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John H. Kerr Reservoir

Boat Ramps
27
Access Points
33
Species
37

John H. Kerr Reservoir, also known as Buggs Island Lake in Virginia and Kerr Lake in North Carolina, is an exceptional 50,000-acre fishing destination that straddles the border between these two states. Created in 1952 with the completion of the John H. Kerr Dam on the Roanoke River, this massive impoundment boasts approximately 850 miles of shoreline and reaches depths of up to 100 feet, with an average depth of about 30 feet. The reservoir is fed by the Staunton River and Dan River in Virginia, as well as numerous creeks, with Nutbush Creek forming a major arm in North Carolina. With its abundant deep, rocky structure, shallow brush, docks, and weed beds, Kerr Reservoir offers world-class fishing opportunities for several species and supports a wide range of fishing styles and techniques throughout the year.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on John H. Kerr Reservoir. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

North Bend Park Access

North Bend Park Access

Access Point
North Bend Park Access

North Bend Park Access

Access Point
County Line Access

County Line Access

Access Point
Hibernia Access

Hibernia Access

Access Point
Williamsboro Wayside Access

Williamsboro Wayside Access

Access Point
Nutbush Bridge Access

Nutbush Bridge Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on John H. Kerr Reservoir

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Virginia licenses and regulations

Virginia Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Virginia Stream Access Laws

Virginia uses a strict navigable in fact test, where waterways must be capable of commercial trade and travel in their natural condition and public access is limited where navigable waters border private land. The state law isn’t fully developed and is arguably stricter than the federal title test. While state law is confusing and hasn’t been friendly to public access in the past, a 2015 court case opened up 14 rivers to public use that were previously off limits.

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Virginia  Fishing License

A Virginia fishing license is required for residents and non-residents, age 16 and over.

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Virginia  Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Take John H. Kerr Reservoir with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around John H. Kerr Reservoir to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for John H. Kerr Reservoir to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish John H. Kerr Reservoir and check the forecast before you go.

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John H. Kerr Reservoir fishing guides

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