What Somo Lake offers anglers

Somo Lake is a shallow, weedy impoundment in Tomahawk's backyard—roughly 1,200 acres of water that rewards anglers who understand how to fish structure in a lake that rarely runs deeper than 15 feet. The lake sits in Lincoln County and draws local walleye and pike hunters, plus a steady stream of visitors from the Fox Valley and Green Bay who know that shallow lakes produce aggressive fish and consistent action during the right seasons.

The character of Somo is its weed growth. Cabbage, coontail, and wild rice dominate the basin, especially in the northern and western arms. That vegetation holds walleye during low-light periods and all day in summer, and it's where pike hunt. The lake also has scattered hard-bottom areas and a few deeper holes—typically 12 to 15 feet—that concentrate fish in winter and during the heat of July and August.

What makes Somo distinct from other Tomahawk-area lakes is its accessibility and the sheer number of fish it holds relative to its size. You won't find trophy walleye here as a rule, but you will find walleye in the 15- to 22-inch range, and pike that run 24 to 30 inches are common. The lake is also less crowded than some of the better-known waters nearby, which means more room to work and less pressure on the fish.

Key Takeaways

  • Somo Lake averages 12 to 15 feet deep with extensive weed beds, making it ideal for walleye and pike fishing from spring through fall.
  • Walleye bite best during dawn and dusk in summer, and throughout the day in spring and fall when weeds are thinner.
  • Pike respond to larger presentations—crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and live baitfish—and hold in the same weed edges where walleye hunt.
  • The lake has a public boat launch on the south shore and several access points, making it easy to reach from Tomahawk.
  • Winter fishing for walleye is productive in the deeper holes and along the edges of weed beds, though ice conditions vary year to year.

Spring walleye fishing: March through May

Spring is when Somo comes alive. As the ice goes out and water temperatures climb into the 40s and 50s, walleye move shallow to feed before the spawn. They concentrate along the weed edges, in the bays on the north and west sides of the lake, and around any hard bottom you can find. The water is still relatively clear, and fish are aggressive.

Jigs tipped with live minnows or crawlers work best in spring. Cast along the weed lines, work the edges of the deeper holes, and fish the transition zones where shallow bays meet the main lake. Crankbaits that reach 6 to 10 feet also produce, especially early and late in the day. The bite is often steady from sunrise through mid-morning, then again in the late afternoon.

Pike are also active in spring, and they're less selective than walleye. Larger jigs, spinnerbaits, and live baitfish all draw strikes. If you're targeting pike, work the same weed edges but use heavier tackle and expect to lose some lures to the teeth.

Summer fishing: June through August

Summer on Somo requires patience and precision. The weed beds thicken, water temperatures climb into the 70s, and walleye retreat to deeper water and the thickest cover. The bite compresses into dawn and dusk—roughly the first hour after sunrise and the last two hours before dark. Midday fishing is possible but slow unless you're working the deepest holes or the densest weed mats.

Jigs remain the best choice, but you'll need to work them slower and fish them deeper than in spring. Pitch jigs into pockets within the weed beds, along the outside edges of cabbage flats, and into the few open-water holes. Live minnows are essential in summer; crawlers and artificials produce, but live bait outfishes them consistently.

Pike fishing heats up in summer, especially early in the season before the weeds become impenetrable. Throw large crankbaits and spinnerbaits along the weed edges, and don't be afraid to work topwater lures at dawn and dusk. As the season progresses and weeds thicken, pike become harder to reach, but they're still there—you just have to fish the openings and the thickest cover more carefully.

Fall fishing: September through November

Fall is arguably the best time to fish Somo. Water temperatures drop, weeds begin to thin, and walleye move back into shallower water to feed. The bite is active throughout the day, not compressed into low-light periods. Fish are fattening up before winter, and they're less cautious than they are in summer.

Jigs and live minnows still work, but you can also throw crankbaits, spinners, and live baitfish with confidence. Work the weed edges, the transition zones, and the shallow bays. As November approaches and water temperatures drop into the 40s, fish move toward the deeper holes and the thickest remaining cover, but the bite remains steady.

