What Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Offers Anglers

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge sits on a narrow barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Back Bay, about 15 miles south of Virginia Beach's main waterfront. The refuge spans roughly 4,600 acres and holds some of the most consistent saltwater fishing in the region—shallow bays, tidal creeks, and ocean-side waters that hold redfish, flounder, and striped bass depending on the season. The refuge is open to fishing year-round in designated areas, but access is limited and regulated more strictly than public beaches or piers.

The key difference from other Virginia Beach fishing spots is that Back Bay requires you to understand the refuge's access rules before you go. You cannot simply park and walk to the water. Most anglers fish from the bay side during incoming tides, targeting the shallow flats and creek mouths where redfish hunt in fall and winter. The ocean side is closed to public access except for a small stretch of beach, and that beach is off-limits during nesting season (May through October).

Key Takeaways

  • Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge requires a free permit that you obtain at the refuge office or online before fishing, and you must display it on your vehicle.
  • The refuge is open to fishing only in designated zones on the bay side; the ocean side is closed except for a narrow beach access area that closes seasonally for bird nesting.
  • Fall and winter bring redfish and striped bass to the shallow bays and creek mouths; spring and summer fishing is slower but possible for flounder and smaller species.
  • Parking is limited to a small lot near the refuge office, and the road to the refuge is narrow and can be congested on weekends during peak season.
  • Wading is the primary method; boats are not permitted in most refuge waters, and you must stay within marked fishing zones.

How to Get Your Permit and Access the Refuge

You need a free Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Fishing Permit before you fish. The permit is not a license—Virginia's saltwater fishing license is separate and required—but rather proof that you understand the refuge's rules. You can obtain the permit in person at the refuge office (located at 4005 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach) during business hours, or you can print one online from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website. The permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.

Once you have the permit, display it on your vehicle dashboard or carry it with you while fishing. The refuge office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed on federal holidays. If you arrive outside those hours, you can still fish if you have a printed permit, but you cannot park in the refuge lot without displaying it. The office staff can answer questions about current conditions and which zones are open, so calling ahead (757-721-2412) is worth the time if you are making a long drive.

Where to Fish: Zones and Seasonal Access

The refuge divides fishing access into specific zones, and not all zones are open year-round. The Bay Side Fishing Area is the primary zone for anglers and is open from September 15 through March 31. This is where you will find redfish and striped bass during fall and winter. The zone includes shallow flats, creek mouths, and marsh edges where fish move with the tide. Wading is the only method allowed; boats cannot enter this area.

The Ocean Beach Access Area is a narrow strip of beach on the Atlantic side, roughly one mile long. This area is open for fishing from April 1 through May 14 and again from October 15 through March 31. During nesting season (May 15 through October 14), the beach is closed to protect nesting plovers and terns. When open, the beach offers access to striped bass, bluefish, and Spanish mackerel, though conditions are more variable than the bay side.

Spring and summer fishing (April through August) is limited. The bay-side zone closes, and only the ocean beach is available during the narrow April 1 to May 14 window. Many anglers skip the refuge during summer and fish other Virginia Beach spots instead. If you do visit in summer, focus on early morning or late evening when water temperatures are cooler and fish are more active.

What Fish to Target and When

Redfish are the primary target from September through March. They move into the shallow bays and creek mouths to feed on mullet and crustaceans as water temperatures drop. Fish the incoming tide, especially two hours before and after high tide, when redfish push into the shallows. Use live mullet, shrimp, or soft plastics in natural colors. Fish typically range from 18 to 28 inches, and the refuge has a healthy population.

Striped bass arrive in fall and stay through early spring. They are less predictable than redfish but can be abundant during November and December. Fish the creek mouths and deeper channels during the outgoing tide, when baitfish are flushed from the shallows. Stripers respond well to live spot or mullet, and you may also catch them on topwater plugs at dawn and dusk.

Flounder are present year-round but most abundant from April through June and again in September and October. They hold on the bottom in deeper channels and around structure. Use live shrimp or small mullet, and fish the slack tide (the period between incoming and outgoing) when flounder are most active. Most flounder in the refuge run 12 to 18 inches.

Bluefish and Spanish mackerel show up on the ocean beach during spring and fall, particularly in April and October. These are bonus fish rather than a primary target, but they can make for exciting action if conditions align. Fish moving water and look for baitfish activity near the shore.

