Virginia regulations
Bluegill (Sunfish) Regulations in Virginia 2026
Virginia Bluegill regulations: Daily bag 50 fish/day, Min size 10 inches. Sourced from DWR.
Rules (83)
- Status
- Permitted
Other Virginia fish regulations
Other regulated species in Virginia with current rule pages — same DWR source, same verification cadence.
- Trout (Brook, Brown, Rainbow)303 rules
- Smallmouth Bass118 rules
- Largemouth Bass109 rules
- Channel Catfish100 rules
- Stripers (Striped Bass)80 rules
- Crappie (Black & White)70 rules
- Yellow Perch54 rules
- White Perch54 rules
- Muskie (Muskellunge)44 rules
- Blue Catfish31 rules
- Fluke (Summer Flounder)5 rules
- Redfish (Red Drum)4 rules
- Cobia3 rules
Also known as
Bluegill is also called Bluegill (Sunfish), Pumpkinseed, Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, sunfish. Anglers in different regions use different names for the same fish, and the rules on this page apply to all of them in Virginia.
Frequently asked questions
When is Bluegill season in Virginia?
Bluegill season in Virginia is set by DWR. Some zones may have specific open windows; see the rule table above.
What is the size limit for Bluegill in Virginia?
Minimum size for Bluegill in Virginia is 10 inches in Carvins Cove, per DWR. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Bluegill in Virginia?
Daily bag limit for Bluegill in Virginia is 50 fish/day in South Holston Reservoir, per DWR.
Official sources cited
- https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/26VAFW_LR_2026-01-14-181617_afxs.pdf
- https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/resources/VA/26VAFW_LR.pdf
- https://www.eregulations.com/virginia/fishing/public-lakes-guide