The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Lake James
Burke County, North Carolina · 6,810 acres (10.6 sq mi)
59°F water, calm this morning.
About Lake James
In Burke County, North Carolina, Lake James covers 6,810 acres; it is a reservoir. Bridgewater Dam holds it back on the Catawba River. Surrounded by North Carolina's largest waterfront state park.
From end to end it runs about 9.6 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 70 miles. The water sits about 1,190 ft above sea level. Marion lies about 2.6 miles to the southwest. The closest city is Asheville, about 33 miles away.
- Size
- 6,810 acres (10.6 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 70 miles
- End to end
- About 9.6 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,190 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Bridgewater Dam, Catawba River
- County
- Burke County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
- 3:45 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 8 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 7 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
For a lake of this size in North Carolina, largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, catfish and bluegill and sunfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 59°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- GoodCrappie
Active. Brush piles and docks in 8 to 15 ft.
- GoodWhite bass
Schools chasing bait on points. Watch for splashes.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:01 am · sunset 5:21 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lake James
- Marionabout 2.6 mi southwest
- Glen Alpineabout 3.3 mi southeast
- West Marionabout 4.6 mi southwest
- Morgantonabout 7.8 mi east
- Ashevillenearest city, about 33 mi west
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Questions about Lake James
What fish are in Lake James?
Lakes like Lake James usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Lake James?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Lake James?
6,810 acres, with about 70 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lake James?
Marion is about 2.6 miles southwest; Glen Alpine is about 3.3 miles southeast.
What is the water temperature at Lake James today?
The surface was about 59°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Lake James on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
