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- Pickerel fishing in the United States/
- Virginia/
- Pickerel fishing in Virginia
Types of Pickerel in Virginia
Pickerel fishing spots in Virginia
Best baits and lures for Pickerel in Virginia
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Biggest Pickerel catches
Latest Pickerel fishing reports in Virginia
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Regulations for Pickerel in Virginia
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in Virginia can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Chain pickerel as of July 17th, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.
Seasons
Bag limit
Restrictions & requirements
Additional information
No length limit. Statewide bag limit = 5 chain pickerel per day.
Lake Gaston and Buggs Island Lake/Kerr Reservoir: No daily limit
Edibility
Synonyms
Esox niger
Regulations for
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FAQ
🎣 What Pickerel species can you catch in Virginia?
These species can be found in many rivers and streams, lakes, estuaries throughout the area. If you are targeting a specific species, you can use the to filter catches by species and see where anglers are catching them and which baits they are using.
📍 Where are the best places to catch Pickerel in Virginia?
The allows anglers to see exact catch locations shared by other members, helping you discover productive fishing spots where Pickerel have recently been caught.