The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has announced that annual hunting, trapping and fishing licenses and stamps for the 2025 seasons are available to purchase online at WVhunt.com.
“A West Virginia hunting and fishing license is your ticket to unforgettable adventures in the Mountain State,†said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion in an agency release. “Whether you’re renewing your annual license and stamps or purchasing a lifetime license for your kids or grandkids, buying your hunting, trapping and fishing licenses and stamps has never been more convenient.â€
Annual hunting, trapping and fishing licenses and stamps are good for the calendar year and can be purchased online at WVhunt.com.
All licensed hunters must carry a valid form of photo identification while hunting and trapping.
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has also announced the availability of the Mountain State’s 2025 Fishing Regulations Summary, which can be downloaded for free at WVdnr.gov/fishing-regulations.
“Reviewing the updated Fishing Regulations Summary each year is an important step for anglers to stay informed about the rules that preserve the quality of our state’s world-class fisheries,†McMillion said. “As we approach the new year, I encourage everyone to download a copy and renew their licenses early, so they’re ready to cast their lines come Jan. 1.â€
West Virginia’s updated fishing regulations will go into effect on Jan. 1. Anglers are encouraged to review the full updated summary and make note of new regulations, which include:
• The daily creel limit on Elk Fork, North Bend, O’Brien, and Woodrum lakes is six for black bass (smallmouth, spotted and largemouth). Only one fish may exceed 16 inches.
• Fish caught on commercial pay lakes are not eligible for state record, fish citation or Master Angler programs.
The WVDNR also announced a correction to the print edition of the Regulations Summary. In the special regulations section for black bass on page 2, Elk Fork, North Bend, O’Brien, and Woodrum lakes should have been removed from the lakes section under catch-and-release. These lakes are now under the minimum size limit section also on page 2.
Physical copies of the 2025 Fishing Regulations Summary will be available at WVDNR district offices and authorized license agents around the state this month.
All anglers 15 years and older are required to have a West Virginia fishing license and a valid form of identification while fishing in the state of West Virginia. Trout stamps are required for those fishing for trout. Licenses and stamps can be purchased online at WVfish.com.
