Fishing Kerr Lake

AKA: Kerr Reservoir, Buggs Island Lake

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.

Lake Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Video

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

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.