Best Crappie Ice Fishing Lures: Expert Picks for Every Condition

By: FishUSA Staff

October 22, 2024

Ice fishing for crappie can be incredibly fun and rewarding, but using the right lures is essential to maximize your success. Crappie can be finicky, especially in colder temperatures, so choosing lures that entice them to bite is key. Below, we explore some of the best crappie ice fishing lures, with insights on how to use them effectively.

VMC Tungsten Wax Tail Jigs

13 Fishing Micro Magic Man

Rapala Jigging Rap

Rapala Ultra Light Rippin' Raps

Lunkerhunt Spade Grub Bait Jar

Clam Mino Plastics

Northland UV Puppet Minnows

Salmo Chubby Darter

Little Atom Nuggies

Clam Pinhead Pro Spoon

Northland UV Forage Minnow Jigging Spoon

VMC Tungsten Wax Tail Jigs

The VMC Tungsten Wax Tail Jig is a heavy yet compact jig that gets down quickly, perfect for targeting deeper crappie. The wax tail mimics natural prey, making it irresistible.

I find that this jig excels when crappie are holding close to the bottom. Its fast sink rate allows me to get it in front of the fish quickly, and the subtle movement of the wax tail often triggers bites even from hesitant crappie. Perfect for both aggressive and neutral fish.

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13 Fishing Micro Magic Man

The 13 Fishing Micro Magic Man is a mini lipless crankbait that brings plenty of flash and sound, making it a great choice for drawing crappie in from a distance.

The vibrating action on this little lure is incredible, and it’s my go-to when I need to cover more water and find active crappie. I like to jig it near the bottom or over suspended schools, and its ability to rattle really gets the attention of crappie in the area.

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Rapala Jigging Rap

The Rapala Jigging Rap has been a staple in ice fishing for years due to its balanced, darting action. It works well for various species, including crappie.

I appreciate the versatility of this lure. It has a great darting motion that can be fished aggressively to trigger reaction strikes, or more subtly to entice finicky crappie. I usually tip it with a wax worm to increase its appeal, and it’s been a reliable performer in my tackle box.

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Rapala Ultra Light Rippin' Raps

The Rapala Ultra Light Rippin' Rap produces loud, vibrating action that attracts crappie from a great distance.

I use this lure when crappie are holding in deeper water or around structure. Its small, compact design allows it to get down quickly, and the vibration helps bring fish in from a distance. It's perfect for fishing during active feeding windows.

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Lunkerhunt Spade Grub Bait Jar

The Lunkerhunt Spade Grub is a soft plastic that mimics small, soft-bodied prey. It’s versatile and can be fished on its own or added to other lures.

The subtle tail movement on these grubs is fantastic, and crappie just can’t resist it. I like to rig it on a small jig head, and it’s especially effective when fish are picky. It’s also durable, so I don’t have to worry about constantly changing baits.

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Clam Maki Mino Plastics

The Clam Mino Plastics are designed to look and move like small minnows, a favorite prey for crappie. These plastics have great action and can be used in a variety of setups.

I’ve had a lot of success using these plastics on slow days. They have a natural look and feel that convinces even the most cautious crappie to bite. I like to pair them with a light jig head for a slow, enticing presentation.

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Northland UV Puppet Minnows

The Northland UV Puppet Minnow is an aggressive jigging bait with a horizontal swim that attracts crappie, especially in deeper waters.

The UV finish really helps in murky water, and the horizontal swim pattern is great for covering more area. I’ve found that quick, sharp jigs work best, making the lure dart around and attract nearby fish.

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Salmo Chubby Darter

The Salmo Chubby Darter is a hard-bodied lure with a unique, erratic action. It’s designed to draw crappie in from a distance and trigger strikes.

I like the Chubby Darter for its ability to stay in the strike zone longer, making it perfect for stubborn crappie. It has a lifelike wiggle that doesn’t require much effort, so I can let it sit still between twitches, which often convinces crappie to bite.

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Little Atom Nuggies

The Little Atom Nuggies are soft plastics that excel at mimicking the subtle movements of live bait. They are easy to rig and versatile enough for various ice fishing techniques.

These are my go-to for a subtle presentation. The Nuggies work best when crappie are being picky and need a more delicate lure to coax them into biting. They’re also effective when tipped with a small piece of bait for added scent.

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Clam Pinhead Pro Spoon

The Clam Pinhead Pro Spoon is a small, compact spoon that creates flash and vibration to attract crappie. It’s designed to mimic a small, fluttering baitfish.

I find this spoon to be incredibly versatile. It has a nice flutter on the drop, and I can adjust my presentation from aggressive snaps to gentle lifts depending on the mood of the crappie. It’s perfect for those all-day trips when you need something that can adapt to changing conditions.

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Northland UV Forage Minnow Jigging Spoon

The Northland UV Forage Minnow Jigging Spoon is known for its reflective, UV-coated finish that enhances visibility. It’s an excellent choice for deeper water or low-light conditions.

I often reach for this spoon during dawn or dusk, when light is low and crappie are harder to spot. The UV finish catches even the faintest light, making it easy for fish to locate. It’s effective for a range of jigging styles, and I’ve found that adding a minnow head can increase my success rate.

Buy Northland UV Forage Minnow Jigging Spoon

Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer subtle plastics or aggressive jigging spoons, there’s a crappie ice fishing lure out there for every situation. Each of the lures on this list offers unique advantages, so consider adding a few to your tackle box this winter. By experimenting with different presentations, you’ll be able to find what works best and catch more crappie on the ice.

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