Back Bay, VA

Back Bay is a coastal bay that forms the northern extent and headwaters of Currituck Sound.  The salinity conditions within this system have led to the formation of extensive big cordgrass marshes within the bay, many of which are island patches isolated from the mainland.  The active beach and dunes on the ocean fringe represent the upper end of the barrier network forming the Outer Banks. 

With more than 25,000 acres, Back Bay is the largest body of water in the district. It produces good white perch and channel catfish at times, some flounder, and other saltwater and brackish water species. Many citation channel catfish are caught in the tributary creeks in the spring, as fish move into fresher water to spawn. The freshwater creeks feeding into the bay have largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. Bank fishing is limited and available only in some of the tributary creeks. Some fishing is available at the state-owned boat ramps on Mill Landing Road, Back Bay Landing Road, and some private ramps. Several private launch ramps are available on the bay and feeder creeks off Princess Anne and Muddy Creek Roads.

Approximately 10,000 snow geese and a large variety of ducks visit Back Bay refuge during the peak of fall migration, usually in December. The refuge also provides habitat for a wide assortment of other wildlife, including threatened and endangered species such as loggerhead sea turtles, piping plovers, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles.

Back Bay provides many scenic trails and a visitor contact station.  Camping, beach access and facilities available at nearby False Cape State Park.