Proposed Va License Fee Increases

For those of you who don't already know, Virginia is proposing a massive increase to the non-resident fishing licenses. Both the freshwater fishing and trout license would go up $50 so you'd be paying $172 annually (unless fishing only wild waters), this is more expensive than the non-resident fishing license for Alaska! It's a little crazy if you ask me.

Make your comments here:http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/regulations/comment-funding/expand.asp?VAC=020-065

I know I won't be fishing in VA anytime soon! That's crazy...

Is fishing in Va good enough to draw folks even with the rates? Folks growl about Tn's prices but the fishing is good enough for me to bite my lip and pay it.

I have never fished in Va.

VA has decent fishing. Not as good as NC, but decent fishing IMO.

Back in early December I was going to take a job as a guide up in VA, primarily guiding on the Dan River and surrounding areas. Glad I passed it up. Sticking to fishing/guiding here in NC.

Honestly, if it wasn't for the Smith I probably wouldn't pay the annual fee. The Smith is my closest water and is usually a pretty reliable fishery, but there's very little chance I'd pay this much money to fish it. Of course, if I go to school in Va next year I'd be paying resident fees anyways

I agree! Virginia is cutting their nose off despite their own face. Virginia has some fine fishing to offer but most of their notable water lies in the northern part of the state. Well outside a reasonable drive when compared to the fishing you can get right here in our own state. It is a shame because I love fishing the Smith River and I have banged my head against many a rock trying to catch those brownies. It is a good fishery but not $175 good. I will gladly pay my part as an outsider, and former resident of the Old Dominion, to support that which my taxes don't. Obviously Virginia has a higher opinion if it's fishing opportunities than I do. I would encourage everyone to make a comment about this issue. On the bright side, the residents of Virginia might not be bumping elbows with outsiders on the water. If you can call that a bright side.

I really think it is outrageous, at the price that they want up the ante to. I am a native virginian and love to fish its warters but 175 dooars annual fee come on va. I think it is ok to up the price a little but but be fair to all people who come to the state just to fish.You truly have great fishing and with price that you jacking up to is simply not right,but i will probly pay it for the right to fish there because 3 of my favorite streams are there an do enjoy them too much to let go. but please be reaswonable especially on the trout permit. Come on Govenor give us outsiders a break, think if the revnue you stand to loose over this outrageous up the ante fiasco. tight lines charlie cole

Luckily, they didn't increase the price as much as they could have. Both the annual fishing license and trout license went up to $47.

Yeah, I was up in VA fishing 2 weeks ago. Bought the 5 day non-res license for $16, which isn't too bad. Don't know if I'd go with an annual though...