The W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir is a artificial lake impounded by a

dam A dam is a barrier that stops or restricts the flow of surface water or underground streams. Reservoirs created by dams not only suppress floods but also provide water for activities such as irrigation, human consumption, industrial use ...

located in

Wilkes County, North Carolina Wilkes County is a county located in the US state of North Carolina. It is a part of the state's western mountain region. As of the 2020 census the population was 65,969, in 2010 the census listed the population at 69,340. Its county seat is ...

. It is located on the

Yadkin River The Yadkin River is one of the longest rivers in North Carolina, flowing . It rises in the northwestern portion of the state near the Blue Ridge Parkway's Thunder Hill Overlook. Several parts of the river are impounded by dams for water, po ...

system, and is operated and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Recreation

The lake is open to the public for recreational fishing and boating. It is particularly noted for its excellent bass fishing.

History

Scott Dam was completed in 1962 to control flooding that had frequently been a problem in the area. It was named for W. Kerr Scott, the 62nd

Governor of North Carolina The governor of North Carolina is the head of government of the U.S. state of North Carolina. The governor directs the executive branch of the government and is the commander in chief of the military forces of the state. The current governor, ...

, who played a key role in the project. The lake has a shoreline of 56 miles.

References

{{authority control Buildings and structures in Wilkes County, North Carolina Dams in North Carolina Reservoirs in North Carolina Bodies of water of Wilkes County, North Carolina