West Virginia fishing license
West Virginia requires a recreational fishing license from age 15. The state licenses freshwater fishing. The current license year is 2026 (January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026).
Source: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources · Reviewed July 30, 2026
Your likely official license
Yes — a licence is required. For a 1-day non-resident freshwater trip in West Virginia, the official match is Nonresident One Day Fishing License (Class LL).
- Nonresident One Day Fishing License (Class LL)$3 · One day fishing license.
What it covers
- Nonresident One Day Fishing License (Class LL) — freshwater. Base fee published in the 2026 WVDNR Fishing Regulations Summary; excludes agent issuing fee or online transaction fee.Limits on this license: A Class OO trout stamp is additionally required to fish for trout. A Class I National Forest stamp is required if fishing on National Forests.
Required add-ons
- Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp (Class CS/LE) — Required for anglers and hunters with Class F, LL, XXJ, AAHJ, E, AAH, EE+DS and H licenses. · $13
You may also need
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources publishes these for the water you selected. Whether one applies depends on what you fish for and where — something this tool does not ask.
- Conservation Stamp (Class CS) — Required for anglers and hunters with Class B, L, A and AH licenses. · $5
- Resident Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) — Required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. · $10
- Nonresident Trout Fishing Stamp (Class OO) — Required of licensed anglers fishing for trout. · $16
- Nonresident National Forest Hunting/Trapping/Fishing Stamp (Class I) — Required if fishing on National Forests in West Virginia, in addition to a Class F, LL or F-L license. · $2
Why this answer
- You selected non-resident status, age 35, freshwater fishing, for 1 day.
- Nonresident One Day Fishing License (Class LL) covers the full trip: One day fishing license.
- It requires Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp (Class CS/LE) for the fishing you described.
Other options you are eligible for
- Nonresident Fishing License (Class F) — $50 for this trip · Fishing and Hunting Licenses are good for the calendar year. You must purchase new licenses at the beginning of each year.A Class OO trout stamp is additionally required to fish for trout. A Class I National Forest stamp is required if fishing on National Forests.
- Nonresident Lifetime Fishing License (Class F-L) — $1,150 for this trip · Lifetime license.
Exceptions that may change it
- West Virginia's most recently published free fishing days were June 13, 2026 (Free Fishing Days 2026 (day 1)) and June 14, 2026 (Free Fishing Days 2026 (day 2)); check the agency for the next one. No licence is required on a free fishing day; other rules still apply.
- Nonresident One Day Fishing License (Class LL): A Class OO trout stamp is additionally required to fish for trout. A Class I National Forest stamp is required if fishing on National Forests.
- Residents who are totally blind do not need a fishing license, and a trout stamp is not needed to fish for trout.
- Developmentally disabled residents do not need a fishing license, and a trout stamp is not needed to fish for trout.
- Residents on active duty in the U.S. armed forces while on military leave do not need a fishing license.
- Residents honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces receiving total permanent service-connected disability benefits, former prisoners of war as determined by the Veterans Administration, and resident disabled veterans who qualify under West Virginia Code 17A-10-8 do not need a fishing license.
- Resident landowners or their resident children, resident parents, or bona fide resident tenants of such land may fish on their own land during open seasons without a fishing license.
- Residents or in-patients of any state mental hospital, health or benevolent institution do not need a fishing license.
- This answer covers the licence only. Season, size, bag and waterbody rules still apply and change through the year.
We do not sell licenses and take no commission. This goes to the state agency.
Check current West Virginia regulations(external, opens the official state website)Seasons, size limits, bag limits and waterbody closures are not covered by this tool and change through the year.
- Source
- West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026 — Licensing Requirements(external, opens the official state website) — West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
- Validity
- 2026 · January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
- Reviewed
- July 30, 2026
Answers at a glance
Common trips, answered from the same official record the checker uses. These assume an adult with no special circumstances — set your own age, water and trip above.
Visiting for a day
Adult visiting from another state · freshwater · one day
Nonresident One Day Fishing License (Class LL)
Published total: $16
Resident for the season
Adult West Virginia resident · freshwater · all year
Resident Fishing License (Class B)
Published total: $24
Age and residency rules
Who counts as a resident. A person who has been a domiciled resident continuously in West Virginia for 30 consecutive days or more immediately prior to the date of application for a license or permit. This includes members of the U.S. armed forces stationed outside the state who were West Virginia residents at the time of entry into the service and any full-time student of a college or university of this state.
Age-based rules
- Nonresidents or residents under 15 years of age do not need a fishing license.
