Can I Keep?Speckled trout Regulations in Virginia (2026)
Cynoscion nebulosus
Recreational speckled trout rules in Virginia saltwater, as published by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Last checked November 7, 2026.
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Recreational Speckled trout rules in Virginia
- Where
- All waters
- Size limit
- A. It shall be unlawful for any person to take, catch, or possess any speckled trout less than 14 inches in total length, except that the catch of speckled trout by pound net or haul seine may consist of up to 5.0%, by weight, of speckled trout less than 14 inches in total length.
- Bag limit
- C. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially with commercial hook-and-line gear or recreationally with any gear type to possess more than five speckled trout in any one day.
- Season
- D. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to take, catch, or possess any speckled trout from April 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026.
- B. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially with commercial hook-and-line gear or fishing recreationally with any gear type to possess more than one speckled trout 24 inches or greater in any one day.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- All waters
- Size limit
- A. It shall be unlawful for any person to take, catch, or possess any speckled trout less than 14 inches in total length, except that the catch of speckled trout by pound net or haul seine may consist of up to 5.0%, by weight, of speckled trout less than 14 inches in total length.
- Bag limit
- C. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially with commercial hook-and-line gear or recreationally with any gear type to possess more than five speckled trout in any one day. B. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially with commercial hook-and-line gear or fishing recreationally with any gear type to possess more than one speckled trout 24 inches or greater in any one day. A. For each fishing year the directed commercial landings quota of speckled trout shall be limited to 51,104 pounds. The daily incidental catch limit shall be 50 pounds of speckled trout per licensee aboard the vessel, not to exceed 100 pounds per vessel.
- B. When the commission announces that the directed commercial landings quota has been reached, it shall be unlawful for any commercial fisherman registration licensee to take, harvest, land, or possess more than the daily incidental catch limit for the remainder of the fishing year.
Quick answers
What is the speckled trout size limit in Virginia?
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to take, catch, or possess any speckled trout less than 14 inches in total length, except that the catch of speckled trout by pound net or haul seine may consist of up to 5.0%, by weight, of speckled trout less than 14 inches in total length..
How many speckled trout can I keep in Virginia?
C. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially with commercial hook-and-line gear or recreationally with any gear type to possess more than five speckled trout in any one day..
When is speckled trout season in Virginia?
D. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to take, catch, or possess any speckled trout from April 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More inshore in Virginia
All Virginia saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Most anglers need a Virginia saltwater license or registry: get one here.