Fishing Kerr Lake, VA

AKA: Kerr Reservoir, Buggs Island Lake

Boat and bank fishing

Last updated on February 6, 2026.

Popular Fish Species
Kerr Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
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Kerr Reservoir, VA

Popular Fish Species

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Largemouth bass are the most popular fish species at Kerr Lake, and it has it has been that way for several years now. Also known as Buggs Island Lake, it is home to numerous bass fishing tournaments annually. Anglers are catching bass in good numbers with largemouth bass in the 4 to 6-pound range showing up with some regularity. A history of well-planned fisheries management by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. In Kerr Lake, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Crappie Fishing

If you enjoy catching a bunch of "slabs", give Kerr Lake a try. With a long history of good crappie fishing, Kerr Lake continues to deliver plenty of good size crappie. Light line and small hooks are key when fishing live bait. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, 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, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.

Blue Catfish Fishing

Home to the state record blue catfish which was over 140 pounds, Buggs Island Lake provides an opportunity to catch a monster blue catfish. Channel and flathead catfish are also available here for anglers to pursue. Most of the local guides offer catfish trips, and big blues are the favorite target. Fishing for blue catfish is most often productive during spring through summer around any kind of structure. Blue catfish are primarily found in large rivers, along the main channels, in and around tributaries flowing into impoundments of major river systems. They tend to move upstream in the summer in search of cooler temperatures, and downstream in the winter in order to find warmer water.The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. 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.

Lake & Fishing Video

Fishing tips for boat or bank fishing

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, white perch and striped bass at Kerr Reservoir in Virginia.

Home to a nice variety of fish species, Kerr Lake aka Buggs Island Lake is a dream destination for fishing, boating and camping. Avid anglers can chase after bass, crappie, walleye, white bass, perch, stripers, catfish and sunfish.

This 50,000-acre reservoir, located on the southern border of the state, off Interstate 85. The lake is fertile with healthy populations of fish and baitfish. Explore the 850 miles of shoreline and for an ideal place to wet a line. Fishing from boats, kayaks, canoes or from shore are all popular here. During spring and fall the fish tend to favor shoreline areas, while moving deeper and schooling up during summer and winter. Once you find an area with baitfish, fishing should be good. VA fishing guides offer guided fishing trips on Kerr Reservoir. With marinas and campgrounds scattered around the lake you can easily locate most any services you require to enhance your stay at John H. Kerr Reservoir. Virginia fishing licenses are legal lake-wide. North Bend Park has a handicap accessible fishing pier. Their are numerous boat launch ramps, parking, campgrounds and public access areas.

Primary fish species residing in Kerr Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Kerr Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

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Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

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Marinas

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Fishing License

Click here for a Virginia Fishing License.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Buffalo Park & Campground - 434 374-2063

Staunton River State Park Campground - 434 572-4623