessed the Forest Service boundary just downstream present (a trout license is required to fish in from a parking area on Northview Street, off of of Taylors Valley. "ere remains a section of this stream from October 1 through June State Route 100, south of Narrows. catchable stocked trout water without special 15). "is section can only be reached by foot regulations through the village of Taylors Valley. travel, either from the Hidden Valley area or North Fork Buffalo River (Amherst County): off Route 623 and FS Road 481. Note: Multiple "at portion of the stream and its tributaries Green Cove Creek—that portion from Rt. 859 hook artificial lures are permitted. within the George Washington National Forest. downstream to its mouth. "e special regula- Access is available by a forest trail off Forest tion area is located east of Damascus (near the Pound River (Dickenson County): Road 51 or from the end of State Route 635. Tennessee line) and lies within the Mount "at portion from a sign 0.4 miles below Flan- Rogers Recreation Area. nagan Dam downstream 1.2 miles to a sign just St. Mary’s River (Augusta County): upstream of the confluence of the Pound River All portions of stream and its tributaries above 16-inch and the Russell Fork River. "e section can be ac- the gate near the George Washington National Minimum, 2 cessed from Flannagan Dam, which is owned and Forest property line. "e stream lies east of Fish Per Day operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Raphine off Route 608, a short distance from *Buffalo Creek I-81. Most of the area is accessible by foot trail (Rockbridge Roaring Run (Botetourt County): only and backpacking is popular. County): "e 1-mile special trophy trout section is lo- "at portion from the cated in the Jefferson National Forest between Ramsey’s Draft (Augusta County): confluence of Col- the third foot bridge upstream of the Roaring "at portion of the stream and its tributaries lier’s Creek upstream 2.9 miles to the con- Run Furnace Day Use Area and the Botetourt/ within the George Washington National For- fluence of North and South Buffalo creeks. Alleghany County line. "e stream can be ac- est. To reach this stream, drive 15 miles west "e stream flows through private land and *a cessed by taking Route 615 off US Route 220 west of Churchville on Route 250 and look for the free written landowner permit is required of Eagle Rock to Route 621 at Strom. "e lower Mountain Home Picnic Area on the right; a foot to fish these waters. A no-cost permit, map, section of Roaring Run (within the National trail parallels the stream from the picnic area. and addi tional information for this stream Forest) remains catchable stocked trout water.

30 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV South Fork Holston River (Smyth County): stream is hike-in access only from the Hidden the Falls of Little Stony Creek downstream to a "is section includes approximately 4 miles of Valley WMA. posted sign at the Hanging Rock Recreation Area. stream extending from 500 feet above the concrete dam at Buller Fish Hatchery, upstream to *Dan River (Patrick County): Little Tumbling Creek (Smyth the upper Jefferson National Forest boundary "at portion of stream and its tributaries be- and Tazewell Counties): (above the crossing of the Appalachian Trail). tween the Townes Dam and the Pinnacles Hy- "at portion of stream within the Clinch Moun- "is section is located South of Marion and droelectric Powerhouse. "is section can be tain WMA. Access is available from Route 91 west of the community of Sugar Grove off Route reached by taking Route 8 south from Stuart via a WMA access road that parallels the lower 16. Anglers can access most of this section from to Route 103 west, turn right on Route 648 at 2 miles of stream. Access to the headwaters is Route 670. Claudeville, and proceed to the powerhouse at by foot only. the end of the road. "e upper end of this section 20-inch can be reached by taking Route 614 south from Big Tumbling Creek (Russell, Smyth, Minimum, Meadows of Dan, turning left on Route 602, and and Washington Counties): 1 Fish Per Day, proceeding to Townes Dam. *A permit from Seasonal Catch and Release Only (October 1st Flyfishing Only the City of Danville is required and it can be until five days prior to the start of the Fee Fishing *Mossy Creek obtained at no charge from the Pinnacles Pow- Season. Closed to angling five days prior to the (Augusta County): erhouse or from the City Utilities Department. start of the Fee Fishing Season). "at portion of A 4-mile portion of Contact: City of Danville, Director of Electric stream located on the Clinch Mountain WMA stream upstream from Division, Department of Utilities, P.O. Box 3300, from a sign starting at the foot of the mountain the Augusta/Rocking- Danville, VA 24543. Phone: (434) 799-5270. and extending upstream to the Briar Cove Bridge ham county line to a sign posted at the conflu- and also Laurel Bed Creek upstream to Laurel ence of Joseph’s Spring. "e stream is located East Fork Chestnut Creek (Farmers Bed Dam. A trout license is required. just off Route 42 south of Bridgewater. Fishing is Creek) (Grayson and Carroll Counties): restricted to fly-fishing only and *a free written "at portion of stream and its tributaries North Creek (Botetourt County): landowner permit is required to fish these upstream from the Blue Ridge Parkway. "e "at portion of stream and its tributaries up- waters. A no cost permit, map, and additional stream lies south of Galax, crossing the Blue stream from a sign at the North Creek Camp- information for this stream can be obtained by Ridge Parkway a short distance east of Route 89. ground. "e stream is located east of Buchanan, visiting DGIF’s website www.dgif.virginia.gov/ a short distance from I-81. "e Jefferson Na- fishing/trout. Little Stony Creek (Scott County): tional Forest maintains a campground adjacent "at portion of Little Stony Creek and its tribu- to the stream and vehicular access is available *South River (Augusta County): taries within the Jefferson National Forest from along most of its length. "at portion of South River from North Oak Lane Bridge in Waynesboro upstream to a sign posted approximately 1.5 miles above the Rt. 626 (Shalom Road) Bridge. "is section of stream flows through private property and * a free written landowner permit is required to fish ARTIFICIAL LURE DEFINITION these waters. A no cost permit, map, and ad- Arti!cial lure shall include manufactured or handmade "ies, spinners, plugs, ditional information for this stream can be spoons, and facsimiles of live animals, but shall not be construed to include ar- obtained by visiting DGIF’s website: www.dgif. ti!cially-produced organic baits and !sh eggs that are intended to be ingested. virginia.gov/fishing/trout or in person at South River Fly Shop, 317 West Main St., Waynesboro Arti!cial lure with single hook shall mean any single point lure (with no multiple (540-942-5566) or Dominion Outdoors, 15 Aela point hooks). Where single-hook arti!cial lures are required, a multiple number Ct., Fishersville, VA 22939 (540-337-9218). of single-hook lures (such as dropper "ies) !shed in a series is permitted. Catch-and- Release Only Single-Point Hook Artificial Lure Beaver Creek Legal in special regulation waters listed as (Washington “only single-point hook arti!cial lures.” County): "at portion of stream and its tributaries within A treble hook with two A “dropper-"y” the boundaries of Sugar hook points removed is rig is considered Hollow Park in the City considered a “single- a single-point of Bristol. point hook.” hook arti!cial lure. Big Stony Creek (Mountain Fork) (Wise and Scott Counties): "at portion of Big Stony Creek (Mountain Fork) and its tributaries within the Jefferson Artificial Lure—No National Forest from the outlet of High Knob Limitation on the Number Lake downstream to the confluence of Chimney of Hooks or Hook Points Rock Fork and Big Stony Creek. Legal in special regulation Brumley Creek (Washington County): waters listed as “arti!cial lures only” (ex. Delayed "at portion of stream and its tributaries from Harvest Waters). the Hidden Valley WMA boundary upstream Images by Meghan Marchetti / DGIF to the Hidden Valley Lake Dam. "is portion of

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 31 SPECIAL REGULATION T R O U T WAT E R S

North Fork Moormans River Wildcat Hollow (Fauquier County): Hardware River WMA, and is accessed by taking (Albemarle County): "at portion of stream within the G. R. "omp- Route 6 east from Scottsville then turning right "at portion of the stream within the Shenan- son WMA. Foot access is available from the lower onto Route 611 to the Kidd’s Mill Road parking doah National Park. Access is available using Ted Lake Trail parking area located off of Rt. 688. area. To access the eastern portion of the WMA, Rt. 614 past Sugar Hollow Reservoir. continue east on Route 6 and turn right onto Wolf Creek (Washington County): Route 646. Detailed maps and information on Rapidan River (Madison County): "at portion of stream and its tributaries within the Hardware River WMA can be obtained from "at portion of stream and its tributaries (in- the Abingdon Muster Grounds in the Town of any DGIF office or at www.dgif.virginia/gov/wma. cluding Staunton River) upstream from a sign at Abingdon from Colonial Avenue downstream the lower Shenandoah National Park boundary to Stone Mill Road. Holliday Creek (Appomattox/ (includes the entire stream and its tributar- Buckingham Counties): ies within the Shenandoah National Park and Delayed Harvest "at portion of stream from the Rt. 640 crossing the Rapidan WMA). Access to the Rapidan is Waters downstream 2.8 miles to a sign at the headwa- available using Route 662 from Graves Mill and From October 1 ters of Holliday Lake. "is section is located Route 649 from Criglersville. through May 31 fish- completely within the Appomattox/Bucking- ing on the following ham State Forest that can be accessed by taking Redbud Run (Frederick County): waters is permitted Route 24 north out of Appomattox to Route 626. Approximately 1.3 mile section of stream within under specific regu- Anglers should turn onto Routes 640 or 614 to the Redbud Run WMA starting at Route 656 lations only: access a series of foot trails to the stream that have and ending just downstream of Route 660. been developed by the Virginia Department of Angler parking is located off of Route 660 just 1. Only artificial lures may be used. Forestry (VDOF). A State Forest Use Permit is north of Route 7, east of Winchester. 2. No trout may be in possession (catch and required by the VDOF for anyone 16 years and release only) while fishing these waters. older who fishes in one of Virginia’s 19 State Roaring Fork (Tazewell County): 3. No bait may be in possession while fishing Forests; the Use Permit is available at authorized "at portion upstream from the southwest these waters. retailers who sell fishing licenses, or online. boundary of Beartown Wilderness Area of the 4. Trout license required October 1–June 15. Jefferson National Forest. Access can be gained Holmes Run (Fairfax County): from Forest Service Road 222 off Route 16, Note: During the period of June 1 through Sep- "at portion of stream from the Lake Barcroft south of Tazewell, some hiking will be required. tember 30 restrictions 1 through 3 above will Dam downstream 1.2 miles to a sign posted at not apply and these waters are like any other the Alexandria City line. A fairly good trail fol- South Fork Holston River (Smyth County): designated stocked trout water (see page 27). lows (and sometimes crosses) the stream from "at portion of stream from the concrete dam at the parking lot off Columbia Pike (Route 244). Buller Fish Hatchery downstream to the lower Accotink Creek (Fairfax County): boundary of the Buller Fish Hatchery. Access "at portion of stream from King Arthur Road Indian Creek (Lee County) can be gained through the Buller Fish Hatchery downstream 3.1 miles to Route 620 (Braddock "at portion of stream within the boundaries property off Route 650, south of Marion. Road). Primary access is via the FCPA Wakefield of Wilderness Road State Park. "e stream can Park facility off Braddock Road. be accessed from Route 58. South River (Augusta County/ City of Waynesboro) Back Creek (Bath County): Middle Fork of Powell River (Wise County) "at portion of stream from the Second St. "at portion of stream from the Rt. 600 Bridge "at portion of stream from the trestle bridge Bridge upstream 2 miles to the Wayne Ave. just below the Virginia Power Back Creek Dam just downstream of the Town of Appalachia to Bridge in the City of Waynesboro. A trout li- downstream 1.5 miles to the Rt. 600 Bridge the trestle bridge just upstream of the Town cense is required. at the lower boundary of the Virginia Power of Big Stone Gap. "is stream reach parallels Recreational Area. Take Route 39 west from Business Route 23. Spring Run (Bath County): Warm Springs to Mountain Grove, then right "at portion of the stream from its confluence on Route 600 for 6 miles. North Fork of Pound and Pound with the Cowpasture River upstream to a cable Rivers (Wise County): and posted sign at the discharge from Coursey Big Moccasin Creek (Scott County) "at portion of the streams from the base of Springs Hatchery. Parking is available at the "at portion of the stream from the VDOT foot North Fork of Pound Dam downstream to the angler access just below the hatchery. A trout bridge at the lower end of Gate City downstream confluence with Indian Creek. Access is avail- license is required October 1 through June 15. to the Wadlow Gap Highway Bridge (Highway able at the North Fork of Pound Dam and at 58/421). parking lots within the town of Pound. Stewart’s Creek (Carroll County): Approximately 4.5 miles of Stewart’s Creek Chestnut Creek (Carroll County): North River (Augusta County): and its two major tributaries, North Fork and "at portion of stream from the U.S. Rt. 58 "at portion of stream from the base of Elkhorn South Fork Stewart’s Creek, within the Stew- Bridge downstream 11.4 miles to the conflu- Dam downstream 1.5 miles to a sign posted arts Creek WMA. Stewart’s Creek WMA is ence with the New River. "e stream parallels at the head of Staunton City Reservoir. "is southeast of Galax on the east side of the Blue the New River Trail State Park, and parking is a remote section of stream that can only Ridge Parkway. Take Exit 1 off I-77. Follow the is available at state road crossings and at the be reached by foot trail. Access is available by trailblazer signs to the area. trail head in Galax. In addition to the state parking at Elkhorn Lake and following the trail park, many private landowners have made this along the lake to the spillway. Venrick Run (Wythe County): program possible and anglers should be sure to "at portion of Venrick Run and its tribu- respect adjoining private property. Passage Creek (Warren County): taries within Big Survey WMA and Town of "at portion of stream from the Shenandoah/ Wytheville property. The stream can be Hardware River (Fluvanna County): Warren County line downstream approximately accessed from a parking lot on Town property "at portion of stream from the confluence with 1 mile through the Department’s Front Royal at the end of State Route 684, off of State Route the James River upstream 3 miles to Muleshoe Fish Hatchery. "is section is immediately 21, south of Wytheville. Bend as posted. "is section is located within the downstream of the area that has historically

