What You'll Find at Tomahawk Lake

Tomahawk Lake is a shallow flowage in Lincoln County, Wisconsin, roughly 8 miles northeast of the town of Tomahawk. The lake covers about 2,400 acres and averages 8 to 10 feet deep, with the deepest holes reaching 20 feet. This shallow character makes it a strong walleye and northern pike fishery, and it also holds muskellunge for anglers willing to target them. The lake's structure — scattered weeds, stumps, and soft bottom — creates good habitat for all three species, especially in spring and fall when water temperatures favor active feeding.

The lake is a flowage, meaning it was created by damming the Wisconsin River. That history matters: the stumps and timber scattered across the bottom are remnants of the original forest, and they hold fish. Weed growth is heavy in summer, which can make navigation tricky but concentrates fish in specific zones. Public boat access is available at the Tomahawk Lake Public Landing on the north shore, reached via County Road M.

Key Takeaways

  • Tomahawk Lake holds walleye, northern pike, and musky; walleye and pike are the most consistent targets for most anglers.
  • The lake is shallow (8 to 10 feet average) with heavy weed growth in summer, so focus on deeper holes, stumpy areas, and weed edges during warm months.
  • Public boat access is at the Tomahawk Lake Public Landing on County Road M on the north shore.
  • Wisconsin fishing licenses and a trout stamp (if you plan to fish any trout waters during your trip) are required; check current regulations for species-specific rules before you fish.
  • Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons for walleye and pike.

Walleye Fishing: Spring and Fall Peak

Walleye are the bread-and-butter target at Tomahawk Lake. They respond well to live bait — shiners, chubs, and crawfish — fished on slip sinker rigs or live bait spreads. In spring (April and May), walleye move into shallower water to spawn and feed heavily before and after the spawn. Fish the edges of weeds, the deeper side of stumpy areas, and any transition zone where depth changes. Dawn and dusk are most productive, but walleye bite throughout the day in spring.

Summer walleye fishing slows as the lake warms and fish move to deeper holes and the thickest weed cover. Jigging with live bait in the 15- to 20-foot holes becomes more effective than casting. Fall (September through October) brings another strong bite as water cools and walleye move back into shallower feeding zones. This is often the best time to fish Tomahawk Lake for walleye — the bite is consistent, the weather is pleasant, and you can cover water efficiently with casting or live bait presentations.

Northern Pike and Musky: Structure and Patience

Northern pike are abundant in Tomahawk Lake and grow to good size — 24 to 30 inches is common, and larger fish are caught each year. Pike respond to large shiners (8 to 12 inches), spinnerbaits, and large crankbaits. Focus on weed edges, stumpy shallows, and the transitions between deep and shallow water. Spring and fall are productive, but pike bite year-round in this lake because the shallow water stays relatively warm even in winter.

Musky are present but require a different mindset. They are fewer in number and more selective. Large bucktail spinners, glide baits, and live bait (large shiners or small pike) are standard approaches. Musky fishing at Tomahawk Lake is a long-game pursuit — expect to fish many hours for one bite. Most musky anglers focus on the deeper holes and the stumpy flats adjacent to them, particularly in spring and fall. If musky is your target, plan a dedicated trip and bring patience.

Seasons and Water Conditions

Spring (April through May) is the most reliable season for both walleye and pike. Water temperatures rise from the low 40s to the mid-50s, and fish move shallow to feed and spawn. Weed growth is minimal, so you can navigate easily and see structure. The bite is aggressive and consistent.

Summer (June through August) is productive but requires adjustment. Weeds become thick, especially in the shallower bays and along the shoreline. Fish move deeper or into the densest weed cover. Water temperatures reach the low 70s. Early morning and evening are best; midday fishing is slower. Weed control can be an issue — bring a weed rake or plan to fish the deeper holes and open-water transitions.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring for overall fishing quality. Water cools to the 50s and 60s, weeds begin to thin, and fish move back into shallower feeding zones. The bite is strong, the weather is mild, and navigation is easier than in summer. This is an excellent time to visit if you have flexibility.

