Top 5 Lures for Ice Fishing Pike: A Quick Guide

What is the secret to catching those huge, toothy northern pike when the lake freezes over? Ice fishing for pike offers an exciting challenge, but the real puzzle often starts before you even drill a hole: choosing the right lure. Winter water is cold, and pike can be sluggish. You need something special to trigger their aggressive strike.

Many anglers feel frustrated staring at a tackle box full of gear that just doesn’t seem to work on the ice. Should you use a spoon, a jig, or maybe a lively dead bait presentation? Picking the wrong lure means hours spent shivering without a single bite. It wastes precious time when the bite window is short.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the top lure types that consistently pull pike through the ice. You will learn exactly what makes a lure effective in deep, cold water, helping you confidently select the gear that fills your bucket.

Let’s dive into the best lures for ice fishing pike so you can turn those frustrating days into successful catches!

Top Lures For Ice Fishing Pike Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

Ice Fishing Jigs Luminous Ice Fishing Lures Glowing Jig Gear Winter Fishing Jigging for Crappie Pike Panfish Walleye Perch Bluegill 6pcs/20pcs (A-6PCS)

Various Sizes & Colors Ice Fishing Lures: A variety sizes of ice fishing lures and colors gives anglers options to adapt to fishing conditions. Two Ice Fishing Jig Kit to Choose: 6PCS, 20pcs.
Glow in Dark: Ice fishing jigs have luminous effects, Great for darker water and low-light conditions, the micro ice jigs have the ability to attract fish from a wider area. Note: When using luminous lures, please let it absorb enough light first.
Ice Fishing Jigs With Organized Storage Box: With EVA foam pad keeps your jigs well organized.. Easy take in and easy take out with the jigs. Holds jigs securely in the box, which can protect the ice fishing jigs from collision and wear.
High Sharpness: The hook can effectively ensure the continuous sharpness of the hook tip after repeated grinding, and has a barb, reduce the probability of decoupling, increase the possibility of catching.
Best Fishing Gift for Angler: A Great Ice Fishing Gifts for lover! A variety sizes and colors of ice fishing lures gives anglers options to adapt to fishing conditions.

Bestseller No. 2

BASSDASH Ice Fishing Lures with Glide Tail Wings Winter Ice Jigging Fishing Jigs for Bass Perch Walleye Pike

These jigs are constructed of lead bodies for fast drop, glide wings and ultra-sharp high carbon hooks for better penetration
Features highly detailed paint and solid bright coating; Beaded treble hook for added attractions
Weighted body and balanced design work with glide tail wing creating a darting action with glide action on drop
Tip it with a wax worm, small minnow or plastic bait to attract more fishes
These balanced jigs are not only for ice fishing, but also can be used for multiple freshwater gamefish like bass, perch, walleye and pike

Bestseller No. 3

BASSDASH Ice Fishing Lures with Glide Tail Wings Winter Ice Jigging Fishing Jigs for Bass Perch Walleye Pike

These jigs are constructed of lead bodies for fast drop, glide wings and ultra-sharp high carbon hooks for better penetration
Features highly detailed paint and solid bright coating; Beaded treble hook for added attractions
Weighted body and balanced design work with glide tail wing creating a darting action with glide action on drop
Tip it with a wax worm, small minnow or plastic bait to attract more fishes
These balanced jigs are not only for ice fishing, but also can be used for multiple freshwater gamefish like bass, perch, walleye and pike

Bestseller No. 4

FishTrip Ice Fishing Jigs Kit, 30Pcs Glow Ice Fishing Lure Set for Winter Ice Jigging Crappie Sunfish Perch Panfish Walleye Pike Jigs, Ice Fishing Gear with Storage Box

