Fishing Kerr Lake

AKA: John H. Kerr Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Kerr Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Marinas
Boat Launch Ramps
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Kerr Lake, NC

Popular Fish Species Kerr Lake, NC

Striped Bass Fishing

Due to their large size, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Kerr Lake. They are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to monster size. During the day stripers hang out in deeper water and feed close to the bottom, 50 feet or deeper. Morning draws the stripers to the much shallower water, look for them around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.

Crappie Fishing

Both black crappie and white crappie reside in Kerr Lake, and crappie are a very popular species this year. The majority of crappie caught here are black crappie, but both species grow big and fat. Crappie fishing is on the rise and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Blue Catfish Fishing

Again this year, blue catfish are running in the big- to-giant size in Kerr Lake. Most of the local guides offer catfish trips and big blues are the favorite target. The lake record is over 140 pounds. Fishing for blue catfish is most often productive summer around any kind of structure. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with cut bait or other popular catfish baits. Other catfish in the lake include channel and flathead catfish.

Kerr Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white bass, white perch and striped bass at Kerr Lake in North Carolina.

If you enjoy catching a variety of species, Kerr Lake is a reservoir made to fulfill your dreams. While fishing for bass here, you may also catch white bass, perch, stripers, or crappie - all on the same lures. Check out fishing reports for popular species at this lake. This 50,000-acre reservoir, located on the northern border of the state, has healthy populations of fish species including sunfish and plenty of bait fish. Pick your favorite stretch of the 850 miles of shoreline and wet a line. With marinas and campgrounds scattered around the lake you can easily locate most any services you require.

Primary fish species residing in Kerr Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Kerr Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NO

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

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Marinas

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Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

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