The Basics of Ice Fishing Baits and Lures
Ice fishing is an art, a balancing act between patience, skill, and the right bait. Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless ice fishing baits and lures, uncovering which truly excel when it comes to coaxing fish from their icy underwater environments. In this article, I’ll break down the top 25 baits and lures that have proven their worth season after season. Each bait has its own quirks and benefits depending on your target species, water conditions, and personal fishing style.
This guide is designed to help you make informed decisions on the best baits and lures to use, giving you a head start when heading out to the frozen lakes this winter. I’ll cover everything from traditional live baits to modern artificial lures, ensuring you completely understand your options.
Live Baits: The Traditional Approach
Live baits have always had a place in ice fishing. Their natural movement and scent make them irresistible to fish, particularly in cold, slow-moving waters. Let’s look at some of the most effective live baits.
Waxworms
Waxworms are a classic choice for ice fishing, especially when targeting panfish like crappie, trout, or perch. Their soft, wiggling bodies are incredibly enticing to fish, especially in cold water where movements are slower. A small hook through the waxworm, dropped into the strike zone, is often all you need to trigger a bite.
Minnows
Minnows are versatile and highly effective for larger species like walleye, pike, and burbot. They can be used live or dead, depending on the target species and how aggressive they’re feeding. Check the State or Provincial regulations before using minnows (live or dead), as the use of them varies according to the location where you will be fishing.
Hooking a live minnow just below the dorsal fin and allowing it to swim freely is a technique that has yielded great results for me over the years.
Mealworms
Smaller than waxworms but equally enticing, mealworms are a great option for trout, bluegill, and perch. Their slow wriggling is perfect for tempting sluggish fish, and they can be paired with a small jig or spoon to add additional flash and movement.
Spikes (Maggots)
Spikes are tiny maggots that ice anglers often use to target smaller fish species. Though small, they are extremely effective, especially when combined with a small jig. One of my go-to techniques is tipping a jig with a few spikes to entice finicky fish into biting.
Leeches
While leeches aren’t as commonly used in winter fishing as they are in summer, they can still be effective under the ice. Their wriggling motion and scent are particularly effective for trout or predatory species like walleye.
Earth Worms
Earthworms are available year-round at the bait shops. They are excellent for trout and walleye. Their scent and wriggling motion make them irresistible to fish. Make sure you keep them from freezing.
Soft Plastic Baits
Soft plastics have surged in popularity for ice fishing due to their versatility and realistic movements. Here are some of my top picks.
Curly Tail Grubs
The action of a curly tail grub is hard to beat. The twirling motion of the tail as the bait drops is often enough to draw fish from nearby. I like using these when fishing in waters where I know fish are cruising through regularly, such as lake trout or bass.
Tube Jigs
Tube jigs mimic small baitfish and are incredibly effective for species like lake trout and walleye. They’re designed to spiral down in a way that resembles injured prey, making them a must-have in your ice fishing tackle box.
Paddle Tail Swimbaits
The paddle tail swimbait is a versatile soft plastic that mimics a swimming baitfish. It’s great for targeting walleye, pike, and lake trout. I’ve found that slow, steady jigging paired with a paddle tail is often the key to triggering strikes from larger fish.
Soft Plastic Minnows
When fish are finicky or pressured, a soft plastic minnow can outperform live bait. Its subtle movements and lifelike profile can be a game changer when the bite slows down.
Nymphs
Nymphs are small, bug-like soft plastics that work exceptionally well for panfish and trout. I typically use them when targeting fish that are feeding on small insects under the ice.
Hard Baits and Jigs
Hard baits and jigs are staples in ice fishing, offering both durability and precise control. Here’s my take on the top options.
Jigging Rap or Puppet Minnow
The Jigging Rap has a unique darting action that mimics the movement of injured baitfish. This lure is a favorite for walleye, pike, and perch, as it excels in both attracting fish from a distance and triggering aggressive strikes.
Bucktail Jigs
A bucktail jig, when jigged properly, offers a lifelike presentation that can tempt everything from lake trout to walleye. The bucktail’s natural fibers create a subtle, pulsating action that mimics prey fish perfectly.
Ice Flies
Ice flies are smaller than traditional jigs but can be deadly on finicky fish, especially panfish like crappie and bluegill. Their small size and lifelike appearance make them an essential part of any angler’s ice fishing arsenal.
Rattle Bait
The noise and vibration from a rattle bait can drive fish crazy, particularly in murky waters. Predators like pike, bass, and walleye are especially responsive to these lures, making them a go-to when visibility is low.