【Premium Materials】- FishTrip ice fishing lures are made of high-quality lead materials and high-carbon steel hooks. Durable and sharp, the extremely penetrating hook tip can quickly pierce the upper jaw of the target fish. Built to withstand the rigors of ice fishing, ensuring they can be used for many seasons
【Glow in the Dark】- The ice fishing hook heads feature realistic convex fin attachments and are coated with high-fidelity paint to keep the hooks bright, making fish clearly visible in low-light conditions, increasing your chances of a successful catch (Tips：Only some of the hooks have glow-in-the-dark function, please choose according to your needs.)
【Efficient Ice Fishing Jigs】- 30pcs ice fishing jigs set includes 5 different shapes and sizes of jigs. Each shape has a different color with highly reflective baitfish images and large 3D eyes that works with the barbed hook tip design to achieve a higher hook-up rate
【Various Fish Species】- These ice fishing bait kits are perfect for ice fishing enthusiasts, attracting a variety of fish such as crappie, sunfish, minnows, bass, pike, perch, walleye, bluegill and trout
【About FishTrip】: Every FishTrip product is well made with great attention to detail, which is sure to increase your catch rate. If you have any questions feel free to contact us

Bestseller No. 5

Northland Fishing Tackle Puppet Minnow Darting Fishing and Ice Fishing Lure for Walleye, Pike, Trout, and Panfish, UV Firetiger, 1/8 Oz, 1/Cd

An essential lure on the water and under the ice alike, the Northland Fishing Tackle Puppet Minnow will get the job done on just about any species of fish. Built to imitate the action of a darting minnow, this lure darts upward on the lift and swims in a semi-circle during freefall.
This ice fishing and open water fishing bait is perfect for all species of fish including bull bluegills, perch, walleyes, crappies, pike, and trout year-round. It can be fished in a variety of different ways to get bit in any situation. Rip it up and down vertically, cast it out and pop it back, or slowly raise and lower it to give it a rocking motion that fish can’t resist.
Northland fishing and ice fishing jigs are made with quality components, so you can fish with confidence no matter what bites. The Puppet Minnow doesn’t miss many fish with two stout jigs on the front and back, plus a treble hook on the bottom. You can fish this jig plain or tip your bottom treble with a minnow head!
The Puppet Minnow from Northland Fishing Tackle is a lights out lure for anglers everywhere. Available in small ⅛ Oz sizes that can entice panfish all the way up to 1 Oz variations that will seal the deal on pike and lake trout, there’s a Puppet Minnow for any situation. This darting jig is available in five total sizes and fifteen different colors, including UV and Glo options that work well in low light or ice fishing conditions.
This lure was tested and trusted by the team at Northland Fishing Tackle, and professional anglers across the country. Northland Fishing Tackle has been delivering quality fishing tackle to anglers nationwide for decades. Every Northland Tackle product is designed by fishermen for quality conscious anglers that demand the best in their fishing gear.

Bestseller No. 6

BASSDASH Ice Fishing Lure Kit Glowing Paint Jigs for Winter Ice Jigging Crappie Sunfish Perch Walleye Pike with Tackle Box

Features highly detailed paint and solid bright coating and 24 pieces of them are luminous in the dark
This ice jigging kit includes 6 balancing jigs, 2 vibrating bait, 4 spoons and 18 jig heads - 30 pieces in total
Tip it with a wax worm, small minnow or plastic bait to attract more fishes
Bonus a quality reusable utility box with adjustable compartments that keeps your lures well organized
Assorted ice fishing lures make it a perfect selection for fishing for perch, walleye and pike

Bestseller No. 7

Fishing Leaders with Swivels - Carp - Pike - Catfish - Muskie - Walleye - Bass - Mackerel - Snapper

