The Corps of Engineers, and North Carolina and Virginia Fish and Game Agencies coordinate activities to improve fish and wildlife habitat on the entire project. Twenty-two wildlife management areas are developed on the project, consisting of over 10,000 acres of land on which intensive wildlife management techniques are employed.

Resident and non-resident fishing licenses from Virginia or North Carolina will be recognized on all reservoir waters, and extended up the Staunton past Difficult Creek to the 360 Bridge. The tailwaters of John H. Kerr Reservoir, along with the entire Gaston Lake are also covered under this reciprocal license agreement.