Lake James
Roscommon County, WisconsinLimited DataMesotrophic
Lake James is a 900-acre mesotrophic lake in Roscommon County, MI. Water quality is graded C based on 1 sampling years through 2022. The lake supports 12 documented fish species including Bluntnose minnow, Common shiner, and Hornyhead chub. Compared to the 5 other monitored lakes in Roscommon County, Lake James ranks #5 for water quality.
Source: EPA Water Quality Portal sampling records, local state DNR records, last sampled 2022-10-05. Grade methodology: LakeGrade methodology.
Swimming Safety
Generally safe for swimming, moderate water quality
Water Quality Grade: C, Fair
Moderate clarity, visible to about 6.8 ft. Trophic State Index: 50.
| Metric | Value | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Clarity (Secchi Depth) | 6.8 ft | C |
| Phosphorus | No data | |
| Chlorophyll-a (Algae) | No data | |
| Trophic State Index (TSI) | 50 | Mesotrophic |
Moderate nutrients, good water quality
Lake Details
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 900 acres |
Fish Species
Click a species to see all Wisconsin and Minnesota lakes where it is found.
→ Best fishing times for Lake James (14-day solunar calendar)
→ Is it safe to eat fish from Lake James? (mercury & PFAS guide)
→ Lake James fishing regulations (limits, seasons, special rules)
Location
County Ranking
Ranked #5 of 6 lakes in Roscommon County
Cleaner Lakes Within 30 Miles
Lake James holds Grade C. 4 nearby lakes hold higher grades.
- AHiggins Lake East BasinRoscommon County · 11.1 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- AIsland Lake Central Basin; Sherman TownshipGladwin County · 12 mi · Two grade letters higher (C → A)
- BHoughton LakeRoscommon County · 9.7 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
- BGrass LakeGladwin County · 12.3 mi · Higher grade (C → B)
Nearby Lakes in Roscommon County
More Wisconsin Lake Rankings
Other Grade C Lakes in Wisconsin
Cass County · Clarity: 7 ft
Leelanau County · Clarity: 9.5 ft
Iosco County · Clarity: 5.5 ft
Muskegon County · Clarity: 6.8 ft
Gladwin County · Clarity: 9 ft
Montmorency County · Clarity: 9 ft
Mesotrophic Lakes in Wisconsin
Reservoir Info (USACE NID)
Lake James is a man-made reservoir impounded by the Lake James Dam (completed 1962), built primarily for recreation on the Denton Creek; earth-type dam, 18 ft tall and 810 ft long.
- Surface area
- 900 ac
- Normal storage
- 750 ac-ft
- Max storage
- 2,465 ac-ft
- Drainage area
- 41 sq mi
- Hazard class
- High
- Owner
- Lake James Property Owners Assoc
Source: USACE National Inventory of Dams, NID ID MI00347 · Operator website
Data Sources
Water quality data from the EPA Water Quality Portal
Grading methodology based on Metropolitan Council standards
Most recent sample: 2022-10-05
Monitoring stations: 1