FISHING LEADERS WITH SWIVELS ASSORTMENT / FISHING LEADER LINE FOR FISHING RIGS SALTWATER & FRESHWATE! Tired of losing the big fish when your fishing hooks with line breaks? This fishing leader 15 piece variety pack is great for many different types of fish. Work as steel leader fishing, fishing leaders saltwater, fishing rigs saltwater rig, saltwater fishing tackle kit leaders.
MULTIPLE PERFECT SIZED FISHING LEADERS – Sizes included (5 of Each): 12 inches, 9 inches and 7 inches. Work to fill your tackle box and these are not cheap wire leaders for fishing saltwater. Perfect fishing wire leader, attach your fishing hooks with leader, steel leaders fishing saltwater, steel fishing leaders, wire leaders for fishing, steel leader, steel fishing leaders, muskie fishing gear, bass hooks fish leader for catfish hooks and catfishing hooks, freshwater fishing tackle.
STRONG STEEL LEADER FISHING LINE – This fishing leaders pack consists of 15 high quality steel fishing leaders. Work for fishing line hooks to hook fish. These will make catching large fish simple! If you use barrel fishing swivels and swivels fishing tackle these steel leaders will let you catch your desired fish without trouble. Great fish leader freshwater fishing tackle for fishing!
PERFECT ADDITION TO YOUR TACKLE BAG – Planning a fishing trip? This fishing leader 15 pack is great to bring when you are going after big fish. You get a variety of fishing leader sizes. Perfect pike fishing gear, fishing gear swivels, surf rigs saltwater, fishing leader wire, leader fishing line, steel wire leader, catfish leaders with swivels bottom fishing rig leaders, fishing leads, wire leader material fishing line leader. Best saltwater fishing leaders you can get.
FISHING LEADERS BULK SWIVELS FISHING TACKLE - This fishing terminal tackle leader variety pack of perfect fishing leaders for fishing bulk, are great for any fishing trip. Work great as fishing leader variety pack, ice fishing leader line, hi lo rig saltwater fishing, fishing steel wire for catfishing hooks, pike leader, steel leader line, swivel leaders, steel leaders fishing for fishing hooks saltwater and fishing hooks freshwater, stainless steel fishing line and ice fishing leaders.

Bestseller No. 8

IRON DECOY Spoon Fishing Lures, 3 Pack Fishing Lures Kit, Casting, Trolling, Jigging, Ice, Lake, River, Stream, Freshwater, Trout, Bass, Walleye, Salmon, Crappie, Pike, Trout, 3-Pack

Trout 3-Pack Fishing Lures: Spoon lure kit ideal for trout fishing contains three 2" 1/10 oz lures in the following color combinations: Gold/Chartreuse, Silver/Blue/Pink, and Copper/Hot Pink
Patented Ball Chain Design: Produces incredible lifelike action. Excellent at causing strikes when vertical jigging in open water or ice fishing and incredible consistent action during slow, average, and fast speeds. Can be used to cast, jig or troll.
High Quality Materials: The solid brass spoons have a jewelry quality finish that resists tarnishing and keeps the spoon looking new for years. Lazer sharp hooks by Eagle Claw will ensure a secure hook set.
Additional Species: Shape, color, length, and weight was specifically designed for Panfish, Perch, Crappie, Kokanee, Shad, Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Steelhead, Northern Pike, Salmon and Musky
Great gift for any fishman for Father's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July, and Birthday. Iron Decoy fishing lures blend decades of experience and knowledge with countless hours of product development and material testing to create a spoon that produces results like no other and will last for years

Lures for Ice Fishing Pike: Your Complete Buying Guide

Ice fishing for pike is an exciting adventure. Pike are strong fish that love to bite. Choosing the right lure makes all the difference. This guide helps you pick the best lures for catching big northern pike when the water freezes over.

Key Features to Look For

When you shop for pike ice lures, look for specific things that help you catch more fish.

Size Matters

Larger Profiles: Pike are big predators. They usually prefer larger lures that look like a substantial meal. Look for lures that are three inches long or more.
Vibration and Action: The lure must move attractively in the water. Good lures create wobbles or vibrations that fish feel, even in murky water.

Color and Visibility

Bright Colors: On sunny days or in clear water, bright colors like chartreuse or fire tiger work well.
Natural Tones: In dark or deep water, try natural colors that mimic perch or smelt, like silver or white.

