Jesse Lake is located on the Nipigon River approximately 30km north of Nipigon following Cameron Falls Road (HWY 585). The turnoff, situated beside the Petro Canada station on Highway 11.

The eastern side of the lake is where the original Nipigon River flow and shallow areas to the west are flooded areas following the building of Cameron Falls Dam. Shallow areas have submerged stumps which provide structure and snags.

Multiple rocky rises come to the near surface and break the surface in low water conditions.

Storms and high water conditions bring tree debris into the lake from the river.

From Jesse Lake North, the Nipigon River is navigable by motorboat with few underwater hazards.