What’s the secret to catching those massive northern pike when the lake freezes over? The chill bites hard, and the fish are sluggish, but the thrill of a line suddenly zinging under the ice keeps anglers coming back. Ice fishing for pike is exhilarating, but success often hinges on one crucial factor: your bait. Choosing the wrong offering can mean staring at an empty tip-up all day while the fish swim right by.
Many anglers find themselves confused in the tackle shop. Should you use a flashy spoon, a lively shiner, or a smelly dead bait? The water clarity changes, the temperature drops, and the pike’s mood shifts, making bait selection a constant puzzle. Getting this wrong means wasted time and cold fingers for zero reward.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best baits for pike ice fishing, explaining exactly when and where to use each one. By the end of this post, you will know which bait pulls the biggest toothy grin from the depths. Prepare to load your sled with confidence and get ready for some serious action on the ice!
Top Bait For Pike Ice Fishing Recommendations
- 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.
- As a slow sinking bait, the bait can be used to attack the entire water column; Single-jointed construction gives it a remarkable swimming motion
- The glide bait has a unique S-wave action and big profile, and it can be controlled with pauses and reel turns, which can give it more drawing power that appeals to larger fish
- With eight stainless steel balls (ball dia. 0.43in, 0.39in and 0.28in) built in, along the bottom of the swim bait, to keep balance and for further distance casting, and the steel balls also make the lure noisy which will be a big factor especially when water clarity is low, rather than lure action or color
- Natural color imitation; Vivid 3D laser eyes; Textured, soft rubber fishtail for more vivid swimming strokes
- Increases your chances on catching those Monster Bass that simply don’t fall for other baits; Heavily targeted by monster size fish, regardless of their species, Bass, Trout, Muskie, etc.
- 【Pre-Rigged Tubes Baits Kit】Don't waste your time to rig up your tube lures! VMSIXVM tube baits kit include 25pcs pre-rigged tube baits with 5 different color(25pcs tube baits, 25pcs tube jigheads). Each tube soft swimbait is 2.2", each tube jig head is 1/16oz. Guaranteed to be the most effective soft plastic fishing lures you will ever use!
- 【Deadly Attraction for Crappie 】VMSIXVM The bottom having multiple tentacle tails that give the bait its action. The soft chewy body of this large tube lure swims and darts like a dying baitfish underwater, attracting hungry predators. Specially designed for targeting crappie and other panfish species.
- 【High Resist to Fish Bite】Made of ultra durable soft material, this tube bait can withstand even the most aggressive fish, effectively extend the use time of your tube fishing lures. High quailty tube jighead delivers unrivaled sharpness, hook penetration, enough to catch more, prevent fish from fleeing. No matter if you're fishing in freshwater or saltwater.
- 【Widely Fishing Targets】VMSIXVM soft swimbaits kit feature proven to match natural food sources, making them versatile and effective for a wide range of fishing situation. Easily catch various fish species including crappie bass, pike, trout, walleye and more. To catch more fish over a wider variety of seasonal, water and atmospheric conditions than any other lures on the market!
- 【Try Them Right Now】If you want to take your fishing game to a new level, you need the VMSIXVM soft tube swimbaits. These micro ice fishing jigs kit, lures and ice fishing gear are easy to use, versatile and very effective at enticing, hooking, and landing a variety of fish.Try them today and see the results for yourself!
- 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.
- SAVAGE GEAR PIKE FISHING LURES: Based on 3D scans of an actual baby pike, the 3D Hybrid Pike delivers unparalleled realism to attract the largest fish in the waterway. They’re the preferred snack of northern predatory game fish.
- LIFELIKE TAIL ACTION: The detachable tail system gives you two fishing baits in one. The paddle tail delivers a realistic swimming motion, while the oversized ribbon tail is designed to attract attention from fish at any distance.
