Is this Kerr Lake or Buggs Island Lake? The dam and reservoir is named foe a past governor on North Carolina, John H. Kerr. Do you pronounce k-e-r-r "car" or "curr"? Well, it's like this. If you are from Western North Carolina, it's probably "curr" lake. Eastern North Carolina folks say "car" lake. The people from Virginia call it Buggs Island Lake. This name comes from an island in the Roanoke river just below the present dam site, Buggs Island, so the Virginians like to say it is th Buggs Island dam, and the Buggs Island Lake.

So much for names, let me tell you what this place has to offer. 50,000 acres of water to boat on, ski on, sail on, fish in, swim in, and enjoy in many other ways. This 50,000 acres of water is surrounded by another 14,000 acres of land that is owned and protected by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Add these two together and you have 64,000 acres of paradise, much of it unspoiled by development.

This can be a difficult place to be a part of, with limited access and marina facilities, water level fluctuation, and it's remote location. I often use the term "double edged sword" when talking about this lake. If you are willing to overcome these hardships, you will be rewarded with a huge playground, that at times you can have almost to yourself. Also, you can have some of the best freshwater fishing in the southeast! Striped bass are plentiful in the 6-12 lb. range, with the occasional 15-18 pounder being caught. Largemouth bass are also plentiful up to 5lbs. These waters are also loaded with crappie and catfish.