What Lake Nokomis offers anglers
Lake Nokomis is a shallow, weedy lake in Lincoln County near Tomahawk that holds walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass. The lake runs roughly 1,400 acres and averages 8 to 10 feet deep, with the deepest holes around 30 feet—typical of Wisconsin's glacial seepage lakes. The shallow structure and heavy aquatic vegetation make it a different kind of fishery than the deeper, clearer lakes nearby. You're fishing a lake where weed edges, sunken timber, and soft-bottom transitions matter more than depth changes.
Walleye are the primary draw here, and they respond well to live bait presentations along the weed lines, especially in spring and fall. Pike fishing can be excellent in the same weedy areas, particularly for anglers throwing large topwater or crankbaits. The lake also holds a decent largemouth bass population, though most anglers focus on the walleye and pike. Because Nokomis is shallow and weedy, it warms quickly in summer and can become challenging during the heat of July and August—early season and fall typically produce better results.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Nokomis is a shallow, weedy 1,400-acre lake best fished in spring and fall when walleye are most active along vegetation edges.
- Live bait—shiners, crawlers, and minnows—works better than artificials on this lake because the soft bottom and weeds favor slower presentations.
- Northern pike fishing can be excellent in the same weed beds where walleye hide, especially with large topwater lures or crankbaits.
- Public boat access is available at the Nokomis Lake public landing on the south shore, and several resorts offer rental boats and lodging nearby.
- Summer fishing slows considerably as the lake warms and weeds thicken; plan your trip for May through June or September through October.
Spring walleye fishing on shallow structure
Spring is when Lake Nokomis fishes best. Walleye move shallow as the water warms from ice-out through May, and they concentrate along weed edges, fallen timber, and the transitions between soft bottom and firmer substrate. Early in the season, before heavy weed growth, you can work deeper edges—8 to 12 feet—with live shiners or crawlers on a simple slip-sinker rig. A 1/8-ounce sinker and a size 2 or 4 hook let the bait move naturally along the bottom without snagging constantly in the vegetation.
As May progresses and weeds thicken, move shallower and fish the weed line itself rather than trying to pick your way through the middle. Walleye will position just outside the weed edge in 4 to 8 feet of water, waiting for baitfish to move in and out of cover. Casting a live shiner on a light jig head—1/16 to 1/8 ounce—and letting it swim along the edge is more effective than dragging bottom. Work the same edge multiple times; walleye often follow a bait before committing, and a second or third pass can trigger a strike.
Pike and topwater fishing in the weeds
Northern pike in Lake Nokomis grow to 35 inches or better, and they hunt the same weed beds where walleye feed. The difference is that pike respond to larger, noisier presentations. Topwater lures—especially large poppers and walk-the-dog style baits—can produce explosive strikes in the early morning or late evening when pike are actively hunting. Cast toward the thickest weed clumps and work the lure slowly; pike in shallow, weedy water often follow before striking, so pause and twitch rather than reel steadily.
If topwater doesn't produce, switch to large crankbaits that dive into the 6 to 10-foot range and can bump through weeds without fouling constantly. Shad-pattern or perch-pattern crankbaits work well. You can also throw large swimbaits—6 to 8 inches—on a jig head and work them slowly along weed edges. Pike fishing here is best in May and June before the water gets too warm, and again in September and October as the water cools and pike become more aggressive.
Summer fishing and the heat challenge
Lake Nokomis becomes difficult to fish from mid-July through August. The shallow water warms quickly, and dense weed growth limits where walleye and pike will hold. Walleye retreat to the deepest holes—around 25 to 30 feet—where the water stays cooler, and they become less active during daylight. If you fish in summer, focus on the deepest basin on the lake, fish early morning before sunrise, and use live bait rather than artificials. Nighttime fishing can also be productive, though it requires more preparation and safety awareness.
Many anglers skip Lake Nokomis in summer and return in September when the water begins to cool and walleye move back to shallower structure. The fall bite can be as good as spring, and the weather is often more pleasant for spending a full day on the water.
Public access and boat launching
The Nokomis Lake public landing is located on the south shore and offers a concrete boat ramp, parking for trailers, and a small pier. The landing is maintained by Lincoln County and is open year-round. Parking is limited, so arrive early on weekends, especially during spring and fall when the lake is most popular. The ramp is in good condition but can get muddy during heavy rain.
Several resorts and lodges around the lake offer boat rentals, cabins, and guide services if you prefer not to launch your own boat. These operations can also provide current information about where fish are holding and what presentations are working. The Tomahawk area has additional lodging and services, and the lake is close enough to make it a day trip from much of central Wisconsin.
What to bring and how to prepare
Lake Nokomis's shallow, weedy character means you'll want a boat with a shallow-draft hull or a trolling motor that can handle vegetation. A mud motor or a standard outboard with a tilt-up prop works well. Bring a good depth finder to locate weed edges and the few deeper holes; on a shallow lake, electronics help you avoid wasting time in featureless areas.
Pack live bait—shiners, crawlers, and minnows are all available at local bait shops in Tomahawk. Bring a variety of jig heads in 1/16 to 1/4 ounce, slip-sinker rigs, and a selection of topwater and crankbaits for pike. Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential, especially in spring and early summer when mosquitoes can be heavy. The lake is surrounded by public land and private property, so respect posted signs and stay off private docks and shoreline.
Seasonal timing and what to expect
| Season | Best Months | Target Species | Typical Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | April–May | Walleye, pike | Shallow weed edges, moderate vegetation, active feeding |
| Early Summer | June | Pike, walleye | Thickening weeds, warming water, morning and evening best |
| Mid-Summer | July–August | Walleye (deep) | Dense weeds, warm water, slow bite, deep holes only |
| Fall | September–October | Walleye, pike | Cooling water, weed die-off, shallow structure active again |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to fish Lake Nokomis?
Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive times. Water temperatures are moderate, weeds are manageable, and walleye and pike are actively feeding in shallow structure. Summer fishing is possible but requires fishing deep holes, early mornings, or nighttime.
Do I need a guide to fish Lake Nokomis successfully?
A guide is not necessary, but one can save time if you're unfamiliar with the lake. Local guides know where the weed edges are, what presentations are working, and how to navigate the shallow water safely. Several resorts around the lake offer guide services by the half-day or full-day.
Can I fish Lake Nokomis in winter?
Yes, Lake Nokomis is open to ice fishing. Walleye and pike can be caught through the ice, typically in deeper holes and along weed edges. Check current Wisconsin fishing regulations for season dates and any special rules for this lake before heading out.
What size fish can I expect to catch?
Walleye typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with some reaching 20 inches or better. Northern pike average 18 to 26 inches, and fish over 30 inches are caught regularly. Largemouth bass are generally smaller, in the 12 to 16-inch range. Catch-and-release fishing is common and helps maintain the population.
Is Lake Nokomis crowded on weekends?
The lake sees moderate weekend traffic, especially during spring and fall. The public landing can fill up by mid-morning on nice Saturdays and Sundays. Arriving early or fishing on weekdays will give you more solitude and better access to the ramp.