TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
MARINE RESOURCES COMMISSION
Final Regulation
REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The Marine Resources Commission is claiming an exemption from the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 11 of the Code of Virginia; however, the commission is required to publish the full text of final regulations.
Title of Regulation: 4VAC20-280. Pertaining to Speckled Trout (amending 4VAC20-280-30).
Statutory Authority: § 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Effective Date: April 2, 2026.
Agency Contact: Benjamin Foster, Regulatory Coordinator, Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Building 96, Fort Monroe, VA 23551, telephone (757) 709-9277, or email benjamin.foster@mrc.virginia.gov.
Summary:
The amendment establishes a closed season for the recreational harvest of speckled trout from April 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026, to protect the spawning stock following the 2026 cold stun mortality event.
4VAC20-280-30. Size and possession limits.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to take, catch, or possess any speckled trout less than 14 inches in total length, except that the catch of speckled trout by pound net or haul seine may consist of up to 5.0%, by weight, of speckled trout less than 14 inches in total length.
B. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially with commercial hook-and-line gear or fishing recreationally with any gear type to possess more than one speckled trout 24 inches or greater in any one day.
C. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially with commercial hook-and-line gear or recreationally with any gear type to possess more than five speckled trout in any one day.
D. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to take, catch, or possess any speckled trout from April 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026.
VA.R. Doc. No. R26-8611; Filed April 02, 2026