Tides, Weather, and Seasonal Patterns

Back Bay is a tidal system, and tide timing is critical to your success. The bay-side flats are only fishable during incoming and high tides; at low tide, much of the water is too shallow to hold fish, and wading becomes difficult. Check tide tables for Virginia Beach before you go, and plan to fish the two hours before high tide through the first two hours of the outgoing tide. This window is when redfish and stripers are most active in the shallows.

Fall (September through November) is the best season. Water temperatures drop, baitfish move into the bays, and redfish and stripers follow. Expect the most consistent fishing and the highest catch rates during this period. Winter (December through February) can be excellent but is weather-dependent; cold fronts can shut down fishing for a few days, but conditions often recover quickly. Spring (March through May) is transitional; fishing tapers off as water warms and fish move out of the bays.

Wind direction matters more at Back Bay than at other Virginia Beach spots because the bays are shallow and exposed. Northeast and east winds push water into the bays and improve fishing. Southwest and west winds drain the bays and make conditions tougher. Check the forecast before you commit to a trip, especially in winter when wind can make wading uncomfortable or unsafe.

Parking, Facilities, and What to Bring

Parking is limited to a small lot near the refuge office. On weekends during peak season (September through November), the lot fills by mid-morning, and you may not be able to enter. Arrive early or consider visiting on a weekday if possible. There are no other facilities at the refuge—no restrooms, no water, no shade structures. Bring everything you need: water, sunscreen, a hat, and a headlamp if you plan to fish at dawn or dusk.

The road to the refuge (Sandpiper Road) is narrow and can be congested. Drive slowly and be prepared to wait if you are leaving at the same time as other anglers. The refuge is about 15 miles from Virginia Beach's main waterfront, so plan for a 20 to 30-minute drive depending on traffic.

Wading boots or shoes with good grip are essential. The bottom is soft mud and sand, and the water can be murky, so you cannot always see where you are stepping. Bring a wading belt or chest waders if you plan to wade deep. The water temperature ranges from the 50s in winter to the 70s in summer, so dress accordingly.

Rules and Restrictions You Need to Know

Boats are not permitted in the bay-side fishing zone. This is a refuge rule, not a Virginia regulation, and it applies even if you have a small kayak or canoe. The refuge protects the shallow bays for wading anglers and wildlife. If you want to fish from a boat, you will need to use other Virginia Beach spots like the Lynnhaven River or the ocean inlet.

Fishing is catch-and-release only for striped bass; you cannot keep them. Redfish and flounder have standard Virginia saltwater regulations: redfish must be 18 to 26 inches, and flounder must be at least 12 inches. Check the current Virginia Marine Resources Commission regulations before you go, as size and bag limits can change. You must have a valid Virginia saltwater fishing license in addition to the refuge permit.

The refuge is closed to fishing during certain maintenance periods, typically in late spring. Call ahead or check the refuge website to confirm the zone is open before making the drive. Pets are not permitted in the fishing zones, and you cannot use live baitfish that you did not catch yourself (no bait shops are allowed to sell bait for use in the refuge).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Back Bay in summer?

The bay-side zone closes April 1 through September 14, so summer fishing is limited to the ocean beach access area, which is open April 1 through May 14 only. Most anglers skip the refuge in summer and fish other Virginia Beach spots instead. If you do visit in spring, focus on the beach for stripers and bluefish.

Do I need both a Virginia fishing license and the refuge permit?

Yes. The refuge permit is free and proves you understand the refuge rules, but it does not replace Virginia's saltwater fishing license. You must purchase the license separately from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. The license is required for all saltwater fishing in Virginia.

What is the best tide to fish Back Bay?

Fish the incoming tide and the first two hours of the outgoing tide. At low tide, much of the bay is too shallow to hold fish. Redfish and stripers move into the shallows during incoming and high tide to feed, so plan your visit around the tide table for Virginia Beach.

Can I bring my kayak or small boat?

No. Boats and kayaks are not permitted in the bay-side fishing zone. The refuge restricts access to wading anglers only to protect the shallow bays. If you want to fish from a boat, use other Virginia Beach waters like the Lynnhaven River or the ocean inlet.

What should I do if the parking lot is full?

Leave and return another day, or visit on a weekday when fewer anglers are present. The refuge does not allow parking on Sandpiper Road or nearby streets. Arriving early (before 8 a.m.) during peak season (September through November) increases your chances of finding a spot.