What West Virginia Fishing Licenses Cost

A West Virginia resident fishing license costs $19.50 for a full year. A three-day license costs $9.50. A one-day license costs $5.50. Non-residents pay $39.50 for a full year, $19.50 for a three-day license, and $9.50 for a one-day license.

These prices cover freshwater fishing in West Virginia's rivers, streams, and lakes. You do not need a separate license for saltwater fishing because West Virginia has no ocean access. If you fish in a different state, that state's license rules explore instead.

You can buy a license online through the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website, by phone, or in person at sporting goods stores and bait shops across the state. Online purchase is fastest — the license arrives by email and you can print it or show it on your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • West Virginia resident licenses cost $19.50 per year, $9.50 for three days, or $5.50 for one day.
  • Non-residents pay $39.50 per year, $19.50 for three days, or $9.50 for one day.
  • You can purchase online through the Division of Natural Resources website and receive your license by email the same day.
  • Certain people — including residents over 65, disabled veterans, and children under 15 with a resident parent — do not need to pay for a license.

Who Does Not Need to Pay for a License

West Virginia residents aged 65 and older do not need a license. Disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 50 percent or higher by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs do not need one either. Children under 15 fishing with a resident parent or guardian on the same license do not need their own.

Residents fishing on their own property in a private pond or stream do not need a license, provided the water does not connect to public waterways. If you are unsure whether your water is private or public, contact the Division of Natural Resources directly.

Where to Buy Your License

The fastest route is the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website. You enter your name, address, and payment information, and the license arrives in your email within minutes. You can print it or show it on your phone when you fish.

You can also buy a license by phone by calling the Division of Natural Resources. They can process payment over the phone and mail the license to you, though this takes several business days.

Sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations sell licenses in person. Call ahead to confirm the store has the type of license you need in stock. In-person purchase means you walk out with a physical license the same day.

What Your License Covers

Your license covers freshwater fishing for all species in West Virginia — bass, catfish, trout, crappie, and others. The license itself does not limit which fish you can catch, but West Virginia has separate rules for size limits, catch limits, and seasons that vary by species and water body.

You must follow these rules even with a valid license. For example, largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size and a five-fish daily limit in most waters, but these rules change by location. Check the current regulations on the Division of Natural Resources website before you fish.

Your license does not cover fishing in private ponds you do not own or have written permission to fish. It also does not cover commercial fishing or selling fish you catch.

How Long Your License Lasts

A full-year resident license runs from January 1 to December 31 of the same calendar year. If you buy a license in June, it expires on December 31 of that year — you do not get a full 12 months from the purchase date. Non-resident annual licenses follow the same calendar year.

Three-day licenses are valid for three consecutive calendar days starting the day you purchase them. A one-day license is valid only on the day you buy it. If you buy a one-day license on a Friday, you cannot fish with it on Saturday.

Renewing Your License

You can renew online through the Division of Natural Resources website starting in December for the following year. Renewing online takes the same steps as buying a new license — enter your information, pay, and receive the license by email.

You do not have to wait until your current license expires to renew. Many anglers renew in November or December so they have a new license ready on January 1. If you forget and your license expires, you can buy a new one at any time using the same process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish with someone else's license?

No. Your license is tied to your name and must be in your possession when you fish. A child under 15 can fish on the same license as a resident parent or guardian, but that is the only exception. Everyone else needs their own license.

Do I need a license to fish in a private pond on my own property?

No, provided the pond does not connect to public waterways. If your pond feeds into a creek or river that connects to public water, you need a license. Contact the Division of Natural Resources if you are unsure whether your water is considered private or public.

What happens if I fish without a license?

Fishing without a valid license is a violation of West Virginia law. Penalties include fines and possible confiscation of fishing equipment. The amount of the fine depends on whether it is your first offense and the circumstances. It is cheaper to buy a license than to pay a fine.

Can I buy a license for someone else as a gift?

Yes. You can purchase a license online or in person using someone else's name and information, then give them the license or the receipt. The person receiving it should keep the license with them when they fish.

Do I need a license to fish in West Virginia if I live in another state?

Yes. Non-residents must buy a West Virginia license to fish in West Virginia waters. The price is higher than the resident rate. If you fish regularly in West Virginia, the annual non-resident license ($39.50) is cheaper than buying multiple three-day or one-day licenses.