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.