- Residents who turned 65 years of age before January 1, 2012 (those born before Jan. 1, 1947) do not need a fishing license. Still required: A WV driver's license or WV photo ID card issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles shall be carried while fishing.
- The Special Hunting and Fishing License for Persons with a Life-threatening Condition (Class DT) is issued free of charge for ages 20 or less and requires no additional licenses or stamps. Still required: The angler must obtain the free Class DT license from WVDNR; it is a no-charge license, not a blanket exemption.
License options
| License | Who | Water | Valid for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Fishing License (Class B)(external, opens the official state website)A Class O trout stamp is additionally required to fish for trout. | ResidentResidents under 15 years of age do not need a fishing license. | freshwater | Fishing and Hunting Licenses are good for the calendar year. You must purchase new licenses at the beginning of each year. | $19 |
| Resident Five-day Fishing License (Class L)(external, opens the official state website)A Class O trout stamp is additionally required to fish for trout. | ResidentResidents under 15 years of age do not need a fishing license. | freshwater | Five-day fishing license. | $8 |
| Resident Sportsman Hunting/Fishing/Trapping License (Class X)(external, opens the official state website)Combination license covering hunting, fishing and trapping. A Class O trout stamp is still required to fish for trout (the trout stamp exception is listed only for Class XS, XP and XP3 holders). | Residentfor ages 18 through 64 | freshwater | Good for the calendar year. | $35 |
| Resident Sportsman Hunting/Fishing/Trapping Plus License (Class XP)(external, opens the official state website)Annual license that also includes the trout stamp. | Resident | freshwater | Annual license; good for the calendar year. | $45 |
| Resident Junior Sportsman Hunting/Fishing/Trapping License (Class XJ)(external, opens the official state website)Combination junior license covering hunting, fishing and trapping. | Residentfor ages 15 through 17 | freshwater | Good for the calendar year. | $16 |
| Resident Senior Hunting/Trapping/Fishing License (Class XS)(external, opens the official state website)Class XS license includes bear damage and trout stamps. | ResidentRequired for resident hunters and anglers who have reached 65 years of age on or after January 1, 2012 (those born before Jan. 1, 1947 are exempt from the license entirely). | freshwater | Senior lifetime license. | $25 |
| Resident Lifetime Fishing License (Class B-L)(external, opens the official state website)Lifetime license holders who turned 65 after December 31, 2011 must purchase a trout stamp or the Senior Lifetime License to fish for trout. | Resident | freshwater | Lifetime license; serves in lieu of the equivalent annual license. | $552 |
| Nonresident Fishing License (Class F)(external, opens the official state website)A Class OO trout stamp is additionally required to fish for trout. A Class I National Forest stamp is required if fishing on National Forests. | Non-residentNonresidents under 15 years of age do not need a fishing license. | freshwater | Fishing and Hunting Licenses are good for the calendar year. You must purchase new licenses at the beginning of each year. | $37 |
| Nonresident One Day Fishing License (Class LL)(external, opens the official state website)A Class OO trout stamp is additionally required to fish for trout. A Class I National Forest stamp is required if fishing on National Forests. | Non-residentNonresidents under 15 years of age do not need a fishing license. | freshwater | One day fishing license. | $3 |
| Nonresident Junior Sportsman Hunting/Fishing/Trapping License (Class XXJ)(external, opens the official state website)Combination junior license covering hunting, fishing and trapping. | Non-residentfor ages 8 through 17 (not required for fishing under age 15) | freshwater | Good for the calendar year. | $16 |
| Nonresident Lifetime Fishing License (Class F-L)(external, opens the official state website) | Non-resident | freshwater | Lifetime license. | $1,150 |
Resident Fishing License (Class B)(external, opens the official state website)
A Class O trout stamp is additionally required to fish for trout.
- Who
- Resident · Residents under 15 years of age do not need a fishing license.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Fishing and Hunting Licenses are good for the calendar year. You must purchase new licenses at the beginning of each year.
- Price
- $19
Resident Five-day Fishing License (Class L)(external, opens the official state website)
A Class O trout stamp is additionally required to fish for trout.
- Who
- Resident · Residents under 15 years of age do not need a fishing license.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Five-day fishing license.
- Price
- $8
Combination license covering hunting, fishing and trapping. A Class O trout stamp is still required to fish for trout (the trout stamp exception is listed only for Class XS, XP and XP3 holders).
- Who
- Resident · for ages 18 through 64
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Good for the calendar year.
- Price
- $35
Annual license that also includes the trout stamp.
