RICHMOND, VA (Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources) — Take advantage of free fishing days, June 6-8, 2025, and enjoy the great outdoors with your family and friends without having to purchase a fishing license.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is hosting several events during Free Fishing Days weekend. Agency staff and volunteers will be on site with rods & reels, terminal tackle, and bait. Events are free and no registration is required. If you’re interested in learning more about fishing and want to try your hand at it, join DWR at one of the following events.

Saturday, June 7, 2025

  • Burke Lake (Fairfax County): 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Dorey Park (Henrico County): 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Mt. Trashmore (Virginia Beach): 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Sunday, June 8, 2025

  • Williams Wharf Landing (Mathews County): 1 – 3 p.m.

No fishing license of any kind will be required for recreational rod and reel fishing during free fishing days in both fresh and saltwater. DWR access permits will also not be required during these dates. To increase angling opportunities, DWR has removed the restriction to fishing designated stocked trout waters for free fishing weekend. This will open over 2,900 miles of trout streams, in addition to numerous ponds, small lakes and reservoirs for this special weekend. Virginia’s diversified trout habitat offers a wide range of trout fishing prospects. All fishing regulations including size, season, catch limits, and gear restrictions will remain in effect.

DWR fee fishing areas still require a fee for Free Fishing Days weekend.

The 2025 Freshwater Fishing and Boating Regulations can be found online. Printed regulations are also available at most major outdoor retailers throughout the state that sell hunting and fishing licenses. In addition, the Marine Resources Commission’s website has extensive information on Virginia’s recreational fishing size, season, and creel limits.