Imagine staring down a small hole in the ice, the water below dark and mysterious. You drop your line, hoping for that tell-tale tug, but nothing happens. Sound familiar? Winter trout can be tricky. They school differently and act less aggressively than in open water. Choosing the right lure feels like a guessing game, and you waste precious time switching gear instead of catching fish.
The right lure can turn a slow day into a banner one. However, picking the perfect jig, spoon, or plastic for freezing conditions takes know-how. We need lures that mimic the scarce food sources trout rely on when the lake is locked in ice. Don’t let confusion keep your bucket empty this winter.
This post dives deep into the best lures for trout ice fishing. We will break down what works best for different depths and water conditions. By the end, you will feel confident selecting gear that brings those beautiful winter trout to the surface. Let’s explore the secret weapons of successful ice anglers.
Top Lures For Trout Ice Fishing Recommendations
- 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!
- 2026 New Release Fishing Spinners Set:The Fishing Spinner is FONMANG 2026 new release fishing lures, featuring different sizes and weights, beautiful colors, unique spinners, and a portable tackle box.
- Multiple Weights for More Fish:1/8 oz (3.5g) for panfish, bluegill, and small trout; 1/6 oz (4.5g) for trout and bass; 1/4 oz (7g) for larger trout, bass, pike, salmon, and steelhead.
- Flash and Vibration Attraction:Providing spinnerbait ideal combination of flash and vibration to trigger strikes in both clear and murky waters.
- Premium Components Performance:Made using the best possible components, featuring a premium blade, top-of-the-line clevis for smooth running, and a reliable treble hook.
- Great for All Anglers & Gifts:Perfect for beginners and professionals, rooster tail fishing lures help catch more fish in rivers and lakes and make a great fishing gift.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 🐟LIFELIKE SOFT LURE: This highly detailed soft plastic glow lure is one of the most realistic looking on the market. Glow shrimps with double realistic eyes design make the grubs more attractive.
- 🐟PEFECT BAIT SHRIMP SIZE: length is 1.7in (45mm), weight is 0.7g(0.02oz) which can be used for a variety of species.such as bass, crappie,walleye fishing. and the small squid bait also can be used for ice fishing.
- 🐟GLOW IN THE DARK SOFT BAIT: Glow colors attract curious fish while the thick design ensures the hook is hidden and helps you land more fish. Takes a light to energize it, then the bait will glow brightly.
- 🐟SOLID CONSTRUCTION: This fishing soft bait for saltwater freshwater is designed specifically to avoid disintegrating after driving the hook through and catching several fish.
- 🐟VERSATILE ICE FISHING LURES: The small squid baits can be used for a variety of species, such as bass, crappie, walleye fishing.The glow soft lures are very versatile and can be used while ice fishing, early night fishing. It also a great choice for jig head rig and weightless rig.
- Trout 3-Pack Fishing Lures: Spoon lure kit ideal for trout fishing contains three 2" 1/10 oz lures in the following color combinations: Gold/Chartreuse, Silver/Blue/Pink, and Copper/Hot Pink
- Patented Ball Chain Design: Produces incredible lifelike action. Excellent at causing strikes when vertical jigging in open water or ice fishing and incredible consistent action during slow, average, and fast speeds. Can be used to cast, jig or troll.
- High Quality Materials: The solid brass spoons have a jewelry quality finish that resists tarnishing and keeps the spoon looking new for years. Lazer sharp hooks by Eagle Claw will ensure a secure hook set.
- Additional Species: Shape, color, length, and weight was specifically designed for Panfish, Perch, Crappie, Kokanee, Shad, Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Steelhead, Northern Pike, Salmon and Musky
- Great gift for any fishman for Father's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July, and Birthday. Iron Decoy fishing lures blend decades of experience and knowledge with countless hours of product development and material testing to create a spoon that produces results like no other and will last for years
Choosing the Best Lures for Trout Ice Fishing
Ice fishing for trout is an exciting winter adventure. Finding the right lure makes all the difference between a cold, quiet day and a bucket full of fish. This guide helps you select the perfect gear for your next trip onto the ice.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for trout ice fishing lures, several features stand out.
- Vibration and Action: The lure must move attractively in the water. Look for lures that wobble, spin, or vibrate strongly, even when you barely move your rod tip. Trout react well to movement, especially in dark, deep water.
