Burke Lake, freshwater reservoir in Fairfax Station, Fairfax County, Virginia
Burke Lake is a 218-acre reservoir located within Burke Lake Park in Fairfax County. The water is held back by a dam built on South Run, a small stream that feeds into the Potomac River system downstream.
The lake was created by damming South Run, establishing it as a significant fishing resource for the region. Fish stocking began in the 1960s with multiple species including bass, walleye, and catfish introduced to maintain healthy populations.
The lake takes its name from the Burke family, early settlers in the region. Today it serves as a gathering place where anglers, families, and nature enthusiasts connect with the outdoors and spend leisure time together.
A trail of approximately 4.5 miles loops around the shoreline and is suitable for walking, jogging, or cycling. The park provides accessible fishing areas and pathways for visitors with mobility limitations, along with boat ramps, rentals, and facilities including restrooms and picnic spots.
The lake is notable for its muskie population, large predatory fish introduced in 1966 that can exceed 26 pounds. These fish challenge anglers and provide thrilling catches due to their impressive size and fighting strength.
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