The ice is thick, the air is crisp, and you’re staring down a hole in the frozen water. What lure should you drop to tempt those elusive, cold-water trout?
Choosing the perfect ice fishing lure for trout is a real challenge. The water is clear, the fish can be finicky, and using the wrong jig or spoon can mean an empty bucket. Many anglers waste valuable fishing time trying different baits that just don’t work. You need reliable tools that cut through the confusion of bright colors and flashy designs.
This guide cuts straight to what works. We will break down the best types of lures that consistently trigger strikes from trout, whether they are active or sluggish. You will learn exactly which spoons, jigs, and plastics to keep in your tackle box.
Get ready to stop guessing and start catching. Let’s dive into the essential lures that will turn your next ice fishing trip into a successful one.
Top Ice Fishing Trout Lures Recommendations
No. 1
Trout Magnet 82 Piece Neon Fishing Kit, Catches All Types of Fish, Includes 70 Grub Bodies And 12 Size 8 Hooks, Orange,Green,White,Silver
- GREAT FOR TROUT AND OTHER SPECIES: These fishing accessories catch anything that swims and will out-fish any lure on the freshwater stream for trout. Catches panfish, creek chub, largemouth, smallmouth bass, crappie, you name it this lure can catch it
- ALL YOU NEED FOR A GREAT FISHING SYSTEM: this trout magnet kit includes 70 neon color Grub Bodies and 12 size 8 hooks, all of which are necessary to complete a non-fail fishing system for your fishing rods
- FALLS HORIZONTALLY IN THE WATER: Trout magnet hook and body fall horizontally in the water instead of head weight like all other jigs; This design Is what separates it from all other jigs, it is the perfect addition to your fishing tackle box
- GREAT SIZE BOX FOR POCKET: Single-sided Trout Magnet Box is the ideal size for a pocket or vest with our bright neon color jig bodies selection and jig head; your fishing equipment will be the envy of your friends
- MADE IN USA: With high-grade plastic and bright neon colors that will not tear like other plastics on the market; the Neon Magnet Fishing Kit is a great idea to include as fishing gifts for relatives and friends
No. 2
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. 3
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!
No. 4
Ice Fishing Jigs, 8pcs 1/5oz Ice Fishing Lures Set Walleye Jigs Heads Hooks,Winter ice Fishing Lures Ice Fishing Gear for Ice Jigging Panfish, Crappie Panfish,Pike,Trout (1/5oz-new)
- 【Exquisite Appearance Design】Our ice fishing jigs are designed in the shape of fish that look very real, with clear visibility of their face, fins, and gills. Their 3D fish eyes are very attractive to bigger fish, and the hooks come in a variety of high quality paint coatings and colorful patterns that will excite the fish you are fishing for. These visually pleasing and efficient hooks can increase your chances of success in catching fish.
- 【High Quality Fishing Hooks】Our ice fishing hooks are made of strong carbon steel that is sharp and long-lasting. They can easily pierce the upper mouth of the target fish. The distinctive single barb makes it challenging for any fish that takes the bait to escape, significantly reducing the rate of fish running and making your ice fishing trip more fulfilling.
- 【Highly Simulated Ice Fishing Lure】This ice fishing lures and jigs is made of lead and shaped like a fish, which helps it drop quickly into the water due to its weight. It has a good balance and produces a lifelike swimming motion while also being able to bounce off the bottom. This makes it perfect for fishing in mud, rock, or gravel conditions and easy to cast and maneuver. It's an excellent choice for your next ice fishing trip!
- 【VariousTarget Fish】These ice fishing lures set have an irresistible lure for fish that swim under the ice and in open water. Such as smelt, bluegill, panfish, perch, sunfish, catfish, pike and more. They work well in both freshwater and saltwater fishing, making them an excellent choice for any angler.
- 【Great Lures for Fishing Lovers】 8 Pcs fish shape ice fishing jig set have eight colors and four weights, 1/5oz(5g), 1/4oz(7g), 3/8oz(10g), 1/2oz(14g) for you to choose from.
