Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

Mission

To manage Virginia’s wildlife and inland fish; to maintain optimum populations of all species to serve the needs of the Commonwealth; to provide opportunity for all to enjoy wildlife, inland fish, boating, and related outdoor recreation; to promote safety for persons and property in connection with boating, hunting, and fishing.

The Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife and fish populations; maintaining several wildlife management areas, public fishing lakes, and public boat access areas; promoting safe recreational boating, fishing, and hunting activities; as well as regulating and enforcing laws concerning boating, fishing, and hunting. Established in 1916, the Department is primarily funded by Virginia’s boaters, anglers, and hunters through fees paid for boat registrations and titles, the watercraft sales tax, and fishing and hunting licenses. The Boating Education Program is granted funding through the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Account of the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund (Wallop-Breaux).

Virginia’s Boating Waterways

Virginia’s geography includes a wide variety of waterways. Our state combines the excitement of whitewater rivers and the dynamics of tidal waters with serene lakes and reservoirs. Virginia has 3,200 miles of rivers, 160 man-made and natural lakes, and 500 miles of coastlines. Many recreational boating sports have become popular as a result.
Recreational boats in Virginia range in size from small, non-motorized craft to large, seaworthy vessels. We want you to be a responsible boater. The fact that you are taking this course shows that you care about boating responsibly too.

Protect Virginia’s Wildlife

Migratory Birds

Migratory birds are present near all water bodies in Virginia. They are present throughout the year feeding and resting from migration in the winter months and breeding, nesting and feeding in the summer months.

Persistent noise, movement and proximity of vessels and wakes can disturb birds.

Chicks and eggs left unattended in nests can overheat or be taken by predators. Adult birds disturbed from the nest may not return immediately. It is easy to know when you disturb a bird that nests on buoys and pilings in the open. Many birds are more secretive, and nest in vegetation at the shoreline. They are also easily scared off of nests by persistent noise, close proximity of vessels and constant wake.

Migrating birds must stop to rest and feed during migration. Constant interruption by vessels uses much needed energy and may reduce a bird’s ability to successfully complete its journey.

Sea Turtles

Sea turtles are large marine turtles that only come ashore to nest. In Virginia sea turtles are found throughout Chesapeake Bay, in the ocean and river mouths. Nesting occurs on the beaches of southeastern Virginia.

Sea turtles are vulnerable to strikes by vessels when they come to the surface to breathe. Turtle’s shells can be damaged by the propellers of boats. If hit by the hull of a vessel, turtles can sustain impact injuries.

Bottlenose Dolphins

Bottlenose dolphins are found in coastal ocean and Chesapeake Bay waters. They may be seen occasionally in river mouths as well. Other types of dolphins and porpoises are seen primarily in ocean waters.

While vessels rarely hit bottlenose dolphins, strikes can occur, especially in shallow water.

Vessels easily disturb dolphins. Mothers and calves are especially vulnerable to separation by vessels that chase, circle and/or separate groups.

Constant presence of vessels interrupts feeding, mating and nursing activities.

Whales, Manatees and Seals

Whales, manatees and seals also occur in Virginia waters. While these animals are not common in Virginia, vessel operators should be aware of their presence and avoid disturbing them.

The Virginia Angler Recognition Program

“Trophy-sized fish” that are caught in Virginia waters can be registered through the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ Angler Recognition Program. This program grants:

• Trophy Fish Awards: Certificates for registration of trophy size fish (see sizes below).
• Expert Angler Awards: Certificates and patches for registration of 10 trophy fish of the same species.
• Master Angler Awards I-IV: Certificates and patches for registration of 5 trophy fish of different species. Four successive levels.
• Angler of the Month: Pins for registration of the largest trophy fish, of each species, by weight, each month.
• State Record Fish Awards are presented to anglers who catch fish that weigh more than the current state record weights (see State Record Freshwater Fish on page 48). State record holders are issued a wooden plaque.

Trophy Fish Lengths and Weights

To qualify as a trophy, fish must meet or exceed the following lengths or weights.

Largemouth bass 22" 8 lbs.
Smallmouth bass 20" 5 lbs.
Striped bass 37" 20 lbs.
Rock bass 12" 1 lb.
White bass 18" 2 lbs., 8 ozs.
Bowfin (Grindle) 30" 10 lbs.
Flathead catfish 40" 25 lbs.
Channel catfish 30" 12 lbs.
Blue catfish 34" 20 lbs.
Carp 34" 20 lbs.
Chain pickerel 24" 4 lbs.
Crappie 15" 2 lbs.
Gar 40" 10 lbs.
Muskellunge 40" 15 lbs.
Northern pike 30" 6 lbs.
Yellow perch 12" 1 lb., 4 oz.
White perch 13" 1 lb., 4 oz.
Sunfish 11" 1 lb.
Brook trout 16" 2 lbs.
Brown trout 25" 5 lbs.
Rainbow trout 22" 4 lbs.
Walleye 25" 5 lbs.
Sauger* 18" 2 lbs.

*Clinch and Powell rivers only

Stay Current with Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries on the Web!

Find out about...

• Boat registration and titling
• Fishing licenses
• Locate boating access areas
• Accessing the Fishing Law Digest
• Education and outreach programs