About James Lake
James Lake is a serious fishing destination in Sawyer County, known for both its musky and walleye populations, a intimate 15-acre lake reaching 48 feet at its deepest. Access is limited, which keeps boat traffic low — a plus for solitude seekers. The fishery includes Largemouth Bass, Musky, Panfish, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye.
Bottom composition: 60% sand, 15% gravel, 0% rock, 25% muck
Type: flowage · Hydrology: SEEPAGE
Lake Location
45.94160° N, 91.14410° W
WBIC 2414300 · Wisconsin DNRFish Species
Full table →Fishing Tips
- ·Musky fishing is best in early morning and evening. Work weedlines and structural transitions with large bucktails or soft swimbaits.
- ·Wisconsin musky season typically opens the first Saturday in May. The fall bite (September–October) is peak for trophy fish.
- ·Walleye feed most actively at dawn and dusk. Jig along deep structural breaks or troll crankbaits along weedlines at 6–8 ft depth.
- ·Night fishing under a full moon can produce excellent walleye results from late June through August.
- ·Largemouth bass relate to shallow structure. Work topwater lures at dawn in summer, then switch to soft plastics rigged weedless around lily pads and fallen wood.
- ·Bluegill and crappie stack up in 8–15 ft of water near weedlines. Small jigs tipped with a waxworm are hard to beat.
- ·Panfish are often excellent for kids and beginners — look for them around any dock or submerged brush piles.
Local's Guide
Fishing
Species-specific tips above. Wisconsin fishing license required for ages 16+. See current season regulations below.
View fishing regulations ↓Swimming
James Lake has limited visibility and a gravel and sand bottom, making it better suited for boating and fishing than swimming. The 15-acre lake offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience.
Nearby Dining
Local dining recommendations for James Lake are coming soon. Know a great spot near James Lake? Share it at staynorthern.com/contact. Looking for restaurants near Sawyer County lakes? Visit staynorthern.com/eats for our full northwoods dining guide.
Insider Tips
James Lake is one of Sawyer County's lesser-known gems — the kind of place locals return to year after year. Early mornings before 9am offer the calmest water and best fishing before boat traffic picks up. If you're visiting for the first time, check the DNR boat landing locations before you arrive — some are well-marked, others take a local to find. Know something about James Lake that visitors should? Share a tip at staynorthern.com/contact — we add the best ones to this page.
Lake Conditions
Water Clarity
—
No data
Trophic Status
—
No data
Invasive Weeds
Not documented
Clean lake
Seasonal Notes
See below
Ice-out dates, peak fishing windows
Ice typically goes out in late April to early May on northern Wisconsin lakes. Walleye and bass fishing peaks from late May through June and again in September and October. Summer brings warm water temps ideal for swimming from late June through August. Fall color peaks in late September — some of the most dramatic foliage in the state. Snowmobile and ice fishing season runs December through March, with hard ice typically forming by late December.
Condition data sourced from Wisconsin DNR surveys. Real-time weed and clarity reports coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish can you catch in James Lake?
James Lake is home to Largemouth Bass, Musky, Panfish, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye. Wisconsin fishing regulations apply — check current seasons and size limits before heading out.
Can you boat on James Lake?
James Lake does not currently have a public boat landing listed in the Wisconsin DNR database. Shore fishing or kayak/canoe access may still be available — check local access points.
How big is James Lake?
James Lake has 15 acres in surface area, a maximum depth of 48 feet.
What is the bottom of James Lake like?
The lake bottom is composed of 60% sand, 15% gravel, 0% rock, 25% muck. Sandy and gravel bottoms typically support good swimming and healthy fish habitat.
Are there invasive species in James Lake?
No invasive species are currently documented in James Lake by the Wisconsin DNR. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat before leaving to help protect this lake.
Where is James Lake located?
James Lake is located in Sawyer County, Wisconsin. GPS coordinates: 45.9416° N, 91.1441° W.
Are there vacation rentals on James Lake?
Stay Northern is building the most complete rental directory for Sawyer County lakes. Check our James Lake vacation rentals listing — if none are available yet, check back soon or browse nearby Sawyer County lake rentals.
Fishing Regulations
Current season regulations for James Lake
Regulation data is not available for this lake. Check with the Wisconsin DNR for current season rules before fishing.
Regulations sourced from Wisconsin DNR fisheries data. Always verify current regulations before fishing.
Lake Details
- WBIC
- 2414300
- County
- Sawyer County
- Surface Area
- 15 acres
- Max Depth
- 48 ft
- Bottom
- 60% sand, 15% gravel, 0% rock, 25% muck
- Lake Type
- flowage
- Coordinates
- 45.9416, -91.1441
Nearby Trails
Chippewa Flowage — Big Chip Paddle
0 mi · Sawyer County
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest ATV Trails
140 mi · Sawyer/Ashland/Taylor/Price County
Boat Rentals Nearby
Pontoon
Listing soonFishing Boat + Motor
Listing soonKayak / Canoe
Listing soonKnow a local boat rental operator near James Lake? Let us know.
Lake data sourced from the Wisconsin DNR. Last updated 4/30/2026.