No. 5
VMSIXVM 150/160/170Pcs Ice Fishing Jigs Lures Soft Plastic Worm Baits Kit, Micro Glow Winter Jig Heads Hooks for Walleye Crappie Panfish Trout, Ice Fishing Gear Equipment Tackle Accessories
- 【160 PCS UV Ice Fishing Jigs Soft Worm Baits for Any Angler】160 pcs assortment of all classic color in VMSIXVM ice fishing tackle box. You will find 6 Style, Dotbug, Streamline, Tiny spoon, FinHead, Caddis Larva, diamond Jigs, 130 Pcs Ice Fishing Soft Worms with 7 Style. Different shapes and color ice fishing lures and winter jigs meet all your accessory needs. Guaranteed to be the most effective ice fishing gear you will ever use!
- 【Ice Fishing Jigs with Soft Baits Kit】Wonderful assortment of ice fishing jigs and 7 style soft fishing worms, Scarlet Wigglers, Wheatworm, Needle Baits, Waxworms, Glow Shrimps, Tiny Shads and Rainbow Ice Egg, makes the swimming jigheads action more like a real fish. The lifelike swimming action has deadly attraction for fish. VMSIXVM ice fishing tackle kit is a great gift for avid ice fishingman in your life, it will perfectly meets all your require in different needs and situations.
- 【Deadly Attraction Glow Ice Fishing Kits】VMSIXVM Most ice fishing jigs will glow in the dark, attractive to fishing targets from a wider area, bring you a better fishing experience.Ice fishing jig also painted premium solid UV Color will be more attractive to the fish. All winter jigs include a vivid pattern of bright color which provide highly reflective light to increase hook up ratio.
- 【Widely Fishing Targets】VMSIXVM ice fishing lures feature proven fly hook patterns to match natural food sources, making them versatile and effective for a wide range of fishing situation. Especially for all species of crappie panfish and walleye. These small ice fishing jigs are also fatally attractive to bass, pike, catfish, bluegill and sunfish. To catch more fish over a wider variety of seasonal, water and atmospheric conditions than any other lures on the market!
- 【Ice Fishing Gifts for Men】 Wonderful assortment ice fishing jigs. The ice fishing kit is a great gift for your families, friends or fishman to enjoy a joyable time, it will perfectly meets all your require in different needs and situations. They can even work with larva, wax worms or other soft fishing lures, which make the swimming jigheads action more like a real fish. The lifelike swimming action has deadly attractionis for ice fishing.
No. 6
Berkley PowerBait Natural Scent Trout Bait ,Corn Yellow
- PowerBait natural scent trout bait
- Smells and tastes like live bait
- Scientifically proven to outperform salmon eggs and all other prepared baits
- PowerBait natural scent trout bait
- Smells and tastes like live bait
No. 7
Northland Fishing Tackle Level-Head Predator Tube Jig for Ice Fishing and Fishing Lake Trout, Northern Pike, and Burbot, White/Chartreuse Top, 1 1/2 Oz, 2/Card
- 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.
No. 8
Tungsten Ice Fishing Jig Set Ice Fishing Lures, Max Sensitive Tungsten Tear Drop Ice Jig Head Hook for Panfish, Crappie, Walleye, Perch, Trout, Bluegill (14 Colors Combination, 4MM, 1/25 OZ)
- Tungsten Ice Jig
- Colorfull and Bright, Strong Printing
- Strong and Sharp Hook
The Ultimate Ice Fishing Trout Lure Buying Guide
Ice fishing for trout is an exciting winter activity. Catching those colorful fish requires the right gear. A good lure makes all the difference. This guide helps you pick the best ice fishing trout lures.
Key Features to Look For
When buying lures, check a few important things. These features help you catch more fish. Trout are often picky eaters, so presentation matters.
Size and Profile
- Small is Often Best: Trout, especially in cold water, prefer smaller meals. Look for lures that are one to three inches long.
