Where the fish are big and abundant

At Buggs Island Lake "The fish are not only big, they are abundant. " Ah the words every angler loves to hear!

Fishing at Occoneechee State Park on Buggs Island Lake

Fishing mecca at Occoneechee State Park on Buggs Island Lake

Great fishing along the shorelines at Occoneechee State Park

Visit Occoneechee State Park for great fishing along the shoreline

Outdoor Editor Mark Taylor at Occoneechee State Park on the shores of Buggs Island Lake (also known as John H Kerr reservoir) in his article titled:

Virginia's state parks' 75 years of adventure: Where the fish are big and abundant.

Buggs Island Lake is the body of water that produced the 143-pound blue catfish pulled in this past June.

In his article, Markshares some good tips for your visit toOcconeechee State Parkandhe reveals why this state park holds some of Virginia's best public fishing.

CLARKSVILLE — Occoneechee State Park is like most parks in the statewide system, with a variety of attractions and offerings for its visitors.

But it may be the variety available in Buggs Island Lake, the expansive body upon which the park sits, that attracts many of the park's guests.

"They just like to fish," campground host Joe Gibbs said on a recent sultry summer morning. "Fish, fish and fish."

For bass.

For crappies.

And, of course, for catfish.

After all, Buggs Island Lake is the body of water that produced what may be Virginia's most famous freshwater catch — a 143-pound blue catfish pulled in this past June.

The huge catfish, which crushed the state record by more than 30 pounds, is a pending world record for the species.

Gibbs said he's seen increased interest in catfish since that monster was boated.

"These guys are salivating," Gibbs said.

Indeed, catfish were part of the draw when I headed to the park recently for the latest installment in my series on some of Virginia's most appealing state parks on the occasion of the park system's 75th anniversary.

At nearly 49,000 acres when full, Buggs Island Lake — which is also called Kerr Reservoir — is Virginia's largest lake, and nearly two-and-a-half times larger than Smith Mountain Lake.

The lake is not only large, it is productive, as proven by the robust fisheries for bass, catfish and crappies.

Year after year, Buggs Island is among the state's top producers of trophy crappies of at least 2 pounds or 15 inches long.

Last year the lake had 34 registered crappie citations, including two fish topping 3 pounds.

That's a big crappie.

The fish are not only big, they are abundant. The normal state bag limit of 25 crappies per angler per day doesn't even apply.

>Continue reading here for the rest of this article by Mark. You will learn why this lake is a favorite for bass fishing, and how you can nearly cast your line from Campground C!

More aboutOcconeechee State Park

On the peaceful shore of beautiful John H. Kerr Reservoir, more commonly known as Buggs Island Lake, Occoneechee State Park is great for outdoor fun and relaxation. The park has more than 18 miles of trails that meander through the forest and along the lake’s shore. The trails enable hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders to take in the beauty of Virginia’s Piedmont. Nature lovers can enjoy the wildlife attracted to habitat enhancement plots along the park’s main road. The plots attract various birds, deer and woodland creatures.

Guests can visit the park's visitor center to learn about the Native Americans who once lived in the area. The park takes its name from those natives. And a stroll on land that was once part of Occonneechee Plantation, complete with terrace gardens, helps visitors experience the park land as it was in the 19th century.

Providing 24-hour access Virginia’s largest lake, three boat ramps open the door to 48,000 acres of fishing, boating and aquatic recreation. Eighty eight campsites are available for tent and RV campers. Some sites are right on the shoreline, providing easy fishing and boating access. The park also has 13 cabins that allow guests to enjoy the comforts of home as well as beautiful views of the lake. An equestrian campground with 11 sites and 11 covered horse stalls offers easy access to the park’s trail system. Occoneechee also has picnic areas near the lake, a playground, boat rentals and a lakefront amphitheater.

Park size:2,698 acres. Buggs Island Lake (Kerr Reservoir), 48,000 acres. Panhandle Area is 1,900 acres.

Drive Time:Northern Virginia, three and a half hours; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, three hours; Roanoke, two and half hours, and one and half hours from Raleigh NC.

Click herefor a Google map. Latitude, 36.626101. Longitude, -78.524101.

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES:There are 11 cabins, two lodges 48 campsites for tents and RVs, and 11 equestrian campsites. Water view sites by reservation only. There are no designated swimming areas at this park. Boat launch is free for campers. Most campsite areas are shaded. For information on availability of overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you canClick here for park fees.

Occoneechee State Park, 1192 Occoneechee Park Road, Clarksville, VA 23927-9449; phone, (434) 374-2210; email,occoneechee. Learn more about park offerings by calling1-800-933-PARKor emailresvs. Be sure to specify the park of interest.

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