32 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV been stocked under the put-and-take program. available at authorized license agents or online ($8.00) is required from the first Saturday Parking is available on Forest Service lands www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com. After the fee in April through September 30. Trout are adjacent to Route 678 or on Department lands fishing season, these areas revert to designated stocked 4 times per week throughout the fee adjacent to Route 619. stocked trout waters and a trout license is re- period, and fishing begins at 5:00 a.m. daily, quired instead of the daily permit. "e creel except for 9:00 a.m. on opening day, and ends Peak Creek (Pulaski County): limit at these areas is six fish per day, minimum one hour after sunset. "at portion of stream from the confluence of length 7 inches. Fishermen are required to use Directions: From Galax, take Rt. 58 east to Tract Fork downstream 2.7 miles to the Rt. 99 separate stringers. Bait or artificial lures may Woodlawn, then take Rt. 620 south approxi- Bridge. Approximately 1 mile of this section is be used as posted. Children-only fishing area mately 4 miles to the area. in downtown Pulaski. (where applicable) regulations are posted. Douthat Lake Fee Fishing Area: Pedlar River (Amherst County): Clinch Mountain Fee Fishing Area: "is area includes Douthat State Park Lake (60 "at portion of stream from the City of Lynch- "is fee area is located in southwest Virginia, acres) and 4 miles of Wilson Creek: above the burg/George Washington National Forest about 7 miles west of Saltville. A daily permit lake to the park boundary and downstream to boundary line (below Lynchburg Reservoir) ($8.00) is required from the first Saturday the lower USFS boundary. Trout are stocked 2 downstream 2.7 miles to the boundary line of in April through September 30. Trout are times per week throughout the fee period with the George Washington National Forest (south- stocked 4 times per week throughout the fee the exception of the final week of the fee season east of Buena Vista). "e U.S. Forest Service period, and fishing begins at 5:00 a.m. daily, which will receive a single stocking of a double and the Department have cooperated in the except for 9:00 a.m. on opening day, and ends load. A daily permit ($8.00) is required from development of three access sites to the river one hour after sunset. "e area consists of ap- the first Saturday in April through June 15 located along FS 39 off Route 607. proximately 7 miles of Big Tumbling Creek and and from September 15 through October its two major tributaries, Briar Cove Creek and 31. From June 16 through September 14, no Roanoke River (Roanoke Laurel Bed Creek. Note: Access to Laurel Bed trout will be stocked and no daily fee or trout County and City of Salem): Lake is also closed the 5 days prior to opening license is required. Fishing begins at 6:00 a.m "ere are two delayed harvest sections located day for this fee area. daily, except on opening day (9:00 a.m.). A small on the Roanoke River near Roanoke. "e first Directions: From Saltville, turn left off of Rt. “children-only” area has been established on section is located within Green Hill Park in 107 onto Rt. 91 (1⁄4 mile); then right onto Rt. Wilson Creek, just below the dam. Roanoke County and was established in 2001. 634; bear left onto Rt. 613 and proceed 3.5 miles; Directions: Located 7 miles north of Clifton "e newest section is located within the City then right onto Rt. 747 to the area. Forge on Rt. 629 which can be accessed by Exit of Salem and was established in 2003. "e Green 27 off of I-64. Hill Park section is easily found off Route 11/460 Crooked Creek Fee Fishing Area: west of Salem and stretches from the Route 760 "is area is located in Carroll County, 5 miles For maps and more detailed trout fishing Bridge (Diguids Lane) upstream 1 mile to a sign east of Galax, and consists of a 5-mile stocked information check out: www.dgif.virginia. posted at the upper end of the park. It is best section and an approximately 2-mile section gov/fishing/trout/. to access the stream from the park side of the managed as a wild trout fishery. A daily permit stream, and anglers are encouraged to use the parking areas provided. "e Salem section is located along Riverside Drive and stretches from the Colorado Street Bridge downstream approximately 2 miles to the Route 419 Bridge. 2020 TROUT HERITAGE WATERS "is section is most easily accessed from the Riverside Drive side of the river. This program was added for those anglers who enjoyed and missed the old opening day. Selected waters are stocked for the Fee Fishing Areas !rst Saturday in April to create an announced stocking event. "e fee fishing areas of- The following waters will be stocked for Heritage Day on April 4: fer put-and-take trout fishing with the added Beartree Lake Hawksbill Creek Pedlar River (upper) advantage that trout are Washington County Page County Amherst County stocked several times Bark Camp Lake Jennings Creek Pigg River weekly throughout the Scott County Botetourt County Franklin County season. For those anglers who reminisce about the opening day of Clinch Mountain Fee Lake Witten Quantico MCB trout season, these areas still provide this op- Fishing Area* Tazewell County Prince William County Washington County portunity on the first Saturday in April when Liberty Lake Robinson River they open at 9:00 a.m. ("e fee season may vary Cripple Creek Bedford County Madison County (Ravens Cliff) among the 3 fee fishing areas. Refer to informa- Lincolnshire Lake Rose River Wythe County tion listed under each fee area). Fee areas are Tazewell County Madison County closed to fishing 5 days prior to opening day. Crooked Creek Fee Middle Fork South Fork Powell River During the fee fishing season, a daily permit Fishing Area* Holston River Wise County ($8.00) is required of any person over 12 years Carroll County Smyth County of age, in addition to a valid Virginia fresh- Tinker Creek Douthat Lake Fee water fishing license (all children under 16 Passage Creek Fishing Area* Roanoke County are exempted from having a fishing license). Shenandoah County Bath County Children 12 years of age and under can fish without a permit throughout the fee-fishing area * The fee !shing areas are closed to angling from March 31 to April 3. as long as they are accompanied by a permitted adult and their combined creel does not exceed Heritage Waters are closed on April 3. On April 4, !shing can begin at 9:00 a.m. that of the adult (6 trout). Daily permits are

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 33 CATCHABLE TROUT STOCKING PLAN 2020 Catchable Trout Stocking Plan

"ese waters are considered Designated Trout Waters and require a trout license between October 1 and June 15. Urban Waters require a trout license November 1–April 30.

U * + CR DH (NSF) ** (H)

ALBEMARLE COUNTY BATH COUNTY DICKENSON COUNTY A B A A B A A A A B A + A ALEXANDRIA CITY + FAIRFAX COUNTY ALLEGHANY COUNTY A A A FAUQUIER COUNTY B B FLOYD COUNTY BEDFORD COUNTY A AMHERST COUNTY A B BLAND COUNTY B B B A A A B BOTETOURT COUNTY B A B FLUVANNA COUNTY APPOMATTOX COUNTY B B FRANKLIN COUNTY AUGUSTA COUNTY B B B BUCHANAN COUNTY A A A FREDERICK COUNTY A A CARROLL COUNTY B A B A A B A FREDERICKSBURG B B B GILES COUNTY CHESAPEAKE CITY A A B CRAIG COUNTY A B B A

34 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV GRAYSON COUNTY PULASKI COUNTY A B A B RICHMOND CITY A A B ROANOKE COUNTY B B A GREENE COUNTY A A B HAMPTON CITY A A A HENRICO COUNTY A STAUNTON CITY ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY B HENRY COUNTY B TAZEWELL COUNTY B A A A A HIGHLAND COUNTY B A A ROCKINGHAM COUNTY B B A WARREN COUNTY LEE COUNTY B B A A WASHINGTON COUNTY A A LYNCHBURG CITY B B B A MADISON COUNTY B A B A A A A RUSSELL COUNTY MONTGOMERY COUNTY A A B SCOTT COUNTY A A A WISE COUNTY B B B NELSON COUNTY B A B A SHENANDOAH COUNTY NORTON CITY B A A A WYTHE COUNTY PAGE COUNTY A B A A A B B SMYTH COUNTY A PATRICK COUNTY B B B A B PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY B Shutterstock.com

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 35 FISH IDENTIFICATION AND INFORMATION Fish illustrations by Duane Raver/USFWS

Common Names: Common Names: Common Name: - Best Fishing: Lakes: Best Fishing: Lakes: Rivers: Best Fishing: Lakes: - Rivers: Rivers: - - -

Crappie Common Names: Common Names: Common Name: - - Best Fishing: Lakes: Rivers: Best Fishing: Lakes: Best Fishing: Lakes: - Rivers:

36 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV Common Names: Common Names: Common Name: - - - Best Fishing: - Best Fishing: Best Fishing: - -

Common Names: Common Names: - scaleless or nearly so. Best Fishing: Lakes: Best Fishing: Lakes: Rivers: Best Fishing: Rivers: -

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 37 FISH IDENTIFICATION AND INFORMATION Fish illustrations by Duane Raver/USFWS

Common Names: Common Names: Common Names: - Best Fishing: Best Fishing: Lakes: Best Fishing: Lakes: Rivers: Rivers: -

Common Names: Common Names: Common Names: - Best Fishing: Best Fishing: Lakes: Rivers: Best Fishing: - - Lakes: Rivers: - -

38 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV Common Names: Common Names: Common Names: Best Fishing: Lakes: Best Fishing: Lakes: Rivers: Best Fishing: - -

Common Names: Common Names: Common Names: - - Feeding Habits:- Best Fishing:akes: Best Fishing: Lakes: Rivers: Rivers: Best Fishing: Lakes: Rivers and Streams:

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 39 FISH IDENTIFICATION AND INFORMATION Fish illustrations by Duane Raver/USFWS

Common Name: Common Names: Common Names: Best Fishing: - Best Fishing: Lakes: Lakes: Rivers: Rivers and Streams: Best Fishing: Lakes:Rivers and Streams: -

Common Names: Common Names: Common Name: - Best Fishing:- Best Fishing: Lakes: Rivers: - Best Fishing: Lakes:- - -

40 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV Common Names: Common Names: Common Names: Best Fishing: Rivers: Best Fishing: Rivers: Best Fishing: Lakes: - - Rivers:- - - -

Common Name: Common Names: Common Names: Best Fishing: Rivers:Lakes: Island. Best Fishing: Lakes: Fishing: Rivers: - - - -

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 41 FISH IDENTIFICATION AND INFORMATION Fish illustrations by Duane Raver/USFWS

DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE?

Northern Snakehead Common Names: Pelvic !ns close to Extended anal !n pectoral !ns and gills - Similar-Appearing Native Species Black spot at base of tail Bowﬁn Best Fishing: Lakes: Rivers: Pelvic !ns set back from Short anal gills and pectoral !ns !n Anglers are encouraged to contact DGIF with all snakehead catches but are required to call if they plan to keep a legally caught !sh, which must be killed before being taken into possession. 804-367-2925

KEEPING WILD FISH POPULATIONS HEALTHY Working to protect the health of Virginia’s native and stocked !sh populations is critical to ensure that Virginia’s !shery resources are maintained for future generations of !shermen. There are several ways in which anglers can reduce their chances of inadvertently spreading disease causing organisms from one location to another:

• Do not purposefully move !sh, other aquatic organisms, ©Eric Engbretson sediment, or water from one body of water to another. • Remove any mud, plants, !sh, or sediment from !shing gear and boats before using them at another location. For individuals that stock ponds and public waters, it is im- • Pour out any water that may have accumulated in boats or portant that only healthy !sh are released. To ensure that equipment before use in another location. only healthy !sh are stocked, individuals that stock either private ponds or public waters are encouraged to purchase • Dispose of any !sh leftover parts that remain after clean- their stockers from production facilities that regularly test ing by burying or incinerating them or by placing them in their !sh for diseases. This information may be obtained by a tightly closed garbage bag and placing them in a dump- asking the producer about the !sh health testing history of ster, land!ll, or trash bin. his or her facility.

42 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV PUBLIC LAKES

GUIDE

N N

ACCO

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BEA

PORTSMOUTH

HAMP WP NEWPORT NEWS

NORTHUMBERLAND THEWS CHESAPEAKE MA

• • • • • •

YP OUCESTER RK LANCASTER GL YO MIDDLESEX • • • • • • ON OND ISLE OF WIGHT SUFFOLK CP Y RELAND JAMESY

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SURR • • •

ESTM ESSEX SB ARLINGT

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T DINWIDDIE

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FA OW

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AH AH MADISON

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BUCKINGHAM SHENANDO AX CHARL • • • • • • • • •

APPOMA CF A

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• • • • • • • • • • • • ROCKBRIDGE ROCKBRIDGE BG LMB

TH HIGHLAND HIGHLAND

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ANOKE ALLEGHANY ALLEGHANY RO Y FACIL. CONCES. CONCES. TRICK

YD CRAIG CRAIG

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GILES PULASKI CARROLL THE • • • • • • BLAND WY SON ENTAL BOAT BOAT AY R GR TH SMY • AZEWELL T ON GAS GAS MOTOR 3 ASHINGT • • • • • • • BUCHANAN • W RUSSELL FACIL. PICNIC

DICKENSON T OT

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Fee Fee Fee Fee Fee Fee REQ. PERMIT PERMIT www.dgif.virginia.gov/lakes/ ee Hall Reservoir Hall ee Beaverdam Swamp Reservoir Swamp Beaverdam Diascund Reservoir Diascund Public Lakes Guide For more information: KEY

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 43 PUBLIC LAKES GUIDE NP • • • • • • WP • • • • • • • • • • YP • • • • • • • • • • • • • CP • • • • • • SB HSB • WE • MY • • TR WB • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CRP • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CF SMB • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • BG LMB • • • • • • FACIL. CONCES. CONCES. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • FACIL. HANDI. • • • • • ENTAL BOAT BOAT R • • • GAS GAS MOTOR • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • FACIL. PICNIC • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • BOAT BOAT RAMP

Fee Fee Fee Fee Fee Fee Fee Fee REQ. PERMIT PERMIT - -

rummond mporia Cohoon Cohoon E Star Lone Prince Smith Run Speights Trashmore Western Branch Shields Chesdin Swan Amelia Bannister

44 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV NP WP YP • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CP • • SB HSB • WE MY TR • • WB • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CRP • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CF SMB • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • BG LMB • • • FACIL. CONCES. CONCES. • • • • • • FACIL. HANDI. • • • ENTAL BOAT BOAT R

• • GAS GAS MOTOR • • • • • • • • • FACIL. PICNIC • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • BOAT BOAT RAMP

• • • • • • • • Fee Fee Fee Fee Fee Fee Fee Fee REQ. PERMIT PERMIT - Branch (7 ac) (7 Branch Gordon Gordon Gaston Holliday Conner Horsepen Kerr Reservoir Sandy River Reservoir River Sandy KEY

