Tautog in Virginia
Virginia tautog: limits, record, stocking and waters.
- 4 a day (salt)bag
Angler pickPiscifun Viper X spinning reel50% OFFSale $39.99 Photo of the species, not a Virginia water: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, CC BY 2.0
tautog from the Blue Ridge to Tidewater
For tautog, the rules sit in the Marine Resources Commission chapters of the Administrative Code rather than DWR's freshwater table. In tidal water the Administrative Code sets 16-inch minimum; 4 per person a day; Closed May 16 through June 30 (Virginia tidal waters).
For now it shows up on no record row, stocking date or water page.
Virginia Administrative Code 4VAC20-960-45 on law.lis.virginia.gov, as of November 6, 2026 (VMRC rules change by emergency order; check the VMRC regulations page before keeping fish).
How the Administrative Code treats tautog
| Area as written | Size | Per person | Season | Code section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia tidal waters | 16 in minimum | 4 | Closed May 16 through June 30 | 4VAC20-960-45 |
Minimum size from 4VAC20-960-30.
Virginia Administrative Code 4VAC20-960-45 on law.lis.virginia.gov, as of November 6, 2026 (VMRC rules change by emergency order; check the VMRC regulations page before keeping fish).
Quoted Virginia rule text for tautog
4VAC20-960-30, Minimum size limits.
“A. The minimum size limit of tautog harvested for commercial purposes shall be 15 inches in total length. B. The minimum size of tautog harvested for recreational purposes shall be 16 inches in total length. C. It shall be unlawful for any person to possess any tautog of a total length less than the designated minimum size limit.”
Virginia Administrative Code 4VAC20-960-30 on law.lis.virginia.gov, as of November 6, 2026 (VMRC rules change by emergency order; check the VMRC regulations page before keeping fish).
Fish kin to tautog on this site
- Atlantic Croaker50 a day (salt)
- Atlantic Spadefish4 a day (salt)
- Black Drum1 a day (salt)
- Black Sea Bass15 a day (salt)
- Bluefish5 a day (salt)
- Blueline Tilefish3 a day (salt)
- Cobia1 a day (salt)
- Golden Tilefish8 a day (salt)
Piscifun tackle that suits Virginia tautog
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How the banks by Tautog look on a clear day
Photo: flyheatherfly, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Rob Shenk, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Mark Fischer, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0
Tidewater-to-mountain questions on Tautog
How many tautog may I keep per day in Virginia?
Per the VMRC chapter as of November 6, 2026: 16-inch minimum; 4 per person a day; Closed May 16 through June 30 (Virginia tidal waters).
What is the Virginia record tautog?
DWR's record list carries no row for it.
Which Commonwealth lake or river lists tautog?
The Virginia freshwater pages leave it off for now.
Does the digest print local tautog rules?
No digest exception names it, though water-wide rules still apply.
How often does DWR stock tautog?
No DWR stocking line covers it.
How much is a Virginia license to fish for tautog?
A Virginia saltwater license is $17.50 for residents and $25 for nonresidents 16 and older.
Which fish family are Virginia tautog in?
Not printed in the data used.
Can I fish for tautog 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 tautog near your Virginia base
Every linked water shows DWR access sites.