Tomahawk Lake Fishing in Barnes County, North Dakota

• Overview

  Tomahawk Lake stands in Barnes County, North Dakota. The surface lies 1,401 feet up. With some 35 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. It is a small entry by Barnes County standards. Valley City is the closest town at 13 miles. Jamestown follows at 28 miles, then Casselton at 47 miles. The nearest boundary is well away, so one set of rules covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Tomahawk Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Across Barnes County, recorded fish include yellow perch, blackside darter and smallmouth bass. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Anyone new to Tomahawk Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 69°F on average, January about 6°F. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Count the season from break-up, usually mid April. Ice clears near mid April and comes back about late November in a typical year. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Tomahawk Lake fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. The water borders Tomahawk National Wildlife Refuge, so reserve rules are likely to apply. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. Failing this one, try Lake Ashtabula, 7.1 miles away. Check the position on Tomahawk Lake before loading the car.