Virginia regulations
Muskie (Muskellunge) Regulations in Virginia 2026
Virginia Muskie regulations as of 2026-05-08: Status Permitted; Status Permitted; Status Permitted. Sourced from DWR.
Rules (44)
AbelOpen
- Status
- Permitted
AccotinkOpen
- Status
- Permitted
AnnaOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Beaverdam Cr.Open
- Status
- Permitted
BrieryOpen
- Status
- Permitted
BurkeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
ClinchOpen
- Status
- Permitted
CookOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Dry RunOpen
- Status
- Permitted
FrederickOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Germantown LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Hone QuarryOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Hungry MotherOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Hunting Run ReservoirOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Huntsman LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
JamesOpen
- Status
- Permitted
James River (Upper)Open
- Status
- Permitted
excellent fishing
Lake Anna State Park PondOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Lake MooneyOpen
- Status
- Permitted
LauraOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Locust ShadeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
MottsOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Mtn. Run Ni ReservoirOpen
- Status
- Permitted
NewOpen
- Status
- Permitted
New RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
New River-Claytor Dam Downstream To Va-Wv State LineIn season
- Season opens
- Mar 1
- Season closes
- May 31
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 48"
- Slot min
- 40"
- Slot max
- 48"
March 1–May 31: No muskellunge less than 48 inches June 1–last day of February: No muskellunge 40 to 48 inches
Newman LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
North Fork Shenandoah RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Old Cossey PondOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Rural RetreatOpen
- Status
- Permitted
ShenandoahOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Shenandoah River (Main Stem)Open
- Status
- Permitted
abundant in localized areas
SilverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
SkidmoreOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Slate LickOpen
- Status
- Permitted
TomahawkOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Virginia Department Of Wildlife Resources LakesOpen
- Status
- Permitted
WilkinsOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Woodrow Wilson PondOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Also known as
Muskie is also called Muskie (Muskellunge), Muskellunge, Tiger Muskellunge, Tiger Muskie, musky, muskellunge. 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 Muskie season in Virginia?
Muskie season in Virginia runs from Mar 1 to May 31 per DWR.
What is the size limit for Muskie in Virginia?
Minimum size for Muskie in Virginia is 48 inches in New River-Claytor Dam Downstream To Va-Wv State Line, per DWR. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Muskie in Virginia?
Daily bag limit for Muskie in Virginia is 1 fish/day in New River-Claytor Dam Downstream To Va-Wv State Line, 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/creel-length-limits
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DWR before keeping a catch. Last verified .