Have you ever stared at a wall of colorful jigs, wondering which one will finally tempt that elusive winter walleye? The ice is thick, your breath fogs the air, and you need the right tool for the job. Choosing the perfect jig for walleye in the frozen depths can feel like a guessing game. Too light, and it drifts away; too flashy, and the fish ignore it. These small pieces of metal and feather make a huge difference in your success on the ice.
Don’t let the wrong jig cost you a freezer full of fish this winter! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a jig irresistible to winter walleye. You will learn about size, color, and action that truly matters when the water is near freezing. Keep reading to unlock the secrets to jigging success and start landing more trophy eyes today!
Top Ice Fishing Jigs For Walleye Recommendations
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 5 pcs 18G ice jig lure
- Keep in one box
- with new lure tremble hook
- Assorted 54pcs Ice Fishing Jigs :The Ice fishing jig Set contains 10 different kinds of shapes saltwater ice fishing jigs and different colors for each shape to meet all your needs.Total 54pcs jig heads come with a high quality plastic box
- Lead Jig Head Material and Bright Colors: All the jigs ice fishing lures made of lead material and high carbon steel hook. Tremendous finish that replicates the natural colorization process
- Attractive & Well Made: The simulation fish scales design on the jig head to attract target. The diamond on the head which can reflected light will increase hook-up ratios
- Target Fishes: Different types of jig are designed for different species of fish: such as bluegills, crappies, panfish, perch sunfish, walleyes, pike and crappies, etc
- Luminous Effect: Part of these small fishing gears are fitted with uv coating which will glow in the dark, the innovative walleye jigs have the ability to attact fish from a wider area.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Ice Fishing Jigs for Walleye
Ice fishing for walleye can be thrilling! Finding the right jig makes all the difference. This guide helps you pick the perfect lure to bring those fish home. We look at what makes a good jig and how to use it best.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for walleye ice jigs, certain features stand out. These help the jig look alive underwater and attract fish, even when the water is murky.
Size and Weight
- Size Matters: Walleye often prefer smaller jigs, especially in clear water or during sunny days. Look for jigs between 1/32 oz and 1/8 oz.
- Weight for Depth: You need enough weight to reach the bottom quickly in deep water or strong currents. Heavier jigs (like 1/4 oz) work well on windy days or in very deep holes.
Color Selection
Color is critical. Walleye react differently to light conditions.
- Bright Colors: Chartreuse, orange, and bright pink work great in low light, dark water, or cloudy days.
- Natural Colors: White, silver, and black are better when the sun is bright or the water is very clear.
Hook Quality
A sharp hook means more fish in the bucket. Check the hook points. They must be extremely sharp to penetrate the walleye’s tough mouth. Good jigs use strong, corrosion-resistant hooks.
Important Materials in Walleye Jigs
The material used in the jig head and body affects how it moves and how long it lasts.
Jig Head Material
- Lead: This is the most common material because it is heavy and casts well. However, some areas restrict lead use.
- Tungsten: Tungsten is denser than lead. This means a tungsten jig is smaller than a lead jig of the same weight. Smaller profiles often catch more fish! Tungsten is also more environmentally friendly.
Body and Dressing
Many jigs use soft plastics, hair, or feathers to imitate small baitfish or insects.
- Soft Plastics: Look for durable plastics that hold up to multiple strikes. Grub tails and minnow imitations are popular.
- Natural Hair/Feathers: These materials move very subtly in the water, creating a lifelike flutter that triggers bites.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all jigs are made equally. Quality directly impacts your success on the ice.
What Makes a Jig Better?
- Finish Durability: High-quality jigs have paint or plating that resists chipping when they hit the ice or the bottom.
- Balance: A well-made jig falls through the water straight. A balanced jig wobbles correctly when jigged, attracting the walleye.
What Reduces Jig Quality?
- Dull Hooks: Cheap jigs often come with dull hooks. You must sharpen these before you go out, or you will miss fish.
- Flimsy Hardware: Split rings or eyelets that bend easily decrease the jig’s lifespan.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you fish the jig changes what you should buy.
Active Jigging vs. Dead Sticking
- Active Jigging: If you move your rod a lot, you need a jig that responds well to fast action, like a slender, flat-sided jig that darts sideways.
- Dead Sticking/Soaking: If you let the jig sit still, perhaps with a minnow attached, a rounder, slower-sinking jig works well. It needs to look natural while motionless.
Water Clarity Use Cases
Always match your jig to the water conditions. In very clear water, use a smaller, natural-colored jig tipped with live bait. In stained or dark water, use a larger, brightly colored jig that pushes more water and creates vibration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Walleye Ice Jigs
Q: What is the best size jig for walleye?
A: Most anglers find success using jigs between 1/32 oz and 1/8 oz. You should carry a few sizes to adjust for water depth and current.
Q: Should I tip my jig with live bait?
A: Yes, tipping your jig with a small minnow head, a waxworm, or a plastic scent stick greatly increases your chances, especially when walleye are slow to bite.
Q: How fast should I jig for walleye?
A: There is no single answer! Start with a slow, rhythmic lift-and-drop. If that fails, try faster snaps. Walleye often prefer a slow presentation in the deep cold.
Q: Why are tungsten jigs more expensive than lead jigs?
A: Tungsten is a premium material. It is much denser, allowing for a smaller profile, which walleye sometimes prefer, and it is better for the environment.
Q: What colors should I use when the sun is bright?
A: Use natural, subdued colors like white, silver, or black. Bright colors can spook wary walleye on sunny days.
Q: How do I know if my jig hook is sharp enough?
A: A sharp hook will catch on your fingernail easily when you drag it across. If it slides off smoothly, you need to sharpen it with a fine file.
Q: Are vertical jigs better than horizontal jigs for ice fishing?
A: Vertical jigs are standard for ice fishing because they drop straight down the hole. Horizontal jigs are sometimes used but are less common for standard jigging techniques.
Q: What is “jigging” exactly?
A: Jigging means quickly lifting and then letting your rod tip drop. This movement makes the jig swim or flutter, imitating a wounded baitfish that triggers a strike.
Q: Does jig color matter if I use a brightly colored soft plastic trailer?
A: Yes, the color of the jig head still matters for visibility, but the trailer adds attraction. Try matching the trailer color to the water clarity.
Q: When should I switch to a heavier jig?
A: Switch to a heavier jig when you cannot keep your line tight, or when the jig takes too long to reach the bottom. Strong winds or very deep water demand more weight.