What’s the secret to pulling those frosty, feisty Walleye through a tiny hole in the ice? Many anglers stare down at their tackle box, overwhelmed by the sheer variety of jigs, spoons, and brightly colored plastics. Winter fishing can be tough, and using the wrong lure often means a long, cold day with nothing to show for it but numb fingers. It feels like every time you switch tactics, the fish disappear!
Choosing the perfect ice fishing lure for Walleye is more than just grabbing the shiniest thing; it’s about matching the depth, water clarity, and what the fish are actively feeding on. We understand the frustration of watching other anglers catch fish while your line stays stubbornly still. That’s why we dove deep into the best tools for the job.
Inside this guide, you will learn exactly which lures trigger those aggressive bites, how to fish them effectively, and the key differences between top-performing options. Get ready to swap those frustrating blank stares for successful hooksets. Let’s break down the must-have Walleye lures that will fill your ice shack with action this season!
Top Walleye Lures Ice Fishing Recommendations
- 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.
- The Cotton Cordell Wally Diver has proven that its slender profile and tight wiggle produce big walleye and bass.
- Its tight compact action increases hooksets and is equally effective whether cast or trolled.
- Proven on the Great Lakes and other walleye waters
- The Wally Diver series is Cotton Cordell's most popular lure and if you use one, you'll see just why they are so popular.
- Variety of size styles and color patterns to match any situation when fishing. Includes: 1 Chartreuse Perch - Wally Diver, 1 Chrome/ Black Back -Wally Diver, 1 Gold Perch - Wally Diver
- 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
- EXCELLENT BALANCED DESIGN: Great for ice fishing and open water applications, the jigging rap swims in tantalizing circles to stir up deep or suspended game fish. Balanced design with a minnow profile make the bait look more realistic when swimming, attract fish from farther away.
- AWESOME SWIMMING ACTION: Drop-water shape and lead material. The life-like awesome swimming action of ice fishing jig is effective in freshwater and saltwater fishing. For trash fish, small mouth bass, large mouth bass, crappie, bluegill, perch, walleye ,white perch white bass!
- ATTRACTIVE VIVID COLORS : Vivid colors of these ice fishing jigs will bring amazing response and more attractive to fishing targets.Great lure for vertical jigging for deep bass - 50 to 80 feet deep. At times better than a spoon.Weight:10g(0.36oz) 18g(0.65oz).
- SHARP AND DURABILITY: Single reversed hook. Center treble and eyelet. The hook is sharp and durability . Made of high quality carbon steel which gives the lure its weight. The mechanically-sharpened barbed hook point ensures a better penetration and increases the hook-ups.
- MULTISELECTIVE ICE JIG KIT: The package includes 4pcs different colors of ice fishing jigs. Available in multiple sizes: 7g(1/4oz), 10g(3/8oz), 18g(1/3oz), 21g(3/4oz). please refer to the picture for specific size. If you have any problem, please contact our customer support and we will reply you within 24 hours.
- Curated Walleye Lure Selection: Includes 7 hand-picked walleye baits plus a bonus item chosen by Rapala experts. Designed to help anglers target walleye in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs with proven fish-catching action
- Top Walleye Brands and Premium Components: Features trusted gear from Rapala, VMC, Crush City, Sufix, and Storm, giving anglers high-performance lures ideal for jigging, trolling, casting, and live-bait rigs
- Versatile Baits for All Conditions: This complete walleye tackle kit includes a mix of crankbaits, soft plastics, jig heads, and terminal tackle optimized for clear water, stained water, low-light feeding, and deep structure
- Great for Beginners and Experienced Walleye Anglers: Perfect for upgrading your walleye fishing gear, learning new techniques, or gifting to the angler in your life. Ready for year-round use from spring opener to fall night bites
- Rapala: Made by fishermen for fishermen, we understand what you need
- 4 3/4-inch slender minnow/jerkbait trolls to around 27 feet deep and swims with a wide, searching action
- Walleye, zander and other predator and gamefish fish love this slender minnow jerkbait
- Universal color patterns for wide-ranging effectiveness
- Designed in collaboration with walleye fishing experts
- Molded-in lip for true-running toughness
The Ultimate Ice Fishing Walleye Lure Buying Guide
Ice fishing for walleye is exciting! Catching these beautiful fish in the cold requires the right gear. Choosing the best walleye ice fishing lures makes a huge difference. This guide helps you pick the perfect tools for your next trip.