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 45 PUBLIC LAKES GUIDE • NP WP YP • • CP • • SB • • HSB • • • • • WE • • • MY • • • • • TR • WB • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CRP • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CF • • • • • • SMB • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • BG BG LMB • • • FACIL. CONCES. CONCES. • • • • • • • • FACIL. HANDI. • • • • • • ENTAL BOAT BOAT R • • • • GAS GAS MOTOR • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • FACIL. PICNIC • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • BOAT BOAT RAMP

Fee Fee Fee REQ. PERMIT PERMIT Slate River Watershed River Slate Burton Fairy Stone Reservoir Leesville Laurel Bed Laurel Nelson Nelson Stonehouse Thrasher Beartree Hales Reservoir Cherry Big

46 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV NP WP • YP • • CP • SB • HSB • • • WE • • • • MY • • • • • • • • • • • • • TR • WB • • • • • • • • • • CRP • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CF • • • • • • SMB • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • BG LMB • • • • • • • • FACIL. CONCES. CONCES. • • • • • • • • • FACIL. HANDI. • • • • • • • ENTAL BOAT BOAT R • • • • GAS GAS MOTOR • • • • • • • • • • • • • • FACIL. PICNIC • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • BOAT BOAT RAMP

• Fee REQ. PERMIT PERMIT Lincolnshire Reservoir Norton Claytor Gatewood RetreatRural South Holston South Reservoir Run Coles Douthat Lexington KEY

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 47 PUBLIC LAKES GUIDE • • • • NP • • • WP • YP CP • SB • HSB • • • WE • MY • • • • • • • • • TR • WB • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CRP • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CF • SMB • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • BG LMB • • • • • • • • • FACIL. CONCES. CONCES. • • • • • • • • FACIL. HANDI. • • • • • • • • • • ENTAL BOAT BOAT R • GAS GAS MOTOR • • • • • • • • • • • • • FACIL. PICNIC • • • • • • • • • • • • • • BOAT BOAT RAMP

• • • • • • • REQ. PERMIT PERMIT Arrowhead Laura Laura Silver ( Silver Anna F Huntsman Reservoir Ni Locust Shade Shade Locust Pelham

48 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV NP • • • WP • • • YP • • • • • CP SB HSB • • • WE • MY • • • • TR WB • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CRP • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • CF • SMB • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • BG LMB • • • FACIL. CONCES. CONCES. • • • FACIL. HANDI. • • • • ENTAL BOAT BOAT R GAS GAS MOTOR • • • • • • • FACIL. PICNIC • • • • • • • • • • • • • • BOAT BOAT RAMP

• • Fee Fee Fee REQ. PERMIT PERMIT - Royal Gordonsville Rivanna Sugar Hollow Reservoir Hollow Sugar KEY

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 49 MAJOR FISHING RIVERS

For more detailed fishing and access informa- bluegill, crappie, flier, and chain pickerel; bowfin and bluegill are available, as well as musky, black tion for all of the major fishing rivers please and gar are common in the lower river. crappie, and freshwater drum. Both channel check out the fishing web pages: www.dgif. and flathead catfish are found in good numbers virginia.gov/fishing. Access: Ramps are available in the City of Frank- and sizes. Striped bass and white bass are some- lin and at Routes 611 and 603 off Route 258; ca- times caught in the lower stretches, where they Appomattox River noe access is available at several bridge crossings; migrate out of Norris Reservoir in Tennessee. "e Appomattox is a major tributary of the bank fishing is limited to some bridge crossings, James River that flows out of Appomattox Co. state boat ramps, and canoe access areas. Dan River toward Petersburg and Hopewell. Lake Chesdin, "e Dan originates high along the eastern slopes just west of Petersburg, is a major man-made Chickahominy River of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Patrick Co. and impoundment on the river. "e Chickahominy flows east out of Henrico flows easterly until it empties into 50,000-acre and Hanover Cos. and enters the James River Kerr Reservoir (Buggs Island Lake) near Clarks- Fishery: A wide range of species, including east of Jamestown. Chickahominy Lake is a ville, Virginia. largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, man-made reservoir along the New Kent/ and redbreast sunfish, bluegill, flier, crappie, Charles City Co. line. Fishery: In mountainous Patrick Co.; wild and pickerel, and fallfish. Striped bass and wall- stocked trout fishing opportunities, with two eye, which run out of Lake Chesdin, provide a Fishery: With its beautiful cypress studded special regulation areas. Just west of Danville, seasonal fishery. shoreline, the river below the lake supports a this slower flowing Dan offers fishing for catfish, nationally known largemouth bass fishery; with largemouth bass, and several kinds of sunfish; Access: Mostly limited to bridge crossings. Due good fishing for crappie, bowfin, yellow perch, landlocked striped bass fishing begins east of to the remote nature of the river, only experi- channel catfish, longnose gar, and blue catfish. Danville. Migratory fish running out of Kerr enced boaters should try its waters. and flathead and blue catfish are the heart of the Access: Chickahominy Riverfront Park; the lower river fishing; walleye begin moving as early Blackwater River WMA landing on Morris Creek; and Brickyard as January, white perch and white bass begin to (Chowan Drainage) Landing west of Toano, off Route 610. Private migrate in early April, and the striped bass run "e Blackwater originates in Prince George Co., ramps: Rock-a-Hock Campground; and River’s begins in late April and continues through May. flows east through Surry Co., then south into Rest. the Nottoway to form the Chowan. James River (Upper) Clinch River From the confluence of the Jackson and Cow- Fishery: Hosts runs of river herring in spring, "e Clinch is the crown of the mountain em- pasture rivers in Alleghany Co., the James flows along with limited numbers of shad and striped pire, flowing 135 miles southwestward from its east toward Richmond. bass. Redbreast sunfish angling is also quite origin near the town of Tazewell on its way to good in the spring; also has largemouth bass, the Tennessee state line. Fishery: Both the mountain sections (upstream from Lynchburg) and the piedmont sections Fishery: "e river is home to many rare species (between Lynchburg and Richmond) offer ex- of mussels and dozens of species of minnows cellent smallmouth bass fishing; other species and darters, but the variety of sport fish is what include channel catfish, flathead catfish, and makes the Clinch a great destination for anglers; various sunfish species (redbreast, bluegill, and native game fish are the smallmouth bass, spot- rock bass). Muskies are also annually stocked; ted bass, walleye, and sauger. Largemouth bass, these fish are scarce, with most muskies found rock bass, redbreast sunfish, longear sunfish, upstream of Lynchburg.

Host a Fishing Tournament Here!

Lodging starting at $53/night Meghan Marchetti / DGIF 1428 Outpost Rd Lanexa, VA The New River below Bucks Dam. 804-966-8362 www.rockahockcampground.com 50 WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV Access: Canoeing is the best way to access the Fishery: Outstanding smallmouth bass popula- river; jet motor and jon boats can also be used tion, with good numbers of smallmouth 14 to at some access points; numerous sites are avail- 18 inches, about one-third more than 14 inches, able; see the website. Bank and wade fishing and more than 10% longer than 17 inches; rock access is available throughout. bass and several species of sunfish provide good fishing and channel and flathead catfish are James River (Lower) available. "ere is a mercury fish consumption Fishery: A nationally recognized largemouth pro hibition in effect from Saltville downstream bass fishery; upstream from Hopewell, large- to the Tennessee line. mouth fishing is best in old river channels WHAT A TACKLE SHOP and abandoned gravel pits; downstream from North Fork Shenandoah River SHOULD LOOK LIKE! Hopewell to Hog Island, bass fishing is most "e North Fork Shenandoah flows north 116 productive in larger tributary creeks and large miles from Rockingham Co. to Front Royal Gamakatsu & Hayabusa hooks expanses of vegetated tidal flats. "e tidal James where it joins the South Fork Shenandoah to HUGE ZOOM selection! also provides the best fishing for blue catfish form the Shenandoah River. in the state; good crappie fishing in oxbows Lucky Craft & Megabass baits upstream of Hopewell; and white perch through- Fishery: Anglers can expect to catch small- Profound Outdoors out the river. A healthy run of hickory shad has mouth bass throughout and the North Fork is Incredible Yamamoto Selection created a very popular spring fishery within the also home to some largemouth bass and red- Fall Line from late March through early May; breast sunfish, rock bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed Whopper Ploppers (all sizes) and anadromous striped bass (“rockfish”) fishing sunfish, fallfish, muskie, American eel, white RODS BY Dobyns is seasonally excellent in the vicinity of the I-95 sucker, common carp, crappie, yellow bullhead Bridge in Richmond during the same timeframe. and channel catfish. Cashion • Daiwa • Powell and MORE REELS BY Daiwa - Shimano Maury River Access: "e North Fork is a relatively small, Lews and MORE Calfpasture and Little Calfpasture rivers come shallow river; is an ideal river to float by canoe; together to form the Maury River just before and can easily be waded. entering famous Goshen Pass; once through the For updated information about the Shenan- HOOKER BAIT & TACKLE turbulent Pass the river drops into the valley doah River fish disease investigations visit: 7828 Richmond Rd., Toano, VA toward Lexington and enters the James River www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing. 757-566-9050 at Glasgow. North Landing and hookerbaitandtackle.com Fishery: "e Goshen Pass section has an excel- Northwest Rivers lent stocked trout fishery; smallmouth bass are "e North Landing and Northwest rivers in the caught anywhere from the head waters to the Tidewater area may be close in proximity and mouth of the river where it enters the James; the eventually join in North Carolina, but there are Maury is loaded with scrappy redbreast sunfish plenty of differences between the two. and has some rock bass; other fish include carp, North Landing, the larger of the two, con- catfish, and suckers. tains part of the Intracoastal Waterway, so you can follow the waterway north to the Elizabeth New River River, and ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay; head- "e New is the oldest river in North America ing south takes you into Currituck Sound in and second oldest in the world. It begins in North Carolina. We’ve Got You Covered! North Carolina and flows northward for 160 Jon Boat Rentals miles through Virginia before it turns into A wide variety of both fresh water and Fishery: Pontoon Boat Rentals Bluestone Lake in West Virginia. brackish fish include largemouth bass, blue- Boat Ramp gill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, white perch, Fully-Stocked Bait & Tackle Shop Fishery: "e New rivals the James and Rappa- and white catfish, with a resurgence of smaller New & Used Tohatsu Motors for Sale hannock rivers as one of the best sport fisheries striped bass (up to 10 pounds). Lakeside Restaurant in Virginia: smallmouth bass, spotted bass, Northwest River, draining eastward from the Call 804-966-5318 for reservations! largemouth bass, rock bass, striped bass, hy- Great Dismal Swamp, is very dark in color and brid striped bass, muskellunge, walleye, black acidic (commonly referred to as blackwater). crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, yellow "ere are plenty of small tributaries to explore perch, redbreast sunfish, and bluegill. State re- that keep you away from bigger boats on the cords include musky (45 lbs. 8 oz.), smallmouth main river. (8 lbs. 1 oz.), and walleye (15 lbs. 15 oz.). Fishery: Abundant bluegill and pumpkinseed, Access: Plenty of excitement for whitewater good numbers of largemouth bass, redear, black enthusiasts, with several major Class II–III crappie, chain pickerel, and a few white perch rapids. "ere is also an abundance of flatwater and white catfish. to please motor boaters and canoeists. Numer- ous sites are available; see the website. Nottoway River "e Nottoway begins in Prince Edward and North Fork Holston River Lunenburg counties and flows 130 miles south- From its origin in Bland Co., the North Fork easterly to its confluence with the Blackwater Holston flows over 100 miles through Southwest River at the North Carolina line, forming the Virginia before crossing the Tennessee state Chowan River. line near Yuma. Ed Allen’s Boats & Bait 1959 Allen Road, Lanexa, VA 804-966-5318 • www.edallensboats.com WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 51 MAJOR FISHING RIVERS

