Jackson Lake, OH

Jackson Lake is located within the 349-acre Jackson Lake State Park. This public area is in Jefferson Township, Jackson County, approximately two miles west of Oak Hill. Jackson Lake is accessible off State Route 279 as well as Tommy Been Road.The lake encompasses 251 acres at normal pool with a shoreline length of 11 miles. Jackson Lake is relatively shallow. The maximum depth is 12 feet though most of the lake is six feet deep or less.Jackson Lake has populations of largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill. The ODNR Division of Wildlife stocks channel catfish yearlings in alternate years. Gizzard shad is the main forage species. Better largemouth bass fishing can be found in the spring and fall. As springtime water temperatures warm up, bass will move into shallow water areas to feed and to prepare for spawning. Fish near shallow structure such as tree stumps, fallen trees, or weed bed edges. Spinnerbaits, rubber worms, crankbaits, and jig/pig combinations work well. Warm summer water temperatures will usually push fish into deeper depths. Fishing during the early morning hours or in the evening will provide better results. Cooler, fall temperatures will trigger bass to move back in the shallow water areas. Fishing success may pick up as bass prepare for winter. Bluegill can be caught throughout the lake from early spring until fall. Popular methods include waxworms or redworms fished below a bobber. Look for spawning beds in shallow water during the spring and throughout the summer. Many bluegill can be found concentrated in these areas.Channel catfish angling picks up by mid-June. Nightcrawlers, chicken livers, or prepared catfish baits work well when fished on the bottom. Night fishing for catfish is a popular method for catfish anglers.A boat ramp is located on McCorkle Road, just south of State Route 279. Designated camping, picnicking, and swimming areas are located off State Route 279 and along Tommy Been Road. Jackson Lake has a 10-horsepower limit for outboard motors.