SlotGaugeCheck a catchAmerican Eel regulations in Virginia
· Saltwater · 2026 season
American Eel size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia marine waters | Open year-round | 9 inch minimum | 25 per person per day |
Notes
- A 2026-10-31 check against the official source found a discrepancy in this species' bagNote. Read the official wording before keeping the fish: https://webapps.mrc.virginia.gov/public/reports/FinfishRegCardMay2026.pdf
Exact Virginia Marine Resources Commission wording
- Season
- Open year-round
- Size
- Minimum Size Limit: 9 IN.
- Limit
- 25 per person
- statewide — as printed
- “AMERICAN EEL Minimum Size Limit: 9 IN. Possession Limit: 25 per person”
Source: Virginia Marine Resources Commission, captured 2026-09-21 (2026 season).
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About the american eel
Species of fish
The American eel is a facultative catadromous eel found on the eastern coast of North America. Freshwater eels are fish belonging to the elopomorph superorder, a group of phylogenetically ancient teleosts. The American eel has a slender, supple, snake-like body that is covered with a mucus layer, which makes the eel appear to be naked and slimy despite the presence of minute scales. A long dorsal fin runs from the middle of the back and is continuous with a similar ventral fin. Pelvic fins are absent, and relatively small pectoral fins can be found near the midline, followed by the head and gill covers. Variations exist in coloration, from olive green, brown shading to greenish-yellow and light gray or white on the belly. Eels from clear water are often lighter than those from dark, tannic acid streams.
Read more about American eel on Wikipedia →
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from Virginia Marine Resources Commission, not Wikipedia.
Frequently asked
What is the size limit for American Eel in Virginia?
9 inch minimum in Virginia state waters.
How many American Eel can you keep per day in Virginia?
25 per person per day.
When is American Eel season in Virginia?
Open year-round.
Is my American Eel a keeper today?
A american eel is a keeper today if it measures at least 9 inches, with a daily limit of 25.