Fishing is popular at Lake James during all seasons.
According to surveys conducted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in 1975, 1989, and 2000, the lake has about 20 species of fish.
 Excluding the small minnow brook silversides, bluegill is the most common species of fish, followed by largemouth bass and rock bass.
Yellow bullheads, yellow perch, and redear sunfish can also be found.
Northern pike, though not as plentiful as the other species listed above, also live in Lake James.

Lake James has over 20 types of aquatic plants.
In a survey conducted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources during 2005, 23 types of submersed plants were found—plus two types of floating plants.
 The type of plant found is generally dependent upon the water depth.
Most plants are found at depths of 4.5 feet (1.4 metres) to 12 feet (3.7 metres).
At depths of 1.5 feet (0.46 metres) to 4.5 feet (1.4 metres), the dominant vegetation is chara, a plant-like type of algae.
Beyond depths of 4.5 feet (1.4 metres) but less than 7 feet (2.1 metres), Illinois pondweed, Vallisneria, and Sago pondweed tend to be the dominant plants.
Variable watermilfoil are the plants typically found at depths of 7 feet (2.1 metres) to 15 feet (4.6 metres).
Beyond 15 feet (4.6 metres), chara is usually the only vegetation, and it has been found growing as deep as 36.5 feet (11.1 metres).
 Most plants found in the lake are native species that are useful for providing food and habitat for fish and waterfowl.
Fishing is popular at Lake James during all seasons. According to surveys conducted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in 1975, 1989, and 2000, the lake has about 20 species of fish.  Excluding the small minnow brook silversides, bluegill is the most common species of fish, followed by largemouth bass and rock bass. Yellow bullheads, yellow perch, and redear sunfish can also be found. Northern pike, though not as plentiful as the other species listed above, also live in Lake James.
Lake James has over 20 types of aquatic plants. In a survey conducted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources during 2005, 23 types of submersed plants were found—plus two types of floating plants.  The type of plant found is generally dependent upon the water depth. Most plants are found at depths of 4.5 feet (1.4 metres) to 12 feet (3.7 metres). At depths of 1.5 feet (0.46 metres) to 4.5 feet (1.4 metres), the dominant vegetation is chara, a plant-like type of algae. Beyond depths of 4.5 feet (1.4 metres) but less than 7 feet (2.1 metres), Illinois pondweed, Vallisneria, and Sago pondweed tend to be the dominant plants. Variable watermilfoil are the plants typically found at depths of 7 feet (2.1 metres) to 15 feet (4.6 metres). Beyond 15 feet (4.6 metres), chara is usually the only vegetation, and it has been found growing as deep as 36.5 feet (11.1 metres).  Most plants found in the lake are native species that are useful for providing food and habitat for fish and waterfowl.
Lake James (Indiana)