Burke Lake, Virginia: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  The Fairfax County end of Virginia holds Burke Lake. The country round it is mixed woodland from end to end. At about 208 acres, a day is enough to walk the shoreline properly. Around 3.6 miles of bank, which is a long day on foot. It ranks high for size among our Fairfax County listings. Head to Burke, 2.6 miles away, for anything you forgot. For a city, Arlington is 13 miles off. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Burke Lake

  It is listed at 34 ft. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Records held for Fairfax County cover blueback herring, alewife, bluegill, redbreast sunfish and green sunfish. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. At Burke Lake the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 34°F in January and 77°F in July. A long season, with weather mattering more than the month. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. The season on Burke Lake follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  This one is in public ownership, with the usual conditions. A made slipway is half a mile from here, which settles the boat question. Parking is mapped about half a mile from the bank. There is a pier recorded roughly half a mile away. There is a campsite half a mile from the water. A picnic area is mapped about half a mile away. Facilities run to toilets half a mile from the water. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. The position on Burke Lake is worth confirming on the day.