Winter (November through March) is possible but requires ice-fishing knowledge and equipment. The lake freezes solid, and ice thickness varies by year. Check with local bait shops or the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources before planning a winter trip.

Access, Regulations, and Practical Details

The Tomahawk Lake Public Landing is located on County Road M on the north shore. It has a concrete boat ramp, parking for vehicles with trailers, and a small pier. The ramp is maintained year-round, though winter access depends on snow removal. There is no fee to launch.

You will need a current Wisconsin fishing license. If you plan to fish any trout waters during your trip (and several trout streams are within an hour's drive), you will also need a trout stamp. Both are available online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources or at any licensed bait and tackle shop in the area. Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations for Tomahawk Lake before you fish — regulations for walleye, pike, and musky (including minimum size, daily bag limit, and season dates) are updated annually and vary by water body.

Bait and tackle shops in Tomahawk (the town) carry live bait, lures, and local knowledge. Stop in before you fish to ask about recent conditions, which areas are producing, and any changes to access or regulations. Local anglers are usually generous with information.

What to Bring and How to Fish

For walleye, bring medium-action spinning rods (6 to 6.5 feet), 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line, and a selection of jigs (1/4 to 1/2 ounce), live bait rigs, and small crankbaits. A depth finder is valuable on a shallow lake with scattered structure — it helps you locate the deeper holes and weed edges quickly.

For pike, heavier rods (medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting) and 12- to 20-pound line are standard. Large shiners, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits are the core arsenal. A net is useful for landing larger fish safely.

For musky, bring a heavy baitcasting rod (7 to 7.5 feet), 20- to 30-pound braided line, and large lures (bucktails, glide baits, or live bait rigs). Musky fishing is a specialized pursuit, and if it is your primary target, consider hiring a guide for your first trip — they know the specific structure and can teach you the techniques that work on this lake.

A GPS or map of the lake is useful. The shallow water and stumps mean you need to know where you are going to avoid running aground or hitting submerged timber. Many anglers use a combination of a paper map and a fish finder to navigate safely.

Nearby Fishing and Lodging

The Tomahawk area has several other fishing options within 30 minutes. The Wisconsin River itself holds walleye and pike and is accessible at multiple public landings. Several smaller lakes in the region — including Rhinelander Flowage to the south — offer similar species and fishing styles. If you want to combine lake and river fishing, Tomahawk is a good base.

Lodging in the town of Tomahawk includes motels, cabin rentals, and a few bed-and-breakfasts. The town has restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations. It is a small community, so amenities are basic but adequate. Many anglers stay in Tomahawk or nearby Rhinelander (about 20 minutes south) and fish multiple waters during a trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to fish Tomahawk Lake?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most consistent. Water temperatures are moderate, weeds are manageable, and walleye and pike bite actively. Summer is productive but requires fishing early and late in the day and navigating thick weeds. Winter is possible but requires ice-fishing experience.

Do I need a boat to fish Tomahawk Lake?

A boat is the most effective way to fish this 2,400-acre lake and reach the deeper structure. However, shore fishing is possible along the public landing and at a few other access points. Shore fishing is limited compared to boat fishing, but walleye and pike can be caught from the bank, especially in spring and fall.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Walleye typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with fish over 20 inches caught regularly. Northern pike average 18 to 28 inches, with larger fish possible. Musky are less common but can exceed 40 inches. These are averages — individual fish vary, and the best days produce larger specimens.

Is a guide necessary for Tomahawk Lake?

A guide is not necessary for walleye and pike fishing if you have basic boat handling and fishing skills. However, a guide can accelerate your learning, especially if you are unfamiliar with shallow-water fishing or musky. For musky specifically, a guide is often worth the cost because they know the specific structure and techniques that work on this lake.

Can I fish Tomahawk Lake in winter?

Yes, but only if you have ice-fishing experience and proper equipment. The lake freezes solid, and ice thickness varies by year and location. Check with local bait shops or the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for current ice conditions before planning a winter trip. Winter fishing for walleye and pike through the ice is productive but requires different techniques and safety precautions.