What is the secret to pulling those shimmering, trophy-sized Walleye through a small hole in the ice? Many anglers feel the bite disappear once winter sets in, leaving them with an empty bucket and a cold feeling. It is frustrating when you spend hours drilling holes and jigging, only to have the fish ignore your offerings.
Choosing the perfect ice fishing lure for Walleye can feel like navigating a maze. Should you use a spoon, a jig, or maybe a rattle bait? Each lure has a time and place, but picking the wrong one means missing out on prime fishing time. The water clarity, the fish’s mood, and the depth all play a part in what makes a lure successful.
Inside this guide, we break down the best Walleye ice fishing lures available today. You will learn exactly which lures trigger strikes in different conditions and how to present them for maximum effect. Stop guessing and start catching. Read on to unlock the knowledge that will turn your next ice fishing trip into a successful adventure.
Top Walleye Lures For Ice Fishing 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!
- The most proven miniature sized jigging spoon
- This jigging spoon, crafted to imitate a crippled minnow, offers unmatched flash and flutter, becoming an essential part of any angler's tackle box or fishing kit. Its performance, whether you're aggressively jigging or giving subtle twitches, speaks for itself.
- Dressed in 20 vibrant color options, including the brand-new Super Glo Exo colors that glow for an extended period of time, it's a bait that promises visibility, even in murky or low-light water conditions. With five sizes, it's a versatile option for a wide variety of fishing situations.
- One of the best ice fishing lures for your jig box that’s been putting fish on the ice for decades, the Forage Minnow Spoon's prowess is magnified when the treble hook is tipped with a minnow head, waxworms, or ice fishing soft plastics.
- This lure has been 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.....
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Landing More Walleye on Ice
Ice fishing for walleye is exciting. Catching them requires the right gear. Walleye can be picky eaters, especially when the water is cold. This guide helps you choose the best lures to tip the odds in your favor.
Key Features to Look For in Walleye Ice Lures
When you shop for walleye ice lures, certain features make a big difference. You need lures that attract the fish even when they are sluggish under the ice.
1. Action and Vibration
- Jigging Action: The lure must move attractively when you lift and drop your rod. Look for spoons or jigs that flutter slowly on the drop. This mimics a wounded baitfish.
- Vibration: Some lures create subtle vibrations in the water. Walleye sense these movements through their lateral lines, especially in murky water.
2. Size and Profile
Walleye size varies, so lure size matters. Generally, during winter, walleye prefer smaller meals. Lures between 1.5 to 3 inches often work best. A thin profile mimics the slender forage fish walleye naturally eat.
3. Color Selection
Color is crucial. The best color changes based on water clarity and sunlight penetration.
- Bright Colors (Chartreuse, Orange, Pink): Use these in stained or dark water, or on heavily overcast days. They provide high visibility.
- Natural Colors (Silver, Gold, White): These work best in clear water when the sun is bright. They look like real minnows.
Important Materials in Walleye Ice Lures
The material affects the lure’s weight, durability, and action.
1. Metal Lures (Lead, Tungsten, Brass)
Most high-quality spoons and jigs use metal. Tungsten is denser than lead. This means tungsten lures are smaller but weigh the same as larger lead lures. Smaller profiles with good weight help you get down to deep fish quickly.
2. Plastic and Soft Plastics
Soft plastic trailers add extra scent and movement to metal jigs. Look for plastics infused with salt or scents. These help keep the fish holding onto the bait longer, giving you more time to set the hook.
3. Hook Quality
A dull hook means lost fish. Always choose lures with sharp, high-quality steel hooks. Treble hooks are common on spoons, but many anglers replace them with strong, sticky single hooks for better hooksets.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Lure Quality
Not all lures perform equally. Pay attention to how they are built.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Durable Paint Jobs: Good paint resists chipping when hitting the ice or fighting fish.
- Quality Line Ties: Strong connection points ensure the lure behaves correctly when jigged.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Poor Balance: A poorly balanced lure may spin instead of fluttering, which fish often ignore.
- Cheap Components: Flimsy split rings or weak swivels break easily under pressure.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the lure defines its success. Walleye fishing involves two main techniques.
1. Vertical Jigging (The Standard)
This is the most common method. You drop the lure down the hole and lift and drop it repeatedly. Spoons and small jigs excel here. Use a slow, rhythmic lift for the best results.
2. Dead Sticking/Still Fishing
Sometimes, walleye want a very subtle presentation. You let the lure sit near the bottom or just above it. A small jig tipped with a live minnow or a soft plastic trailer works perfectly for this low-action approach.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Walleye Ice Lures
Q: What is the best color for walleye ice fishing?
A: There is no single best color. Use bright colors like chartreuse or orange in dark water. Use natural silver or white in clear water.
Q: Should I use a live minnow or artificial lures?
A: Artificial lures allow you to cover more water quickly. Tipping an artificial lure with a piece of minnow often combines the best of both worlds: action plus scent.
Q: What size jig head is best for walleye?
A: Most anglers use jig heads between 1/8 ounce and 1/4 ounce. Deeper water or strong wind requires slightly heavier jigs, maybe 3/8 ounce.
Q: What is a “flutter” action?
A: Flutter describes how a spoon falls. When you stop lifting, the lure should wobble or flutter slowly as it sinks. This movement attracts the walleye.
Q: When should I use a spoon versus a jig?
A: Use spoons when you want a wide, erratic action or when covering a large column of water. Use smaller jigs when you think the fish are holding tight to the bottom and need a more subtle presentation.
Q: Do I need to scent my artificial lures?
A: Scent is not always necessary, but it helps. Scented lures can encourage a walleye to hold onto the bait longer, giving you a better hookset.
Q: What is the difference between lead and tungsten jigs?
A: Tungsten is heavier than lead. This lets you use a smaller lure that sinks faster without losing its weight or action.
Q: How high should I jig the lure?
A: Start by jigging just a few inches off the bottom. If you get no bites, slowly raise your action higher, perhaps 3 to 5 feet above the bottom, to find the active fish layer.
Q: Are rattles useful in ice lures?
A: Some lures include internal rattles. Rattles create noise that travels well in the water. They are very useful in murky water or low-light conditions.
Q: How often should I change my lure?
A: Change your lure if you have not had a bite after 10 to 15 minutes of active jigging. Walleye often prefer a different color or action throughout the day.