- DURABLE DESIGN: The line thru wiring system on this fishing lure lets the hooks separate from the body. With a swivel in the head, fish can fight all they want and there is no way that they will be able to throw the hook.
- HEAVY-DUTY HARDWARE: Land every fish on your line with incredibly strong rigging. Once your target commits, these fishing lures grab hold with two durable treble hooks that won't straighten out and let you reel in any monster you stick.
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Lure Size: 1 1/2 oz, 6 3/4in | 17cm. Color: Pike. Swimming Depth: 3’-6’ | 0.9m-1.8m. Available in a variety of ultra-realistic, lifelike colors.
- The Creek Chub Jointed Pikie is absolutely irresistible to big predatory fish!
- The Jointed Pikie is one of the best lures made for northern pike and muskie.
- It’s fantastic for casting and trolling, made with sturdy hardware made for the long haul.
- Attains casting depths of 4-7 feet. Depths of 11 feet when trolling
- Tough plastic polymer. Made do be durable and tough
- RIGGED AND READY: Don’t waste your time rigging up your tubes! The new Northland Fishing Tackle Level-Head Predator Tube comes rigged and ready to catch big fish right out of the package, and includes an extra soft plastic body.
- BIG FISH BAIT: The soft chewy body of this large tube lure swims and darts like a dying baitfish underwater, attracting hungry predators. A stout hook combined with a blood red sting’r hook ensures you can seal the deal on even the biggest lake trout or pike. Tie one on, and hold on!
- LEVEL-HEAD DESIGN: This pre-rigged soft plastic fishing tube features an eyelet that is strategically placed further down the head of the jig to ensure that the bait always hangs horizontally, to create a natural looking presentation when jigging.
- YEAR-ROUND USE: This artificial tube excels in any freshwater vertical jigging situation and will catch fish through the ice and from the boat alike. Available in 3 sizes, and 4 different proven colors like white, glow, and chartreuse that are highly visible in a variety of conditions.
- TESTED AND TRUSTED: 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 essential 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 tackle and accessories.
- Easy Catch Design – Engineered for More Strikes with Less Effort. The Popobait is built for one goal: make top water fishing easier. With instant startup, longer cast, and balanced action, you spend less time for more catch
- Instant Startup – Ready to Fish from the Moment It Hits the Water. Unlike ordinary topwater lures that need a fast retrieve to wake up, the Popobait begins its balanced spray, sound, and swim action immediately – even at the slowest retrieve speed. No lag, no hesitation
- Longer Cast Design – Reach Distant Fish-Holding Spots. Optimized Double-Blade Design and aerodynamic body deliver exceptional casting distance. Cover more water and target structure than other topwater lures. Get your bait in the strike zone with every cast.
- Balanced Spray, Sound & Swim – The Perfect Topwater Trio. The Popobait produces a harmonious combination of side spray, gurgling sound, and natural straight swim. Not too loud, not too subtle – just the right commotion to trigger aggressive strikes from bass, walleye, catfish, and pike
- BKK Premium Hooks – Ready for Battle Right Out of the Box. Factory-equipped with sharp, corrosion-resistant BKK hooks. No need to upgrade – these hooks penetrate deep and hold fast, whether you're fighting a hard-charging pike or a jumping bass
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Hooking the Big Ones with Pike Ice Fishing Bait
Ice fishing for northern pike is an exciting adventure. Choosing the right bait makes all the difference. This guide helps you pick the best options to fill your bucket. We focus on what works best when the water is frozen solid.
Key Features to Look For in Pike Ice Fishing Bait
When you shop for pike bait, look for a few important things. These features help attract those hungry predators from under the ice.
1. Lifelike Action and Movement
- Vibration and Flash: Good baits create vibrations in the cold water. This mimics a struggling or swimming fish. Bright colors or metallic finishes add flash, catching the pike’s eye even in dim light.
- Durable Hooks: Pike have sharp teeth. Ensure the hooks are strong and very sharp. Dull or weak hooks let big fish escape easily.
