Guide: Best Jigs for Walleye Ice Fishing Success

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

SaleBestseller No. 1

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. 2

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. 3

Dovesun Ice Fishing Jigs Ice Fishing Lures Kit Rattling Glow Ice Fishing Spoons for Bass Crappie Panfish Mens Fishing Gifts 4PCS Flat Fish Spoon

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. 4

FishTrip Ice Fishing Jigs Kit, 30Pcs Glow Ice Fishing Lure Set for Winter Ice Jigging Crappie Sunfish Perch Panfish Walleye Pike Jigs, Ice Fishing Gear with Storage Box

【Premium Materials】- FishTrip ice fishing lures are made of high-quality lead materials and high-carbon steel hooks. Durable and sharp, the extremely penetrating hook tip can quickly pierce the upper jaw of the target fish. Built to withstand the rigors of ice fishing, ensuring they can be used for many seasons
【Glow in the Dark】- The ice fishing hook heads feature realistic convex fin attachments and are coated with high-fidelity paint to keep the hooks bright, making fish clearly visible in low-light conditions, increasing your chances of a successful catch (Tips：Only some of the hooks have glow-in-the-dark function, please choose according to your needs.)
【Efficient Ice Fishing Jigs】- 30pcs ice fishing jigs set includes 5 different shapes and sizes of jigs. Each shape has a different color with highly reflective baitfish images and large 3D eyes that works with the barbed hook tip design to achieve a higher hook-up rate
【Various Fish Species】- These ice fishing bait kits are perfect for ice fishing enthusiasts, attracting a variety of fish such as crappie, sunfish, minnows, bass, pike, perch, walleye, bluegill and trout
【About FishTrip】: Every FishTrip product is well made with great attention to detail, which is sure to increase your catch rate. If you have any questions feel free to contact us

Bestseller No. 5

MUUNN Tungsten Ice Fishing Jigs Kit 15pcs More Effective Glow Tungsten Ice Fishing Lure Jigs for Crappie Panfish Walleye (Colorful (15pcs))

Tungsten Ice Fishing Jigs Kit: High-quality tungsten ice jigs are made of tungsten, tungsten is heavier than some other materials, which means you can use a much smaller ice jig and have the same weight. Utilizing tungsten allows each jig to have a significantly smaller profile which is preferred by finicky winter fish. The packaging: 45pcs tungsten ice jigs and 1 pcs jig box. 15pcs 3.2mm (0.5g), 15pcs 4.0mm (1.0g), 15pcs 5.0mm(1.85g); box size: 5.45x3.77x0.7 in
UV Glow in Dark: 45 pcs of teardrop tungsten ice fishing jigs with ultra-sharp hooks and paint-free eyes. Glows brightly! These tungsten ice jigs glow very well, Bionic color coating and excellent luminous effect provide constant fish-enticing action. These tungsten ice fishing lure jigs will glow in the dark and work very well in dark water and low light conditions. The glowing surface will better evoke the vision of large predators
Increase Hook-Up Rate: Superb quality premium Japanese hooks, and tungsten ice jigs are proven killers for panfish through the ice. Attractive high quality glossy paint bionic color coating, realistic 3D eyes, and excellent luminous effect provide constant fish-enticing action. These tungsten ice fishing lure jigs are perfect for fishing bluegill, crappie, perch, and even bass trout. Hook into more fish with muunn tungsten ice jigs!
Waterproof Jig Box: Put the glow tungsten ice fishing jig in the jig box for better carrying and storage, more convenience and safety, bring a better ice fishing experience. MUUNN Jig box is made of sturdy and solid PC+ABS well-sealed with rubber gaskets offering effectively waterproof performance to keep your jig dry
A Great Value Gift: Tungsten ice jigs are regarded as the best for ice jigging due to their optimal size-to-weight ratio. You can give them as ideal gifts for your families or friends who love ice fishing to enjoy an enjoyable time. Ask any tournament angler or serious pan fisherman - tungsten is the only way to go! If you want to get more other tungsten ice jigs or kits for ice fishing, please visit our MUUNN store, we have a very large selection. MUUNN FISHING STORE

SaleBestseller No. 6

MUUNN Tungsten Ice Fishing Jigs Kit 45pcs More Effective Glow Tungsten Ice Fishing Lure Jigs for Crappie Panfish Walleye (Colorful (45pcs))

Tungsten Ice Fishing Jigs Kit: High-quality tungsten ice jigs are made of tungsten, tungsten is heavier than some other materials, which means you can use a much smaller ice jig and have the same weight. Utilizing tungsten allows each jig to have a significantly smaller profile which is preferred by finicky winter fish. The packaging: 45pcs tungsten ice jigs and 1 pcs jig box. 15pcs 3.2mm (0.5g), 15pcs 4.0mm (1.0g), 15pcs 5.0mm(1.85g); box size: 5.45x3.77x0.7 in
UV Glow in Dark: 45 pcs of teardrop tungsten ice fishing jigs with ultra-sharp hooks and paint-free eyes. Glows brightly! These tungsten ice jigs glow very well, Bionic color coating and excellent luminous effect provide constant fish-enticing action. These tungsten ice fishing lure jigs will glow in the dark and work very well in dark water and low light conditions. The glowing surface will better evoke the vision of large predators
Increase Hook-Up Rate: Superb quality premium Japanese hooks, and tungsten ice jigs are proven killers for panfish through the ice. Attractive high quality glossy paint bionic color coating, realistic 3D eyes, and excellent luminous effect provide constant fish-enticing action. These tungsten ice fishing lure jigs are perfect for fishing bluegill, crappie, perch, and even bass trout. Hook into more fish with muunn tungsten ice jigs!
Waterproof Jig Box: Put the glow tungsten ice fishing jig in the jig box for better carrying and storage, more convenience and safety, bring a better ice fishing experience. MUUNN Jig box is made of sturdy and solid PC+ABS well-sealed with rubber gaskets offering effectively waterproof performance to keep your jig dry
A Great Value Gift: Tungsten ice jigs are regarded as the best for ice jigging due to their optimal size-to-weight ratio. You can give them as ideal gifts for your families or friends who love ice fishing to enjoy an enjoyable time. Ask any tournament angler or serious pan fisherman - tungsten is the only way to go! If you want to get more other tungsten ice jigs or kits for ice fishing, please visit our MUUNN store, we have a very large selection. MUUNN FISHING STORE

Bestseller No. 7

Northland Tackle Ice Fishing Thumper Spoon, Stamped Brass Flutter Spoon Ice Fishing Lure for Walleye, Crappie, & More, 10 Colors, Super-Glo Wonderbread, 3/16 Oz

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.

Bestseller No. 8

MUUNN Tungsten Ice Fishing Jigs Kit 21pcs More Effective Glow Tungsten Ice Fishing Lure Jigs for Crappie Panfish Walleye (Colorful (21pcs))

Box Made of sturdy and solid PC+ABS well-sealed with rubber gaskets offering effectively waterproof performance to keep your jig dry
Bionic color coating and excellent luminous effect provides constant fish-enticing action
Put the Ice Fishing Jig in the box for better carrying and storage, more convenient and safer，Bring better ice fishing experience
Tungsten is denser than lead and copper, sinks faster, and can be accurately thrown to where the fish are

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.