Daily limit
5 per day, largemouth and smallmouth combined
Dates
Year-round (as printed)
Size ruleNo statewide length limitAlabama and spotted bass have no statewide daily limit or length limit.
VA · Largemouth bass
Virginia lets you keep five largemouth and smallmouth bass a day, counted together, with no length limit on most waters. A long list of lakes and rivers is the exception, using minimums, “only two under 14 inches” caps or protected slots, so check the water you are fishing.
Verified 2026-10-24Limits at a glance
Regulation period: January 2026 through Dec. 31, 2026.
Daily limit
5 per day, with no more than 2 under 14 inches
Dates
Year-round (as printed)
Max 2 under 14 in.
Size ruleOnly 2 of the 5 may be under 14 inches
Daily limit
5 per day, largemouth and smallmouth combined
Dates
Year-round (as printed)
ReleaseMay keep
Size ruleMinimum length 12 inches (both species)
Daily limit
5 per day, largemouth and smallmouth combined
Dates
Year-round (as printed)
Size ruleFlannagan: largemouth 12 inches, smallmouth 15 inches. Claytor: smallmouth 14 inches. South Holston: smallmouth 15 inches.Only the species named has a minimum at Claytor and South Holston.
Daily limit
5 per day, largemouth and smallmouth combined
Dates
Year-round (as printed)
Size ruleFish 16 to 24 inches must be released; only 1 per day may be longer than 24 inches
Daily limit
5 per day, largemouth and smallmouth combined
Dates
Year-round (as printed)
Size ruleFish 14 to 22 inches must be released; only 1 per day may be longer than 22 inches
Daily limit
5 per day, largemouth and smallmouth combined
Dates
Year-round (as printed)
Size ruleFish 11 to 14 inches must be released
Daily limit
5 per day, largemouth and smallmouth combined
Dates
Year-round (as printed)
Size ruleNothing under 20 inches may be kept; only 1 per day may be longer than 20 inches
Daily limit
5 per day, largemouth and smallmouth combined
Dates
Year-round (as printed)
Size ruleNo smallmouth under 20 inches; only 1 smallmouth per day longer than 20 inches
Daily limit
5 per day, largemouth and smallmouth combined
Dates
Year-round (as printed)
Size ruleNo bass under 15 inches from March 1 through June 15
Watch for
- Many smaller lakes and boat-access areas have rules posted on site, and posted regulations are in effect; the digest says they also appear on the DWR website.
- Creel limits are per person per day. Measure total length, as shown in the digest’s measuring diagram.
- This list covers the major exceptions printed in the 2026 digest. Confirm the exact boundaries of a river section before you keep a fish.
Quick answers
What is the daily limit for largemouth bass in Virginia?
Statewide (waters with no listed exception): 5 per day, largemouth and smallmouth combined. Size rule: No statewide length limit. Other waters and date windows have different rules; see the table. Verify with Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
Which regulations do these Virginia figures come from?
January 2026 through Dec. 31, 2026, as published by Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Last verified 2026-10-24.