What will it cost? Calculator
Pick your trip and we'll work out the cheapest licenses to buy, including any required stamps.
Licenses and prices
Checked Nov 4, 2026Prices for 2026. Listed prices are state fees. Agents add an issuing fee ($3 for a first purchase, $1 for later ones); online and phone sales add $2 per transaction. Residents also need the $5 Conservation Stamp and non-residents the $13 Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp.
Where these prices come from: Prices from WVDNR's 2026 Fishing Regulations Summary.
How long annual licenses last: Licenses are good for the calendar year; new ones must be bought at the start of each year. Official source
Non-residents (visitors)
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class F non-resident fishing license | Fresh | Annual | $37 |
Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp (CS/LE, $13) also required. Official source |
| Class LL non-resident one-day fishing license | Fresh | 1 day | $3 |
Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp (CS/LE, $13) also required. Official source |
| Age-limited licenses | ||||
| Class XXJ non-resident junior sportsman license, ages 15 to 17 Ages 15–17 | Fresh | Annual | $16 |
Sold for ages 8 to 17, but not needed for fishing under 15. CS/LE stamp also required. Official source |
| Class F-L non-resident lifetime fishing license (adult) Ages 15+ | Fresh | Lifetime | $1,150 | Official source |
| Class F-L non-resident lifetime fishing license, child under 1 Under 1 | Fresh | Lifetime | $460 | Official source |
| Class F-L non-resident lifetime fishing license, child age 1 to under 5 Ages 1–4 | Fresh | Lifetime | $632.50 | Official source |
| Class F-L non-resident lifetime fishing license, child age 5 to under 10 Ages 5–9 | Fresh | Lifetime | $862.50 | Official source |
| Class F-L non-resident lifetime fishing license, child age 10 to under 15 Ages 10–14 | Fresh | Lifetime | $1,035 | Official source |
Residents
| License | Water | Length | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class B resident fishing license | Fresh | Annual | $19 |
Conservation Stamp (CS, $5) also required. Official source |
| Class L resident five-day fishing license | Fresh | 5 days | $8 |
Conservation Stamp (CS, $5) also required. Official source |
| Age-limited licenses | ||||
| Class XJ resident junior sportsman license (hunting, trapping and fishing), ages 15 to 17 Ages 15–17 | Fresh | Annual | $16 | Official source |
| Class XS resident senior lifetime hunting, trapping and fishing license Ages 65+ | Fresh | Lifetime | $25 |
For residents who reached 65 on or after January 1, 2012. Includes the trout stamp; no Conservation Stamp needed. Official source |
| Class B-L resident lifetime fishing license (adult) Ages 15+ | Fresh | Lifetime | $552 |
No Conservation Stamp needed. Official source |
| Class B-L resident lifetime fishing license, child under 1 Under 1 | Fresh | Lifetime | $220.80 | Official source |
| Class B-L resident lifetime fishing license, child age 1 to under 5 Ages 1–4 | Fresh | Lifetime | $303.60 | Official source |
| Class B-L resident lifetime fishing license, child age 5 to under 10 Ages 5–9 | Fresh | Lifetime | $414 | Official source |
| Class B-L resident lifetime fishing license, child age 10 to under 15 Ages 10–14 | Fresh | Lifetime | $496.80 | Official source |
| Special licenses (conditions apply; not used by the calculator) | ||||
| Class X resident sportsman license (hunting, fishing and trapping), ages 18 to 64 | Fresh | Annual | $35 |
Only for: Hunting combination. Shown for hunters; the calculator quotes the fishing-only license. Official source |
| Class XP resident sportsman plus license (includes trout stamp) | Fresh | Annual | $45 |
Only for: Hunting combination including the trout stamp. Official source |
| Class X3 resident sportsman license, 3 years | Fresh | 3 years | $105 |
Only for: Hunting combination. Official source |
| Class XP3 resident sportsman plus license, 3 years (includes trout stamp) | Fresh | 3 years | $135 |
Only for: Hunting combination including the trout stamp. Official source |
| Class AB-L resident lifetime hunting, trapping and fishing license (adult) | Fresh | Lifetime | $805 |
Only for: Hunting combination. Official source |
| Class DT special hunting and fishing license (life-threatening condition) | Fresh | Annual | Free |
Only for: Free, for people aged 20 or under with a life-threatening condition; no other licenses or stamps needed. Also issued to non-residents. Official source |
Extra stamps and permits
Checked Nov 4, 2026Some of these are required: the calculator adds them automatically.
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Conservation Stamp (Class CS, resident)
$5Required for residents with annual, 5 days licenses
Required with the resident Class B and Class L fishing licenses.
