For the Tomahawk Leader

TOMAHAWK – First ice can always be sketchy in the Northwoods, and the rivers and flowages around Tomahawk are no different. But, we are getting some reports that the ice right now is not bad at all.

After a warm fall, and a big snowfall in early December, it looked like the ice may take a while to form under that heavy blanket of snow we had. Then came the rains, high winds and warm temps of Dec. 15 and erased what was the start of a good base layer of trail snow. But that may have helped the ice on our area lakes and flowages.

We are hearing reports of six to seven inches of good, solid ice now prior to Christmas on flowages like Lake Alice and Mohawksin, to name just a few. By all means, be careful out there thorough. No one is really driving heavy vehicles out at this time; walking and pulling a sled seems to be the preferred method. These flowages are known for their currents and open water as well, so know where you are going even if walking out.

The fishing reports look bright too. Crappies are biting fairly well right now, with preferred means being tip downs with small minnows or light jig poles with waxies. There seems to be a good year class of keeper sizes this year, enough to get a meal or two in short order.

So test the area waters this winter, but first of all, be sure to test the ice.

Stay safe and Good Fishing.