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Hooking Up Anglers Since 2011.
Buggs Island Lake, also known as John H. Kerr Reservoir, is Virginia's largest lake with over 800 miles of shoreline and 50,000 acres of freshwater. The dam was built from 1947 through 1952 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers a few hundred feet upstream from an island belonging to the descendants of Samuel Bugg, and was known as the Bugg Island Project. Some of the best freshwater fishing in Virginia can be found on this lake.
The world record Blue Catfish was caught Saturday night June 18th, 2011 weighing 143 pounds. Like so many lakes in the region, Buggs Island is also known for Bass. The Bass population has a lot of success breeding in Buggs Island, which means anglers can commonly reel in specimens that are between 2 and 4 pounds. The best spots for Bass fishing are at the upper end of the lake. However, populations can also be quite abundant near the creek outlets.
There is also a growing population of Striped Bass. This species is not as prolific as its Largemouth relatives, but it is still a common catch. In the summer, when the fish are spawning, the populations tend to move to the north. However, in the cooler months, the fish may be spread out more to the south end of the lake.
Buggs Island fishing is also popular for Crappie. The Crappie population is best during the winter and early spring. However, you are likely to hook Crappie all throughout the year thanks to the strong local breeding. If you give Buggs Island fishing a go, you might also catch fish like White Bass, White Perch, Channel Catfish and Blue Catfish.
0 Fishing Predictions served for Buggs Island Lake.
0+ of the best Buggs Island Lake Fishing Spots.
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There is a 32.57% catch rate for Bluegill, based on 100 Bluegill counted.
ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE BLUEGILL COUNTS CHART
There is a 18.57% catch rate for Redbreast Sunfish, based on 57 Redbreast Sunfish counted.
ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE REDBREAST SUNFISH COUNTS CHART
There is a 17.26% catch rate for Green Sunfish, based on 53 Green Sunfish counted.
ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE GREEN SUNFISH COUNTS CHART
There is a 7.17% catch rate for Redfin Pickerel, based on 22 Redfin Pickerel counted.
ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE REDFIN PICKEREL COUNTS CHART
There is a 6.19% catch rate for Pumpkinseed Sunfish, based on 19 Pumpkinseed Sunfish counted.
ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE PUMPKINSEED SUNFISH COUNTS CHART
There is a 5.86% catch rate for Largemouth Bass, based on 18 Largemouth Bass counted.
ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE LARGEMOUTH BASS COUNTS CHART
There is a 2.93% catch rate for Striped Bass, based on 9 Striped Bass counted.
ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE STRIPED BASS COUNTS CHART
There is a 2.61% catch rate for Roanoke Bass, based on 8 Roanoke Bass counted.
ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE ROANOKE BASS COUNTS CHART
There is a 0.98% catch rate for Black Crappie, based on 3 Black Crappie counted.
ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE BLACK CRAPPIE COUNTS CHART
There is a 0.98% catch rate for Longnose Gar, based on 3 Longnose Gar counted.
ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE LONGNOSE GAR COUNTS CHART
*** PLEASE NOTE *** Please check local, state/province, and federal laws before fishing for any species found on this site. All data is based on historical data found for this area, and in some cases as far back as the year 1600.
View full Buggs Island Lake Fishing Forecast to see all species.
The Top 10 Fishing Spots for Buggs Island Lake are the following:
Island Point This point on the island has good deep ledges.
Grassy Creek Boat Ramp
Rock Pile
Rocks
Submerged Bridge Submerged Bridge
Unknown
Pumpkinseed Sunfish
White Catfish98
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Fishing Report – October 6 2023 Lots of bass are caught on spinnerbaits on shallow points with flooded bushes. Bass may be caught shallow in 2-3 feet of water medium in 5-6 feet of water or by fishing deep i
Fishing Report – October 2 2023 The southern coves midlake are holding hundreds of baitfish in huge schools. Bass are not agressive in these coves. Check out coves on the Northern side of the lake off creeks
Fishing Report – September 29 2023 The cooler temperatures are sending the fish on the feed as the water temperatures begin to drop and baitfish school up and head for the backs of creeks. As the water cools lo
Fishing Report – February 2 2023 Bass action is fair to good on spinnerbaits and live shad in 6-8 feet of water off points. Crappie are taking small minnows over creek channels and brushpiles particularly in
Fishing Report – January 26 2023 Bass fishing is fair with small fish being taken on jig ‘n pig and crankbaits in 6-12 feet of water on points. The larger fish are halfway back in the coves feeding in late af
Fishing Report – January 19 2023 Striper fishing is good with live bait and 3/8 ounce bucktails producing the better catches. Largemouth bass are favoring the main lake gravel points and may be caught on 10+
Fishing Report – January 12 2023 Overview: (skip below to view report) After a brief respite colder temperatures will back throughout the area over the weekend. Water will be freezing around launch ramps in t
Fishing Report – January 5 2023 Overview: (skip below to view report) The warmer temperatures after the freeze have not stopped the fish from biting but freezing temperatures will return soon so beware. Some
Fishing Report – December 29 2022 Overview: (skip below to view report) With the extreme cold weather throughout the state icy conditions are prevalent. Keep this in mind when launching boats as the ramps are
Fishing Report – December 22 2022 Overview: (skip below to view report) Even with the cold weather coming in throughout the area anglers should still be able to catch fish. Look for bass to become active on sh
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