What’s the secret to landing a giant northern pike when the lake freezes over? Many anglers brave the cold, drill their holes, and wait, but often the fish just aren’t biting. It can be incredibly frustrating when you put in all the hard work, but your bait isn’t tempting those toothy predators below the ice.
Choosing the right bait for ice fishing pike is a real challenge. Should you use a lively minnow, a flashy spoon, or maybe something frozen? The wrong choice means hours of staring at a blank sonar screen. We know you want to feel that powerful tug on your line, and we want to help you achieve it.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you the most effective baits that pike absolutely cannot ignore during the ice season. You will learn exactly which options work best for different conditions and how to present them properly.
Ready to stop guessing and start catching? Let’s dive into the best bait strategies for ice fishing northern pike.
Top Ice Fishing Bait For Northern Pike Recommendations
- 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.
- 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
- Made from 100 percent real bait
- Special formula won't freeze up
- Enhanced with UV Flash
- Powerful bite stimulants trigger bites
- Country of Origin :United States
- Product Type :FISHING EQUIPMENT
- Package Dimension :3.2 cm x 10.2 cm x 15.2 cm
- Package Weight :0.054 kg
- Pheromone Scented Soft Plastic Lures
- 1.1 inch Classic Ice Fishing Soft Lure
- Amazing Bait For Crappie, Bluegill, Trout and Perch
- Extreme Softness for Enhanced Natural Action
- 8/Pack
- 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.
- Tooth Shield Tackle Ice Fishing Rig (Hand made in Wisconsin)
- 80 lb. premium fluorocarbon leader material
- 2 blood red extra strong VMC hooks
- The leader is 12"
- 2 Pack (Free Tooth Shield Tackle Sticker With Purchase)
- A large profile minnow bait
- Features a unique easy-swim tail
- A unique body design for holding optional scent
- Features a crappie rattle to serve up a sight, sound and smell
- Durable and long lasting
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Hooking Trophy Northern Pike on Ice
Ice fishing for northern pike demands the right bait. Pike are aggressive predators, but the cold water and ice cover change how they hunt. Choosing the perfect bait increases your chances of a successful day on the ice. This guide helps you select the best options.
Key Features to Look For in Pike Ice Fishing Bait
When shopping for pike bait, look for a few important features. These make the bait more attractive to large pike, even in low light under the ice.
- **Size and Profile:** Pike are big fish. You need bait that looks like a substantial meal. Look for baits between 4 to 8 inches long. A larger profile signals a worthwhile meal.
- **Vibration and Action:** Pike often find prey through vibration in the water. Baits that wiggle, spin, or create strong pulses when jigged are best.
- **Color Visibility:** In the often murky, dark water under the ice, bright colors help. Chartreuse, white, and fire-tiger patterns shine. However, natural colors like silver or perch patterns work well in clear water.
- **Durability:** Pike have sharp teeth. Good quality baits resist immediate destruction.
Important Materials in Pike Bait
The material of your bait significantly affects its performance and lifespan.
Most effective ice baits fall into two main categories: natural and artificial.
Natural Baits: The Real Deal
Natural baits are often the most reliable. They smell and look exactly like real food.
- **Smelt and Herring:** These oily, smelly fish are top choices. The scent travels well in cold water.
- **Suckers and Shiners:** These are slightly larger live or dead baitfish. Always check local regulations regarding the use of live bait.
Artificial Baits: Built to Last
Artificial baits offer versatility and durability.
- **Hard Plastics (Jigs and Jerk Baits):** These are tough and often have rattles built inside to create noise.
- **Soft Plastics (Grubs and Swimbaits):** These mimic swimming motion very realistically. Look for plastics infused with fish oils or strong scents.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Bait Quality
Quality matters when targeting big pike. A poorly made bait will fail quickly.
What Makes Bait Quality High?
High-quality baits feature strong hooks. The paint or finish should resist chipping after a few strikes. If you use artificial lures, the internal hardware (like rattles or bearings) must function smoothly. For live bait, healthy, active baitfish are necessary.
What Reduces Bait Quality?
Low-quality baits often use weak hooks that bend easily when fighting a large pike. Soft plastics that easily tear apart after one bite offer poor value. If a hard plastic lure has dull paint or rattles that stop working, pike might ignore it.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the bait changes what you should buy. Consider where and how you fish for pike.
Still Fishing vs. Active Jigging
If you plan to set tip-ups and wait, **natural bait** (like a suspended smelt under a tip-up) is generally the best choice. Pike will come to the scent.
If you are actively drilling holes and jigging aggressively, **artificial lures** shine. Large spoons or heavy jigs that you can work vertically are perfect. You can impart action that triggers reaction strikes from pike.
Shallow Water vs. Deep Water
In shallow, sunny water, brighter, more flashy colors often work best. In deep, dark water, baits that create a lot of vibration or use UV-reactive paint are more effective because they attract attention better.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ice Fishing Pike Bait
Q: What is the single best bait for ice fishing northern pike?
A: Many anglers agree that **a large, oily dead or live baitfish** (like a large shiner or smelt) suspended under a tip-up is the most consistently effective choice.
Q: Should I use live bait or artificial lures when ice fishing for pike?
A: It depends on your style. Use **live/dead bait** when you are waiting patiently. Use **artificial lures** when you are actively moving and searching for active pike.
Q: What colors should I buy for pike bait?
A: You need a variety. Buy **chartreuse, white, or fire-tiger** for low-light or stained water. Keep **natural silver or perch patterns** for clear water days.
Q: How large should my bait be for an average pike?
A: Aim for baits that are **at least 5 to 7 inches long**. Pike are ambush predators that prefer a substantial meal over a small snack.
Q: Do scents help when using artificial ice fishing lures for pike?
A: Yes, scents definitely help. Pike rely heavily on their sense of smell. Applying a **strong fish oil or garlic scent** to your artificial jig can make a big difference.
Q: Are rattles in ice lures necessary for pike?
A: Rattles are very useful. They create noise and vibration, which helps pike locate your lure in dark water where visibility is low.
Q: What type of hook setup is best for dead bait?
A: Use a **two-hook or three-hook rig** for dead bait. This ensures a good hookup ratio when the pike attacks the bait from the side or front.
Q: How does water clarity affect my bait choice?
A: In **clear water**, use more natural-looking baits. In **stained or dark water**, use brighter colors and baits that create strong vibrations.
Q: Are soft plastic baits durable enough for pike?
A: Some are, but many soft plastics tear easily. Look specifically for **heavy-duty or extra-tough formulas** if you plan to use soft plastics for aggressive pike.
Q: When should I switch from a large bait to a smaller one?
A: If you are fishing for several hours and only catching very small pike, or if you notice fish are gently tapping the bait instead of striking hard, try **downsizing your bait size**.