Pike are aggressive in fall. They're feeding hard and willing to chase larger presentations. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and large live baitfish all produce. The thinning weeds also make pike easier to reach than they are in midsummer.

Winter fishing: December through February

Winter fishing on Somo is productive but requires knowing where the deeper water is. Walleye concentrate in the holes that reach 12 to 15 feet, and along the edges of the remaining weed beds. Jigging with live minnows is the standard approach—drop a jig tipped with a shiner or chub into the deeper holes and work it slowly, pausing frequently to let the bait sit.

The bite is often steady but not explosive. You'll catch fish, but you may go 20 or 30 minutes between strikes. Patience and persistence pay off. Some anglers also have success with tip-ups and live baitfish, especially if you're targeting pike, which remain active under the ice.

Ice conditions on Somo vary year to year. Check with local bait shops or the Tomahawk area chamber of commerce before heading out, and never assume the ice is safe without current information. Early and late winter can be risky; mid-winter is typically the safest window.

Tackle and techniques that work on Somo

Jigs and live bait are the foundation of Somo fishing. A 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jig tipped with a live minnow (shiners, chubs, or fatheads) works in every season. Crawlers and leeches also produce, especially in spring and fall. Cast along weed edges, work the jig with short hops, and pause frequently to let the bait sit.

Crankbaits that reach 6 to 12 feet work well in spring and fall, and early in summer before the weeds become too thick. Shallow-running crankbaits (2 to 6 feet) are useful for working the weed edges and the shallow bays. Darker colors—blacks, browns, and dark purples—often outproduce bright colors on Somo.

Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits are excellent for pike and also draw walleye strikes, especially at dawn and dusk. Larger sizes (3/8 to 1/2 ounce) are more effective than smaller ones. Work them along weed edges and around any hard structure you can find.

Live baitfish—shiners, chubs, or small pike minnows—fished under a bobber or on a slip sinker rig, work for both walleye and pike. This approach is especially effective in spring and fall, and it's a good choice if you want to cover water and explore different depths.

Access and logistics

Somo Lake has a public boat launch on the south shore, accessible from County Road M near Tomahawk. The launch is maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and is open year-round. There is parking for vehicles and trailers, and the ramp is suitable for both small and larger boats.

Several bait and tackle shops in Tomahawk carry live minnows, crawlers, and local knowledge. Stop in before you fish to ask about recent catches, water conditions, and which areas are producing. Local anglers are generally helpful, and a few minutes of conversation can save you hours on the water.

Tomahawk is roughly 45 minutes north of Wausau and about 90 minutes from the Fox Valley. Lodging, restaurants, and other services are available in town. The area is also home to several other lakes—Rhinelander Flowage, Boom Lake, and others—so if Somo isn't producing, you have options nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In summer, fish at dawn and dusk when walleye move shallow to feed. In spring and fall, the bite is active throughout the day, though early morning and late afternoon are still productive. Winter fishing is steady but slow, and time of day matters less than finding the right depth and structure.

Do I need a boat to fish Somo Lake?

A boat gives you access to the deeper water and the weed beds where most fish hold. However, the public launch and shoreline access mean you can fish from shore or a small kayak if you prefer. Shore fishing is best in spring and fall when fish move shallower.

What size walleye and pike should I expect?

Walleye typically run 15 to 22 inches, with occasional fish in the 24-inch range. Pike average 24 to 30 inches. Trophy fish are possible but uncommon. The lake is known for consistent action and good numbers rather than trophy potential.

Is Somo Lake good for beginners?

Yes. The lake is shallow, the fish are aggressive, and the structure is straightforward to understand. Jigs and live bait work reliably, and you don't need specialized equipment or advanced techniques to catch fish. It's a good place to learn how shallow lakes work.

What should I bring for a day on Somo?

Bring a rod and reel rated for 1/4- to 3/8-ounce jigs, live minnows or crawlers, a tackle box with crankbaits and spinnerbaits, sunscreen, and water. A depth finder is helpful but not essential. In summer, bring extra water and shade; in spring and fall, dress in layers because the weather changes quickly.