What You'll Find at Sommer's Lake

Sommer's Lake is a shallow, weedy impoundment just outside Tomahawk in Lincoln County—the kind of water that holds walleye, northern pike, and panfish in abundance if you know where to look. The lake runs roughly 300 acres and averages 15 to 20 feet deep, but much of it is shallower, with extensive weed beds and a soft bottom that makes it prime habitat for walleye during low-light hours and pike year-round. The character of the place is pure north-central Wisconsin: quiet, accessible, and productive without being crowded.

This is not a trophy lake in the sense of producing 10-pound walleye regularly, but it is a lake where a competent angler can catch fish consistently and where a beginner can learn the fundamentals without traveling far from Tomahawk. The weed structure that makes it excellent for fish also makes it challenging to navigate—you will need to respect the shallow water and watch your depth finder closely.

Key Takeaways

  • Sommer's Lake holds walleye, pike, and panfish across shallow, weedy structure that requires careful boat handling and a good depth finder.
  • Early morning and evening are most productive for walleye; pike bite throughout the day, especially around weed edges and deeper pockets.
  • A Wisconsin fishing license is required; the lake is open year-round for most species, though winter access depends on ice thickness and local conditions.
  • Public boat access is available at the Tomahawk area; confirm current conditions and any seasonal restrictions before you launch.

Walleye Patterns on Sommer's Lake

Walleye on Sommer's Lake follow the classic shallow-water pattern: they hunt in the weed beds and along the edges during dawn and dusk, then retreat to slightly deeper water or the thickest cover during midday. Early morning—the first two hours after sunrise—is your best window. Work the weed edges with live bait (shiners or crawlers) on a simple slip-sinker rig, or cast small jigs tipped with minnows along the deeper side of the weed line.

The lake's soft bottom and abundant vegetation mean walleye often hold tight to structure. A depth finder is not optional here; you need to see where the weeds transition to open water and where the bottom rises or falls. Summer nights can be productive too, especially if you fish the shallow flats with live bait under a slip bobber. The water clarity is moderate, so walleye are not as light-sensitive as they are on clearer lakes, but low light still gives you the advantage.

Pike and Panfish Opportunities

Northern pike are abundant on Sommer's Lake and will eat almost anything you throw at them—large shiners, soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures all work. Pike do not require the low-light conditions that walleye prefer; you can catch them throughout the day by casting along weed edges and around any deeper pockets or holes. The weed beds themselves are pike highways, so do not shy away from throwing into the thickest cover you can reach.

Panfish—bluegill, crappie, and perch—are plentiful in the shallower areas and around dock pilings. A simple bobber and jig with a small minnow or wax worm will produce steady action, especially in spring and early summer. Panfish are an excellent option if walleye and pike are not cooperating, and they are a good way to introduce a child to fishing on this lake.

Seasonal Patterns and Best Times to Fish

Spring (April through May) is excellent for walleye as they move shallow to spawn; focus on the shallowest bays and any inlet areas. Summer (June through August) requires more patience—fish early and late, and do not overlook night fishing. Fall (September through October) brings another strong bite as walleye feed heavily before winter; the water cools and fish move back into the shallows.

Winter fishing is possible when ice is safe, but confirm ice thickness and current conditions with local bait shops or the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources before you venture out. Pike and panfish remain active under the ice, and some anglers report good walleye action in late winter as the season winds down.

Boat Access and Navigation

Public boat access to Sommer's Lake is available through the Tomahawk area. Confirm the exact location and current conditions before you launch—water levels and access points can change seasonally. The lake's shallow depth and weed structure demand a boat with a shallow draft and a trolling motor; a full-size bass boat can work, but you will spend time backing off shallow spots and picking your way through the weeds.

A depth finder is essential, not just for finding fish but for avoiding the hazards that come with shallow water. Mark the main channel and any deeper holes you find; they become reference points for future trips and often hold fish during the heat of the day.

Tackle and Technique Essentials

For walleye, keep it simple: a slip-sinker rig with a live minnow or crawler, or a 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jig tipped with a minnow. Cast and work the weed edges methodically. For pike, bring larger lures—spinnerbaits in the 3/8- to 1/2-ounce range, soft plastics 4 to 6 inches long, and topwater plugs if you want explosive strikes. Panfish respond to small jigs, bobber rigs, and live bait.

The weed beds mean you will lose tackle. Bring extra hooks, jigs, and line. A weed guard on your jig helps, but it also dulls the hook slightly—balance durability against hookup rate based on the thickness of the cover you are fishing.

Wisconsin Fishing License and Regulations

You need a current Wisconsin fishing license to fish Sommer's Lake. Licenses are available online through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, at bait shops in Tomahawk, or at many sporting goods retailers. A daily license is available if you fish only occasionally; an annual license is more economical if you plan multiple trips.

Walleye, pike, and panfish all have size and bag limits that vary by season and water body. Check the current Wisconsin fishing regulations before you fish—limits change, and Sommer's Lake may have specific rules that differ from statewide defaults. The DNR website and printed regulation booklets (available free at bait shops) have the details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of day to fish Sommer's Lake?

Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and evening (last two hours before sunset) are most productive for walleye. Pike bite throughout the day. Panfish are active in morning and evening but will bite midday too, especially in deeper water or around structure.

Do I need a boat to fish Sommer's Lake?

A boat gives you access to the best structure and allows you to cover more water, but shore fishing is possible in some areas. Check with local bait shops about where shore anglers can access the lake and what they typically catch from the bank.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Walleye typically run 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish to 22 inches. Pike average 18 to 26 inches and can reach 30 inches or more. Panfish (bluegill and crappie) usually run 6 to 10 inches. These are averages; individual fish vary.

Can I fish Sommer's Lake in winter?

Yes, but only when ice is safe. Check ice thickness and local conditions before you venture out. Winter panfish and pike fishing can be excellent, and some walleye bite in late winter. Confirm current conditions with a local bait shop or the Wisconsin DNR.

What should I bring for my first trip?

Bring a fishing license, a depth finder if you have a boat, basic tackle (jigs, live bait, hooks), sunscreen, and a life jacket. Wear layers—weather on the water changes quickly. A local bait shop can tell you what is working that week and sell you fresh minnows or crawlers.