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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 4. Conservation And Natural Resources
Agency 15. Department of Wildlife Resources
Chapter 340. Fish: Seines and Nets
1/14/2026

4VAC15-340-40. Dip nets; generally.

A. Authorization to take fish with dip nets. A county dip net permit shall authorize the holder to take shad, herring, mullet, and suckers (daily creel (possession) limits for shad and herring are found in 4VAC15-320-25, there is no limit for mullet, and subsection D of this section provides limits for suckers), in the county named on the face of the permit with a dip net in inland waters, except where otherwise prohibited by local legislation or by this chapter.

B. Persons required to have permit. A dip net permit or valid fishing license shall be required for all persons using or assisting in the use of a dip net and permits or licenses shall be carried at all times while using such nets.

C. Release of certain fish netted. All fish, except shad, herring, mullet, suckers, and carp, when taken with a dip net, shall be returned to the water alive with as little injury as possible.

D. Special provisions applicable only to suckers. The following special provisions shall apply only to the taking of suckers with a dip net:

1. Not more than 20 may be taken by any person in one day;

2. The open season for taking suckers with a dip net shall be from February 15 through May 15, both dates inclusive; and

3. Dip nets for taking suckers shall not be more than six feet square.

Statutory Authority

§§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR325-03-3 § 4, eff. July 1, 1969; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 1995; Volume 13, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 1997; Volume 22, Issue 19, eff. July 1, 2006; Volume 31, Issue 9, eff. January 1, 2015; Volume 42, Issue 8, eff. January 1, 2026.

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