Hook Quality

Sharp, Strong Hooks: Pike have tough mouths. You need very sharp hooks that penetrate easily. Make sure the hooks are strong so they don’t bend when a large pike strikes.

Important Materials in Pike Lures

The material of your lure affects how it sinks, how it looks, and how long it lasts.

Plastics and Soft Baits

Soft Plastics: These often imitate real baitfish closely. They are flexible and feel natural to the fish.
Durability: Choose plastics that resist tearing, especially if you are fishing for toothy pike.

Metals

Lead and Tungsten: These metals help the lure sink fast. Tungsten is denser than lead, so a tungsten lure can be smaller but still sink quickly.
Finishes: Metal lures often have shiny chrome or painted finishes that reflect light, attracting pike from far away.

Factors Affecting Lure Quality

Not all lures perform the same way. Quality makes a big difference in your success on the ice.

What Improves Quality?

Good Hardware: Strong split rings and quality swivels prevent the lure from breaking or twisting.
Realistic Eyes and Details: Lures with realistic eyes and scale patterns often trigger a stronger strike response from pike.
Balanced Weighting: A well-balanced lure sinks correctly and has an enticing fall rate.

What Reduces Quality?

Flimsy Components: Cheap wire or weak plastic bodies break easily after catching just one or two fish.
Dull Hooks: If the hooks are dull right out of the package, you will miss fish, no matter how good the lure looks.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you use the lure changes what type you should buy. Think about where and how you fish.

Jigging vs. Dead Sticking

Jigging Lures: These are designed to be actively worked up and down by the angler. Spoon jigs or heavy blade baits are perfect for this active style. You lift them quickly and let them flutter down slowly.
Dead Stick Lures: These lures sit still, often suspended under a bobber or on a very sensitive rod. Large soft plastic shads or heavy rattle baits often work well when left motionless near the bottom or mid-water.

Water Conditions

Clear Water: Use smaller, more natural-looking lures. Pike rely more on sight here.
Murky or Deep Water: Choose lures that create a lot of noise or vibration, like those with rattles or wide, wobbling bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pike Ice Lures

Q: What is the best type of lure to start with for ice fishing pike?

A: Start with a classic, heavy spoon jig. These are versatile, easy to use, and create great flash and wobble when jigged.

Q: Should I use live bait or artificial lures for pike in winter?

A: Artificial lures are great because they last longer and you can fish many spots quickly. However, large live minnows are often the absolute best choice when pike are being very picky.

Q: How deep should I fish my lure?

A: Pike often hang out near the bottom, but they will chase food suspended in the water column. Start near the bottom, then try jigging your lure about 3 to 5 feet above the bottom.

Q: Are brightly colored lures always better?

A: No. Bright colors work best on sunny days or in shallow water. On dark, overcast days, more natural silver or white colors often produce more bites.

Q: How long should my lure be?

A: For average winter pike, aim for lures between 3 and 5 inches long. If you are targeting trophy fish, don’t be afraid to go bigger, maybe up to 7 inches.

Q: Do rattles in a lure help catch pike?

A: Yes, rattles help a lot, especially in stained or dark water. The sound travels well and attracts curious pike when visibility is low.

Q: What is “flutter action”?

A: Flutter action means the lure wobbles slowly and erratically as it falls through the water after you lift and drop it. This slow fall often triggers a strike.

Q: Do I need special hooks for pike lures?

A: You need strong, sharp treble hooks. Some anglers replace the standard hooks with single, heavy-duty hooks to ensure better hooksets on tough jaws.

Q: Can I use the same lures for perch and pike?

A: You can use smaller versions of your pike lures for perch. However, pike lures are usually too large and heavy to effectively target smaller perch.

Q: How often should I change my lure when nothing is biting?

A: If you have not had a bite after 10 to 15 minutes of steady jigging in one spot, change your lure color or switch to a different style (like switching from a spoon to a soft plastic).