SlotGaugeCheck a catchSpotted Seatrout regulations in Virginia
· Saltwater · 2026 season
Spotted Seatrout size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia marine waters | July 1 – March 31 | 14 inch minimum | 5 per person, only 1 over 24 inches |
Notes
- A 2026-10-31 check against the official source found a discrepancy in this species' zones and aliases. Read the official wording before keeping the fish: https://dwr.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/media/creel-and-length-limits.pdf
- Closed April 1 – June 30, 2026.
Exact Virginia Marine Resources Commission wording
- Season
- *Closed April 1 - June 30, 2026
- Size
- Minimum Size Limit: 14 IN.
- Limit
- 5 per Person, only 1 greater than 24"
- statewide — as printed
- “SPECKLED TROUT (SPOTTED SEATROUT) Minimum Size Limit: 14 IN. Possession Limit: 5 per Person, only 1 greater than 24" Season: *Closed April 1 - June 30, 2026”
Source: Virginia Marine Resources Commission, captured 2026-09-21 (2026 season).
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About the spotted seatrout
Species of fish
Spotted seatrout, also known as speckled trout, is a common estuarine fish found in the southern United States along coasts of Gulf of Mexico and the coastal Atlantic Ocean from Maryland to Florida. While most of these fish are caught on shallow, grassy flats, spotted seatrout reside in virtually any inshore waters, from the surf of outside islands to far up coastal rivers, where they often come for shelter during cold weather. Contrary to its name, the spotted seatrout is not a member of the trout family (Salmonidae), but of the drum family (Sciaenidae). It is popular for commercial and especially recreational fishing in coastal waters of the southeastern United States. Adults reach 19–37 inches in length and 3–17 pounds in weight.
Read more about Cynoscion nebulosus 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 Spotted Seatrout in Virginia?
14 inch minimum in Virginia state waters.
How many Spotted Seatrout can you keep per day in Virginia?
5 per person, only 1 over 24 inches.
When is Spotted Seatrout season in Virginia?
July 1 – March 31.
Is my Spotted Seatrout a keeper today?
A spotted seatrout is a keeper today if it measures at least 14 inches, with a daily limit of 5.