Federal rule (Mid-Atlantic federal waters) · Virginia lists none of its own
Federally managed but no recreational size or possession limits.
NOAA GARFO / MAFMC 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Atlantic bumperHas ventral fins and a black tail-base saddle. Tell them apartNot listed by Virginia: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit).
Keep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
A round silver coin of a fish with no ventral fins at all; slippery to hold. More on the Atlantic butterfish page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Atlantic butterfish in other states6 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for Atlantic butterfish in Virginia?
No size limit.
How many Atlantic butterfish can you keep in Virginia?
No bag limit.
When is Atlantic butterfish season in Virginia?
Open all year.
How current is this Virginia Atlantic butterfish rule?
Source: NOAA GARFO / MAFMC 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
In the appPoint the camera at an Atlantic butterfish in Virginia and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
Get the app