North Nokomis Lake in Vilas County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Within Vilas County, Wisconsin, you have North Nokomis Lake. This is mixed forest ground. About 470 acres, so local knowledge or a boat saves a lot of walking. Some 6.3 miles of bank gives room to move when the wind turns. On our Vilas County list it sits near the top for size. You are 11 miles from Eagle River. Then Rhinelander, 15 miles, and Lac du Flambeau, 23 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on North Nokomis Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Survey and observation records for Vilas County include bluegill, yellow perch and walleye. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. On North Nokomis Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate records put July near 66°F and January near 9°F. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Once it clears, about mid April, the fishing comes on quickly. Break-up near mid April, freeze-up near late November: that is the shape of an average year. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. North Nokomis Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. No dam controls it, and the level follows the season. Nothing is listed nearby for parking or launching a boat. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Should this one be busy, Corky Lake is 2.7 miles off. Ask locally about North Nokomis Lake if anything is unclear.