Ever felt that icy chill creeping in, the line goes tight, and then… nothing? You’re staring at a hole in the ice, hoping for that telltale tug from a trophy walleye, but your jig just isn’t doing the trick. Choosing the perfect jig for ice fishing walleye can feel like a guessing game, especially when the fish are finicky and the weather is unforgiving. You spend time and money on gear, only to come home empty-handed because your presentation was off.
It’s frustrating when you know the fish are down there, but they just won’t bite. The wrong color, the wrong size, or the wrong action can mean the difference between a freezer full of fillets and a long, cold day of nothing. We understand that struggle! That’s why we’ve put together this essential guide.
Inside, we break down exactly what makes a walleye jig effective in the winter depths. You will learn how to match your jig to the conditions, understand what triggers those aggressive strikes, and finally, start landing more fish consistently. Get ready to trade those frustrating blanks for exciting action as we dive deep into mastering the jig for walleye ice fishing.
Top Jig For Walleye Ice Fishing Recommendations
Bestseller No. 1
Northland Fishing Tackle Puppet Minnow Darting Fishing and Ice Fishing Lure for Walleye, Pike, Trout, and Panfish, Purple Wonder, 1/4 Oz, 1/Cd
- 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.
Bestseller No. 2
Ice Fishing Jigs Jig Head Fishing Bait Kit Winter Drop Water Metal Jig for Crappie, Panfish, Walleye, Bluegills and Other Species (Type2-8pcs)
- 5pcs/box ice fishing jigs kit; Packaged with a plastic box.
- Made of high quality lead
- Color: bright color will help attract more fishes
- This jig glow in the dark or low visibility water conditions
- Bronze treble hook is very sharp and durable
Bestseller No. 3
50PCS Ice Fishing Lures Kit, Ice Fishing Jigs for Walleye Perch, Jigs Heads for Ice Fishing Tackle, Panfish Crappie Perch Sunfish Pike bluegills Jigs
- 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.
Bestseller No. 4
Ice Fishing Jigs Luminous Ice Fishing Lures Glowing Jig Gear Winter Fishing Jigging for Crappie Pike Panfish Walleye Perch Bluegill 6pcs/20pcs (A-6PCS)
- 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.
Bestseller No. 5
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.
Bestseller No. 6
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!
Bestseller No. 7
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
Bestseller No. 8
BASSDASH Ice Fishing Lure Kit Glowing Paint Jigs for Winter Ice Jigging Crappie Sunfish Perch Walleye Pike with Tackle Box
- Features highly detailed paint and solid bright coating and 24 pieces of them are luminous in the dark
- This ice jigging kit includes 6 balancing jigs, 2 vibrating bait, 4 spoons and 18 jig heads - 30 pieces in total
- Tip it with a wax worm, small minnow or plastic bait to attract more fishes
- Bonus a quality reusable utility box with adjustable compartments that keeps your lures well organized
- Assorted ice fishing lures make it a perfect selection for fishing for perch, walleye and pike
Jig For Walleye Ice Fishing: Your Essential Buying Guide
Catching walleye when the lake freezes over is exciting. Using the right jig makes all the difference. This guide will help you pick the best jig for your next ice fishing adventure.
Key Features to Look For
A great walleye jig has several important features. These features help attract the fish and keep them hooked.
1. Shape and Profile
- Slim Body: Many successful walleye jigs have a long, thin body. This mimics small baitfish that walleye love to eat.
- Head Design: Look for a head shape that lets the jig fall quickly but also allows it to flutter enticingly on the drop. A teardrop or bullet shape often works well.
2. Hook Quality
- Sharpness: The hook must be very sharp. A dull hook misses bites. Test the point lightly with your fingernail; it should catch easily.
- Strength: Walleye can be strong fighters. Ensure the hook wire is thick enough not to bend under pressure.
3. Color and Finish
- Variety: Walleye preferences change based on water clarity and light. Good anglers carry jigs in several colors: bright colors (like chartreuse or orange) for murky water, and natural colors (like silver or black) for clear water.
- Glow: Some jigs have a glow-in-the-dark finish. This feature is very helpful when fishing deep or during low-light conditions.
Important Materials Used in Jigs
The material of the jig affects how it sinks and how durable it is.
Lead vs. Tungsten
- Lead: Lead is the most common material. It is heavy, which helps the jig sink fast. It is also usually the most affordable option.
- Tungsten: Tungsten is denser than lead. This means a tungsten jig can be smaller than a lead jig of the same weight. Smaller jigs often get more bites, especially when fish are picky. Tungsten jigs cost more, but many experienced anglers prefer them.
Hook Material
Hooks are usually made of high-carbon steel. This material balances strength and flexibility well.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the brand. Small details matter a lot when you are trying to catch fish.
What Improves Quality?
- Paint Adhesion: High-quality jigs use tough paint or plating that resists chipping when the jig hits the ice or the bottom.
- Balanced Action: A well-made jig moves correctly in the water. When you jig it up and down, it should glide sideways slightly before falling straight down. This erratic movement triggers strikes.
What Reduces Quality?
- Rough Edges: If the jig head has rough spots or seams from the mold, it can look unnatural to the fish. Good jigs are smooth.
- Cheap Hooks: Hooks that rust easily or bend easily are a major quality reducer. Always check the hook quality before buying a bulk pack.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the jig directly affects your success.
Light vs. Heavy Jigs
- Light Jigs (1/32 oz to 1/16 oz): These are perfect for shallow water or when walleye are hesitant. They flutter slowly, making them look like wounded prey.
- Heavy Jigs (1/8 oz and up): You need heavy jigs for deep water or strong currents. They get down to the fish faster, which saves you time.
Presentation Matters
The best jig needs the best presentation. Always tip your jig with live bait, like a minnow head or a waxworm. This small addition often makes the difference between an empty bucket and a great catch. Remember to experiment with your retrieve speed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Walleye Ice Jigs
Q: What is the best jig size for walleye ice fishing?
A: The best size often ranges from 1/16 ounce to 1/8 ounce. This covers most conditions. Adjust based on water depth and wind.
Q: Should I use bright or natural colors?
A: Start with natural colors (silver, white) in clear water. Switch to bright colors (orange, green) if the water is cloudy or if the sky is dark.
Q: Do I need tungsten jigs, or are lead jigs fine?
A: Lead jigs are great and affordable. Tungsten jigs are better when you need a smaller profile bait that sinks fast.
Q: How important is the hook point sharpness?
A: It is extremely important. Walleye have tough mouths. A dull hook will lead to many missed fish.
Q: Can I use the same jig for perch and walleye?
A: Yes, many smaller jigs work for both. However, walleye prefer slightly larger profiles than perch usually do.
Q: What is “flutter action”?
A: Flutter action means the jig swings sideways gently as it falls after you lift your rod. This realistic movement often triggers a bite.
Q: How deep should I fish my jig?
A: Always try to fish your jig just above where you see the fish on your sonar, or right near the bottom, as walleye often feed near the structure.
Q: How often should I change my jig color?
A: Change your color every 10 to 15 minutes if you are not getting bites. Fish can be very particular about color on any given day.
Q: Are scented jigs better than unscented ones?
A: Scented jigs can definitely help, especially when fish are sluggish. They give the fish extra time to hold onto the jig before spitting it out.
Q: What is the main benefit of a glow-in-the-dark jig?
A: The glow helps the jig stand out in deep, dark water or under heavy ice cover, making it more visible to the walleye.