Buggs Island Lake (Kerr) Fishing: Stripers, Crappie and Bass

Rules: Virginia DWR (freshwater)

Buggs Island Lake, also called Kerr Reservoir, is a lake on the Roanoke River in Mecklenburg County on the Virginia and North Carolina border. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) puts it at about 48,900 acres at full pool. It is a crappie, striped bass and catfish water first, a bass lake second, and it has two seasonal striper rules that every angler should read. This guide covers what DWR says about each fishery, where and when to look, and the one thing the agency asks of striper anglers in summer.

One lake, two states, one license

Part of the lake is in North Carolina, but DWR says a Virginia fishing license is legal lake-wide. Rules on North Carolina’s side are outside this guide, so if you plan to fish those waters check that state’s agency. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers publishes lake levels at 434-738-6371, and facilities information is at 434-738-6143. Kite tubes are banned on Kerr and Philpott lakes.

What the lake holds

Crappie. DWR calls Buggs Island one of Virginia’s best crappie lakes. Fishing is typically best from February through April, before and during the spawn, though many anglers catch crappie year-round. Buffalo, Grassy, Bluestone and Butcher creeks are named as very productive. Crappie must be at least 9 inches.

Striped bass. DWR describes the population as in fair condition. In spring, stripers may be in the upper end of the lake and the river above it, traveling upstream to spawn. In summer the combination of temperature and oxygen forces them to the lower lake, from the dam to about Buoy 9 and the mouth of Nutbush Creek. Fall and winter fishing is typically best from Goat Island to the Clarksville Bridge, although fish may be anywhere.

Largemouth bass. Fish of 2 to 4 pounds are typical and trophies over eight pounds are rare. DWR says the best fishing is at the upper end of the lake and in the lower creek arms. Structure matters, and water level controls how much is available. When the water rises into willow and sweet gum trees in spring, fish the backs of coves and the points. DWR has added artificial habitat and planted water willow, and it publishes the coordinates of its habitat reefs on its lake page.

Catfish and others. Channel catfish have traditionally been the most sought-after catfish, with flathead and blue catfish growing in popularity. White bass, once a favorite, have declined, and white perch have become established and can reach nearly two pounds.

The rules, season by season

The rules snapshot above quotes DWR’s lake page. Black bass are five a day with only two under 14 inches. Crappie are 25 a day with a 9-inch minimum. Sunfish have no daily limit. Catfish are 20 a day with only one blue catfish longer than 32 inches. White bass are 10 a day with a 14-inch minimum.

Striped bass change by season. From October 1 to May 31 you may keep two a day, none under 20 or over 26 inches. From June 1 to September 30 you may keep four a day with no length limit. The same rules apply on the Staunton (Roanoke) River up to Leesville Dam and the Dan River up to Union Street Dam in Danville.

Access

DWR says the lake has numerous campgrounds, boat ramps and recreation areas. The North Bend Park pier is designed especially for anglers with disabilities, and its end sits over more than 17 feet of water; fish attractors made from discarded Christmas trees have been placed around it. DWR’s page does not list individual ramps, so check the Corps or the park you plan to use.

Tackle that suits the lake

For crappie, a light spinning rod of 6 to 7 feet with a sensitive tip handles small jigs and minnows. For stripers, a medium-heavy rod with a strong reel works for live bait and plugs, and a heavier rod suits blue and flathead catfish. These are typical setups, not requirements, and a custom rod built for your bait weight is a good fit for a lake with so many different fisheries.

Check before you go

Lake levels, ramp conditions and seasonal rules change. Compare Buggs Island with Smith Mountain Lake and Lake Anna in the best-lakes roundup, and read striped bass in Virginia for the lake-versus-bay comparison.