Key Features to Look For in Walleye Lures
Good walleye lures have specific traits that attract fish, even in dark or deep water. Pay attention to these features when shopping.
1. Vibration and Action
Walleye often find food using their lateral line, which senses movement. Lures that create strong vibrations are very effective. Look for lures designed to wobble or dart quickly when you jig them up and down. This movement mimics a wounded baitfish.
2. Flash and Reflection
Sunlight doesn’t travel far through ice and water. Therefore, lures need to catch whatever light is available. Metal spoons or lures with reflective silver or gold finishes work well. They flash as they move, drawing the walleye’s eye.
3. Color Selection
Color matters a lot! Bright colors like chartreuse or orange work great in dirty or shallow water. In clear, deep water, natural colors such as silver, white, or black are often better. Always bring a variety of colors.
4. Scent Attraction
Some modern lures include holes for adding liquid attractants or are pre-soaked with scent. Scent helps convince a hesitant walleye to commit to the bite. This is a great feature for slow fishing days.
Important Materials Used in Walleye Lures
The material of a lure affects how it sinks, how long it lasts, and how it moves underwater.
- Metal (Lead, Tungsten, Brass): Metal is heavy. This allows the lure to sink fast to deep water. Tungsten is often preferred because it is denser than lead, meaning the lure can be smaller while still being heavy.
- Plastics and Soft Baits: These are often used as trailers on jigs. They add extra movement and texture. Quality soft plastics resist tearing when a fish bites hard.
- Hooks: Sharp, high-quality steel hooks are essential. Dull hooks often miss strikes. Ensure the hooks are strong enough not to bend when you hook a large walleye.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Lure Quality
Not all jigs are made the same. A few simple details can separate a great lure from a frustrating one.
Improving Quality:
- Strong Eyelets: The small loop where you tie your line must be strong and smooth. Rough edges fray your line quickly.
- Durable Paint Jobs: Good lures have paint baked on that resists chipping from hitting the ice or the bottom of the lake.
Reducing Quality:
- Cheap Hardware: Split rings or swivels that rust easily will fail when you need them most.
- Poor Balance: A poorly balanced jig will not fall correctly. It might spin or hang up instead of darting naturally.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the lure changes what you should buy. Think about where and how you fish.
Vertical Jigging (The Standard Approach)
This is the most common technique. You drop the lure straight down your hole and quickly pull it up a few inches, then let it fall. For this, you need slender, fast-falling jigs or spoons. They need to flutter enticingly on the drop.
Rippling and Trolling Under the Ice (Slower Speeds)
Sometimes walleye are sluggish. You might need a lure that moves slowly but still catches attention. Larger, flatter spoons or lipped crankbaits designed for ice fishing work here. They create a slow, wide wobble.
Fishing Depth
If you fish very deep (over 30 feet), heavy tungsten jigs are a big advantage. They save you time getting down to where the fish are holding.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Walleye Ice Fishing Lures
Q: What is the best general color for walleye ice fishing lures?
A: White, silver, and chartreuse are the most reliable colors across many water conditions.
Q: Should I use live bait with my ice fishing lures?
A: Yes! Tipping your jig or spoon with a minnow head or a small plastic grub significantly increases your chances of a strike.
Q: How big should my walleye jig be?
A: Most anglers use jigs between 1/8 ounce and 1/2 ounce. Smaller jigs work for shallow water; heavier ones work for deep water.
Q: Are expensive lures really better?
A: Sometimes. Expensive lures often use better materials like tungsten, which performs better than cheap lead. However, a well-tied, simple jig can still catch fish.
Q: How do I make my lure vibrate more?
A: Use a shorter, faster jigging motion. Also, try lures specifically designed with wider bodies, as these move more water.
Q: When should I use a spoon versus a jig?
A: Spoons are great for covering more water vertically and catching fish that chase fast-moving targets. Jigs are better for subtle action and holding right in the strike zone.
Q: What is “fluttering action”?
A: Fluttering is when the lure wobbles slightly as it falls back down after you lift it. This falling action is often when walleye strike.
Q: Do I need special line for ice fishing lures?
A: A thin, low-stretch braid or fluorocarbon line is best. This lets the lure move exactly as intended without too much drag.
Q: Are scented lures necessary?
A: No, they are not strictly necessary, but they help immensely when the bite is slow or the water is murky.
Q: How often should I change my lure?
A: If you fish in one spot for 15 minutes without a single tap, change your lure color or style. Walleye can be picky!