For the Tomahawk Leader

TOMAHAWK – Area waters really are starting to warm up at this point in Tomahawk and around the northland of Wisconsin. Pushing up into the upper 60s now with this warmth, it is changing the habits of the fish as they assume their summer patterns.

Walleyes are now out of the shallows and can be closer to weed edges along deeper drop offs. Their spawning is long over with and they are starting to feed up now for the summer. Minnows and jigs are always a winner with walleyes, but don’t forget to try trolling small to medium deep running crank baits this time of year along those weed edges.

Northern pike are also way past spawn, but as pike do, they eat nonstop. Just about any bait you can think of using should work right now. Pike like the weeds and shorelines where there is shallow water that warms up fast in the day’s sun. Fish these areas for fast action.

Bass, both smallmouth and largemouth, are really turned on right now with daytime temps hitting the 90s recently for a long stretch in late May and early June. Top water buzz baits, frogs, or plastic worms run slowly over lily pads should find good action right now.

In the Tomahawk area, head to the river systems. Lake Mohawksin, the Spirit Flowage, and the Somo River all offer great fishing this time of year, with a wide variety of fish to target.

Oh yeah, don’t forget the crappies, who are well into their spawning season also, but readily available with a minnow tipped hook and slip bobber.

Be safe on the water and enjoy your time out there!