Fishery: "e fishery is divided at Rt. 630 Bridge public boat launch sites below Fredericksburg: 4 South Fork Shenandoah River on the Greensville-Sussex Co. line: above has (two near Fredericksburg), Hicks Landing (Port "e South Fork Shenandoah begins at the con- numerous redbreast sunfish, smallmouth bass, Royal) and Tappahannock. fluence of the North River and South River near and Roanoke bass.; below, bluegill, largemouth Port Republic and flows north 97 miles to meet bass, black crappie, and channel catfish are Rivanna River the North Fork Shenandoah at Front Royal. more common; spring sees blueback herring, Originating in western Greene and Albemar- American shad, hickory shad, striped bass, and le counties, the North and South forks of the Fishery: A long-standing reputation as an excel- white perch migrating upstream from North Rivanna River combine on the western edge of lent smallmouth bass river; however, the sever- Carolina. Charlottesville and flow southeast to the river’s ity and distribution of “chronic” fish disease confluence with the James River at Columbia and mortality events has varied from year to Access: Above Route 630 bridge, canoeists find (Fluvanna County). "e main stem Rivanna Riv- year, causing different sections to have varying nice float trips in this shallow, clear and fast er is a 40-mile stretch of river below the South densities of smallmouth and redbreast. (For flowing section; below Rt. 630, the river slows, Rivanna Reservoir that has the recognition of updated information about the Shenandoah deepens, and darkens as numerous swamps in being Virginia’s first designated Scenic River. River fish disease investigations visit: www. the Coastal Plain join it and this part of the dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/) river, particularly in Southampton County, is Fishery: "e main stem Rivanna is known for large enough for bass boats during normal flows. its excellent smallmouth bass, redbreast sunfish, Access: A very popular destination for canoe- and channel catfish fisheries. Anglers can also ists, over 20 public access points creates the Rappahannock and expect to catch bluegill, crappie, fallfish, green opportunity to plan many different float trips of Rapidan Rivers sunfish, largemouth bass, longnose gar, and varying length (check out the fishing web pages). "e Rappahannock flows from its origin at rock bass, with the occasional chance to catch Chester Gap in Fauquier Co. ~184 miles to the flathead catfish and walleye. Staunton (Roanoke) River Chesapeake Bay. "e first 62 miles, from the "e Staunton, actually an 81-mile segment of headwaters to Mayfield Bridge (Fredericksburg), Access: "e Rivanna is suited for floating with the Roanoke River, begins at Leesville Dam and are designated State Scenic River. a canoe or kayak due to its small size, rocky continues to the confluence with Kerr Reservoir. bottom, and relatively shallow water. Much Fishery: Above Fredericksburg and tidal influ- of the access to the Rivanna is on the main Fishery: Seasonal runs of walleye, striped ence: excellent smallmouth bass and redbreast stem section of the river; there are numerous bass, white bass, white perch, and suckers. sunfish angling. Below Fredericksburg: herring hand-launch access areas from Charlottesville Catfish, including larger flathead catfish, can and shad run each spring and the tidal area also downstream to Columbia. be caught throughout the river. Smallmouth hosts white perch, largemouth bass, striped bass and Roanoke bass (a larger cousin of the bass, crappie, yellow perch, channel catfish, Shenandoah River (Main Stem) rock bass) are common in the upper sections, and blue catfish. Main stem Shenandoah River is formed when particularly around riffles and other rocky the North Fork and South Fork converge at habitat. Largemouth and crappie are attractive Access: Upper Rappahannock and Rapidan ac- Front Royal, flows 57 miles, and empties into the angling prospects in the lower river, toward cess: public access points on the Rapp (traveling Potomac River at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. the state park. downstream) are at Kelly’s Ford (Route 672 off Route 651) in Culpeper Co. and Motts Land- Fishery: Serious smallmouth anglers know the Access: A public bank fishing area is found ing (Route 618) in Spotsylvania Co.; about 25 Shenandoah as one of the top smallmouth bass just below Leesville Dam and large sections of miles separate these canoe/jon boat slides and rivers in the eastern US. Excellent smallmouth the Staunton River also are accessible to mo- an overnight camp stop is nearly mandatory spawning success over the past few years has torboats, with access points at Altavista, Long to float fish this reach; another access point is greatly minimized the observed impacts of Island, Brookneal, Clarkton Bridge, Watkins located on the Rapidan at Elys Ford (Route 610) the disease and mortality events. (For updated Bridge, US 360 E, and Staunton River State Park. in Spotsylvania Co. about 14 miles upstream of information about the Shenandoah River fish Motts Landing. Access may also be gained via disease investigations visit: www.dgif.virginia. several “non-established” points consisting of gov/fishing/.) Other sport fish include channel VDOT rights-of-way along bridges. Tidal area catfish and musky.

Meghan Marchetti / DGIF

52 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV VIRGINIA STATE RECORD FRESHWATER FISH

!e rules for certifying a state record: State Record Freshwater Fish – 5/24/2019 SPECIES WEIGHT LOCATION DATE NAME 1. "e fish must be caught in Virginia waters with rod, reel, line, and hook held in hand, or with archery tackle (see page 26) where legally permitted. "e angler must identify 6-18-2011 the specific waters from which the fish was 2-7-70 caught. 2. Although more than one angler may par- ticipate in catching a potential state record 10-17-2004 fish, only one applicant will be considered as the official record holder. Anglers should be aware, however, that world records are Brown Trout** only granted for fish that are hooked and Brown Trout fought by one individual without assistance. Common Carp 3. A Department employee must witness the official weighing. Only the weight observed by the Department employee will be certified. "e fish must be unfrozen, in whole condition and made available to the Department employee for a thorough examination. "e Coho Salmon** fish may also be made available to the De- 5-25-2018 partment for further examination if deemed Freshwater Drum necessary by the Department representative. Gar 4. "e species of the fish must be confirmed by a Department fish biologist who must Bass inspect the fish in whole condition. ("is can be accomplished subsequent to the Largemouth Bass weighing if the Department witness is not 6-1-2007 a fish biologist.) 5. Application must be submitted within 60 days of the catch. A clear, side view photo- graph of the fish should accompany the application. Application is available online at www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/trophy-fish. 5-28-2005 6. Weighing scales must be appropriate to the size of the fish and be certified for legal commercial trade or those owned by the Sauger** DGIF that have been tested for accuracy Sauger 4-24-2010 by the Virginia Department of Agriculture Saugeye and Consumer Services, Bureau of Weights Smallmouth Bass and Measures or by certified DGIF weights. Fish under 25 pounds must be weighed on a scale capable of weighing to the ounce. Fish 12-17-2017 over 25 pounds should be weighed on scales Striped Bass having no greater graduations than one- half pound. When ever scales of 8-ounce Walleye** graduations are used, the fish weight will Walleye 12-15-2000 always be rounded down to the nearest White Bass one-half pound. 7. Any potential state record fish found to contain artificial food or nonfood items in the stomach will not be recognized as White Crappie a new record. White Perch 8. No fish caught within the boundaries of, or Yellow Perch directly influenced by, a public or private aquaculture facility or private fee fishing area will be recognized as a state record. Archery State Record Freshwater Fish – 9/12/2019 9. If there is reasonable doubt regarding any aspect of the application, it may be rejected. SPECIES WEIGHT LOCATION DATE NAME 10. One appeal of the Committee’s decision may be made within 60 days of notification. "e appeal must be in writing to the Carp ** 7-5-70 Chairman, State Record Fish Committee, Common Carp 10-15-16 P.O. Box 90778, Henrico, VA 23228. Gar

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 53 VIRGINIA ANGLER RECOGNITION PROGRAM

“Trophy-sized fish” that are caught in Virginia Program Policies Trophy Fish waters can be registered through the Virginia • "e fish must be caught in Virginia waters Lengths and Weights Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ An- (within the state line on boundary waters), gler Recognition Program. "is program grants: the freshwater part of the Potomac River that borders Virginia, or above the designated Trophy Fish Awards: Certificates for registra- Fresh water/Saltwater line on tidal waters. SPECIES LENGTH WEIGHT tion of trophy size fish. • "e fish must be caught legally (in accordance with Virginia Freshwater Fishing Regula- Expert Angler Awards: Certificates and patches tions) by noncommercial methods. for registration of 10 trophy fish of the same • "e fish must meet or exceed the minimum Bluegill species. weight or length. • "e fish must be registered according to Master Angler Awards I-VI: Certificates and the proper procedures. Fish may be certi- Brown Trout patches for registration of 6 trophy fish of dif- fied by weight, or length, or both. Weights ferent species. Six successive levels. from store-certified scales or personal scales will be accepted. Personal scales must be Common Carp Angler of the Month: Pins for registration of calibrated and certified within a year of date the largest trophy fish of each species, by certi- of catch. (See the Trophy Fish page on our fied weight, each month. website for more information about calibrat- Freshwater Drum ing and certifying scales.) Gar Angler of the Year: Pins for registration of the • Applications must be received within 60 days largest trophy fish of each species, by certified to be eligible for Angler of the Month/Year Largemouth Bass weight, each year. competition. "ere is no deadline for submission of a Trophy Fish Award Application. Creel of the Year: Recognizes the angler who • All applicants are encouraged to submit a catches and registers the most trophy-sized fish photo of their catch with each submission. from January 1 through December 31, annually. Accolade presented is determined annually. Certifying a Trophy Fish by Weight Sauger** • Take your fish to a store with certified scales. Saugeye Changes/Updates Have a clerk weigh the fish and complete • Apply online and print your citation at home the witness information on the trophy fish Smallmouth Bass in 2020 through Go Outdoors Virginia application and include the date the scale Striped Bass at www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com/ was certified. • New Species have been added to the program • Or, weigh your fish on a personal scale that Walleye including black crappie, white crappie, sau- has been certified. Have an observer witness White Bass geye, fallfish, bluegill, redear sunfish, and and verify the weight and fill out the witness White Crappie other sunfish. information or if a witness is not available, White Perch • A Master Level VI is now being offered! For take a picture of the fish on the scale, dis- Yellow Perch further information and details visit our playing the weight of the fish. Fill out the website at www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/ date the scale was certified, the company or trophy-fish/. organization certifying the scale, the make and model and the maximum weight of the Qualifying a Trophy Fish scale. (Scales must be certified within a year by Length and Photo prior to the date of catch. See the Trophy • Lay the fish on top of or beside a flat mea- Fish page on our website for more informa- suring rule. tion about calibrating and certifying scales.) • Do not lay the rule over the curvature of the fish’s body. • Close the fish’s mouth and squeeze the tail lobes together. • Measure from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail to the nearest 1⁄4-inch. See Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries diagram below. in accordance with the standards and practice established by the • Have an observer verify the length and com- Angler Recognition Program proudly presents to plete the witness information on the trophy fish application. Or, take a picture of the fish next to the ruler and submit the photo with Virginia’s application. Trophy Fish Award • Return the fish safely to the water if desired. for the catch of a How to Measure a Fish

Hereafter set forth into record by

Director

Total Length

54 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Freshwater Trophy Fish Award Application Form

Online Application: Apply at GoOutdoorsVirginia.com. Mail-in Application: Certify the size of the fish. Fill out completely, one application form for each fish, $5.00 per fish. (No charge for for youth 15 and under.) Please include VA fishing license number or exempt status. You may include more than one application form per envelope. Applications may be found in the Freshwater Fishing Regulations or online at www.dgif.virginia.gov/forms-download/EDUC/EDUC-006.pdf. Mail the application form(s) with payment and make check or money order payable to the Treasurer of Virginia. Send to: Cashier, DGIF, P.O. Box 90778, Henrico, VA 23228-0778.

Please print clearly VA Customer ID # (or write Exempt if license exempt) Check box if applicant is 15 or under and receiving a trophy fish award for the 1st time for this species. Birth Date: m/ d/ y/ Email Address: Name Jr Sr II III Street Address Apt. # City State Zip Phone ( ) Female Male • Species of Fish: • Date Caught: m/ d/ y/ • Weight of Fish: • Length of Fish (to nearest ¼-inch): • Name of water where caught: • Name of County/City where caught: • Type of water where caught: River Public Lake/Reservoir Stream Private Pond/Lake • Live release?: Yes No

Check the box below that applies and fill in information requested—see Program Policies for details

Weight Certification: (Select One) Store Scale/Witness Certified/Calibrated Certified/Calibrated Personal Scale/Witness Personal Scale/Photo Store/Name Phone ( ) Street Address City State Zip

Witness Name Witness Signature Personal Scale: Date Certified/Calibrated Certified/Calibrated by Scale Make/Model Scale Max Weight

Length Certification: Witness Name Phone ( ) Witness Signature Street Address City State Zip

Length by Photo Certification: Take photo of fish next to ruler. Print your name, birth date, and fish species on back of the photo. Enclose with application. Photos become property of DGIF and may be used in publications.

(Angler sign here) I, hereby affirm that the above information is true and that in taking this fish I complied with all state fishing regulations and rules of the Virginia Angler Recognition Program and that the witness/es actually witnessed the weighing and/or measuring of this fish. I understand that photos become the property of DGIF and may be used in agency publications.

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 55 VIRGINIA WATERCRAFT OWNER’S GUIDE

Watercraft registration is accomplished via: Since 1960, the Department has been designated as the state boating • Online at www.GoOutdoorsVirginia.com. agency, providing boat titling and registration, boating access through public Application(s) and supporting documents boat ramps and facilities, boating education, and marine law enforcement & submitted online MUST be mailed to DGIF, accident investigation. Boat Section, P.O. Box 9930, Henrico, VA 23228. There are endless opportunities for boaters to enjoy Virginia’s waters, from • Walk-in at DGIF Headquarters, 7870 Villa freshwater to whitewater, to saltwater and more! Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228 Whether you are a seasoned mariner or just beginning, remember that boating (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. M-F except holidays). does involve some risk. The choices you make when operating or paddling can • Mailing original application(s) and support- either contribute to or mitigate those risks. Virginia experiences a number of ing documents to DGIF, Boat Section, P.O. drowning deaths each year due to falls overboard. Please wear a life jacket! Box 9930, Henrico, VA 23228. • Once submitted, applications are usually Be Responsible: Don’t drink and boat! Be Safe: Wear an approved life jacket, processed and the registration materials and take a boating safety course! Have Fun! mailed within 60 days of receipt in Henrico. – Tom Guess Boating Law Administrator, DGIF Titling and Registering Your Watercraft "e “Application for Watercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number (Registration)” form is available from DGIF offices and online at Watercraft • Sail-powered vessels (no motor) greater than www.dgif.virginia.gov/forms. "is is a combined 18 feet in length are only required to be titled application for both the registration and title. "e Registration, in Virginia (no registration needed). “Application for Watercraft Certificate of Title • Boats used only on private waters do not and Certificate of Number (Registration)” must Titling & Sales Tax require registration or titling. include a purchase price for the boat and motor • New watercraft must be registered before only and must also be signed by the buyer(s). Requirements they may be operated on the public waters "e application requires a detailed descrip- "e Virginia Department of Game and In- of Virginia. tion of the watercraft that includes: land Fisheries (DGIF) administers all boat • Used watercraft with a current, valid regis- • Boat make titling and registration of recreational boats tration may be operated for 30 days on the • Length in Virginia. All motorboats used on the public previous owner’s registration if a copy of the • Model Year waters of Virginia must be registered and dated bill of sale and the registration card • Vessel type titled. If the motorboat is principally used are carried aboard the watercraft. • Hull material on the public waters of Virginia it must be • If there is no valid registration or the registra- • Propulsion type registered and titled in Virginia as opposed tion has expired, used watercraft must obtain • Hull Identification Number to another state. valid registration before being operated on • Motor make, serial number, and horsepower the public waters of Virginia. (if in excess of 25 horsepower) • A Certificate of Title and a Certificate of • An owner bringing a watercraft into Virginia • Name and mailing address of lienholder (if Number (Registration) are required for all from another state may operate the vessel up applicable) watercraft propelled by machinery, includ- to 90 consecutive days on the other state’s ing but not limited to, gasoline, diesel, and current, valid registration before registering Most of this information will be available from electric motors. it in Virginia. the Certificate of Title and/or Certificate of

