Jim Lake is located in east central North Dakota in Stutsman County just north of Jamestown and was formed by the damming of the James River in 1953 by the Bureau of Reclamation for irrigation and flood control.
The northern section of the 27 sq. mi. reservoir is part of the Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge which not only provides a valuable resting stop for migratory waterfowl but an opportunity for hunters to harvest a small percentage of birds for personal consumption. In addition, fishing and powerboating/skiing are popular activities.
