TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES

BOARD OF WILDLIFE RESOURCES

Proposed Regulation

Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-350. Fish: Gigs, Grab Hooks, Trotlines, Snares, Etc. (amending 4VAC15-350-60).

Statutory Authority: §§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: August 17, 2026.

Agency Contact: Aaron Proctor, Policy Manager, Department of Wildlife Resources, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228, telephone (804) 801-8199, or email aaron.proctor@dwr.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendments (i) add provisions relating to the use of juglines, limblines, and trotlines in the South Holston Reservoir and (ii) remove reference to the taking of snapping turtles by jugline, limbline, trotline, or set poles.

4VAC15-350-60. Trotlines, juglines, limblines, or set poles.

A. Generally. Except as otherwise provided by local legislation and by subsections B and C of this section, and except on waters stocked with trout and within 600 feet of any dam, it shall be lawful to use trotlines, juglines (single hook, including one treble hook, and line attached to a float), limblines, or set poles for the purpose of taking nongame fish (daily creel (possession) and length limits for nongame fish are found in 4VAC15-320-25) and snapping turtles (limits for snapping turtles are found in 4VAC15-360-10), provided that no live bait is used. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, live bait other than game fish may be used on trotlines to take catfish in the Clinch River in the Counties of Russell, Scott, and Wise. Any person setting or in possession of a trotline, jugline, limbline, or set pole shall have it clearly marked by permanent means with his name, address, and telephone number, and is required to check all lines at least once each day, remove all fish and animals caught, and completely remove all lines from the water, shoreline, and tree limbs when not in use. This requirement shall not apply to landowners on private ponds, nor to a bona fide tenant or lessee on private ponds within the bounds of land rented or leased, nor to anyone transporting any such device from its place of purchase.

B. Quantico Marine Reservation. It shall be unlawful to fish with trotlines in any waters within the confines of Quantico Marine Reservation.

C. Additional jugline requirements. Jugline sets (except as exempt under subsection A of this section) shall be restricted to 20 per angler and must be attended (within sight) by anglers at all times. Also, in addition to being labeled with the angler's name, address, and telephone number, jugs shall also be labeled with a reflective marker that encircles the jugs to allow for visibility at night.

D. South Holston Reservoir. On South Holston Reservoir, the number of jugline sets shall be restricted to 50 per angler, and the number of limbline sets shall be restricted to 15 per angler. Additionally, trotline sets on South Holston Reservoir shall be restricted to 100 hooks per angler. All other requirements in subsection A of this section shall apply.