Boating at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve
Boating on the cove is permitted under certain conditions described below. Boating rules and fees help provide recreational opportunities for visitors to the cove while still maintaining the safest, highest quality drinking water possible. It is very important for boaters to understand the issues involved with boating before arriving at the cove.
Keep the zebra mussel out of the cove!
In recent years, a fingernail-sized, striped mussel called the zebra mussel has been introduced to the waters of North America from the Caspian Sea region of eastern Europe. This exotic pest has no natural predators on this continent to keep its population in check and has caused serious problems in North American waters. The zebra mussel has the potential to clog water-intake systems, degrade aquatic environments, harm fish and native mussel populations and contribute to taste and odor problems in the production of drinking water.
The introduction of the zebra mussel in Carvins Cove would be bad news, since a reproducing population of the mussel can spread rapidly through the water supply.
The zebra mussel page on the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website provides more information about this exotic pest.
Preventing the spread of zebra mussels
Boats, trailers, fishing equipment and aquatic bait are proven carriers of adult zebra mussels. Microscopic larvae may be carried in livewells or bilgewater.
To keep our drinking water safe and the cove free of zebra mussels, please obey the following rules during each visit to the cove:
- Launching of any boat on the Carvins Cove reservoir is permitted only from the access point on Reservoir Road.
- No aquatic bait or aquatic bait containers may be used for boat or bank fishing.
- Effective July 1, 2008, there are no jurisdictional restrictions on launching boats at Carvins Cove. However, those wishing to launch a boat must abide by the following conditions:
(a) The boat must be inspected by an employee or agent of the Western Virginia Water Authority for evidence of mussels, prohibited bait or prohibited bait equipment.
(b) A valid decal from the boat owner's jurisdiction must be clearly displayed on the boat trailer and vehicle.
(c) The boat operator must supply written certification by the owner that the boat has been in no other waters than Carvins Cove for the past three weeks.
(d) The boat owner must accompany the boat at all times while it is on the water.
Any violation of these rules is a Class 2 Misdemeaner, subjecting the violator to up to six months’ confinement in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Boat launching fees
The horsepower limit is 10 HP. The following fees include inspection.
No motor: Annual fee $75, Daily Fee $5
Up to 10 HP motor: Annual fee $90, Daily Fee $9
Boat rentals
Any person who is at least 16 years old may rent a boat at Carvins Cove.
12' and 14' Boats: $5.00 per hour, or $15 per day
Boats are rented April 1 through September 30 from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and October and November from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Boats are not rented December through March.
New! Paddle boats are available for rental. The boats rent for $7 for one-hour of use and $11 for two-hours of use.
Boating hours:
April 1 to September 30: Seven days a week, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
October 1 to March 31: Seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Rentals may be restricted at the discretion of the Western Virginia Water Authority in the event of low or high water, high winds, or other problems. Hours of operation are subject to change at the sole discretion of the Western Virginia Water Authority.
Inspection fees for private motors
These fees apply to the use of private motors on boats rented at the Cove.
Electric Motor: $2
Gasoline Motor: $2