The Chesapeake Bay.
But the upper portion of the river is brackish with plenty of nearby creeks and ponds. Water salinity increases steadily as it reaches the bay at the York River State Park gives visitors a sample of the fish and crustaceans that call these bodies of water "home."
Juvenile Bluegill
In the upper reaches of Taskinas Creek and Woodstock Pond, the water is fresh. Sunfish species such as bluegill dominate this ecosystem. The pond has a good reputation for crappie fishing and keeper sized channel catfish are not unheard of in the creek.
Male Striped Killifish
While white perch and striped bass are the more popular species of fish in brackish estuaries, the significantly smaller killifishes are more numerous. The most common types include the striped, spot finned, and mummichog. Killies can be found anywhere from the West Point headwaters to Guinea marshes.
Atlantic Croaker
The hard fighting croaker is a favorite throughout the river. Red drum, speckled trout, and cobia are some of the other species found in the lower reaches of the York. Tasty blue crabs are a favorite of these fish and fishermen as well.
Blake and Tim fixing a reef aquarium
Our interpretive staff includes two guys who enjoy maintaining aquariums.AmeriCorps Intern Blake Turner is familiar with the fish of this region. Our Seasonal Interpreter, Tim Beck, has worked and volunteered in marine research centers in Georgia and Virginia.
We hope that you will take time to enjoy our Visitor Center displays, even when the weather is nice!
Directions to York River State Park: From I-64, take the Croaker Exit 231B. Go north on Route 607 (Croaker Rd.) for one mile, then right on Route 606 (Riverview Rd.) about one and a half miles to the park entrance. Take a left turn into the park.