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
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.
No. 2
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
No. 3
50PCS Ice Fishing Lures Kit, Ice Fishing Jigs for Walleye Perch, Jigs Heads for Ice Fishing Tackle, Panfish Crappie Perch Sunfish Pike bluegills Jigs
- Premium Quality: Our ice fishing jigs Kit features high-quality carbon steel hooks, suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. These durable and sharp hooks ensure excellent penetration, equipped with a barb design to prevent fish from escaping, increasing the success rate of each fishing trip.
- Attractive Finishes: This ice fishing jig set includes 50 ice fishing lures with 10 unique shapes, each in a variety of bright colors and finishes. These designs mimic natural bait fish and effectively attract fish in any conditions
- Bright Colors And Glow In The Dark: Each ice jig fishing lure boasts stunning bright colors that fish cannot ignore. Some lures feature glow in the dark effects, perfect for use in darker waters and low light conditions. Be sure to let the luminous lures absorb enough light for optimal performance.
- Effective Action: Different types of ice fishing lures come with unique shapes and hook designs tailored for various species. These unique designs and weights create attractive, irregular movements in the water, stimulating hungry fish to strike.
- Customizable Options: Ice jig fishing baits come in a variety of styles, sizes, and weights, allowing anglers to customize their tackle to their preferences and target fish, increasing the fun and success of fishing.
No. 4
Ice Fishing Jigs with Treble Hooks Lead Jig Hooks Winter Metal Lures
- 4pcs/pack for this metal lures with 2 silver spins
- Length: 2.09inch; Weight: 0.21oz;
- Metal lures with 2 silver spin and black high carbon treble hook
- Color: 4 different colors, colorful painted with glittery surface
- Great for hooking bluegills, crappies, panfish, walleyes and pike.....
No. 5
Lindy Perch Talker Ice Fishing Lure - Great for Perch, Walleye, Trout and Whitefish
- Beads and disk provide flash, sound and water displacement for maximum fish attraction
- Dropper chain separates hook from lure to catch more fish in neutral or negative moods
- A variety of proven fish catching color combinations
- When vertically jigged this lure creates flashes, sound and water displacement stimulating the fish's lateral line attracting Perch, Crappies, Walleye, Trout, Whitefish and more from great distances
- 1 per pack
No. 6
Northland Tackle Ice Fishing Thumper Spoon, Stamped Brass Flutter Spoon Ice Fishing Lure for Walleye, Crappie, & More, 10 Colors, Purple Racecar, 1/16 Oz
- The Northland Thumper Spoon is a go-to ice fishing lure when you need more flash, flutter, and finesse. Its thin, bent brass profile and micro flicker blade provide unmatched action, perfect for drawing strikes in tough winter fishing conditions.
- Made from premium stamped brass with strategically placed bends, the Thumper Spoon creates a unique fluttering action on the fall, imitating a wounded baitfish. This irresistible motion attracts fish from both clear and stained waters, increasing your chances of getting bites.
- An added flutter blade delivers extra flash and vibrationoffering a highly effective presentation that triggers aggressive strikes from species like walleye, crappie, perch, bluegill, trout, bass, and more, even in the toughest conditions.
- Available in 10 vibrant match-the-hatch color options, ranging from natural baitfish patterns for clear water to long-lasting glow-in-the-dark designs for nighttime or murky water, this lure allows you to adapt to any fishing scenario with ease.
- Outfitted with ultra-sharp treble hooks, the Thumper Spoon is designed to catch a wide variety of species. Available in four sizes—1/16 oz, 1/8 oz, 3/16 oz, and 1/4 oz—it's perfect for fishing at different depths. Tested and trusted by professional anglers, this lure is built to perform.
No. 7
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.
No. 8
Dovesun 15PCS Rattling Glow Ice Fishing Spoons Kit for Bass, Crappie, Panfish, Perch, Trout, Walleye
- RATTLING ICE FISHING SPOONS BUILT-IN RATTLE STEEL BALL: DOVESUN ice fishing jigs with built-in 2 steel balls rattle chamber on one side. Exposed rattle chamber delivers delicate and natural Low-Frequency noise. Deadly attraction for distant schools of walleye and perch. Fish will come close and smash the bait. Outperforms other ice fishing spoons. NOTE: Only 3 types of spoons can rattle!
- ALL GLOW IN THE DARK ICE FISHING LURES: All Ice fishing gears are coated with fluorescent paint. Shine brighter and glow longer. Perfect for ice fishing, where extra brightness makes all the difference. Glows in deep water, at night, or under the ice — hungry fish can't resist Dovesun ice fishing gear. NOTE: When you receive the package, please put it under light for a few minutes, and it will glow brightly in the dark.
- ATTRACTIVE LIFELIKE ICE FISHING JIGS: Coated with bright holographic paint, packed with plenty of reflective sequins. Ice fishing lures reflect more light for a stronger, brighter flash. Even in shallow water, it pulls fish in from farther away. Featuring a 3D lifelike baitfish design that looks truly alive. Walleye go nuts for it! Highly attractive and durable ice fishing gear makes the perfect fishing gifts for men.
- SHARP CUTTING HOOK POINT TREBLE HOOKS: Dovesun ice fishing spoons feature upgraded Red-Plated Treble Hooks. Improved corrosion resistance and durability. Perfect for freshwater and saltwater fishing. 3x strong high-carbon steel for greater strength, Sharp cutting hook point for faster piercing. With red treble hooks, ice fishing lures move like a wounded baitfish, keeping fish relaxed and triggering strikes. Let's bring fish to the hook with this ultimate ice fishing gear.
- ICE FISHING SPECIES KILLER-LIFELIKE ACTION: 4 types of ice fishing spoons create different amazing action on the drop, falls, flash, wobbles, flutters, and quakes like a baitfish, an irresistible target for hungry walleye, bass, trout, perch, panfish, crappie. Used ice fishing jigs during fall and winter fishing for vertical fishing. Provide anglers with a fun fishing experience!
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).