Walleyes on Wood, Crappies Shallow, Summer Patterns Starting

Hey there, Northwoods anglers, and welcome back to the Tomahawk Fishing Report.

This week’s report comes from Tim Buffington of L.V.O. Sportfishing, with a full rundown from the water around the Tomahawk area.

Tim had a strong week with repeat clients, starting on the flowages where walleyes were still relating heavily to wood in the 12 to 18 foot range. The best setup was pitching 1/16 to 1/8 oz VMC Moon Eye jigs tipped with nightcrawlers.

One windy day produced a great mixed bag on the protected backside of a long point with current and wind pushing into the area. Perch, walleyes, and a few nice crappies were all using that spot. Like fishing does, that same area was empty the next day, so Tim adjusted and worked a wood flat during the rain. That move saved the afternoon with a few nice walleyes and a bunch of true jumbo perch, again mostly on small jigs and crawlers.

Later in the week, post-frontal, flat-calm conditions made things tougher on a deep, clear lake. After scanning fish and setting up on them without getting bit, Tim made the call to move back to the flowage and salvage the day. Sometimes that adjustment is the difference between staring at fish and putting a few in the boat.

What To Look For This Week

With more stable weather in the forecast, classic summer patterns should start setting up.

For walleyes, start looking at:

Let the wind guide you. Wind pushes bait onto structure, and active fish usually won’t be far behind. Slip bobbers and leeches should start becoming a bigger part of the program as we settle into that summer pattern.

Crappies Moving Shallow

Water temperatures are running in the low 60s on many flowages, which means crappies should be moving shallow.

Look for them around:

Small plastics or a minnow under a slip bobber should be a good way to find action.

Bluegill Spawn Coming Soon

The bluegill spawn is just around the corner. When the big bull gills move shallow, they can be a lot of fun to catch, but they’re also vulnerable.

Keep a few smaller fish if you want a meal, but consider letting the big bluegills go. Protecting those larger fish helps keep our Northwoods panfish populations healthy for the future.

Remembering Chuck

Before wrapping up, we want to recognize a true local fishing figure we lost this past week. Chuck from Chuck’s Sport Shop passed away, and his loss leaves a big hole in the Tomahawk fishing community.

Chuck was a familiar face to many anglers around here, always ready with a smile, a helping hand, and a real love for the sport. Our thoughts are with Emmy and the whole family. Chuck will be deeply missed, and his legacy on these waters won’t be forgotten.

Stop In Before You Head Out

Before your next trip, stop by Aquatic Arts Fishing Pro Shop for live bait, tackle, and the latest local fishing talk.

For guided trips, contact Tim Buffington with L.V.O. Sportfishing at 715-612-1090, or find L.V.O. Sportfishing on Facebook.

Good conservation means great fishing ahead. Let ’em go so they can grow.

Tight lines,
L.V.O. Sport Fishing & Aquatic Arts Fishing Pro Shop