- Realistic Shape: Some lures mimic small baitfish or insects. A realistic profile can trick wary trout.
Action Under the Ice
- Vibration and Flash: Lures that wiggle or create a bright flash when you jig them attract attention. This movement imitates wounded prey.
- Subtle vs. Aggressive: Some days, trout want fast, aggressive action. Other days, a slow, subtle wobble works better. Choose lures that allow for varied retrieval speeds.
Color Selection
- Match the Conditions: Bright colors (like chartreuse or hot pink) work well on sunny days or in clear water. Darker colors (like black or silver) shine in low light or murky conditions.
Important Materials and Construction
The materials used in a lure affect how long it lasts and how well it performs. Good construction means fewer lost fish.
Body Composition
- Metal Lures: Spoons and jigs made from solid metal (brass or lead) sink fast. They hold up well to sharp trout teeth.
- Plastic/Soft Baits: Soft plastic bodies often hold scents better. They feel more natural to the fish when it bites.
Hook Quality
Always check the hooks. Sharp hooks catch more fish. Strong hooks prevent big trout from snapping the line.
- Treble vs. Single: Many spoons use treble hooks. Single, sharp hooks are easier to remove, which is better for the fish if you plan to release them.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all lures are made equally. A few small details can greatly affect your success.
Quality Boosters
- Paint Finish: High-quality, durable paint resists chipping. Lures with 3D eyes often look more realistic.
- Balanced Weight: A well-balanced lure sinks straight and has a good action when jigged. Poorly balanced lures spin or list to one side.
Quality Reducers
- Rust: Cheap metal components rust quickly, especially after contact with saltwater or just plain moisture. Inspect split rings and swivels.
- Flimsy Components: Thin wire hangers or weak connection points can break under pressure. These parts should be inspected before every trip.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to fish. Different situations call for different lures.
Jigging vs. Still Fishing
- Jigging (Active Fishing): If you like moving your rod often, use small metal jigs or flutter spoons. These react well to quick movements.
- Still Fishing (Passive Fishing): If you set your rod in a holder, use a lure that has built-in attraction, like a rattle or a slow, natural fall. Some anglers tip their lure with live bait for extra appeal.
Depth Considerations
Trout location changes based on water temperature. Shallow water trout might hit a light, slow-sinking lure. Deep water trout require heavier lures to reach them quickly. Make sure your chosen lure sinks effectively to the depth where the fish are holding.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Fishing Trout Lures
Q: What is the most important lure type for starting out?
A: Start with small metal jigs or simple spoons. They are versatile and easy to use when learning to jig.
Q: Should I use scented lures for trout?
A: Yes, scents can help, especially if the trout are sluggish. Fish often rely on smell to find food in cold water.
Q: Are brightly colored lures always better?
A: No. Bright colors work well when the sun is out or the water is clear. Use darker, natural colors when it is cloudy or dark.
Q: How often should I change my lure?
A: Change your lure every 15 to 20 minutes if you are not getting any bites. Keep trying different colors and actions.
Q: Do I need specialized hooks for ice fishing?
A: You need very sharp hooks. Standard high-quality hooks are usually fine, but make sure they are needle-sharp for good hooksets.
Q: What size treble hook is recommended for average-sized trout?
A: Hooks in the size 8 or 10 range work well for most pan-sized and medium trout.
Q: Are expensive lures always higher quality?
A: Not always. Expensive lures often have better paint, but a budget jig with a good hook works great if you use it correctly.
Q: What is “flutter action”?
A: Flutter action describes how a spoon or lure moves sideways and slowly falls when you pause your jigging motion. This often triggers strikes.
Q: Can I use my open-water lures for ice fishing?
A: Yes, many small spoons and jigs work for both. However, ice fishing lures are often designed to be slightly smaller and denser for better vertical presentation.
Q: How does water clarity affect my lure choice?
A: In clear water, use smaller, more natural lures. In murky water, use larger lures or those with bright colors and rattles to create noise and vibration.