Tautog rules in Virginia
Size, bag and season for recreational tautog in Virginia waters, as published by Virginia Marine Resources Commission.
- Size
- 16" minimum
- Bag
- 4 per person
- Season
- Jan 1 – May 15 and Jul 1 – Dec 31 (closed May 16 – Jun 30)
Also on the agency page: 2026 regulation card: 'Season ... Jan 1-May 15 and July1-December 31'.
Stale: this row was last checked Oct 10, 2026, past our 30-day limit. Treat it as history and go to the agency page.
Rules change in season, sometimes by emergency notice. This page summarizes the agency page on the date shown. If this summary and the agency page disagree, the agency page controls.
What to know before you keep one
Tautog seasons are commonly split into windows around the spring spawn, and the bag limit can change from one window to the next. Check the window that covers your trip date.
State water or federal water
Virginia rules apply in state waters, generally out to 3 nautical miles. Tautog are managed by the states through ASMFC. Most of the fishery takes place on structure inside state waters. ASMFC · tautog ↗
Across the state line
Rules for the same fish change at the state line. If you run across it or land in the next state, those rules apply.