56 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV Number (Registration) provided by the previ- Registration and Titling Fees and ous owner or the Manufacturer’s Statement (or Certificate) of Origin provided by the retail Watercraft Sales and Use Tax outlet where the watercraft was purchased. "e following supporting documents must be submitted with an application for titling and registration as follows: FEE Less than 16 feet in length New Watercraft • "e owner must provide the original Manu- 16 feet to less than 20 feet in length facturer’s Statement (or Certificate) of Ori- 20 feet to less than 40 feet in length $42.00 gin or Importer’s Certificate of Origin with “First Assignment” completed and issued by 40 feet in length and longer $50.00 dealer at the time of purchase. A copy of the $14.00 sales invoice showing gross purchase price, watercraft sales tax paid, and a description of the boat must also be provided. $26.00 • If watercraft was homemade by you, a “State- ment for Registering and Titling a Motor- TITLING FEE boat not Previously Registered and/or Titled” Original $10.00 must be provided stating this fact in lieu of a Manufacturer’s Statement (or Certificate) Duplicate $7.00 of Origin or Importer’s Certificate of Origin. $7.00 "is form is available online at www.dgif. virginia.gov/forms. Copies of receipts for $10.00 building materials and printed pictures of the watercraft from all sides must also be TAX FEE submitted with the “Application for Wa- tercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number (Registration)” and “Statement for Registering and Titling a Motorboat not Previously Registered and/or Titled”. Your watercraft may be subject to inspection by a law enforcement officer. Used Watercraft • If titled in Virginia – "e original Certificate DISPLAY OF REGISTRATION of Title with assignment of title completed by titled owner(s). If purchased from a water- NUMBER craft dealer, the dealer reassignment portion of the title must be completed. "e “Applica- The number issued to your watercraft appears on the registration and is to be tion for Watercraft Certificate of Title and displayed exactly as it appears on each side of the forward half of the vessel Certificate of Number (Registration)” must in block letters, at least 3 inches in height, and contrasting in color with hull or be completed and signed by the purchaser(s). background. They may be painted or attached to the watercraft, must read A copy of the sales invoice showing gross from left to right, and must always be legible. purchase price, watercraft sales tax paid, and A space or hyphen must separate both the “VA” abbreviation and the letter a description of the watercraft is required. suf!x from the numerals. • If titled by someone else in another state – "e Original Certificate of Title with as- On vessels so con!gured that a number on the hull or superstructure would signment of title completed by the titled not be easily visible, or the number would not remain securely attached (as on owner(s). If purchased from a dealer, the an in"atable vessel), the number may be painted on or the number and decal dealer reassignment portion of the title must attached to a backing plate that is attached to the forward half of the vessel so be completed. "e “Application for Water- that the number is visible from each side of the vessel. craft Certificate of Title and Certificate of If the watercraft already has Virginia registration numbers (used watercraft), in Number (Registration)” must be completed most instances those same numbers will be reassigned to the new owner. The and signed by the purchaser(s). A copy of the Virginia registration number assigned to a watercraft should never be removed sales invoice showing gross purchase price, from the watercraft unless DGIF assigns new numbers to the vessel. watercraft sales tax paid, and a description of the watercraft is required. • If titled by you in another state (moving the watercraft to Virginia) – "e original Certificate of Title must be submitted. "e “Application for Watercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number (Registra- tion)” must be completed and signed by the purchaser(s).

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• If registered by you in another state but not titled (moving the watercraft to Virginia) – A copy of the out-of-state registration is National Safe required. "e “Application for Watercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number Boating Week (Registration)” must be completed and signed by the purchaser(s). May 16-22, 2020 • If registered in Virginia but never titled – A copy of the dated bill of sale or a “Notification of Change in Status of a Numbered Vessel”. "is form is available online at www.dgif. Meghan Marchetti / DGIF virginia.gov/forms. "e “Application for Wa- tercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate of Number (Registration)” must be completed use this form to order extra registration cards change online is your current Virginia Registra- and signed by the purchaser(s). if you want more than one. tion number, hull identification number, and the • If registered by someone else in another state last name of the primary owner. A “Notification but not titled – A copy of the out-of-state Note: Only one valid title is recognized for of Change in Status of a Numbered Vessel” registration and a bill of sale signed and dated each watercraft. If a duplicate title is issued, form is available at all the locations where the by the registered owner(s). "e “Application the duplicate title prevails over any previously application is available (see “Watercraft Regis- for Watercraft Certificate of Title and Cer- issued title(s). tration, Titling & Sales Tax Requirements” on tificate of Number (Registration)” must be page 56). "e notification can be mailed to completed and signed by the purchaser(s). Expiration and Renewal DGIF, Boat Section, P.O. Box 9930, Henrico, VA • If never registered or titled in Virginia or any of Registration 23228 or emailed to [email protected]. other state – A “Statement for Registering and Registrations are valid for three years. Renewal Titling a Motorboat not Previously Registered notifications are emailed or mailed to the last Registration Must be and/or Titled” form must be submitted with known email address or postal address of all Onboard While Operating printed pictures of the watercraft from all watercraft owners approximately 60 days in You must have a valid registration card on the sides. "e “Application for Watercraft Cer- advance. A second renewal notification is sent vessel before your watercraft may legally be tificate of Title and Certificate of Number 30 days prior to expiration date if not renewed. operated on public waters. !e three-year (Registration)” must be completed and signed A final renewal notification is sent 30 days registration card is the official document of by the purchaser(s). A bill of sale signed and after expiration. "e most common reason registration for your watercraft and once it dated by the seller(s) must be submitted. owners do not receive a renewal notification is has been issued, it must be carried aboard because their address has changed within the the watercraft while in use. If you purchased Documented Watercraft three years and DGIF was not notified within a used watercraft with valid, current registra- • If documented with the U.S. Coast Guard 15 days as required by law. If a renewal notifi- tion, you may operate the vessel for 30 days (USCG) and being changed to state registra- cation was not received, the registration may from the date of purchase provided you carry tion – "e Certificate of Documentation, be renewed by completing the Application for a dated bill of sale and the former owner’s valid Letter of Deletion from the USCG (or Ab- Watercraft Certificate of Title and Certificate registration card. stract of Title with proof of lien release in of Number (Registration) and marking the Type the documented owner’s name). A signed of Transaction as “Renew Registration” at the Validation Decals and dated bill of sale must be submitted. top of the application. Renewals may also be Decals are furnished with each three-year reg- completed online at www.GoOutdoorsVirginia. istration issued by DGIF. Decals indicate the Note: Watercraft cannot be documented by the com. "e information needed to renew online month and year of expiration, and the regis- USCG and titled at the same time. "e owner is your current Virginia registration number tration number assigned to your watercraft. must choose between documentation or titling. and renewal PIN. Decals must be displayed within 6 inches of While a documented vessel may not be titled, the registration number on each side of the it may be registered at the owner’s discretion Change in Status or Change watercraft for which they were issued. Only should a registration decal be desired to show of Mailing Address the current decal may be visible. Expired decals proof that sales tax was paid. "e registration If a registered watercraft is sold, destroyed, must be removed. decals may be useful if the watercraft is oper- abandoned, or stolen, or if there is a change in ated in other states that require a registration your mailing address, you are required by law Trailers: Title, Registration, decal or other proof that sales tax was paid. to report this information within 15 days in and License Plates writing to the DGIF Boat Section. A change in Title, registration, and license plates for water- Boat Motors status or change of mailing address may also be craft trailers are purchased through the Depart- Any size, type, or horsepower of motor on a wa- completed online at www.GoOutdoorsVirginia. ment of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Check with tercraft requires it to be registered. Only motors com. "e information needed to make this DMV for rules and regulations regarding trailers. in excess of 25 horsepower are listed on titles. Duplicate Titles, Registrations, or Decals • If a title, registration, or decal becomes de- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION faced, lost or destroyed, you may obtain an “Application for a Duplicate Certificate of Additional information and forms on watercraft registration and titling Number, Decal and/or Title” at all of the may be obtained by calling the Boat Section of DGIF at 804-367-6135 locations where the application is available or 866-721-6911. Forms can also be downloaded from our website at (see “Watercraft Registration, Titling & Sales www.dgif.virginia.gov/forms. Tax Requirements” page 56). You may also

58 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV VIRGINIA WATERCRAFT REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

» "is requirement applies to all boats in- » Webbings or straps used to secure the life Required cluding paddlecraft (canoes, kayaks, and jacket on the wearer that are ripped, torn, stand-up paddleboards) or which have become separated from Equipment • In addition to the wearable life jacket, there an attachment point on the life jacket; or must be at least one (1) USCG approved » Any other rotted or deteriorated structural Life Jackets throwable device (Type IV, ring buoy, or seat component that fails when tugged; or Nearly all boating-related fatalities are the result cushion), on vessels of 16 feet or greater. "e » Rips, tears, or open seams in fabric or of drowning and most of these fatalities could regulation to carry a Type IV does not apply coatings, that are large enough to allow have been prevented if a life jacket was worn. to (1) personal watercraft; (2) non-motorized the loss of buoyant material; or canoes and kayaks of 16 feet or greater; (3) rac- » Buoyant material that has become hard- • "ere must be one wearable (Type I, II, III, ing shells, rowing sculls, racing canoes, and ened, non-resilient, permanently com- or V) USCG approved life jacket for each racing kayaks; (4) sailboards; and (5) vessels of pressed, waterlogged, oil-soaked, or which person on the boat. "e life jacket must be the United States used by foreign competitors shows evidence of fungus or mildew; or the appropriate size for each intended wearer while practicing for or racing in competition. » Loss of buoyant material or buoyant mate- » Each wearable life jacket needs to be “read- » Each throwable device must be immediate- rial that is not securely held in position. ily accessible” if not worn. Readily acces- ly available. “Immediately available” means • Inflatable Life Jackets must meet all the re- sible means the life jackets are out in the the life jacket shall be quickly reachable in quirements for life jackets listed above plus open ready for wear or stowed where they an emergency situation. An immediately the following: can be easily reached. Readily accessible available life jacket cannot be in a protec- » A properly armed inflation mechanism, life jackets cannot be in protective cover- tive covering, in a closed compartment, complete with a full inflation cartridge ings or under lock and key. or under other equipment. "ere is no and all status indicators showing that the » In addition, you should check each life requirement to have a line attached. inflation mechanism is properly armed; jacket for proper fit. "is is especially • All life jackets must be in good and service- » Inflatable chambers that are all capable important for children. Check the “Does able condition. A life jacket that displays any of holding air; Your Life Jacket Really Fit” on page 60. of the following is not in good condition: » Oral inflation tubes that are not blocked, » Life jackets need to be worn according » Metal or plastic hardware used to secure detached, or broken; to the manufacturer label to meet safety the life jacket on the wearer that is broken, » Inflation status indicators that are not requirements. deformed, or weakened by corrosion; or broken or otherwise non-functional; Summary of Virginia Boating Equipment Requirements MANUALLY PROPELLED VESSELS BOATS UNDER PWC’S 16 FEET LESS THAN 26 FEET LESS THAN 40 FEET 65 FEET 1

2 2

4 5

8 Coastal Waters Coastal Waters 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 1 2

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» "e inflation system of an inflatable life Minimum Number of B-I Hand-Portable jacket need not be armed when the life 1 jacket is worn inflated and otherwise Fire Extinguishers Required meets the requirements above. NO FIXED FIRE FIXED FIRE • Federal Life Jacket Rule for Children Under LENGTH, FEET EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM 13 Years Old—No person may operate a rec- IN ENGINE SPACE IN ENGINE SPACE reational vessel on federal waters with any 1 0 child under age 13 on the vessel unless each child is either: 16 to less than 26 1 0 » Wearing an appropriate life jacket ap- 26 to less than 40 2 1 proved by the Coast Guard; or 40 to 65 2 » Below deck or in an enclosed cabin. 1

In Virginia, this rule is enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard or other federal agents and applies the life jacket stays on. Finally, practice using For boats built after April 25, 1940, and be- on waters over which they have enforcement the life jacket in shallow water. Make sure it is fore August 1, 1980, (with engines using gaso- jurisdiction. Most waters in Virginia are con- snug enough to stay put and not ride up over line as fuel and other fuels having a flashpoint sidered federal waters. the chin and ears when in shallow water. Have of 110°F. or less) the following is required: children practice in shallow water with their life A Special Note about jacket so they don’t panic in case of emergency. • At least two ventilation ducts fitted with cowls Inflatable Life Jackets or their equivalent for the purpose of properly Inflatable life jackets are lightweight, com- Fire Extinguishers and efficiently ventilating the bilges of every fortable to wear and take up about one-tenth All boats over 26 feet must have USCG ap- engine and fuel tank compartment. "ere shall the storage room of conventional foam-filled proved, adequately charged fire extinguishers be at least one exhaust duct installed so as to life jackets. Most are USCG approved only for aboard (see the chart on page 60 for specific extend to the lower portion of the bilge and at persons 16 years of age and older who are not safety requirement). In addition, all motor- least one intake duct installed so as to extend engaged in white water or skiing activities or boats under 26 feet that have one or more of to a point at least midway to the bilge or at least riding on PWC. "ey are a great choice for the following conditions must also carry fire below the level of the carburetor air intake. adults on the water! extinguishers: For boats which are built after July 31, 1978, but Does Your Life Jacket Really Fit? 1. Permanently installed fuel tanks. prior to August 1, 1980, there are no require- How do you know if a life jacket really fits you? 2. Closed compartment under thwarts and ments for ventilation of the fuel tank com- First, check the label to make sure the life jacket seats wherein portable fuel tanks may be partment if there is no electrical source in the is U.S. Coast Guard approved. Life jackets (or stored. compartment and if the fuel tank vents to the PFDs) come in a couple of basic sizes: infant, 3. Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or outside of the boat. child, and adult. Within those basic sizes, there which are not completely filled with flota- "e operator of the vessel is required to keep will be a range (Small, Medium, Large, etc.) tion material. the system in operating condition. of sizes. "e label will indicate the basic size 4. Closed living spaces. and the size range, which will include a weight 5. Closed stowage compartment in which Sound-Producing Devices range and usually also a chest size range. After combustible or flammable materials may All vessels, including paddlecraft, must carry a you check the label, make sure you move on to be stowed. sound-producing device. "e navigation rules the second step, try it on! Before every boating require sound signals to be made under cer- season, try on your life jacket. Make sure that it All fire extinguishers must be U.S. Coast Guard tain circumstances. Meeting, crossing, and fits correctly. What does a correct fit mean? It approved, must have an efficient charge, and overtaking situations described in Navigation should be snug, but not tight. Lift your arms over must be in good and serviceable condition. Rules are examples of when sound signals are your head, can you turn your head left, right, and required. Recreational vessels are also required over your shoulder or has the life jacket ridden Backfire Flame Arrestor to sound fog signals during periods of reduced up and is in the way of moving your head? For a All powerboats, except outboards, that are fu- visi bility. Having some means of making an child, have them stand with their arms to their eled with gasoline must have a USCG approved efficient sound signal capable of a 4-second sides. Lift the life jacket up by the shoulders. "e backfire flame arrestor on each carburetor. blast audible for / nautical mile is required. A life jacket should not move more than 3 inches, whistle or air horn is acceptable if your vessel no higher than the child’s ears. If the life jacket Ventilation is not equipped with a horn. does move up more than 3 inches, it is too big No person may operate a boat built after July 31, and the child can slip right out—get a smaller 1980, that has a gasoline engine (except out- Muffling Device life jacket! A younger child’s life jacket should boards) unless it is equipped with an operable "e exhaust of an internal combustion engine also include a crotch strap—this will help insure ventilation system that meets USCG standards. on any motorboat shall be effectively muffled. "e muffling device shall exhaust at or below the water line or it shall be equipped with mechanical baffles. "e use of cutouts is prohibited. Marine Sanitation Devices (MSD) DID YOU KNOW… Vessels with installed toilets and marine sanitation devices shall be in compliance with Stand up Paddleboards are considered a vessel when outside a designated federal regulations which set standards for swim zone or beyond the surf zone. Life jackets and a sound-producing device sewage discharges from marine sanitation (whistle) are required! devices. Vessels without installed toilets or without installed marine sanitation devices shall not directly or indirectly discharge sew-

