Lake James

Lake fishing Indiana · 07:06 - 17:41

Lake James is one of the lakes in Indiana. Most people come here for Lake Trout, White Bass and Northern Pike.

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Prime 82% The bite right now

Top bet: Lake Trout Active through the day, water near its preferred 14 degrees, peak season, overcast lifts the bite.

Best day to fish

Tomorrow

78%

70°

Thu

82%

69°

Fri

82%

60°

Sat

86%

54°

Best day

Sun

85%

65°

Mon

83%

64°

The bite over the next days, scored at dusk. Based on the weather forecast, so it is guidance, not guarantees.

Conditions right now

Weather

Partly cloudy

Water temp (est.)

58°F

Air temp

47°F

Wind

9 mph

Pressure

30.34 inHg ↓ falling

Clouds

100.0%

Water temperature is an estimate based on weather and season.

Updated 2026-10-27 13:41

Best times today

Dawn 06:21–08:21 Day 08:21–16:26 Dusk 16:26–18:26

Local time at the spot, from the most likely species' daily rhythm.

Feeding times today

Full moon 98% lit

Major period 00:30–02:30 Major period 12:30–14:30 Minor period 17:10–18:40 Minor period 08:19–09:49

Solunar times are a traditional guide based on the moon's position, separate from the live ranking above. Local time at the spot.

Next hours

07:00

47°

08:00

48°

09:00

51°

10:00

54°

11:00

58°

12:00

62°

13:00

64°

14:00

65°

15:00

65°

16:00

65°

17:00

63°

18:00

58°

Likely catch now (17 species)

Lake Trout

Salvelinus namaycush

82%

Active through the day, water near its preferred 14 degrees, peak season, overcast lifts the bite.

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White Bass

Morone chrysops

67%

Active through the day, water near its preferred 14 degrees, overcast lifts the bite.

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Northern Pike

Esox lucius

63%

Water near its preferred 14 degrees, peak season, overcast lifts the bite.

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Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

63%

Water near its preferred 14 degrees, peak season, overcast lifts the bite.

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Striped Bass

Morone saxatilis

63%

Water near its preferred 14 degrees, peak season, overcast lifts the bite.

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Muskellunge

Esox masquinongy

63%

Water near its preferred 14 degrees, peak season, overcast lifts the bite.

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About the fishing here

The usual catches here are Lake Trout, White Bass, Northern Pike, Brown Trout, Striped Bass and Muskellunge.

Lake Trout fishing is usually best around May, Oct-Nov. The best windows are usually dawn, day and dusk.

A state fishing license is required to fish here. Napp ranks the species above from the live weather, water temperature, season and time of day, so the order changes through the day.

Guides for this water

Tips right now

Technique Start with a trolling for lake trout, the most likely catch right now.

Timing This is a prime window for lake trout at the day. Fish hard now.

Colour Low light: try chartreuse, orange and glow for lake trout.

Lure Trolling for lake trout: Deep with a downrigger.

Depth The water temperature suits the fish. Fish actively at normal depths and edges.

Fishing permit

A state fishing license is required to fish here. Licenses are issued by each state:

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About this water

Lake James is a large reservoir in the mountains of Western North Carolina which straddles the border between Burke and McDowell Counties. It is named for tobacco tycoon and benefactor of Duke University James Buchanan Duke. The lake, with surface elevation of 1200 ft, lies behind a series of 3 earthen dams. It was created by Duke Power between 1916 and 1923 as a hydro-electric project. It still generates power today and is the uppermost lake on the Catawba River system.

Read more on Wikipedia →

Map

More waters nearby

Jimmerson Lake Indiana · 1.9 mi away Lake Minifenokee Indiana · 3.0 mi away Lake George Indiana · 4.1 mi away Lake Seneca Ohio · 19.7 mi away Papakeechie Lake Indiana · 40.2 mi away Lake Everett Indiana · 40.6 mi away St. Joseph River Indiana · 41.0 mi away St. Joseph River Indiana · 42.1 mi away

Common questions

What fish can you catch at Lake James?

Anglers here regularly land Lake Trout, White Bass, Northern Pike, Brown Trout, Striped Bass, Muskellunge, Rainbow Trout and Smallmouth Bass.

Do you need a fishing license at Lake James?

Yes. A state fishing license is required; see the link on this page for the state's rules.

When is the best time to fish Lake James?

Lake Trout fishing is usually best around May, Oct-Nov. The best windows are usually dawn, day and dusk.

What is biting at Lake James right now?

Right now Lake Trout is the most likely catch, at about 25%.