Muskellunge regulations in Virginia

· Freshwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? A muskellunge is a keeper today if it measures at least 40 inches, with a daily limit of 1.

Muskellunge size limit, season and daily limit

Where	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
Virginia inland waters (statewide; special waters differ)	Open year-round	40 inch minimum	1 per person per day

Notes

A 2026-10-31 check against the official source found a discrepancy in this species' zones. Read the official wording before keeping the fish: https://dwr.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/media/creel-and-length-limits.pdf

Exact Virginia Marine Resources Commission wording

Season: Open year-round
Size: No muskellunge less than 40 inches
Limit: 1 per day
Inland waters — as printed: “Muskellunge: 1 per day; No muskellunge less than 40 inches (New River: 40–48 in protected Jun–Feb; 48 in min Mar–May)”

Source: Virginia Marine Resources Commission, captured 2026-09-21 (2026 season).

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About the muskellunge

Species of fish

The muskellunge, often shortened to muskie, musky, ski, or lunge, is a species of large freshwater predatory fish native to North America. It is the largest member of the pike family, Esocidae.

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from Virginia Marine Resources Commission, not Wikipedia.

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Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Muskellunge in Virginia?

40 inch minimum in Virginia state waters.

How many Muskellunge can you keep per day in Virginia?

1 per person per day.

When is Muskellunge season in Virginia?

Open year-round.

Is my Muskellunge a keeper today?

A muskellunge is a keeper today if it measures at least 40 inches, with a daily limit of 1.