60 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV age into state waters. Sewage and other wastes Recreational boaters may carry additional from self-contained, portable toilets or other visual distress signals over the minimum num- ® containment devices shall be pumped out at ber of VDS required. ALASKANMILLS. pump-out facilities or carried ashore for treat- Note: It is illegal to display a visual distress DURABILITY. RELIABILITY. AFFORDABILITY. ment in facilities approved by the Virginia signal unless immediate assistance is needed. SINCE 1957, GRANBERG INTERNATIONAL HAS BEEN PRODUCING THE HIGHEST QUALITY CHAIN SAW MILLS AND ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE Department of Health. Smith Mountain Lake If using pyrotechnic signals, must have 3 night ANYWHERE. OUR AMERICAN-MADE ALASKAN® CHAIN SAW MILLS GIVE YOU THE CAPABILITY AND ACCURACY OF A PROFESSIONAL-GRADE is a “No Discharge Zone.” signals plus 3 day signals or 3 day/night combina- SAW MILL AT A PRICE THAT WON’T BREAK THE BANK. tion signals. If using non-pyrotechnic signals, CALL 1-800-233-6499 Pump-Out Stations you must have 1 day signal and 1 night signal. FOR A FREE CATALOG OR TO FIND A DEALER. A complete list of pump-out stations is available VISIT WWW.GRANBERG.COM by contacting the Virginia Department of Health Pyrotechnic visual distress at 804-864-7473 or online at www.vdh.virginia. signals must be: gov/environmental-health/onsite-sewage-water- • USCG approved services/marina-program/maps-marina/. • in serviceable condition • readily accessible Visual Distress Signals • not expired All power boats 16 feet or greater in length • Launchers produced before January 1, 1981, shall be equipped with visual distress signaling intended for use with approved signals are devices at all times when operating on coastal not required to be USCG approved. Making Hunting & Fishing Dreams Come True waters. "is regulation applies to all coastal waters and those rivers 2 miles or more wide for YOUNGSTERS, 21 & UNDER, with USCG approved Pyrotechnic Visual Distress LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESSES at the mouth and up to the first point the river Signals include: Toll Free: 866-345-4455 narrows to less than 2 miles. www.HuntofaLifetime.org Boats less than 16 feet, manually propelled • Pyrotechnic red flares, hand-held or aerial; boats (rowboats, canoes, kayaks, etc.), and open • Pyrotechnic orange smoke, handheld or sailboats under 26 feet with no motor, are re- floating; quired to carry only night visual distress signals • Launchers for aerial red meteors or para- when operated on coastal waters at night. chute flares.

NAVIGATION LIGHTS

Power Driven Vessels

FIG. 1 FIG. 2 FIG. 3 FIG. 4

Sailing Vessels

FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. 7 FIG. 8

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Non-pyrotechnic visual distress at Gwynns Island across the river to the Vessels Less Than 12 Meters signaling devices must: opposite shore, which is in the vicinity of (39.4 ft.) in Length • Meet USCG requirements. Piankatank River Lighted Buoy 6. • Vessels or sailboats using power: the lighting • Be in serviceable condition. 5. Rappahannock River up to where the water- arrangement in Figure 1, 2, 3, or 4 may be used. • Be readily accessible. way is reduced to 2 nautical miles, which is • Sailboats using sail alone: the lighting ar- a line drawn from Parrott Island to Cherry rangement in figure 5, 6, or 7 may be used. USCG approved non-pyrotechnic visual dis- Point, which is just before you get to the tress signals include: first highway bridge. "e white masthead light or all around white 6. "ose parts of the Pocomoke and Tangier light must be at least 1 meter (3.3 ft.) higher • Orange distress flag with black square and Sounds which fall within Virginia. than the colored sidelights. black ball, for daytime use; 7. Where the uncharted inlets of the Atlantic • Electric distress light for night use. Ocean are reduced to 2 nautical miles in Vessels 12 Meters but Less Than width. 20 Meters (65.5 ft.) in Length "e following points will be used as the “cutoff • Vessels or sailboats using power: the lighting points” for enforcement of the visual distress Navigation Lights arrangement in Figure 1 or 2 may be used. signal regulations on the coastal waters in Recreational boats, while underway, are re- "e lighting arrangement in Figure 3 may Virginia. "ese points can be found on the quired to display navigation lights between be used if the vessel was constructed before appropriate nautical chart. sunset and sunrise and during periods of re- December 24, 1980. stricted visibility. • Sailboats using sail alone: the lighting ar- 1. Entrance to Hampton Roads up to where No other lights shall be exhibited that could rangement in Figure 5, 6, or 7 may be used. the waterway is reduced to 2 nautical miles impair the visibility of required running lights which is a line drawn between Old Point or impair the visibility of approaching vessels. "e white masthead light or all around white Comfort and Fort Wool. light must be at least 1 meter (3.3 ft.) higher 2. York River up to where the waterway is re- Lights Used When Anchored than the colored sidelights. duced to 2 nautical miles which is a line An anchor light is a 360 degree (all-round) drawn between Sandy Point and Tue Point, white light exhibited where it can best be seen Unpowered Vessels which is in the vicinity of Tue Marshes Light. and visible for 2 miles. A vessel under oars and sailboats less than 7 meters 3. Mobjack Bay up to, but not including, the (23 feet) in length may display those lights pre- Severn, Ware, North and East rivers. Special Lights for Enforcement Vessels scribed for a sailing vessel, but it they do not, they 4. Entrance to the Piankatank River where Enforcement vessels of the DGIF, the USCG, shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted the waterway is reduced to 2 nautical miles and other law enforcement agencies may display lantern (Figure 8) shining a white light which shall which is a line drawn from Cherry Point a rotating or flashing blue light. When such a be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision. light is observed you should stop immediately and maneuver in such a way as to permit the International Rules boarding officer to come alongside or aboard. (Past the Line of Demarcation) By federal law, blue lights may only be dis- Beyond three nautical miles of Virginia’s coast- NEW played by enforcement vessels of the federal, line, if your power-driven vessel is less than 23 GAME PROCESSING state or local governments, and have the same feet (7 meters) in length and its maximum speed

sponsored by eﬀect on the water as the rotating or ﬂashing does not exceed 7 knots, then it may display an TIPS & TRICKS blue lights on law enforcement cars traveling all-round white light, and if possible, sidelights our highways. instead of the lights previously described. The most up-to-date regulations online. MOTORBOAT AND PWC OPERATORS A Boating Safety Course is Required to Operate PWC’s and/or Boats With Motors 10 HP or Greater. For more information: www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/ education/requirement/

62 WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV VIRGINIA WATERCRAFT SAFE BOATING

• Operating a motorboat or skis in an area des- your passengers boating fatality statistics. Be alert Safe Boating ignated for swimming. to what other boaters are doing and steer clear of • Engaging in snorkeling or scuba diving in wa- boaters who may be abusing alcohol and/or drugs. Unlawful Acts ters open to boating without displaying a flag • Operate a PWC or a boat registered in Vir- (no boat shall approach closer than 25 yards Virginia Boating Safety Education ginia with a motor of 10 hp or greater without when flag displayed). All PWC operators and motoboat operators of meeting the provisions of the boating safety boats registered in Virginia with a motor of 10 education requirement. The Law about Alcohol, horsepower and greater must take a boating • Reckless operation of boat, water skis, or Drugs, and Boating safety course. aquaplane. Virginia’s law states that boat operators with • Operating, while intoxicated, a boat, aquaplane blood alcohol concentrations of .08 percent or Boating Education Courses or water skis. more by weight, by volume, shall be presumed to "e DGIF provides a free classroom boating • Operating or giving permission to operate an be under the influence of alcoholic intoxicants. safety course, Boat Virginia. "is course is avail- unregistered motorboat. Operating a boat under the influence is a Class able throughout the year. "e DGIF also supports • Operating or giving permission to operate a I Misdemeanor and can result in up to a $2,500 NASBLA approved boating courses offered by boat with an expired Certificate of Number. fine and/or up to 12 months in jail as well as the the USCG Auxiliary (USCGAux) and the U.S. • Operating a motorboat with number improp- loss of the privilege to operate a motorboat for Power Squadrons (USPS). "ere are several in- erly displayed. up to a year. ternet courses that meet Virginia’s Boating Safety • Operating a boat with unauthorized number Education Requirement. displayed. Implied Consent For a up-to-date list of boating safety education • Failing to carry the Certificate of Number "e Virginia Implied Consent Law states that by course offerings and boating safety information, on board or refusing to show it to inspecting operating a watercraft, you are agreeing to submit visit our website at www.dgif.virginia.gov/boat- officers. to a breath and/or blood test to determine the ing/education/requirement/. • Operating a registered motorboat more than amount of alcohol and/or drugs in your blood. To arrange a free vessel safety check, please call 90 days in Virginia without registering it here. Unreasonable refusal to submit to these tests 1-800-245-2628 or contact local USCG Auxiliary • Failing to report a change of address of a regis- constitutes grounds for the revocation of the or USPS member. tered motorboat owner within 15 days. operator’s privilege to operate a watercraft on • Failure to report loss or abandonment of a the waters of the Commonwealth. Do I Need to Take a Boating Course? registered boat within 15 days. YES: If you have never taken a NASBLA approved • Failure to exhibit lights as required by law Zero Tolerance Law boating safety course and you operate a PWC or between sunset and sunrise. Virginia Law prohibits persons younger than a boat registered in Virginia with a motor of 10 • A vessel operator failing to stop, render as- 21 from consuming alcohol and operating a horsepower and greater.. sistance, give name and address at the scene watercraft with any measurable alcohol level. of an accident or failing to file an accident Operation under the influence of alcohol or other NO: If you have previously taken a NASBLA report within 10 days. drugs is a criminal offense. Additionally, persons approved boating safety course and still have a • Towing a water skier not wearing a USCG age 18–20 arrested buying, possessing, or drink- card/certificate. approved life jacket without an observer in ing alcohol can be fined up to $2,500, lose their the boat. motor vehicle operator’s license for up to 1 year, NO: If you are serving or have qualified as an • Operating a motorboat without a muffled ex- and be sent to jail. Officer of the Deck Underway, boat coxswain, haust or with a cutout on the exhaust. boat officer, boat operator, watercraft operator, or • Failure to obey regulatory water markers. Protect Yourself Marine Deck Officer in any branch of the Armed Don’t allow a drinking boater to make you and Forces of the United States, United States Coast Guard, or Merchant Marine.

