Fishing Kerr Lake
AKA: Kerr Reservoir, Buggs Island Lake
Popular Fish Species Kerr Lake, VA
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.
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.
Kerr Lake Fishing Video
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.
Kerr Lake, also known as Buggs Island Lake, is a premier fishing destination located in Virginia and North Carolina. Spanning over 50,000 acres, this expansive reservoir offers anglers a wealth of fishing opportunities, making it a favorite among fishing enthusiasts.
One of the most sought-after fish species in Kerr Lake is the striped bass, commonly referred to as rockfish. These powerful gamefish are known for their size and fighting ability. Anglers can target striped bass using various techniques such as trolling, casting, or live bait fishing. The lake's deep channels, points, and underwater structures serve as prime locations for finding these exciting fish. Spring and fall are particularly productive seasons for striped bass fishing in Kerr Lake.
In addition to striped bass, Kerr Lake boasts a diverse range of other popular fish species. Largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish are abundant in the reservoir and provide excellent fishing opportunities. Largemouth bass can be found near submerged structures and vegetation, while crappie tend to concentrate around submerged timber and brush piles. Catfish, including channel catfish and blue catfish, offer anglers the chance to reel in some sizable catches using various bait options.
Kerr Lake is a renowned fishing destination that offers a wealth of angling opportunities, beautiful scenery, and recreational activities. Whether casting for striped bass, chasing largemouth bass, or simply enjoying the serenity of the lake, Kerr Lake provides a memorable fishing experience in a picturesque setting for anglers of all levels of expertise.
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
Clarksville Marine Rental
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoon boats
434 374-2525
Boating is a popular activity on Kerr Lake, with its vast surface area providing ample space for watercraft enthusiasts. Anglers can explore the lake's numerous coves, points, and backwaters in search of their preferred fishing spots. Whether it's a bass boat, pontoon, or kayak, boating enhances the fishing experience on Kerr Lake by allowing anglers to access remote areas and cover a larger fishing area.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Bluestone Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off US Highway 15, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Buffalo Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, west side, off State Route 722, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Eagle Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off State Route 705, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Eastland Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, north side, off Eastland Creek Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Island Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Ivy Hill Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Ivy Hill Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Ivy Hill Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Longwood Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off US Highway 15, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Occoneechee Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off US Highway 58, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Palmer Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, east side, off State Route 87, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Rudds Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off US Highway 58, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Staunton River Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off State Route 344, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Staunton View Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, north side, off State Route 699, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
Rudd's Creek Marina
1002 Rochichi Drive
Boydton, VA 23917
434 738-7655
Satterwhite Point Marina
6470 Satterwhite Point Road
Henderson, NC 27537
252 430-1300
Fishing Guides On Kerr Lake
Prime Time Kerr Lake Fishing Guide Service - catfish, crappie, bass, stripers
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Virginia Fishing License.
Camping facilities are available at various campgrounds and recreational areas surrounding Kerr Lake, providing anglers the opportunity to extend their fishing trips and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. These campgrounds offer amenities such as RV sites, tent sites, picnic areas, and boat ramps, making it convenient for anglers to access the lake for fishing and other water-based activities.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Buffalo Park & Campground - 434 374-2063
Staunton River State Park Campground - 434 572-4623
Occoneechee State Park Campground - 434 374-2210
Rudds Creek Campground - 434 738-6827
North Bend Park & Campground - 434 738-0059
Additional Kerr Lake campgrounds in NC.
Kerr Reservoir VA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Kerr Reservoir
Occoneechee State Park
1192 Occoneechee Park Rd
Clarksville, VA 23927
434 374-2210
Fishing lakes in each state.
080124
Kerr Lake in Virginia.
VIRGINIA
Information about fishing lakes in Virginia
Fishing in southern VA, at Kerr Reservoir, for bass, crappie, walleye, white bass, perch, stripers, catfish and sunfish.