What’s the secret to unlocking those massive, toothy grins lurking beneath the frozen surface? Ice fishing for Northern Pike is an exhilarating pursuit, but success often hinges on one crucial element: the right lure. Winter water can be murky, and pike can be notoriously finicky. It’s frustrating to drill a perfect hole, drop down your line, and get nothing but the sound of the wind. Choosing effective lures among the endless racks of colorful spoons, jigs, and dead baits can feel like guesswork, leaving anglers shivering and empty-handed.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down exactly which lures trigger the most aggressive strikes from pike, no matter the ice conditions or depth. You will learn the essential types of lures that every serious pike angler must have in their winter tackle box. Prepare to trade those frustrating blank days for action-packed ice sessions. Let’s dive into the gear that truly puts fish on the ice.
Top Northern Pike Ice Fishing Lures Recommendations
- 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.
- 8 SEGMENTS LIFELIKE LURES: Designed with 8 segment multi-jointed body, TRUSCEND fishing lure can sink slowly and move flexible in water. In addition, life-like swimming actions make it attracting more catches and provoking predator fish to strike.
- HIGH SIMULATION: With 3D realistic looking eyes and pearl powder coating, this swimbait appears very delicate and vivid that looks like a real fish. A perfect fishing bait that easily cheats the target fishes.
- BASS VIBRATION: Made of high-quality ABS material and equipped with built-in rattle, this vibe lure can continuously emit the fish sound wave to during the swimming to provoke the feeding urge of the fishes and induce them to attack.
- WIDELY FISHING SPECIES: This bass fishing lure can be widely used to catch bass, yellow perch, walleye, pike, muskie, roach, trout, snook. salmon etc. This swimbait is quite suitable for both saltwater and freshwater and functions well in all water layers.
- 4pcs/pack for this metal lures with 2 silver spins
- Length: 2.09inch; Weight: 0.21oz;
- Metal lures with 2 silver spin and black high carbon treble hook
- Color: 4 different colors, colorful painted with glittery surface
- Great for hooking bluegills, crappies, panfish, walleyes and pike.....
- 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.
- 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
- UPGRADED DESIGN FOR CONFIDENT FISHING: Dovesun ice fishing jigs has great paint job and the eyelets are free of paint obstructions, it will be easy to get the line through it. With Sharp & Durable HOOK – when the bite is on, you can get back into the zone quickly. The bright and attractive colors make the ice fishing lure come alive in the water. Delicious candy, fish can't say no to!
- ATTRACTIVE GLOWING ICE FISHING JIGS: There are 29 pcs jigs can glow in the dark, dramatically increasing your chances of success in deep or murky waters where visibility is low. Remember, a little sparkle can make all the difference!For optimal performance, let them under a light source enough before use to guarantee a bright, fish-attracting glow.
- MULTIPLE COLORS & STYLES:7 different shapes and weights of ice fishing lures, giving anglers more choices. Awesome place with awesome ice fishing tackle! Make anglers' ice fishing trips fruitful. The ice fishing lures for Walleye, Panfish, Crappie, Bluegill, Minnows, Perch, Trout and etc. ATTENTION: Fishing Jigs are MUCH SMALLER Than They Appear in the Photo.
- EXCELLENT ICE FISHING GIFT FOR EVERY ANGLER: More than just fishing jig, it's a memorable surprise! Each package features original, hand-painted artwork, making this present a truly unique gesture. It's the perfect gift to show your appreciation for a special someone or to kick off an exciting destination fishing trip in style.
- ORGANIZED & PORTABLE FISHING TACKLE BOX: The rubber-padded box can store the jigs neatly and prevent it from falling out easily. Keep your fishing jigs safe from spills, rain. Not for submersion in water. Eye-catching colors are perfect for carrying on the ice. The hand-picked ice fishing gear from Dovesun Team are all in a convenient fishing tackle box, ready for a day on the ice!
- CONFIDENCE IN EVERY CAST The effectiveness of any fishing lure hinges on its performance, and performance stems from its design.
- AFTER YEARS DEVOTED TO TESTING AND DESIGN, we've meticulously honed the shape, length, width, metal composition, electroplating, and color combinations to create an exceptionally effective lure.
- PRECISION CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING the Iron Decoy lures have been designed to produce incredible consistent action during slow, average, and fast speeds.
- PATENT PENDING BALL CHAIN DESIGN The innovative ball chain trailer design enhances the lure's action while introducing both vibration and sound.
- HIGH QUALITY BRAND NAME PARTS The Eagle Claw Laser Sharp hooks, Rosco Split Rings, WTP Prism Tape, and Ball Chain Manufacturing Trailer represent top-tier components from renowned brands, embodying unparalleled quality and reliability.
