SlotGaugeCheck a catchCrayfish regulations in Virginia
Aquatic invertebrates · Freshwater · 2026 season
Crayfish size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia inland waters | Open year-round | No size limit | 20 in aggregate (all species combined) |
Notes
- 20 crayfish total per person; they may not be sold.
Exact Virginia Marine Resources Commission wording
- Season
- Open year-round
- Size
- None
- Limit
- 20 in aggregate
- Virginia inland waters — as printed
- “The possession limit for crayfish is 20 in aggregate. Note: Madtoms, crayfish, and salamanders cannot be bought or sold.”
Source: Virginia Marine Resources Commission, captured 2026-09-21 (2026 season).
Check your crayfish in seconds
Say it, snap a photo, or type the length. SlotGauge answers KEEP or RELEASE using today's Virginia rules.
Open SlotGauge for CrayfishAbout the crayfish
Freshwater crustaceans
Crayfish, crawfish, or crawdads are freshwater crustaceans belonging to the infraorder Astacidea, which also contains lobsters. Taxonomically, they are members of the superfamilies Astacoidea and Parastacoidea. They breathe through feather-like gills. Some species are found in brooks and streams, where fresh water is running, while others thrive in swamps, ditches, and paddy fields. Most crayfish cannot tolerate polluted water, although some species, such as Procambarus clarkii, are hardier. Crayfish feed on animals and plants, either living or decomposing, and detritus.
Read more about Crayfish 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 Crayfish in Virginia?
No size limit in Virginia state waters.
How many Crayfish can you keep per day in Virginia?
20 in aggregate (all species combined).
When is Crayfish season in Virginia?
Open year-round.
Is my Crayfish a keeper today?
Crayfish has no size limit today, with a daily limit of 20.