Fishing Jumpoff Jim Lake in Stevens County, Washington

• Overview

  Jumpoff Jim Lake lies in Stevens County, in Washington. Elevation runs to 2,142 feet. Roughly 26 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. The nearest place of any size is Chewelah, 8.9 miles away. Spokane is the closest city, 36 miles away. Neighbouring water: Hirsch Pond lies 0.6 miles on, Beitey Lake at 1.5 miles, Jumpoff Joe Lake lies 2.1 miles on, Benson Lake at 3.5 miles and Buzzard Lake lies 3.7 miles on. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Jumpoff Jim Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Reported across Stevens County: brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, yellow perch and largemouth bass. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Jumpoff Jim Lake repays a walk before the first cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Temperature averages peak at 65°F in August and bottom out at 25°F in January. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Look for the thaw near mid March; the fishing lifts straight after. Expect the water usable from around mid March until roughly early December. Look to early summer and the first cool weeks of autumn. On Jumpoff Jim Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. Formal access is not mapped, so the last stretch is likely on foot. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Hirsch Pond at 0.6 miles is the sensible second choice. Confirm access to Jumpoff Jim Lake locally before you travel.