Like most fishermen can attest, a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work!

One of Virginia's most beautiful and bountiful fishing lakes is the John H Kerr Reservoir, commonly known as Buggs Island Lake.

Fishin' an inlet at Occoneechee State Park

As my Dad always said "You can't catch any fish unless you got your line in the water!"

There are three boat ramps for launching your boat at Occoneechee

Another Virginia body of water and once again, Virginia State Parks is there! The state park located on the shores of the John H Kerr Reservoir is called Occoneechee State Park.

Occoneechee State 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.

If you do not fish, there is plenty more to do at Occoneechee State Park. Everyone loves water, and that includes birds and wildlife!

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

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 can reserve online here, or call 1-800-933-PARK.

Click here for park fees. Learn more about park offerings at Occoneechee State Park here.

More on Fishing and Boating: Buggs Island Lake and connecting Lake Gaston are famous for the number and size of fish there. Striped and largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and perch are plentiful. Three boat ramps provide motorized and non-motorized boat access to Buggs Island Lake. A Buggs Island Special Pass that covers boat launching and parking for Occoneechee and Staunton River state parks is available. Call 1-800-933-PARK for more information. Pontoon and fishing boats, including safety equipment, can be rented at boat ramp 1 from Clarksville Marine Rentals Inc.

Boating: Available year-round. Motorboats are allowed. Call 1-800-933-PARK to purchase an annual boat launch passport. Click here for park fees.

Pontoon and fishing boats, including safety equipment, can be rented at boat ramp #1 from Clarksville Marine Rentals, Inc. It's open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Boats must be returned by 6 p.m. Thirty gallons of gas are included in the rental. Call (434) 374-2525 or (434) 374-2755 to make reservations.