- 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
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Northern Pike Ice Fishing Lures
Catching northern pike under the ice is an exciting challenge. The right lure makes all the difference. This guide helps you pick the best gear for your next ice fishing trip. We focus on what works best for those toothy predators.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for pike ice fishing lures, look closely at three main features. These elements help you attract the fish, even in murky water or low light.
1. Size and Profile
Northern pike are big fish. They like big meals. Look for lures that are at least 4 to 8 inches long. A large profile mimics the size of a fat baitfish. Some anglers use very large spoons or jigs to trigger a reaction strike from a giant pike.
2. Color and Flash
Color matters a lot when sunlight hits the ice. Bright colors like chartreuse, fire tiger, or hot pink work well on sunny days or in shallow water. For dark or deep water, silver, gold, or black lures create good flash. This flash mimics the shine of a struggling minnow.
3. Action in the Water
How the lure moves is critical. Pike often strike out of aggression, not just hunger. Lures that wobble, dart, or vibrate strongly when you jig them create more attraction. Good action keeps the lure interesting, even when you pause your retrieve.
Important Materials for Durability and Performance
Northern pike have very sharp teeth. Your lures must withstand serious abuse. The materials used in the lure construction are very important.
- Heavy-Duty Metal: Most effective pike lures use solid metal, like lead, zinc, or heavy brass. These metals allow the lure to sink quickly to the fish’s depth. They also provide the necessary weight for good jigging action.
- Tough Coatings: The paint or finish must be chip-resistant. High-quality epoxy or powder coatings last longer against pike teeth and repeated use against ice and hard drops.
- Strong Hardware: Always check the split rings and swivels. Use heavy-duty, stainless steel components. Weak hardware fails quickly, and you lose your trophy fish.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Lure Quality
Not all lures perform the same way. Small details greatly affect how well a lure works for you.
Quality Boosters:
Lures that incorporate rattles or vibration chambers often catch more fish. Sound travels well in cold water. Also, lures with high-quality, sharp treble hooks ensure a solid hookset when the pike attacks.
Quality Reducers:
Cheap, thin wire hooks break easily under the strain of a big pike. Lures with poor paint jobs chip quickly, losing their flash. Lures that are too light for the depth you are fishing will hover instead of dropping, reducing their effectiveness.
User Experience and Use Cases
Different situations call for different lures. Think about where and how you plan to fish.
Jigging vs. Deadsticking
Jigging Spoons: These are your workhorses. You drop them down and aggressively lift and drop them. This erratic action triggers aggressive pike. They are best when you are actively searching for fish over structure or drop-offs.
Rattling Hard Baits: Some anglers prefer setting a lure and letting it sit still (deadsticking). Lures with built-in rattles or enticing swimming actions work well here. Pike often investigate stationary, noisy objects in quiet water.
Water Clarity
In stained or dark water, choose lures with strong colors (like glow-in-the-dark or bright orange) and loud rattles. In clear water, natural colors like silver or white that mimic real forage are often more successful.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Northern Pike Ice Fishing Lures
Q: What is the best color for pike ice fishing lures?
A: Silver, gold, and bright chartreuse are usually the top performers. Match the color to the sky condition; bright colors on sunny days, natural colors on cloudy days.
Q: Should I use a leader when fishing for pike?
A: Yes, absolutely. Pike have razor-sharp teeth. Always use a steel or fluorocarbon leader to prevent them from cutting your main line.
Q: How large should my ice fishing lure be for pike?
A: Most successful lures range from 4 to 8 inches long. Bigger is often better when targeting trophy pike.
Q: What is “jigging,” and why is it important?
A: Jigging means repeatedly lifting and dropping the rod tip quickly. This movement makes the lure dart and wobble, which excites the pike into striking.
Q: Are rattles necessary in an ice lure?
A: Rattles are not always necessary, but they are very helpful in low visibility or deep water because sound travels far under the ice.
Q: Should I replace the factory hooks on new lures?
A: Many anglers upgrade the factory hooks to stronger, sharper ones. This ensures you land bigger fish without the hook bending or dulling.
Q: What material is best for a leader when targeting pike?
A: Heavy fluorocarbon (30-50 lb test) or stainless steel leaders offer the best combination of invisibility and bite resistance.
Q: Do glow-in-the-dark lures work well for pike?
A: Yes. Pike often feed during low-light periods (dawn, dusk, or deep water). Glow lures provide excellent visibility when natural light fades.
Q: Can I use saltwater jigs for northern pike?
A: You can use the shape, but saltwater hardware often rusts quickly in fresh, cold water. Look for lures specifically made for freshwater use.
Q: How deep should I fish my lure?
A: Pike are often found near the bottom structure or just above it. Start fishing just a few feet above the bottom, and work your way up until you find where the fish are holding.