American Eel in Virginia
Virginia american eel: limits, record, stocking and waters.
- 25 a daybag
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american eel from the Blue Ridge to Tidewater
DWR's creel and length table puts american eel on the line "American Eel". Creel as printed: 25 per day; no eel less than 9 inches. Length: no length limit printed.
See Back Bay and North Landing River: 1 water carry a digest exception for it.
Statewide creel and length limits as printed (page updated August 17, 2026), 2026 Freshwater Fishing in Virginia digest (eRegulations, linked from the Virginia DWR regulations page), read November 6, 2026.
Keeping american eel legally in Virginia freshwater
| Where it applies | Row as printed | Creel | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| statewide | American Eel | 25 per day; no eel less than 9 inches | no length limit printed |
Statewide creel and length limits as printed (page updated August 17, 2026), 2026 Freshwater Fishing in Virginia digest (eRegulations, linked from the Virginia DWR regulations page), read November 6, 2026.
Virginia waters with their own american eel rule
| Water as printed | Group | Rule as printed |
|---|---|---|
| Back Bay and North Landing River | No possession limit for those individuals possessing a permit obtained under 4VAC15-340-80 |
Water-specific exceptions as printed, 2026 Freshwater Fishing in Virginia digest (eRegulations, linked from the Virginia DWR regulations page), read November 6, 2026.
Fish kin to american eel on this site
- Alabama Bassno daily cap
- Alewifeno possession
- American Shadno possession
- Black Crappie25 a day
- Blue Catfish20 a day
- Blueback Herringno possession
- Bluegill50 a day
- BowfinJuly 1 to April
Piscifun tackle that suits Virginia american eel
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How the banks by American Eel look on a clear day
Photo: Virginia State Parks, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Judy Gallagher, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Blake Patterson, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Virginia State Parks, CC BY 2.0
Tidewater-to-mountain questions on American Eel
How many american eel may I keep per day in Virginia?
The statewide row reads 25 per day; no eel less than 9 inches, with length no length limit printed.
What is the Virginia record american eel?
DWR's record list carries no row for it.
Which Commonwealth lake or river lists american eel?
The Virginia freshwater pages leave it off for now.
Does the digest print local american eel rules?
On 1 water, for example Back Bay and North Landing River.
How often does DWR stock american eel?
No DWR stocking line covers it.
How much is a Virginia license to fish for american eel?
A Virginia freshwater license is $23 a year for residents and $47 for nonresidents 16 and older.
Which fish family are Virginia american eel in?
Not printed in the data used.
Can I fish for american eel on a Virginia Free Fishing Day?
Virginia DWR set Free Fishing Days for June 5–7, 2026: no freshwater fishing license needed, all other rules apply. Creel and length rules still apply.
Find american eel near your Virginia base
Every linked water shows DWR access sites.