2. Scent Attraction
Some baits include scents or oils. These scents mimic natural prey. They draw pike closer, especially when the water is murky or the fish are sluggish.
3. Size and Profile
Pike eat big meals. Generally, larger baits work well. However, consider the water conditions. On very tough days, a slightly smaller profile might trigger a strike when big baits are ignored.
Important Materials Matter
The material of your bait affects how it sinks, swims, and lasts. Quality materials give you better results.
Hard Baits (Jigs and Spoons)
- Metal Composition: Heavy metals like brass or lead help spoons sink quickly. They also produce strong vibrations. Ensure the paint or plating resists chipping.
- Plastic Components: For rattle baits or certain jig heads, use durable, cold-resistant plastics. Cheap plastic can crack when temperatures drop very low.
Soft Baits and Natural Options
If you use dead or preserved bait (like smelt or herring), freshness is key. For artificial soft plastics, look for material that remains flexible in freezing temperatures. Stiff plastic doesn’t move naturally.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all bait is made equal. A few quality checks can save you frustration on the ice.
Quality Boosters:
- Finishing: High-quality paint jobs last longer against pike teeth.
- Hardware: Split rings and swivels must be heavy-duty. These small parts often fail first, losing you a trophy fish.
Quality Reducers:
Avoid baits with thin wire hangers or soft metal that bends easily. Poorly balanced jigs will spin instead of fall correctly. This spinning action scares fish away.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to fish. Different techniques require different baits.
Vertical Jigging (Hole Hopping)
When you drill many holes, you move fast. You need fast-sinking spoons or heavy jigs. These get down to the strike zone quickly. The user experience here relies on ease of handling and rapid deployment.
Dead Sticking and Tip-Ups
For tip-ups, you often use large dead bait or large artificial swimmers. The bait must look natural while sitting still for long periods. Durability is important because a big pike might run hard when it strikes.
Good pike ice fishing bait gives you confidence. When you trust your gear, you fish better. Always carry a mix of bright colors, natural colors, and different sizes. This lets you adapt to the pike’s mood on any given day.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pike Ice Fishing Bait
Q: What is the single best type of bait for ice fishing pike?
A: Many anglers favor large spoons or heavy jigs tipped with a dead smelt or a large plastic minnow imitation. These cover a wide strike zone.
Q: Should I use brightly colored or natural colored bait?
A: Use bright colors (like chartreuse or fire tiger) on cloudy days or in murky water. Use natural colors (silver, white, or black) on bright, clear days.
Q: How cold does the water have to be before pike stop biting?
A: Pike rarely stop biting completely, but they become much less active in extremely cold water. Presenting very slow, subtle movements helps trigger strikes then.
Q: Do scents really help when using artificial lures?
A: Yes, scents often help, especially for finicky pike. They give the fish an extra reason to hold onto the lure longer, giving you time to set the hook.
Q: What size hook should I look for on a large jig?
A: For general pike fishing, look for large treble hooks, usually size 2 or larger, or a single strong hook size 4/0 or bigger on your jigs.
Q: Is it better to use live bait or dead bait under a tip-up?
A: Both work well. Dead bait is easier to handle and store in the cold. Live bait often produces more aggressive strikes if you can keep it lively.
Q: How long should my bait action be when jigging?
A: Lift your jig sharply, then let it drop slowly, pausing just above the bottom or just below the ice. The pause is often when the pike strikes.
Q: What material is best for an ice fishing spoon?
A: Heavy metals like nickel or brass are excellent because they sink fast and create strong vibrations in the water column.
Q: Should I use a leader with my pike bait?
A: Absolutely. Pike have razor-sharp teeth. Always use a strong steel or fluorocarbon leader to prevent them from cutting your main line.
Q: When should I switch from a big lure to a smaller lure?
A: If you notice pike hitting your bait but missing the hook, or if they are just following the lure without striking, try downsizing the bait profile.