Back Bay is one of the most unique estuaries in Tidewater Virginia. The estuary is known for its waterfowl, aquatic birds, fish, and other wildlife.
Situated between the communities of Pungo and Sandbridge, Back Bay drains into Knotts Island Bay and eventually Currituck Sound.
Public access to Back Bay is available at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Princess Anne Wildlife Management Area, Mill Landing.
Several commercial marinas offer boat launching ramps and other access points to Back Bay and its adjoining waterways.
In the 1970’s, Back Bay was famous for having one of the most productive largemouth bass fisheries in the USA. In 1980, 240 citation largemouth bass of eight pounds or greater were reported to be caught in the bay.
Soon after, a decline in water quality led a crash in the Back Bay largemouth bass fishery. Decades of restoration efforts have resulted in improved water quality, re-growth of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), and a resurgence of largemouth bass and other fish in the estuary.