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Lake James

Lake fishing  Indiana · 06:16 - 18:57

Lake James is one of the lakes in Indiana. Most people come here for Bluegill, White Bass and Smallmouth Bass.

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Good 62% The bite right now
Top bet: Bluegill Active through the day, water near its preferred 21 degrees.

Best day to fish

Tomorrow
76%
80°
Sun
85%
77°
Best day
Mon
79%
69°
Tue
77%
84°
Wed
81%
74°
Thu
80%
71°

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

Conditions right now

Weather
Clear sky
Water temp (est.)
70°F
Air temp
71°F
Wind
4 mph
Pressure
30.05 inHg ↓ falling
Clouds
0.0%

Water temperature is an estimate based on weather and season.

Best times today

Dawn 05:31–07:31 Day 07:31–17:42 Dusk 17:42–19:42

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

Feeding times today

New moon 0% lit
Major period 11:53–13:53 Major period 23:53–01:53 Minor period 06:01–07:31 Minor period 18:15–19:45

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

11:00
71°
12:00
73°
13:00
74°
14:00
75°
15:00
76°
16:00
76°
17:00
75°
18:00
73°
19:00
69°
20:00
67°
21:00
67°
22:00
66°

Likely catch now (17 species)

Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus
62%
Active through the day, water near its preferred 21 degrees.
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White Bass
Morone chrysops
58%
Active through the day, water near its preferred 21 degrees, bright sky slows things.
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Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
55%
Water near its preferred 21 degrees, peak season, bright sky slows things.
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Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
53%
Water near its preferred 21 degrees, peak season, bright sky slows things.
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Muskellunge
Esox masquinongy
52%
Water near its preferred 21 degrees, peak season, bright sky slows things.
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Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
42%
Peak season, bright sky slows things.
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About the fishing here

The usual catches here are Bluegill, White Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge and Rainbow Trout.

Bluegill fishing is usually best around May-Jul. 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 float bait for bluegill, the most likely catch right now.
Timing This is a prime window for bluegill at the day. Fish hard now.
Lure Float bait for bluegill: Worm under a float.
Colour Clear water and good light: try natural bait, small earth tones for bluegill.
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 Bluegill, White Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Northern Pike.

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?

Bluegill fishing is usually best around May-Jul. The best windows are usually dawn, day and dusk.

What is biting at Lake James right now?

Right now Bluegill is the most likely catch, at about 18%.