Residents Official source
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Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp (Class CS/LE, non-resident)
$13Required for non-residents with annual, 1 day licenses
Required for all licensed non-resident anglers (with Class F, LL and XXJ).
Non-residents Official source
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Trout Stamp (Class O, resident)
$10Needed to fish for trout (not for XS, XP or XP3 holders, or under 15).
Residents Official source
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Lifetime Trout Stamp (Class O-L, resident adult)
Annual $230
Lifetime $230Lifetime alternative to the yearly trout stamp. Child rates from $92.
Residents Official source
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Trout Stamp (Class OO, non-resident)
$16Needed to fish for trout (not under 15).
Non-residents Official source
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Lifetime Trout Stamp (Class OO-L, non-resident adult)
Annual $368
Lifetime $368Lifetime alternative; needs a Class F or F-L license. Child rates from $147.20.
Non-residents Official source
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National Forest Stamp (Class I, non-resident)
Annual $2
Lifetime $46Needed to fish on National Forest land, as well as a Class F, LL or F-L license. Lifetime version (I-L) $46.
Non-residents Official source
Who doesn't need a license
Checked Nov 4, 2026-
Anyone under 15 (no license or trout stamp needed)
Fresh Everyone Official source
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Residents who turned 65 before January 1, 2012
Fresh Residents · check this applies to you · Proof: West Virginia driver's license or photo ID Official source
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Totally blind residents
Fresh Residents · check this applies to you · Proof: Physician's statement Official source
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Residents on active military duty, while on leave
Fresh Residents · check this applies to you · Proof: Leave papers or leave number Official source
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Certain disabled veterans (total permanent service-connected disability) and former POWs
Fresh Residents · check this applies to you · Proof: DNR card Official source
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Developmentally disabled residents holding a DNR card
Fresh Residents · check this applies to you · Proof: DDFL card Official source
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Resident landowners, their resident children or parents, and resident tenants, fishing their own land
Fresh Residents Official source
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Residents or in-patients of state mental hospitals or similar institutions, under supervision
Fresh Residents Official source
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Anyone on West Virginia's free fishing days (June 13-14 in 2026)
Fresh Everyone Official source
Fishing licenses from other states aren't valid in West Virginia, except under the border-water agreements below.
Free fishing days
Checked Nov 4, 2026Dates can move, and some free days are for residents only. Confirm with WVDNR before you go.
Next dates not yet announced. Check the official page.
The rule: Two free fishing days in June, set each year by WVDNR.
No license required on these days. 2027 dates not yet announced.
Residents and visitors
Checked Nov 4, 2026- Who counts as a resident
- A resident is someone domiciled in West Virginia continuously for 30 or more days immediately before applying. (at least 30 days)
- Military
- Includes members of the US armed forces stationed outside the state who were West Virginia residents when they entered service.
- Students
- Full-time students at a West Virginia college or university count as residents.
How to buy a West Virginia fishing license
Checked Nov 4, 2026Buy online through WVDNR (wvfish.com / wvhunt.com), by phone on 304-558-2758, or from more than 160 license agents and designated county clerk offices.
- Online
- West Virginia Division of Natural Resources license sales ($2 fee)
- Phone
- 304-558-2758 ($2 fee)
- ID needed
- Licensed anglers must carry valid identification while fishing.
Agents and county clerks charge a $3 issuing fee for a first purchase and $1 for later purchases.
Most anglers need a stamp as well as the license: residents the $5 Conservation Stamp, non-residents the $13 Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp, and anyone fishing for trout a trout stamp ($10 resident, $16 non-resident).
Residents who turned 65 on or after January 1, 2012 can buy the $25 Class XS senior lifetime license, which includes the trout stamp.
Charters, guides and piers
Checked Nov 4, 2026Not applicable.
Inland state. WVDNR's summary lists no license exemption for guided anglers.
Charter rules depend on the boat and where you fish. Ask the captain, and check WVDNR's rules before you book.
Border waters
Ohio River (Ohio)
Valid Ohio or West Virginia resident licenses allow fishing on the Ohio River, its embayments, or from either bank (not tributaries above embayments). West Virginia law applies on the river proper and West Virginia banks and embayments; Ohio law on Ohio banks and embayments. Official source
Potomac River and Jennings Randolph Lake (Maryland)
West Virginia residents with a valid West Virginia license may fish the Potomac (including the North Branch and Jennings Randolph Lake) and the Maryland shore without a Maryland license; Maryland residents may fish Jennings Randolph Lake and the West Virginia shore without a West Virginia license. Tributaries excluded. Maryland's dates, limits and sizes apply. Official source
Big Sandy and Tug Fork rivers (Kentucky)
West Virginia or Kentucky residents with valid resident licenses may fish the main stem from the Ohio River up to the Virginia line (not tributaries). From a boat, follow the rules of the state that issued your license; from the bank, the rules of the state you are in. Official source
Seasons and limits
Checked Nov 4, 2026Limits change, and many lakes, rivers and coastal areas have their own rules. Check WVDNR's current rules before you keep a fish.