Blade Bait
Blade baits are compact but pack a punch. Their tight, vibrating action is perfect for triggering reaction bites, particularly from fish like bass and walleye.
Spoons and Spinners
Spoons and spinners offer flash and vibration, two key elements for attracting fish under the ice. Let’s break down the best ones.
Jigging Spoons
Jigging spoons are a classic ice fishing lure. They have a unique fluttering action that imitates a dying baitfish. I’ve found that when targeting walleye or perch, jigging spoons consistently deliver results.
Flutter Spoons
Flutter spoons are designed to move more erratically than standard jigging spoons. Their broad, fluttering motion can trigger aggressive strikes, particularly from species like lake trout.
Inline Spinners
Though not as common in ice fishing, inline spinners can be highly effective when fish are active. The spinning blade creates flash and vibration, which can be a game-changer in clear water conditions and when fishing for kokanee.
Hybrid Baits
Hybrid baits blend the best characteristics of different lure types, offering versatility for varying ice fishing conditions.
Spin Jigs
Spin jigs combine the flash of a spinner with the subtle action of a jig, making them ideal for multi-species fishing. I’ve used these to catch everything from perch to northern pike, especially in waters with mixed populations.
Jigging Raps with Plastic Tails
These hybrid baits offer the aggressive action of a Jigging Rap combined with the lifelike movement of soft plastic tails. They’re perfect for targeting both aggressive and finicky fish alike.
Specialized Ice Fishing Lures
For specific conditions or targeting certain species, specialized lures can be key.
Glow-in-the-Dark Lures
In low-light conditions, glow-in-the-dark lures can make a world of difference. These are perfect for night fishing or in deep, dark waters where visibility is limited. They have a micro glow stick that you activate to make the lure glow.
Glow-in-the-Dark Jigs
These jigs are painted with glow-in-the-dark paint. You activate them using a UV flashlight or glow box that has a UV light in it. Like the lures these are excellent for low light conditions and deep water. Great for fishing for burbot.
7.2 Ultra-Light Jigs
When targeting small, delicate fish like bluegill or perch, ultra-light jigs are essential. Their small size and precise action allow for a subtle presentation that finicky fish can’t resist.
7.3 Lipless Crankbaits
Lipless crankbaits offer a tight wobble and loud rattle, making them ideal for attracting larger predators like pike and walleye. They work best when you need to cover more of the water column under the ice, as their sound can draw fish in from afar.
Required Equipment for Ice Fishing Success
To get the most out of these top baits and lures, you need to have the right equipment. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials.
Ice Auger: For drilling holes in the ice, the auger is your starting point. Manual or powered, it’s essential for creating access to the fish.
Ice Fishing Rod: A short, sensitive rod is ideal for detecting bites under the ice. Look for one that pairs well with your bait of choice.
Ice Fishing Reel: A smooth drag system is crucial, especially when fighting larger fish in freezing conditions.
Ice Fishing Shelter: Staying warm and out of the wind in a shelter, allows you to fish longer, which can mean the difference between success and going home empty-handed.
Fish Finder: A fish finder helps you locate schools of fish, making your time on the ice more efficient.
Choosing the Right Bait: Matching to Species
One of the keys to ice fishing success is matching your bait to the species you’re targeting. For instance, walleye prefer live minnows or jigging spoons, while perch often go for smaller offerings like waxworms or spikes. When fishing for lake trout, I’ve found that larger jigs and spoons work best, whereas panfish are more likely to bite on small plastics or live bait.
The Final Hook: Choosing Your Go-To Lure
When it comes to ice fishing, there’s no one-size-fits-all lure. The key to success lies in understanding the habits of your target species and adapting your bait and lure selection accordingly. By having a mix of live bait, soft plastics, and hard baits in your tackle box, you’ll be prepared for whatever conditions the ice throws at you.
FAQ Section
Q: What’s the best bait for walleye during ice fishing?
A: Jigging Raps and live minnows are two of the most effective options when targeting walleye under the ice.
Q:. Can I use soft plastics in freezing temperatures?
A: Yes, soft plastics work great in cold water, especially when fish are sluggish. Paddle tail swimbaits and curly tail grubs are particularly effective.
Q: Do glow-in-the-dark lures really make a difference?
A: Absolutely. In low-light or deep-water conditions, glow-in-the-dark lures can attract fish that wouldn’t otherwise see your bait.
Q: Should I always tip my jigs with live bait?
A: It depends on the situation. While live bait can enhance the appeal of your jig, in some cases, a well-presented artificial lure works just as well.
Q: How do I choose the right lure for the species I’m targeting?
A: Research the feeding habits of the species and match your lure or bait to their preferences.