Jefferson Lake

Jefferson Lake is a reservoir in Jefferson County, Ohio. Jefferson Lake covers about 20.3 acres, reaches a recorded 12 feet and holds about 321 acre-feet.

What to Expect at Jefferson Lake

Jefferson Lake has an old channel, incoming water and quiet coves, and small water-level changes can move fish from the bank to the first drop.

Fish and Useful Baits at Jefferson Lake

Fish reported from Jefferson Lake include black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, common carp, and largemouth bass.

Bass

For bass at Jefferson, fish weeds, wood and shade with a jig, spinnerbait or Texas-rigged worm for largemouth.

Crappie, Perch and Sunfish

For panfish at Jefferson, use a small jig or live minnow beside brush for crappie, and fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds and shade for sunfish.

Catfish, Bullheads and Carp

For bottom fishing at Jefferson, put cut bait, chicken liver or a nightcrawler on bottom for channel catfish, and fish corn or dough bait on a simple bottom rig for carp.

A Simple Fishing Plan for Jefferson Lake

On a first trip to Jefferson, check incoming water, one bend in the old channel and a point near deep water with a moving lure, then slow down with a jig or worm where you get a bite.

When to Fish Jefferson Lake

Spring around Jefferson is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is best early or late around weeds, shade and the few deeper holes. Fall around Jefferson can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.