NO: If you hold or have held a license to operate DID YOU GET YOUR VIRGINIA a vessel (Master, Captain, or Mate). NO: If you are or have been a Registered Com- LIFETIME BOATER’S CARD? mercial Fisherman. Our Virginia Lifetime Boater’s Card is If you are or have been a surface warfare available to those who meet the boat- NO: oﬃcer/enlisted surface warfare specialist in the ing safety education requirement. This United States Navy. durable, drivers license-style card is available for a fee of $10.00. General Information • Completed a NASBLA approved • You must carry proof of course completion on boating safety course (U.S. Power board with you while operating. Squadrons, U.S. Coast Guard Aux- • If your boat is registered in another state you iliary, other states’ boating safety must meet your home state’s education re- courses, or internet courses) quirement. • Completed a Virginia Challenge Exam • If you are planning to rent a boat, please check with the boat rental company. • Have lost your original Boat Virginia card • Refer to our website for more details about the • Meet any of the exemptions listed under Boating Education Course education requirement. To purchase a card go to www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/lifetime-boater-card/. Enforcement Boating laws are enforced primarily by Conser-

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vation Police Officers employed by DGIF. "ese PWCs must follow all rules and regulations 1. Practice Good Seamanship — it is the re- officers have full police powers and have the right for motorboats. "ere are additional rules and sponsibility of every vessel or PWC operator to lawfully stop and board your boat at any time regulations for PWC operators as follows: to take all necessary action to avoid collisions. to check for proper registration and required Such action should be taken in ample time to safety equipment. 1. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate avoid a collision and at a safe distance from a PWC, or the owner or any person having other vessels. Speed Laws control to authorize or knowingly permit a 2. Keep a Proper Lookout — every operator No Wake person to operate a PWC, unless the operator must keep a proper lookout using both sight 1. “No Wake” is defined as the slowest possible is at least 16 years of age. Any person age 14 or and hearing at all times. Watch and listen speed required to maintain steerage and 15 may operate a PWC if they have success- for other vessels, radio communications, headway. fully completed an approved boating educa- navigation hazards, and others involved in 2. It shall be unlawful to operate any motorboat tion safety course, carry proof of successful water activities. greater than no wake speed in areas marked completion of such course, and show this proof 3. Maintain a Safe Speed — safe speed will with regulatory “No Wake” buoys. upon request by a law enforcement officer. vary depending upon conditions such as 3. It shall be unlawful to operate any motorboat 2. It is unlawful to operate a PWC unless the wind, water conditions, navigation hazards, greater than no wake speed when within 50 operator, each rider and anyone being towed visibility, surrounding vessel traffic, and the feet or less of docks, piers, boathouses, boat by a PWC is wearing a USCG approved wear- maneuverability of your vessel. ramps, and people in the water. "is defini- able life jacket suited for this activity. Inflatable tion does not prohibit the pulling of a skier life jackets are prohibited. "e boat operator is responsible for knowing and with a rope of less than 50 feet, nor a person 3. If the PWC is equipped with a lanyard-type following all of the applicable navigation rules. accompanying the motorboat (wake surfing) engine cut-off switch, the operator must at- Copies of the rules may be obtained from the provided the motorboat is propelled by an tach the lanyard to his person, clothing, or Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government inboard motor. life jacket. Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, 202- 4. It is unlawful to operate a PWC after sunset 512-1800. "e stock number is 050-012-00192-8. Slacken Speed or before sunrise. On the Web at: http://uscgboating.org/regula- Operators shall reduce speed to avoid endan- 5. It is unlawful to operate a PWC while carrying tions/navigation-rules.php. gering persons or property by the effect of the passengers in excess of the number for which motorboat’s wake when approaching or passing the craft was designed by the manufacturer; Right Side = Starboard vessels under way, lying to, at anchor, or made including towed passengers. Left Side = Port fast to the shore; or, when approaching or passing 6. A person shall be guilty of reckless operation piers, docks, or boathouses; or when approaching who operates any PWC recklessly so as to Head-on (bow to bow) or passing persons in the water or using water endanger the life, limb, or property of any When two power-driven vessels are meeting head- skis or surfboards. person, which shall include, but not be limited on or nearly head-on, each shall alter her course to to: (1) weaving through other vessels which starboard (right) so that each shall pass on the port Safe Speed are underway, stopped, moored or anchored side of the other. A head-on situation exists when A safe speed is a speed less than the maximum at while exceeding a reasonable speed; (2) follow- a vessel sees the other ahead or nearly ahead and which the operator can take proper and effective ing another vessel or skier, crossing the path by night she could see the masthead lights of the action to avoid collision and stop within a distance of another vessel or skier, crossing the path of other in a line or nearly in a line or both sidelights. appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and another vessel more closely than is reasonable conditions. and prudent; (3) crossing between the towing In establishing a safe operating speed, the op- vessel and a skier; or (4) steering toward an MEETING (HEAD-ON) SITUATIONS

erator shall take into account: visibility, traﬃc object or person and turning sharply in close 1 short blast** density, ability to maneuver the vessel (stopping proximity to such object or person in order to

distance and turning ability), background light spray or attempt to spray an object or person Passing 50’ Rule* at night, proximity of navigational hazards, draft with the wash or jet spray of the PWC. Port to Port

of the vessel, limitations of radar equipment, and 7. PWC operators must maintain “no wake” 1 short blast** the state of wind, sea, and current. operation when within 50 feet or less of docks, piers, boathouses, boat ramps, people in the 2 short blasts** Unsafe Practices water and vessels other than PWCs. PWCs Passing Starboard to 50’ Rule* It is unlawful to allow any person to ride or sit on may tow a skier with a rope less than 50 feet. Starboard the bow, gunwales, transom, or on the decking No wake is deﬁned as “"e slowest possible over the bow of the vessel while under power speed required to maintain steerage and 2 short blasts** unless such motorboat is provided with adequate headway.” Meeting Head guards or railing to prevent passengers from falls to Head 1 short blast** overboard. Passengers or other persons aboard a "e above provisions do not apply to participants watercraft may occupy these areas of the vessel in regattas, races, marine parades, tournaments 50’ Rule to moor or anchor the watercraft, to cast oﬀ, or or exhibitions approved by the Board of the DGIF 1 short blast** for any other necessary purpose. or the USCG. * A PWC must slow to no wake speed if within 50’ of a motorboat

Personal Watercraft Navigation Rules SOUND SIGNALS Short blast=a blast of about one second’s duration (PWC) Operation Most boating accidents are the result of a collision, 3 short blasts indicates a motorboat operating astern propulsion 5 short blasts is the danger signal A personal watercraft is a motorboat less than either between two vessels, or between a vessel and ** Not sounded on international waters 16 feet in length which uses an inboard motor a ﬁxed or submerged object. For this reason, boat powering a jet pump as its primary motive power operators are cautioned to follow the established and which is designed to be operated by a person Navigation Rules, especially maintaining a proper Giveway and Stand-on Vessels sitting, standing or kneeling on, rather than in lookout and safe speed. Remember the three basic Give-way and Stand-on is the terminology used the conventional manner of sitting or standing rules of navigation: to describe the appropriate action of each vessel inside the vessel. in crossing and passing situations.

64 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV "e “give-way” vessel is the vessel that must and speed. "e vessel over taking you should notify not relieve the give-way vessel of its obligation to take early and substantial action to keep well clear an intent to pass by making an appropriate sound keep out of the way. "e give-way vessel is that of another vessel. signal. One short blast of the horn or whistle vessel required to take early and substantial action "e “stand-on” vessel shall maintain course means “I intend to overtake you on your star- to keep well away from other vessels by stopping, and speed unless it becomes apparent that the board side” and 2-short blasts means “I intend slowing or changing course. vessel required to keep out of the way (the “give- to overtake you on your port side”. way” vessel) is not taking the appropriate action. When two sailing vessels are approaching one Narrow Channels If the stand-on vessel must take action to avoid a another in a crossing situation, one of them shall In narrow channels, the operator of every vessel collision, it must avoid turning to port for a vessel keep out of the way of the other as follows: shall, when it is safe and practicable, keep to that on her port side. side of the fairway or mid-channel which lies on An action taken to avoid a collision needs to • When each has the wind on a different side, the right side of such vessel. "e operator of a ves- be positive, made in ample time and large enough the vessel which has the wind on the port side sel under 65.6 feet in length underway, fishing or to be apparent to the other vessel. If necessary shall keep out of the way of the other; at anchor in narrow channels shall not interfere to avoid a collision or allow more time to assess • When both have the wind on the same side, the with the passage of large, deep-draft vessels that the situation, a vessel must slacken her speed or vessel which is to windward shall keep out of can safely navigate only inside such channels. take all way off by stopping or reversing engines. the way of the vessel which is to leeward; and In crossing situations, power boats must give- • If a vessel with the wind on the port side sees a Restricted Visibility way to sailing vessels under sail regardless of the vessel to windward and cannot determine with "e following rule applies to vessels not in sight angle the power-driven vessel approaches the certainty whether the other vessel has the wind of one another when navigating in or near an area sailing vessel. on the port or on the starboard side, she shall of restricted visibility: keep out of the way of the other. Proceed at a safe speed adapted to the prevail- Crossing ing circumstances and conditions of restricted When two power-driven vessels are crossing, Windward side is deemed to be the side opposite visibility. A power-driven vessel shall have engines the vessel which has the other on her starboard to that on which the main-sail is carried. ready for immediate maneuver. side shall give way and keep out of the way and Except where it has been determined that a avoid crossing ahead (in front) of the other vessel. risk of collisions does not exist, every vessel which When taking action to stay out of the way, OVERTAKING SITUATION hears apparently forward of her beam the fog make it early, substantial and well clear of the Inland Rules signal of another vessel, or which cannot avoid a I want to go around you on your other boat. Avoid making a succession of small port side - 2 short blasts** close-quarter situation with another vessel for- alterations of course or speed. If you are directed Proceed ward of her beam, shall reduce her speed to the by the Rules to stay out of the way, then make your 2 short blasts** 50’ Rule* minimum at which she can be kept on course. turn large and obvious so as to be readily apparent She shall if necessary take all way off (slow down to another vessel both visually or by radar. "is or stop) and in any event, navigate with extreme 50’ Rule* is especially true at night, when the only visual GIVE-WAY STAND-ON caution until danger of collision is over. indication of your course change is the alteration vessel vessel holds overtaking course Sound Signals for Restricted Visibility of your boat’s lights. Inland Rules and speed I want to go around your on your starboard Whistle means any sound producing device ca- side - 1 short blast* Pr oceed pable of producing a blast. 1 short blast** CROSSING SITUATION Short Blast = a blast of about 1 second. 1 short blast** Responsibility Between Vessels Prolonged Blast = a blast of from 4–6 seconds’ Except where otherwise required: duration. Stand-On vessel A power-driven vessel shall keep out of the holds course 50’ Rule way of: In or near an area of restricted visibility, whether and speed by day or night, the following sound signals shall • A vessel not under command be made: DANGER ZONE • A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, 50’ Rule* such as a tug boat or deep-draft freighter • A power-driven vessel making way through

• A vessel engaged in commercial ﬁshing the water — one prolonged blast at least once • A sailing vessel every 2 minutes. • A power-driven vessel underway but stopped A sailing vessel shall keep out of the way of: and making no way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes GIVE-WAY vessel alters course • A vessel not under command two prolonged blasts in succession with an

• A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, interval of about 2 seconds between them. Port Starboard 1 short blast** such as a tug boat or deep-draft freighter • A sailing vessel, whether underway or at anchor, • A vessel engaged in commercial ﬁshing shall sound one-prolonged blast followed by two-short blast at least once every 2 minutes. Departure From Regulations Overtaking To Avoid Immediate Danger Any vessel overtaking any other shall give-way and At times it may be necessary to depart from these keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. rules in order to avoid immediate danger. When, When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether it from any cause the vessel required to keep its is overtaking another, it shall assume that this is course and speed ﬁnds itself so close that collision the case and act accordingly. cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way If you are being overtaken (passed), you are the vessel alone, the operator shall take such action stand-on vessel and should maintain your course as will best aid to avoid collision. "is action does

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AIDS TO NAVIGATION Buoys are the most familiar aids to navigation-they’re the signposts of the water. Here’s how they work: entering a channel or river from open water, buoys on the right (starboard) are painted red and are even numbered starting from the mouth. Buoys on the left (port) side of the channel are green buoys with odd numbers. Stay between the red and green buoys and keep to the right of the channel. Buoys marking mid-channel have red and white vertical stripes; those marking obstructions or junctions are striped horizon- tally red or green with the top band marking the best channel. Red top: keep buoy on your right. Green top: keep buoy on your left. Remember: RRR for “Red Right Returning.” Returning means going upstream, or coming from the ocean.

Floating Channel Markers

Can Buoy (Green) Nun Buoy (Red) Special Buoy (Yellow) Lighted, whistle, bell, horn or gong buoy Keep buoy to left Keep buoy to right A caution area meaning May be red, green or yellow. going upstream. going upstream. to steer clear. Indicates an isolated danger.

Additional Markers Scuba divers or snorkelers must display “Diver Down” ﬂag that marks their area and boats must maintain distance of 25 yards or more from any displayed diver down ﬂag.

RW “E” Pass Between Keep Clear Mo(A) These 25 Yards

Opposite green and red buoys mark channel Lighted (White Light) Channel Junction Mid-channel Buoy Buoy (Red Top) Pass close to either Keep buoy to right Anchoring Keep Clear Mooring Area 25 Yards side of unlighted red going upstream to and white , vertically stay in preferred striped, spherical buoy. channel. (Keep Green Top buoy to left.) Blue Banded white buoy

Uniform State Waterway Marking System Boaters may only tie up to designated It is unlawful to place unauthorized regulatory markers on or near mooring buoys. Do not tie up to the public waters. any other type of navigational buoy or other aids to navigation.

