Best Ice Fishing Lures for Winter Fishing (Top Jigs That Catch More Fish)

Cold water makes fish less aggressive — so the right lure choice matters more than ever. Below you’ll find the best ice fishing lures for winter fishing, plus a comparison table and Amazon picks.

🎯 Best for: Walleye • Perch • Crappie • Panfish 🧊 Winter tactics: Jigging + Dead-stick ✨ Colors: Glow • UV • Natural

Quick Navigation

• Why lures matter in winter
• Top jig styles
• Best lures comparison table
• Pro winter tip
• Amazon recommended picks
• FAQ

Why Ice Fishing Lures Matter in Winter

In winter, fish typically:

• Move less and conserve energy
• Feed selectively and for shorter windows
• React better to subtle presentations

What usually works best:

• Compact lures with tight action
• Fast drop speed (especially deeper water)
• High visibility (glow/UV) for low light

Tip: Start loud/flashy to call fish in, then downsize if they won’t commit.

Top Ice Fishing Jig Styles That Catch Fish

1) Tungsten Jigs

Fast drop Small profile

Dense tungsten lets you fish a smaller jig that sinks quickly — perfect for deep water or finicky bites.

Best for: panfish, perch, crappie

2) Slab Spoons

Flash + vibration Reaction strikes

Large profile spoons move water and call fish from a distance, especially when fish are roaming.

Best for: walleye, pike, trout

3) Bug Jigs

Natural profile Great for tough bites

Bug-style jigs mimic larvae and insects — a winter staple when fish are feeding near bottom.

Best for: bluegill, crappie, light-biters

4) Teardrop Jigs

Classic Balanced fall

A proven vertical-jigging shape that works with plastics or live bait for steady winter production.

Best for: perch, walleye, crappie

Best Ice Fishing Lures (Quick Comparison)

Lure	Best For	Why It Works	Link
VMC Tungsten Ice Jig Tungsten jig	Panfish, Perch	Small profile + fast sink for deep water and light bites	Check Price
Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon Rattle spoon	Walleye, Pike	Flash + vibration triggers reaction strikes and draws fish in	Check Price
Ratso Ice Jig Finesse jig	Crappie, Bluegill	Dead-stick finesse action for pressured fish and tough conditions	Check Price

Pro Tip for Winter Ice Fishing Start with an aggressive lure (like a spoon) to attract fish. If fish show up on sonar but won’t bite, switch to a smaller tungsten jig or soft plastic. This two-step approach consistently increases catch rates.

Recommended Ice Fishing Lures (Amazon Affiliate Picks)

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1) VMC Tungsten Ice Fishing Jigs

Best for panfish and perch — fast sink, excellent sensitivity.

• Small profile for finicky bites
• Great for deep water
• Works with plastics or bait

Check Price on Amazon Compare in Table

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2) Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon

Best for walleye and pike — flash + rattle calls fish in.

• Reaction bites in low light
• Great search lure
• Works with lift-drop cadence

Check Price on Amazon Compare in Table

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3) Ratso Ice Jig

Best for crappie and bluegill — a finesse option for tough bites.

• Excellent for dead-sticking
• Natural presentation for pressured fish
• Pair with spikes or plastics

Check Price on Amazon Compare in Table

FAQ

What are the best ice fishing lures for beginners?

Tungsten jigs and small spoons are easy to fish and effective for multiple species.

Do glow lures work for ice fishing?

Yes. Glow and UV colors are very effective in low light, stained water, and deeper depths.

What size jig is best for winter fishing?

Smaller jigs (often 3–5mm tungsten) are ideal when fish are sluggish and bites are light.

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.