Lake James is a natural lake of more than 1,200 acres in Steuben County, the fourth-largest natural lake in Indiana and the biggest in the James Lake Chain.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake James, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It has three basins and some of the best water quality of any Indiana lake, with Pokagon State Park on its shore just north of Angola.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake James
Everything you rent is ready for you at Lake James — no truck, no trailer and no towing required.
- Wakesurf and ski boat rentals – MasterCraft boats seating 12 to 18, set up for a full day of surfing, skiing and tubing on Lake James.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Lake James or pulling a tube.
- Private boat tours & lessons – a driver-instructor runs the boat and coaches first-timers and experienced riders alike.
- Water toys – tubes, lily pads, water trampolines, paddle boards and more to keep the whole group busy.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Lake James at a glance
| Location | Near Angola, Steuben County |
|---|---|
| Size | More than 1,200 acres |
| Basins | Three |
| Rank | 4th-largest natural lake in Indiana |
| Chain | James Lake Chain |
| Park | Pokagon State Park |
Best things to do on Lake James
- Wakesurfing – calm water on still mornings.
- Water skiing and tubing – open water away from shore.
- Jet skiing – open water on the main lake.
- Chain cruising – the channels to Snow Lake and the chain.
Where to launch at Lake James
- Public ramps – the DNR launch and Pokagon State Park.
Stay at idle speed within 200 feet of shore, so head to open water before you speed up. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Lake James
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Indiana requires an observer besides the driver when towing.
- Stay at idle speed within 200 feet of shore on Indiana lakes.
Indiana boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer besides the driver, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket. Towing is only allowed from sunrise to sunset.
- Jet skis can only run from sunrise to sunset, must stay at idle speed within 200 feet of shore, and the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver.
- Stay at idle speed within 200 feet of the shoreline on most lakes, and keep to 10 mph or less anywhere between sunset and sunrise.
Map of Lake James
Lake James rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake James?
MasterCraft wakesurf and wakeboard boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys like tubes and lily pads, and private boat tours with lessons.
Will my boat be at Lake James when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Lake James, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Lake James?
In Steuben County in the northeast corner of Indiana, just north of Angola.
Can you jet ski on Lake James?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Lake James.
How big is Lake James?
More than 1,200 acres across three basins.
Is there a state park on Lake James?
Yes. Pokagon State Park sits right on the lake.