Stationary Channel Markers

Information Danger Controlled Exclusion Area: Area Boats Keep Out Daymark Daymark Daymark

66 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV Felony. When a collision or accident results in • Be certain that the boat’s description on the Other Safety only property damage, the operator who does title matches the boat you are buying. Check not comply with this law shall be guilty of a year, make, length, and hull identification Concerns Class 1 Misdemeanor. number. • Be sure the model and serial number on an Boating Accident Reporting Naval Protection Zones outboard motor have not been removed, As the operator of a vessel, you are required All vessels must operate at minimum speed tampered with or altered. by law to file a formal, written report of your necessary to maintain a steerage and headway • Be suspicious of a fresh paint job on a late boating accident with the DGIF under certain (no wake speed) within 500 yards of the U.S. model vessel. circumstances. naval vessel and proceed as directed by the • When buying a used vessel, try to deal with a To inform Law Enforcement about an ac- Commanding Officer or the official patrol. Vio- reputable marine dealer or a broker licensed cident that has just occurred, please call your lations of the Naval Vessel Protection Zone are by the state. county or city law enforcement group, sheriff’s a felony offense, punishable by up to 6 years in • If the price seems too good to be true, there office, Conservation Police Officer, or Depart- prison and/or up to $250,000 in fines. is a good chance that the boat is stolen. ment dispatcher (800-237-5712) or 911. No vessel or person is allowed within 100 yards of a U.S. naval vessel greater than 100 feet Equipment Identification When a Report is Required in length. Due to Little Creek Channel’s width • Mark all equipment when purchased. A formal, written report must be filed with of 150 yards, all vessels must exit Little Creek • If your boat was built before 1972, it may not DGIF when there is: Channel when a U.S. naval vessel is approaching. have a hull identification number. If you have questions about the Navel Vessel • It is a good idea to inscribe that registration • Damage over $2000 by or to the vessel or Protection Zone, contact Coast Guard Sector number onto some unexposed location on its equipment; Hampton Roads Waterways Management Divi- the interior of your boat. • Injury (requiring medical help beyond First sion at 757-668-5580. • Document boat contents. Aid) or loss of life; and/or • Store gear/electronics when not in use. • Disappearance of any person from a vessel. 500 Trailerable Boats rds When a person dies or disappears as a result Ya Stealing a boat is much easier if a thief can hitch of an occurrence that involves a vessel or its up to your boat on a trailer and drive away. equipment, the operator is required by law "ese tips may help. 100 KEEP OUT! to notify the DGIF in Henrico, Virginia, or Yards the most immediately available Department • If possible, store the boat and trailer in a Operate at Minimum Speed Conservation Police Officer without delay and locked garage. by the quickest means possible. • Store boats in the back or side yard out of sight. Time Frame for Reporting America’s Waterway Watch • Store the boat with the trailer tongue not Written reports must be filed within the fol- America’s coasts, rivers, bridges, tunnels, ports, easily accessible. lowing time frames from the boating accident: ships, military bases, and waterside industries • Park another vehicle or other large object in may be the terrorists’ next targets. front of the trailer. • 48 hours, if a person dies within 24 hours If you see outwardly suspicious activity, or • Remove one trailer wheel. of the accident; even behavior that makes you uneasy, please • Purchase a good quality trailer hitch lock • 48 hours if a person involved is injured and report it. Here are things to look for: and use it — even if stored inside. cannot perform usual activities; • 48 hours if a person disappears from a vessel; • Unattended vessels or vehicles in unusual Vessel Security • 10 days if an earlier report is not required locations. "ere are several things that can be done to but becomes necessary; and/or • Unusual night operations. reduce the risk of vessel theft. • 10 days if the boat or property damage is in • Recovering or tossing items into/onto the excess of $2000 or total boat loss. waterway or shoreline. • Lock marine hatch. • Operating in or passing through an area that • Lock the forward hatch. How to File a Written Accident Report does not typically have such activity. • Lock windows. Boating Accident Report forms (pages 69-70) • Missing fencing or lighting near sensitive can also be obtained from local law enforcement locations. Report It authorities, Department Conservation Police Of- • Transfer of people or items between vessels, If your boat, trailer, or gear is missing, report it ficers, DGIF website, and all Department offices. or between vessels and the shore outside immediately to the following groups. Use your You may submit the completed forms in person or of a port. written and photographic marine record to give send them to the Virginia Department of Game • Anyone operating in an aggressive manner. specific and complete information. and Inland Fisheries, Boating Accident, 7870 Villa • Small planes flying over critical locations. Park Dr., Suite 400, P.O. Box 90778, Henrico, • Persons attempting to buy or rent fishing or • Local law enforcement agencies. VA 23228. "e boat operator or owner usually recreational vessels with cash for short-term, • Your insurance company. completes the form unless she/he is physically undefined use. • Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. unable to do so. • Other suspicious activity. • "e dock or harbormaster. • Neighboring boaters. Duty to Stop and Render Assistance Call the National Response Center at • Local newspapers. It is the duty of every operator involved in a 877-24WATCH (249-2824) or 911 to report collision to stop and offer assistance. Operators suspicious activity. Carbon Monoxide involved in a collision, who knowingly fail to Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, comply with this law when the collision or ac- Boat Theft Prevention tasteless gas that can be toxic in small quan- cident results in serious bodily injury to, or the When Buying a Boat tities. It is produced by engines, generators, death of, any person, shall be guilty of a Class 6 • Be careful because it could be stolen. grills, and other equipment commonly used

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by boaters. Every year people who recreate on 2. A person(s) being towed on water skis or tees and seals), which are most common in the and around boats are overcome by the effects other device may not operate in a reckless coastal ocean and Chesapeake Bay mouth, but of carbon monoxide. or dangerous manner. can occur inside the Bay and associated river Recreational boaters need to be aware of car- 3. A person(s) being towed on water skis or mouths as well. Sea turtles are protected by bon monoxide poisoning prevention practices other device may not operate while under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and marine such as regular professional boat inspections; the influence of alcohol or drugs, including mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal the installation and maintenance of carbon prescription narcotics and illegal drugs. Protection Act (MMPA). dioxide detectors in living spaces; the hazards 4. "e operator of the boat towing a water Guidelines for approaching dolphins and sea of “platform dragging; exhaust leaks from CO skier(s) or person(s) on another towing de- turtles suggest that vessels stay at least 50 feet sources, specific boat design features of con- vice may not manipulate or control the boat away and cut the engine or remain in neutral if cern (especially houseboats); and the danger of so as to cause the person(s) being towed to the animals approach you. Large whales such as swimming near the stern of the watercraft while collide with any object or person. humpback and fin whales can also be seen in the generators, engines or other carbon monoxide 5. Water skiing behind a motorboat (or towing Chesapeake Bay and ocean waters off Virginia. producing equipment is in operation. of people on other devices) is allowed only Vessels are asked to remain at least 300 feet between one-half hour before sunrise to from these endangered whales. Occasionally Capsizings and Falls Overboard one-half hour after sunset. Check the of- manatees are sighted in Virginia waters. Vessel Capsizings and falls overboard are the leading ficial sunrise and sunset times for your area. operators should avoid approaching manatees cause of fatal boating incidents. To help lessen 6. Water skiing behind a PWC (or towing of as they are critically endangered and susceptible the chance of capsizing or falling overboard, people on other devices) is allowed only to vessel strikes. Be a responsible vessel opera- follow these basic safety tips: between sunrise to sunset. Check the of- tor and allow Virginia’s sea turtles and marine ficial sunrise and sunset times for your area. mammals to exist undisturbed in our waters, • Always wear your life jacket. their natural habitat. • Stay low in the boat and maintain 3 points of Environmental Laws contact. Keep 2 feet and 1 hand, or 2 hands Pollution The Marine Environment and 1 foot in contact with the boat at all It is illegal for anyone to pollute our waterways Nuisance aquatic species, such as zebra mussels times. If seated, you have one point of con- in Virginia. If you can’t recycle it, take it ashore and hydrilla, can spread quickly, replace native tact on the seat, and still need to maintain to a trash receptacle. Please help keep the wa- species and damage water resources. Properly 2 others — such as 1 foot, 1 hand, 2 feet, etc. terways clean by picking up your trash. If you cleaning boats and equipment after each use can • When loading supplies into a boat, have one see any source or indication of water pollution, prevent the spread of invasive marine species. person get into the boat and then hand that such as dead fish, call your local Department of Submersed aquatic vegetation (or SAV) are person the supplies. Environmental Quality regional office, or call underwater plants often found in shallow (usu- • If retrieving an item from the water, ma- 804-698-4000 or 800-592-5482. ally less than 6 feet) areas. "ey are important neuver the boat close to the object and use a habitat for fish and shellfish, particularly the boathook or paddle. If you do need to reach Sea Turtle and Marine blue crab, and are a food source for several wa- outside the hull of the boat, keep 3-points Mammal Encounters terfowl species. Scientific studies have shown of contact. While boating in Virginia, you may encounter that SAV beds can be scarred by boat propel- • Keep an even, balanced load. sea turtles, which are common in the sum- lers or by larger craft if they run aground. • Do not attach the anchor line to the stern mer months in the coastal ocean, Chesapeake When operating your boat in shallow areas, of the boat. Bay, and associated river mouths, and marine particularly at low tide, be careful to avoid • When pulling up the anchor, stay low in the mammals (whales, dolphins, porpoises, mana- damaging SAV. boat and well balanced. • If in rough waters, head the bow of the boat anywhere from directly into the seas up to a 45 degree angle depending on sea state and vessel construction. • Follow the information stated on the “Ca- SPORTSMEN: BOAT SMART — pacity Plate.” Never exceed the allowable WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET weight, horsepower rating, or maximum number of people. Most boating-related drownings could have been prevented had the victim been wearing a life jacket. The newest type of life jacket, the manual or auto- matic in"atable life jacket, is lightweight and comfortable. It is versatile enough Enjoying The Water to be worn at any time of the year, and will easily !t over a hunting coat or sweater. Wearing one may save your life. Towed Sports Safety "e boating law contains several provisions re- Safety Tips lating to the towing of persons on water skis, • Check the weather before leaving. aquaplanes, and similar devices, and the manipu- lation of such devices by the person being towed. • Wear a life jacket, vest, or "oat coat. • Remain seated and keep weight evenly distributed. 1. All boats towing a water skier(s) or other • Anchor from the bow, never from the stern. persons on towed devices MUST have ONE of the following: • Properly load your boat. a. Persons being towed must be wearing • Stay with your boat if it should capsize. a USCG approved life jacket or • Guard against hypothermia. b. "ere must be an observer on the boat (in addition to the operator) who is in • Leave the alcohol at home. a position to observe the progress of the skier.

68 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV

WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING 69 VIRGINIA WATERCRAFT SAFE BOATING

70 2020 VIRGINIA FRESHWATER FISHING & BOATING WWW.DGIF.VIRGINIA.GOV Lake Horsepower Limits Note:

LAKE LIMIT LAKE LIMIT

Anna

Leesville

Bannister Lunga

Buggs Island

Chesdin

Claytor

Cohoon Prince

Drummond Sandy River

Emporia Smith

Flannagan Speight’s Run

Gaston South Holston

Harrison Western Branch

Reel In a Great

Deal!Only $10.00 a year New Renewal

Name

Address

City

State Zip

Make check payable to: Treasurer of Virginia Send to: Virginia Wildlife, P.O. Box 90778 Henrico, VA 23228-0778 or call 800-710-9369 and mention code J20F

Sorry, no foreign delivery

71 VIRGINIA WATERCRAFT BOAT RAMPS & ACCESS POINTS

R L Types of Access: R RS BS SA GA RH HL

COUNTY/ BODY OF BARRIER TYPE OF ACCESS AREA # LOCATION CITY WATER FREE? ACCESS 2 1 1 1 1 1 Alleghany 1 Alleghany Island Ford II 0 Alleghany 1 Alleghany 0 Amelia 1 - Amherst 1 Amherst 1 Amherst 1 Amherst 1 1 Bedford 1 Bedford 2 Bedford 1 Botetourt 0 Botetourt Buchanan 1 Botetourt 0 Botetourt 1 Botetourt 0 Botetourt 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 2 1 0 1 72 COUNTY/ BODY OF BARRIER TYPE OF ACCESS AREA # LOCATION CITY WATER FREE? ACCESS Caroline GA 1 - Caroline 0 Caroline 0 Carroll 1 Carroll 0 Carroll 0 Carroll 1 Charles City 1 Charles City GA 0 - 4 2 - 0 - 1 1 Ferry 1 Colonial 1 Heights Covington 1 Access Culpeper 0 Culpeper 1 1 1 Dinwiddie 2 - Emporia 1 Emporia 1 Access Emporia 1 Essex 1 Fairfax 1 1 Fluvanna 1 Fluvanna 0 Fluvanna 0 Fluvanna 0 Fluvanna 1 2 1 2 2 1 73 VIRGINIA WATERCRAFT BOAT RAMPS & ACCESS POINTS

R L Types of Access: R RS BS SA GA RH HL

COUNTY/ BODY OF BARRIER TYPE OF ACCESS AREA # LOCATION CITY WATER FREE? ACCESS 1 1 - 2 Giles 1 Giles 1 Giles 0 Giles 1 Giles 1 Giles 1 Gloucester 1 Gloucester 2 Gloucester GA 1 Gloucester Warehouse 1 Goochland 1 Grayson 0 Grayson 1 Grayson GA 0 Grayson GA 0 Grayson GA 0 Grayson GA 0 Greensville 1 Greensville 1 Halifax 1 Halifax 1 Halifax 1 Halifax 1 Hampton Hanover 0 Hanover 0 Hanover 0 Henrico 2 Henrico 6 Isle of Wight 2 Isle of Wight 1 1 1 1 - King George 1 King William 1 King William 1 King William 2 Lancaster 1 Lancaster 1 74 COUNTY/ BODY OF BARRIER TYPE OF ACCESS AREA # LOCATION CITY WATER FREE? ACCESS Lee 1 Loudoun 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 Nelson 1 Nelson 1 Nelson 1 Newport 2 News Northampton 4 Northampton 1 - 1 land - 2 land 1 Orange 1 - Page 0 - Page 1 - Page 0 - Page 0 - Page 0 - Page 0 - Page 1 - Page 1 1 1 1 - 1 - 1 Port Royal GA 0 Powhatan 1 Powhatan 1 - Powhatan 2 Prince 1 Edward 75 VIRGINIA WATERCRAFT BOAT RAMPS & ACCESS POINTS

R L Types of Access: R RS BS SA GA RH HL

COUNTY/ BODY OF BARRIER TYPE OF ACCESS AREA # LOCATION CITY WATER FREE? ACCESS Prince 1 Edward Prince 2 Edward 1 2 GA 1 Radford 1 Richmond 1 Richmond 2 Richmond 0 Richmond 1 Richmond 1 Richmond 1 1 1 1 0 0 - 0 - 0 - Island Ford 0 - - 1 doah doah (.6) - 0 Russell GA 0 Russell 0 Russell 0 Russell 0 Russell 1 1 1 1 0 - Shenandoah 1 - Shenandoah 0 - Shenandoah 0 - Shenandoah 1 Smyth 1

76 COUNTY/ BODY OF BARRIER TYPE OF ACCESS AREA # LOCATION CITY WATER FREE? ACCESS Smyth 1 Southampton 1 Southampton 1 Southampton 2 Southampton 1 Spotsylvania Elys Ford 0 Spotsylvania 0 Spotsylvania 0 1 1 1 1 Surry 1 Surry 1 Sussex 1 Sussex 1 1 4 1 - Warren 0 - Warren 0 Warren 0 - Warren 0 Warren 0 - Warren 1 Warren 0 Washington 1 Washington 1 Washington 1 - Washington 1 - 1 1 Westmore- 1 land Westmore- 1 land Wise 0 Wythe 1 Wythe 1

77 152065_MABC-20Ram-VirginiaFishing final.indd 1 11/1/19 11:36 AM

JOB: 152065_MABC-20RAM-VIRGINIAFISHING FINAL SPECS: 4C – CMYK DATE: 11/01/2019 TRIM: 8 IN X 10.5 IN LIVE: 7.5IN X 10 IN BLEED: NON BLEED