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Buggs Island Lake Fishing

Buggs Island Lake Fishing

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.



Buggs Island Lake Fishing Forecast

Target Species of Fish

Based on historical data for fishing Buggs Island Lake, you should target one of the following species for this time of year:
  1. Bluegill

  2. Bluegill

    There is a 21.14% catch rate for Bluegill, based on 104 Bluegill counted.

    Buggs Island Lake Bluegill Counts Chart
    Bluegill

    ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE BLUEGILL COUNTS CHART


  3. Redbreast Sunfish

  4. Redbreast Sunfish

    There is a 19.92% catch rate for Redbreast Sunfish, based on 98 Redbreast Sunfish counted.

    Buggs Island Lake Redbreast Sunfish Counts Chart
    Redbreast

    ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE REDBREAST SUNFISH COUNTS CHART


  5. Green Sunfish

  6. Green Sunfish

    There is a 18.9% catch rate for Green Sunfish, based on 93 Green Sunfish counted.

    Buggs Island Lake Green Sunfish Counts Chart
    Green

    ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE GREEN SUNFISH COUNTS CHART


  7. Chain Pickerel

  8. Chain Pickerel

    There is a 10.77% catch rate for Chain Pickerel, based on 53 Chain Pickerel counted.

    Buggs Island Lake Chain Pickerel Counts Chart
    Chain

    ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE CHAIN PICKEREL COUNTS CHART


  9. Redfin Pickerel

  10. Redfin Pickerel

    There is a 10.57% catch rate for Redfin Pickerel, based on 52 Redfin Pickerel counted.

    Buggs Island Lake Redfin Pickerel Counts Chart
    Redfin

    ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE REDFIN PICKEREL COUNTS CHART


  11. Pumpkinseed Sunfish

  12. Pumpkinseed Sunfish

    There is a 4.67% catch rate for Pumpkinseed Sunfish, based on 23 Pumpkinseed Sunfish counted.

    Buggs Island Lake Pumpkinseed Sunfish Counts Chart
    Pumpkinseed

    ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE PUMPKINSEED SUNFISH COUNTS CHART


  13. Largemouth Bass

  14. Largemouth Bass

    There is a 3.46% catch rate for Largemouth Bass, based on 17 Largemouth Bass counted.

    Buggs Island Lake Largemouth Bass Counts Chart
    Largemouth

    ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE LARGEMOUTH BASS COUNTS CHART


  15. Warmouth

  16. Warmouth

    There is a 3.25% catch rate for Warmouth, based on 16 Warmouth counted.

    Buggs Island Lake Warmouth Counts Chart
    Warmouth

    ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE WARMOUTH COUNTS CHART


  17. Bluespotted Sunfish

  18. Bluespotted Sunfish

    There is a 1.83% catch rate for Bluespotted Sunfish, based on 9 Bluespotted Sunfish counted.

    Buggs Island Lake Bluespotted Sunfish Counts Chart
    Bluespotted

    ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE BLUESPOTTED SUNFISH COUNTS CHART


  19. Roanoke Bass

  20. Roanoke Bass

    There is a 1.22% catch rate for Roanoke Bass, based on 6 Roanoke Bass counted.

    Buggs Island Lake Roanoke Bass Counts Chart
    Roanoke

    ENLARGE BUGGS ISLAND LAKE ROANOKE BASS COUNTS CHART


Recommendations above based on 18 species of fish and 492 fish counted for June around Buggs Island Lake.

To date, there are 35 species of fish and a total of 3641 fish counted for Buggs Island Lake and within a 30 mile (48 km) radius since 4/6/1940 (83 years).

Last Update: 6/8/2023 9:02:43 AM

*** 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.

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Top Buggs Island Lake Fishing Spots

The Top 10 Fishing Spots for Buggs Island Lake are the following:

  1. Island Point
    This point on the island has good deep ledges.


  2. Grassy Creek Boat Ramp


  3. Rocks


  4. Rock Pile


  5. Unknown


  6. Submerged Bridge
     Submerged Bridge


  7. Unknown


  8. Unknown


  9. Unknown


  10. Pumpkinseed Sunfish


View more Top Buggs Island Lake Fishing Spots


Latest Buggs Island Lake Fishing Reports

  • 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


  • Fishing Report – December 15 2022
    Overview: (skip below to view report) With water temperatures getting low the fish are holding in the normal wintertime haunts in deep water. Lots of good fish are being taken


  • Fishing Report – December 8 2022
    Overview: (skip below to view report) Most gamefish are holding in deeper water during this season of the year. Unless there is a warm water discharge in the vicinity the fish


  • Fishing Report – December 1 2022
    Overview: Most gamefish are holding in deeper water during this season of the year. Unless there is a warm water discharge in the vicinity the fish will be deep and very slugg


View Buggs Island Lake Fishing Reports

Top Buggs Island Lake Bait & Tackle Stores

  1. Bobcat's Bait & Tackle
    Come see us for all your fishing needs!

View more Buggs Island Lake Bait & Tackle Stores

Top Buggs Island Lake Fishing Charters & Guides

  1. Buggs Island Guide Service
    Buggs Island Guide Service (B.I.G.S.) is a fishing guide service for the John H. Kerr Reservoir, which lies on the NC/VA border. B.I.G.S. is owned and operated by Dewey Edwards of Clarksville, VA.  Dewey is well known and respected in the Kerr L

  2. Redbeard Cats Guide Service
    Guided catfishing trips on Kerr Lake with Cap't. Redbeard! Come catch a trophy blue or flathead catfish with us. Trips starting as low as $300

  3. Topwater Guide Service


View more Buggs Island Lake Charters & Guides

Top Buggs Island Lake Marinas

View more Buggs Island Lake Marinas

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