CORROTOMAN BY THE BAY

Area Waterway, Boating and Fishing Information

The brackish waters of the Corrotoman River and Senior Creek are home to wide variety of shellfish, saltwater fish, waterfowl, birds of prey (like osprey and bald eagles), skates, and crabs. You will also find recreational power and sailboats of every type and size, personal watercraft, kayaks, canoes, and commercial crabbers. Here are a few things to know before setting sail, casting a line, taking a swim, grabbing some oysters or setting out your crab pots.

Boater Safety

Beginning July 1, 2016, all PWC operators age 14 and older and all motorboat operators, regardless of age, need to take a boating safety course and will be required to carry a boating safety education course completion card in order to operate a PWC or boat with a 10hp or greater motor. For more information or to take the safety course, visit Boatus.org or go to Virginia DGIF.

Vessel Safety Checks give you peace of mind that your boat meets federal safety standards and that in an emergency you will have the necessary equipment to save lives and summon help. Vessels passing safety checks are awarded a U.S. Coast Guard / Auxiliary Decal that informs Coast Guard / Auxiliary, Harbor Patrol, Sheriff's & Police and other boating law-enforcement & safety agency's that your boat was in full compliance with all Federal and State boating laws during a safety check for that year. Best of all every Vessel Safety Check is 100% Free of charge and Coast Guard Auxiliary inspectors come to you!      Request a Vessel Safety Check

From around July 4 through Labor Day you'll be sharing the water with sea nettles. The best treatment, if stung, is to wash the area with soapy fresh water then apply  a paste made of powdered meat tenderizer.

Shellfish

Please note that areas of the Corrotoman and Senior Creek are condemned shellfish areas. Read more.

Interested in helping repopulate the oyster population? Learn more from the Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Assoc.

Crabbing and Fishing

Our waters are filled with crabs. When cruising from here to the Chesapeake Bay keep a watchful eye out for crab pots. Remember, crab pots are private property and it is unlawful to pull them up and or remove them if you don't own them. For answers on recreational crabbing, fishing license requirements and even building a boat dock, Virginia Marine Resources is your best source.

Last updated January 3, 2020