Fishing

All of Shenandoah's plentiful streams are open for catch-and-release fishing, allowing anglers unlimited, year-round access to recreational fishing within the park. Some streams are also designated as Open for Harvest. Streams designated as "Open for Harvest" allow for anglers to harvest no more than six trout (from any combination of species). Size restrictions exist, but vary by species. Check with your permitting office before fishing in the park. Although many species of fish live in the waters of the Shenandoah Valley, the most popular game fish is the Eastern Brook Trout. Brown Trout also live in Shenandoah streams. As a non-native species to these waterways, there are less strict limits to harvesting Brown Trout. Brown Trout can be harvested at seven inches or larger and, if caught, should not be re-released into the waterways but disposed of instead. A Virginia fishing permit is required to fish in the park and can be purchased at Big Meadows Wayside or many other commercial fishing and outdoor stores outside of the park. All Virginia residents 16 years or older (as well as non-Virginia residents 12 years or older) are required to obtain a fishing permit. Five-day fishing permits are widely available. Several [commercial businesses](http://home.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/permitted-business-services.htm) offer guided fishing trips within the park, as well.