Statewide creel and size limits from WVDNR's 2026 Fishing Regulations Summary. Many waters have special regulations. Daily creel limits shown; possession limits (usually twice the daily limit) in brackets.
| Species | Where | Size | Daily bag | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted) Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | 6 combined (possession 12) | – |
| Special-regulation waters differ. Official source Largemouth bass limits in other states | ||||
| Trout (rainbow, golden rainbow, brook, brown, tiger) Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | 6 (possession 12) | – |
| Catch-and-release and delayed-harvest waters differ (delayed harvest: catch and release November 1 to May 15). Trout stamp needed. Official source Trout limits in other states | ||||
| Muskellunge and tiger musky Fresh | Statewide | 30" minimum | 1 (possession 2) | – |
| Some waters have 40" or 52" minimums. Official source Muskellunge (muskie) limits in other states | ||||
| Northern pike Fresh | Statewide | 30" minimum | 1 (possession 2) | – |
| Official source Northern pike limits in other states | ||||
| Chain pickerel Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | 1 (possession 2) | – |
| Official source | ||||
| Striped, hybrid striped and white bass Fresh | Statewide | No more than 4 over 15" | 30 combined (possession 30) | – |
| Some waters are stricter. Official source Striped bass limits in other states | ||||
| Walleye Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | 8 (possession 16) | – |
| Walleye | Ohio River | See regulations | 6 walleye, sauger and saugeye combined; only 2 walleye | – |
| Many waters have size or slot limits. Official source Walleye limits in other states | ||||
| Sauger Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | 8 (possession 16) | – |
| Ohio River: 6 walleye, sauger and saugeye combined. Official source Walleye limits in other states | ||||
| Channel catfish Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | 4 (possession 8) | – |
| Channel catfish | All rivers and streams, and certain large impoundments | No minimum | 30 (possession 60) | – |
| Official source Catfish limits in other states | ||||
| Blue catfish Fresh | Statewide | 25" minimum | 2 (no possession limit) | – |
| Official source Catfish limits in other states | ||||
| Crappie, bluegill and other sunfish Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | 30 in aggregate with other game fish (possession 60) | – |
| Some lakes have separate limits. Official source Crappie limits in other states | ||||
| Yellow perch Fresh | Statewide | No minimum | 30 (possession 60) | – |
| Yellow perch | Cheat Lake | No minimum | 15 | – |
| Official source Yellow perch limits in other states | ||||
Compare West Virginia with other states
Neighboring states, side by side: prices, age rules, free days and shared waters.
Questions
Do I need a fishing license in West Virginia?
Yes, if you are 15 or older and fish public waters in West Virginia, unless an exemption applies. No license is needed for: Anyone under 15 (no license or trout stamp needed).
How much is a non-resident fishing license in West Virginia?
For an adult fishing fresh water, the cheapest options for 2026 are $16 for one day (Class LL non-resident one-day fishing license, Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp (Class CS/LE, non-resident) (required)); $34 for seven days (7 x Class LL non-resident one-day fishing license, Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp (Class CS/LE, non-resident) (required)); $50 for a year (Class F non-resident fishing license, Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp (Class CS/LE, non-resident) (required)). Listed prices are state fees. Agents add an issuing fee ($3 for a first purchase, $1 for later ones); online and phone sales add $2 per transaction. Residents also need the $5 Conservation Stamp and non-residents the $13 Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp.
Do seniors need a fishing license in West Virginia?
Senior options for residents: Class XS resident senior lifetime hunting, trapping and fishing license: $25 (ages 65+). Non-resident seniors pay the normal non-resident prices.
How do I get a fishing license in West Virginia?
Buy it from West Virginia Division of Natural Resources: Buy online through WVDNR (wvfish.com / wvhunt.com), by phone on 304-558-2758, or from more than 160 license agents and designated county clerk offices. Online purchases carry a $2 fee.
Sources and checks
Every fact on this page comes from West Virginia Division of Natural Resources unless it's marked secondary. We use a secondary source only when the official site doesn't show something, and we name it.
- Licenses and prices
- Checked Nov 4, 2026 (prices for 2026)
- Free fishing days
- Checked Nov 4, 2026
- Seasons and limits
- Checked Nov 4, 2026
All 2 source pages
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