Events & Workshops

No fishing license of any kind will be required for recreational rod and reel fishing during Free Fishing Days, June 7–9, 2024. Also during that time facilities use permits will also not be required. To increase angling opportunities, DWR has removed the restriction to fishing designated stocked trout waters for free fishing weekend. This will open over 2,900 miles of trout streams, in addition to numerous ponds, small lakes and reservoirs. Virginia’s diversified trout habitat offers a wide range of trout fishing prospects. All fishing regulations including size, season, catch limits, and gear restrictions will remain in effect. DWR fee fishing areas still require a fee for Free Fishing Days weekend. Looking for a place to fish near you? There are countless opportunities right in your backyard! Check out Explore the Wild to get started or join DWR at an event listed on this page!

DWR will be hosting a Free Fishing Days event at Hungry Mother State Park. Agency staff and volunteers will be on site with rods & reels, terminal tackle, and bait, ready to instruct you on how to fish. Event is free and no registration is required.

DWR will be hosting a Free Fishing Days event at Mt. Trashmore Park. Agency staff and volunteers will be on site with rods & reels, terminal tackle, and bait, ready to instruct you on how to fish. Event is free and no registration is required.

DWR will be hosting a Free Fishing Days event at Dorey Park. Agency staff and volunteers will be on site with rods & reels, terminal tackle, and bait, ready to instruct you on how to fish. Event is free and no registration is required.

DWR will be hosting a Free Fishing Days event at Burke Lake Park. Agency staff and volunteers will be on site with rods & reels, terminal tackle, and bait, ready to instruct you on how to fish. Event is free and no registration is required.

The Mathews Land Conservancy, in partnership with DWR, VIMS, Virginia Cooperative Extension, YMCA of Virginia Peninsulas, Rotary Club of Mathews, Kiwanis of Mathews, VMRC, and USCG Auxiliary, is pleased to offer a fun, informative program on Sunday 6/9/24, from 1–4pm, allowing community members to experience the best of our waterfront community. Several interactive learning stations are scheduled, including saltwater fishing, seining, touch tanks, bay ecology, & boater safety. The free event is held at 1039 Williams Wharf Road in Mathews VA, at the historic Williams Wharf Landing.

Are you interested in learning how to fish for the first time?  Well now is your chance! 

DWR is hosting a blue catfish workshop on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 5pm – 8pm at Chickahominy Riverfront Park in James City County, Virginia. Learn how to catch blue catfish in the Chickahominy River off the new fishing pier at Chickahominy Riverfront Park!  Participants will learn techniques to catch blue catfish in addition to how to filet and clean them. Patricia Clement (@rivahsistah) will be cooking blue catfish on site and showing participants basic recipes for this tasty fish. Margi Whitmore, DWR Tidal Rivers Fisheries Biologist, will give a presentation on blue catfish biology including the management objectives and goals of the agency when it comes to blue catfish in Virginia.   

Pre-registration is required for this river to table style workshop! Anyone 16 years of age or older will be required to have a valid Virginia freshwater fishing license.  Options include an annual freshwater fishing license or a short term five-day freshwater fishing license. 

Have you ever wanted to try fly fishing?  Maybe you have never fished before and want to start with fly fishing?

Virginia DWR, in collaboration with the Fly Fishers of Virginia and the American Daughters of Conservation, is hosting a women’s only Introduction to Fly Fishing workshop on Saturday, June 22, from 9 am – noon.  The workshop will be held at Dorey Park in Henrico County, Virginia.  Learn the basics of casting a fly rod and knot tying.  Participants will then try their luck fly fishing the Dorey Park pond for a variety of species including bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, and channel catfish.  All equipment will be provided!

Pre-registration is required and anyone 16 years of age or older will be required to have a valid Virginia freshwater fishing license.  Options include an annual freshwater fishing license or a short term five-day freshwater fishing license.  Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch to network and connect with other anglers after the event.