Virginia regulations
Redfish (Red Drum) Regulations in Virginia 2026
Virginia Redfish regulations: 4 current rules. Sourced from DWR.
Rules (4)
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 18"
- Slot max
- 27"
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
- Muskie (Muskellunge)44 rules
- Blue Catfish31 rules
- Fluke (Summer Flounder)5 rules
- Cobia3 rules
Also known as
Redfish is also called Redfish (Red Drum), Red Drum, red drum. 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 Redfish season in Virginia?
Redfish 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 Redfish in Virginia?
Virginia does not publish a state-wide minimum size for Redfish. Check zone-specific rules above.
What is the daily bag limit for Redfish in Virginia?
Daily bag limit for Redfish in Virginia is 1 fish/day in Back Bay And Tributaries, Including Brinson’s Inlet Lake (Lake Tecumseh), And The North Landing River And Its Tributaries, per DWR.
Official sources cited
- https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/26VAFW_LR_2026-01-14-181617_afxs.pdf
- https://webapps.mrc.virginia.gov/public/reports/swrecfishingrules.php