Tomahawk area fishing report for Jan. 1

Over the holidays, Isaac and I ventured out to set up some tip-ups.  The conditions were mostly cloudy with temperatures in the upper 20’s by the afternoon.  We drove the bike out about 50 yards and then walked with a  chisel and checked the ice.  Out further, the ice thickness was about 3 ½”.  We set up our lines in four to eight foot depths using slippery Jack minnows.  Later my brother-in-law Paul and my other children came out.  We caught pike in all depths and walleye near dark.  Not a lot of walleye today, but the largest was a beautiful fish at 18” caught by Paul.

The next day, the weatherman promised snow, but we never really got any.  The bite was better today.  In the morning run of walleyes which were found in the shallows, but only one keeper.  During the mid-morning, there were lots of bites and the pike were really snapping.  Isaac, Faith, Paul, and I were catching pike left and right.  Not very big ones, but lots of action.  In the afternoon, the Mielke’s came over and joined us.  I had the boys set up their tip-ups relatively shallow because the bite had been in the shallows.  They caught northern pike and Andy caught a nice 16” walleye half an hour before dark.  Good job!  At dark it was the Paul and Roman show.  We scored a couple meals of nice eating size walters and a nice pair of seventeens; the wait definitely paid off!  The low pressure system and the moon phase bite played a key role in our success.  It was a great day to take the youngsters out and catch fish while recording some great live action fishing videos.

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Yesterday, I drove the bike out to check the thickness of the ice.  We currently have 5 – 5 ½” of good ice and enough snow on top to make wheeler tracks.  Most lakes are in good shape around the edges, but make sure your lake is safe before you venture out!

If you are looking for a day out on the ice, give me a call at 715-966-1821.  Well, that wraps it up for this time.    This is Roman Derleth reminding you, “Don’t slack off and always keep your line tight!”

Roman Derleth of Buck's Taxidermy & Guide Service was born and raised in the Tomahawk area. Derleth fishes in Wisconsin Musky Tour events and has been a taxidermist since 2005 and a fishing guide since 2006. To reach Derleth visit his Facebook page.