The weekend of June 7-9 is Free Fishing Weekend in Virginia. For this weekend only, the Department of Wildlife Resources is waiving the need for a fishing license.
A Virginia fishing license is $44.50, and it lasts a full year. This weekend, the need for a trout license will also be suspended. Normally, an additional $23 license is required for anyone trying to catch trout in stocked waters.
In an effort to give more people the chance to try fishing without having to shell out upfront for a license, DWR is hosting beginner-friendly events around the state.
June is the best time of year to catch striped bass on the James.
Photo via @rvajamesriverfishreport
In the Richmond area, DWR will be at Dorey Park on Saturday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m to help beginner anglers. Henrico recreation staff will be there the day prior from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Rods, reels, tackle, and bait will be provided on both days for any attendees who don’t have them.
For those more experienced, the James River has hundreds of miles of excellent fishing. There’s plenty of bass to be caught this time of year, as well as some shad in the water.
If you’re looking to take a quick road trip, the Charlottesville area also has miles and miles of waters to be fished.
