SNP Fishing Regulations
The following regulations were in effect beginning March 1, 1996:
Waters
All streams within Shenandoah National Park, including all
tributaries, are open for catch and release recreational fishing
unless (1) designated as closed or (2) designated as open for harvest.
Streams designated as open for harvest are also considered to be open
for catch and release fishing.
Season
Streams and their tributaries that are designated as open for
harvest or catch and release are open all year.
License
All residents 16 years and older must have a Virginia State
fishing license in his/her possession when fishing in the Park.
Non-residents 12 years and older must have a Virginia license. A 5-day
non-resident license ($6.00) may be purchased at Panorama Restaurant,
Big Meadows and Loft Mountain Waysides in the Park, or at local
sporting goods stores outside the Park.
Size Limit
No trout under 9 inches in length may be kept. Under-sized
fish must be immediately and carefully returned to the water. Size
limits for other species of game fish are those established by
applicable State law.
Creel Limits
No person may retain more than 6 trout per day nor have
more than 6 trout in possession. Creel limits on other species of game
fish are those established by applicable State law.
Lures
Only a single hook (barbed or barbless) artificial lures may be
used.
Commercial Fish Guides
Anyone who serves as a fishing guide or
instructor for compensation must obtain an Incidental Business Permit
from the Park Superintendent prior to entering the Park.
Closed Streams
Fishing is prohibited at all times on the following streams,
and their tributaries: Ragged Run, North Fork of Dry Run, and
One Mile Run. These streams have been designated as long-term
inventory and monitoring study areas and must remain undisturbed.
Anglers who wish to continue recreational fishing at its
finest are encouraged to consider the following ethical fishing
techniques for hooked fish:
- All fish that are to be released must be carefully handled
and immediately returned to the stream. Try to release fish
without removing from the water.
- Maintain control of fish with wet hands and only a
slightly firm grip.
- Most importantly, avoid contact or damage to sensitive
gills.
- Never leave litter, hooks or spent fishing line in the
Park--pack it out.
Shenandoah National Park manages its fisheries to 1)
preserve and perpetuate native brook trout as a key component of
the Park's aquatic ecosystems, and 2) to allow for recreational
fishing on those Park streams that consistently produce adequate
numbers of gamefish for maintaining population stability.
Regulations and Park policies are designed to carry out these
objectives.
Public cooperation is needed in order to assure the
continued excellent angling opportunities in Shenandoah National
Park. Park visitors and neighbors are encouraged to report any
violations of fishing regulations to a ranger or by calling toll
free: 1-800-732-0911.
Thanks to SNP for providing this information.
Webmaster's Comments:
The list of "open for harvest" streams has not been posted here
because we firmly believe in and encourage the practice of
Catch & Release on all of the Park streams.
SNP's view is that 9-inch+ fish will probably succumb to natural
mortality soon anyway. While we agree that this is true in most cases,
we do not believe that the best way to encourage the development of
a population of 6-footers is to cut off the heads of everyone over 5 feet.
If you are so fortunate as to catch one of these fish, please do not deny it
the opportunity to spawn again!
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This page is maintained by Bill Britton; send email or use the Guestbook. Last updated: 12/2/98.