Virginia regulations
Muskie (Muskellunge) Regulations in Virginia 2026
Virginia muskie 2026 open seasons vary by 39 management regions. Pick your region in the rule table below. Sourced from DWR.
Rules (44)
- Season opens
- Mar 1
- Season closes
- May 31
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 48"
- Slot min
- 40"
- Slot max
- 48"
- 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
- Bluegill (Sunfish)83 rules
- Stripers (Striped Bass)80 rules
- Crappie (Black & White)70 rules
- Yellow Perch54 rules
- White Perch54 rules
- Blue Catfish31 rules
- Fluke (Summer Flounder)5 rules
- Redfish (Red Drum)4 rules
- Cobia3 rules
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