- Who
- Resident
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Annual license; good for the calendar year.
- Price
- $45
Combination junior license covering hunting, fishing and trapping.
- Who
- Resident · for ages 15 through 17
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Good for the calendar year.
- Price
- $16
Class XS license includes bear damage and trout stamps.
- Who
- Resident · Required for resident hunters and anglers who have reached 65 years of age on or after January 1, 2012 (those born before Jan. 1, 1947 are exempt from the license entirely).
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Senior lifetime license.
- Price
- $25
Resident Lifetime Fishing License (Class B-L)(external, opens the official state website)
Lifetime license holders who turned 65 after December 31, 2011 must purchase a trout stamp or the Senior Lifetime License to fish for trout.
- Who
- Resident
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Lifetime license; serves in lieu of the equivalent annual license.
- Price
- $552
Nonresident Fishing License (Class F)(external, opens the official state website)
A Class OO trout stamp is additionally required to fish for trout. A Class I National Forest stamp is required if fishing on National Forests.
- Who
- Non-resident · Nonresidents under 15 years of age do not need a fishing license.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Fishing and Hunting Licenses are good for the calendar year. You must purchase new licenses at the beginning of each year.
- Price
- $37
Nonresident One Day Fishing License (Class LL)(external, opens the official state website)
A Class OO trout stamp is additionally required to fish for trout. A Class I National Forest stamp is required if fishing on National Forests.
- Who
- Non-resident · Nonresidents under 15 years of age do not need a fishing license.
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- One day fishing license.
- Price
- $3
Combination junior license covering hunting, fishing and trapping.
- Who
- Non-resident · for ages 8 through 17 (not required for fishing under age 15)
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Good for the calendar year.
- Price
- $16
Nonresident Lifetime Fishing License (Class F-L)(external, opens the official state website)
- Who
- Non-resident
- Water
- freshwater
- Valid for
- Lifetime license.
- Price
- $1,150
Stamps, endorsements and report cards
- Conservation Stamp (Class CS) — Required for anglers and hunters with Class B, L, A and AH licenses. · $5
- Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp (Class CS/LE) — Required for anglers and hunters with Class F, LL, XXJ, AAHJ, E, AAH, EE+DS and H licenses. · $13
- Resident Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) — Required of licensed anglers fishing for trout, except holders of Class XS, XP and XP3 licenses. · $10
- Nonresident Trout Fishing Stamp (Class OO) — Required of licensed anglers fishing for trout. · $16
- Nonresident National Forest Hunting/Trapping/Fishing Stamp (Class I) — Required if fishing on National Forests in West Virginia, in addition to a Class F, LL or F-L license. · $2
Exemptions worth knowing
- Residents who are totally blind do not need a fishing license, and a trout stamp is not needed to fish for trout. Still required: A physician's statement or certificate must be carried while fishing.
- Developmentally disabled residents do not need a fishing license, and a trout stamp is not needed to fish for trout. Still required: A DDFL card issued by the DNR must be carried while fishing.
- Residents on active duty in the U.S. armed forces while on military leave do not need a fishing license. Still required: Leave number shall be carried while fishing.
- Residents honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces receiving total permanent service-connected disability benefits, former prisoners of war as determined by the Veterans Administration, and resident disabled veterans who qualify under West Virginia Code 17A-10-8 do not need a fishing license. Still required: Such persons must carry a card issued by the DNR.
- Resident landowners or their resident children, resident parents, or bona fide resident tenants of such land may fish on their own land during open seasons without a fishing license.
- Residents or in-patients of any state mental hospital, health or benevolent institution do not need a fishing license. Still required: Such persons must be under proper supervision and carry a written statement or certificate signed by the superintendent of the institution or facility.
- No license is required to fish in West Virginia on Free Fishing Days, June 13-14, 2026.
Free fishing days
- Free Fishing Days 2026 (day 1) — June 13, 2026. Take your son, daughter or grandchild to your favorite fishing spot. No license required on these days.
- Free Fishing Days 2026 (day 2) — June 14, 2026. Take your son, daughter or grandchild to your favorite fishing spot. No license required on these days.
Where this comes from
- Primary source
- West Virginia Fishing Regulations Summary 2026 — Licensing Requirements(external, opens the official state website) — West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
- Retrieved
- July 26, 2026
- Reviewed
- July 30, 2026
Found something out of date? Email corrections@fishinglicensecheck.com and tell us which figure and which page — see corrections.
Nearby states
Licenses are issued state by state — a West Virginia license does not carry its own rules across the border, so if your trip crosses one, check both states.