LOCATION
Tom Jenkins Dam was built across the valley of the east branch of Sunday Creek, a tributary of the Hocking River. The dam is about three miles north of Glouster on S. R. 13, in Trimble Township of Athens County. From the dam, the lake extends southward for about 11/2 miles, where it crosses into Homer Township of Morgan County. It then stretches northward for about four miles into Union Township of Morgan County.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
Burr Oak Lake was built as a multiple-use reservoir for flood control, water supply, and recreation. The lake was a cooperative venture. The Department of Natural Resources purchased the land and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed the dam and control gates.
FISH OF INTEREST TO ANGLERS
Burr Oak Lake is noted for its fine populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, white crappie, and saugeye. These species have been stocked by the Division of Wildlife in the past, but only the channel catfish is currently stocked.
FISHING FORECAST
| Type of Fish |
|
Size |
Largest
(inches) |
| Channel Catfish |
Fair
|
Good
|
25.4
|
| Crappie |
Excellent
|
Poor
|
16.2
|
| Largemouth Bass |
Excellent
|
Excellent
|
22.1
|
| Saugeye |
Fair
|
Excellent
|
27.4
|
| Sunfish |
Excellent
|
Good
|
8.3
|
Fish Survey Report
| Type of Fish |
Percent Seeking |
Catch Rates |
Fishing Pressure |
| Catfish |
12%
|
Fair
|
Average
|
| Crappie |
11%
|
Excellent
|
Average
|
| Largemouth Bass |
26%
|
Poor
|
Average
|
| Saugeye |
1%
|
Fair
|
Low
|
| Sunfish |
6%
|
Excellent
|
Average
|
Angler Survey Report
METHODS OF FISHING AND BEST FISHING SITES
Early spring fishing is the most popular with anglers at Burr Oak. April, May, and June continue to produce excellent catches of largemouth bass. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, rubber worms, and jigs are favorite lures for the bass fisherman.
In July and August, surface lures worked adjacent to the shore near stumps and fallen trees produce excellent results at night. Warmer weather calls for deep-running lures, bounced off the bottom in 10 to 14 feet of water along aquatic vegetation beds. In October and November, trolling with deep-running lures produces good results.
The crappies average 6 to 8 inches long though fish up to 12 inches are present, and offer excellent early spring fishing. Crappies are caught on minnows, using very light fishing tackle. Fishing the shoreline, where fallen trees have been secured, should produce results.
Bluegill are of average quality in this lake. The bluegill are from 5 to 8 inches long, and are caught throughout the lake.
The upper portion of the lake continues to provide excellent catfish fishing. Channel catfish can be caught throughout the lake. Some of the better catfish baits are shrimp, nightcrawlers, red worms, chicken liver, and beef liver. Fishing just off the bottom at night generally produces results.
Recent stockings have established a limited saugeye fishery. Saugeye generally inhabit the deeper water during the summer, but can be found in shallow waters in the early spring and fall, and are caught using baits such as twister tail jigs tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler.
A significant carp population has developed in the lake. While carp is not a highly sought-after fish, it can provide great fishing enjoyment. Carp from Burr Oak Lake should be delicious when properly prepared.
FISH MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
The Division of Wildlife's fish management activities include stocking, construction of fish attractors, population monitoring with nets, seines, trawls, and creel census, and conducting general physical and chemical water quality analysis.
These activities provide a continuous check on water quality and fish populations. The are vital in determining the management practices that are necessary to produce quality fishing for the public.
The Department of Natural Resources has provided parking lots, wells, toilets, and lanching areas for anglers. The facilities are operated and maintained by the Division of Parks and Recreation.
FISH OHIO
Anglers who catch big fish should enter their prize in the Fish Ohio angler recognition program. A fish qualifies for an award if it meets the minimum size requirements set for the Fish Ohio program. Applications are available online at FishOhio.org.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The nearest district office is located at Wildlife District Four, 360 East State Street, Athens, Ohio 45701; telephone (740) 589-9930.
The lake has a 10 horse power limit on outboard motors. However, larger outboard motors may be operated at no wake or idle-speed only. Horsepower limits and other boating regulations are subject to change. Contact the Division of Wildlife for the most current information.
TURN IN A POACHER
Ohio’s TIP, “Turn In a Poacher,” program is helping to control poaching throughout the state. TIP is designed to involve the public in reporting wildlife violations. Citizens who observe wildlife violations should call the TIP toll-free hotline, 1-800-POACHER.
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