Virginia state waters, out to 3 miles
Illegal to possess; federally endangered.
VMRC 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule
ESA-listed; all harvest and possession prohibited in federal waters.
NOAA GARFO / MAFMC 2026 · checked 2026-09-20
How to tell it
Rows of bony armor scutes, a shark-like tail, and a vacuum-hose snout with barbels — a dinosaur. More on the Atlantic sturgeon page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep Atlantic sturgeon in Virginia?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Virginia. Release it in the water where you can. Illegal to possess; federally endangered.
How current is this Virginia Atlantic sturgeon rule?
Source: VMRC 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.
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