- Color Selection: Bright colors like chartreuse, orange, and pink work well on sunny days or in clear water. Darker colors, such as black or silver, often attract fish when the sky is overcast or the water is murky. Always bring a variety!
- Size Matters: Smaller lures usually catch more trout. Ice fishing requires finesse. Many successful anglers use lures no bigger than one or two inches long.
- Hook Quality: Sharp hooks mean more successful hooksets. Ensure the hooks are strong enough not to bend when you hook a decent-sized fish.
Important Materials in Ice Lures
The material a lure is made from affects how it sinks, how it looks, and how long it lasts.
Metals
Many top-tier ice jigs use brass, tungsten, or lead. Tungsten is denser than lead. This means tungsten lures sink faster, allowing you to reach deep trout quickly. Metal lures also reflect light well, which attracts fish.
Plastics and Soft Baits
Soft plastic lures often mimic natural food sources like worms or small grubs. These lures feel more natural to a biting trout, sometimes causing them to hold on longer, giving you time to set the hook.
Natural Attractants
Some lures come pre-scented with fish oils or attractants. These scents can draw curious trout closer to your offering, even if the fish are hesitant to bite.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Lure Quality
Good quality lures perform consistently. Poor quality lures often fail when you need them most.
What Makes a Lure Better?
- Paint Adhesion: High-quality lures keep their paint job even after repeated contact with ice, hooks, and fish teeth. Poor paint chips easily, making the lure look dull.
- Balanced Weight: A well-balanced lure falls straight down when you stop jigging. If a lure spins wildly or drifts sideways, trout might ignore it.
- Durable Hardware: Split rings and swivels must hold up under pressure. Cheap hardware breaks easily.
What Lowers Lure Quality?
Lures with dull hooks or thin, weak wire often reduce your catch rate. If a lure gets scratched up after just a few trips, it is likely low quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the lure changes which type works best. Trout act differently depending on the weather and water conditions.
Active vs. Passive Fishing
If the trout are actively feeding (usually when the sun is bright or right after a weather change), fast, erratic jigging with a flashy spoon or a vibrating blade bait works well. You need a lure that gets noticed.
When trout are sluggish (often during the middle of the day or very cold snaps), you need a subtle approach. Use small, slow-falling tungsten jigs tipped with a live or preserved bait (like a mealworm or a small piece of plastic). The gentle presentation often triggers a bite.
Always remember to fish directly above structure, like drop-offs or weed lines, as trout often school in these areas.
Trout Ice Fishing Lure FAQs
Q: What is the best all-around color for trout ice fishing?
A: Chartreuse or a mix of glow-in-the-dark colors usually works well across many water conditions. It provides high visibility.
Q: Should I use a leader line when ice fishing for trout?
A: Yes, a thin fluorocarbon leader (4lb to 6lb test) is often recommended. It is nearly invisible underwater and prevents trout from seeing your main line.
Q: Are tungsten jigs better than lead jigs?
A: Tungsten jigs are better because they are smaller and sink faster. This lets you use a smaller lure profile while still reaching the bottom quickly.
Q: How fast should I jig my lure?
A: Start slow. Lift the lure just a few inches off the bottom, pause for several seconds, and then lift it again. Adjust your speed based on how the fish react.
Q: Do I need to tip my ice jig with natural bait?
A: Tipping improves your success significantly, especially if the trout are picky. A small piece of a worm or a maggot makes the artificial lure look more appealing.
Q: What size hook is generally best for trout ice lures?
A: Most successful ice jigs use small hooks, usually sizes 10, 12, or 14. Smaller hooks fit the smaller profile of typical ice baits.
Q: How deep should I fish for trout in the winter?
A: Trout often stay suspended near the bottom, but sometimes they hover a few feet above structure. Always start by fishing right near the bottom structure.
Q: Can I use the same lures for perch and trout?
A: Yes, many small spoons and jigs that catch trout also attract perch. Perch often like slightly brighter colors.
Q: What is the purpose of a “fluttering” action?
A: A fluttering action happens when the lure slowly falls sideways after you lift it. This slow descent mimics an injured or dying baitfish, which often triggers a strike.
Q: How often should I change my lure?
A: If you have not had a bite after 10 or 15 minutes of consistent jigging, try switching the color or the lure style. Trout can get tired of seeing the same thing.