Public Comment Period Open for Final Regulation Recommendations

The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) has opened the public comment period for final regulation recommendations to be presented at the August 22nd Board of Directors meeting. Last September, DGIF opened public comments to hear issues the public wanted DGIF to address. Staff worked to formulate regulatory proposals that were presented to the Board on April 12, 2018. The Board accepted all proposals and are now opening the final public comment period on April 30, 2018. The comment period will close July 28, 2018. Board approved regulations will become effective January 1, 2019.

The Board has proposed changes for the following regulations:

  1. Black bass for Claytor Lake and the Levisa Fork River;
  2. Changes in the minimum size of striped bass for Buggs Island Reservoir and Claytor Lake;
  3. Changes in size and creel limits for crappie in Buggs Island, Briery Creek and Sandy River reservoirs;
  4. Changes in the size limit on blue catfish in Lake Gaston;
  5. Adjustments to regulations for Roanoke and rock bass throughout the state.

The Board has also proposed closing American shad to harvest statewide.

Regarding trout, the Board has proposed changes which clarify the need for a trout license, prevent interference during kid’s fishing days, and the addition of two more catch and release trout waters.

Two proposals focus on baitfish; one adding additional prohibitions aimed at maintaining genetically intact populations of candy darters and another that clarifies that cast nets are legal gear for taking bait in the Roanoke and Dan Rivers.

Other proposals include eliminating the requirement of a permit to hold striped bass tournaments and the addition of goldfish to the list of species legal to take with bow and arrow or crossbow.

For more information on the open comment period, please visit the Regulatory Processes section of the DGIF website.

  • April 27, 2018