Thomas Lake Fishing in Vilas County, Wisconsin

• Overview

  In Wisconsin, Thomas Lake falls inside Vilas County. Height above sea level is 1,585 feet. At 14 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. It is a small entry by Vilas County standards. Start from Lac du Flambeau, 5.2 miles down the road. After that come Park Falls at 23 miles and Phillips at 30 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Thomas Lake

  Our records hold no depth for this water. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Read the surface for the wind lane, then fish the edge of it. Species logged across Vilas County include bluegill, yellow perch, walleye, largemouth bass and rock bass. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. On Thomas Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 65°F, with January the cold end at about 10°F. Cold locks it up for a good stretch each year. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid April. In an average year the thaw lands around mid April and the freeze near late November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. Time your trip to Thomas Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Should this one be busy, Munnomin Lake is 1.5 miles off. Check the position at Thomas Lake before loading the car.