Top Ice Fishing Lures for Perch: Best Picks for 2024 to Boost Your Catch

By: FishUSA Staff

October 22, 2024

Perch are a popular target for ice anglers due to their aggressive behavior and willingness to bite, even in cold conditions. They’re also one of the tastiest fish in freshwater! However, they can be finicky, and choosing the right lure can make a big difference in your success. Below, we review some of the best ice fishing lures for perch, categorized by their unique features to help you find the ideal lure for your next outing.

Best Perch Tungsten Ice Jig

Best Pre-Rigged Lure

Best Rattle Bait

Best Spoon

Best Non-Rattle Spoon

Best Minnow Glide Bait

Best Dropper

Best Hybrid Lure

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Ice Fishing Lures for Perch

Final Thoughts

Best Perch Tungsten Ice Jig

Custom Jigs & Spins Chekai Tungsten Jig

The Custom Jigs & Spins Chekai Tungsten Jig is a compact yet heavy jig, allowing it to sink quickly and get down to active perch fast. The tungsten construction is dense and enhances sensitivity, making it easier to feel subtle bites and offering a stronger return on electronics.

I love how quickly this jig drops, allowing me to target perch at different depths and get my bait back to them quickly. The tungsten gives it great sensitivity, and the variety of colors means you can easily match local forage. It’s perfect for vertical jigging, and I’ve had great success with it during early morning and late afternoon bites.

Buy Custom Jigs & Spins Chekai Tungsten Jig

Best Pre-Rigged Lure

Northland Rigged Tungsten Broom Bug

The Northland Rigged Tungsten Broom Bug comes pre-rigged, making it easy to use straight out of the package. Its lifelike appearance and tungsten head make it a reliable option for quick, effective presentations.

This pre-rigged lure is excellent for anglers who want to spend less time rigging and more time fishing. It’s easy to use and perfect for beginners. The tungsten head ensures it drops quickly, and the lifelike design attracts perch effectively, especially when jigged gently.

Buy Northland Rigged Tungsten Broom Bug

Best Rattle Bait

Rapala Ultra Light Rippin’ Raps

The Rapala Ultra Light Rippin' Raps is a small, compact rattle bait that provides loud, vibrating action to attract perch from a distance. It’s ideal for aggressive fishing techniques.

This lure’s loud rattling and tight action make it stand out when perch are actively feeding. I use it to cover a lot of water quickly, and it’s great for drawing fish in from further away. It works best with aggressive jigging, making it perfect for those peak feeding times.

Buy Rapala Ultra Light Rippin’ Raps

Best Spoon

Northland Glass Buck-Shot Spoon

The Northland Glass Buck-Shot Spoon combines flash, color, and sound to attract perch. Its rattling chamber adds extra appeal, making it effective in murky waters.

I use this spoon when fishing in low-visibility conditions. The flash and rattle combination really helps attract attention, and I’ve found it effective when perch are scattered. A must-have when you need to cover more area and find fish fast.

Buy Northland Glass Buck-Shot Spoon

Best Non-Rattle Spoon

Custom Jigs & Spins Slender Spoons

The Custom Jigs & Spins Slender Spoon offers a subtle fluttering action that mimics a dying baitfish, which can be highly effective for enticing finicky perch.

This spoon’s subtle action is perfect when perch are not responding to louder, more aggressive presentations. It flutters beautifully on the drop, and I often tip it with a waxworm or minnow head for added attraction.

Buy Custom Jigs & Spins Slender Spoons

Best Minnow Glide Bait

Rapala Jigging Rap

The Rapala Jigging Rap is a classic glide bait that darts in wide, circular patterns. It mimics a fleeing minnow, making it a reliable choice for aggressive perch.

This is a staple in my tackle box. Its darting action is irresistible to perch, especially when they’re actively hunting. I’ve found it most effective when jigged aggressively, creating a fleeing baitfish pattern that triggers reaction strikes.

Buy Rapala Jigging Rap

Best Dropper

Rapala Jigging Rap

The Hali Sukkula Jigs are designed with a unique dropper chain that enhances movement, making them ideal for finicky perch. The lure creates a natural motion that triggers bites.

This jig is perfect for days when perch are shy and less aggressive. The dropper chain adds a natural flutter, and I often tip it with a piece of bait to increase its appeal. It’s incredibly effective for keeping perch interested and coming back for more.

Buy Hali Sukkula Jigs

Best Hybrid Lure

Clam Dropper Spoon

The Clam Dropper Spoon combines the flash of a spoon with the finesse of a dropper chain. This hybrid design is excellent for targeting perch in various conditions.

This hybrid lure gives me the best of both worlds. The spoon provides flash to attract perch, while the dropper chain allows for a more subtle presentation. It’s versatile and has proven effective on days when perch are less responsive to other lures.

Buy Clamp Dropper Spoon

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Ice Fishing Lures for Perch

When selecting lures for ice fishing perch, consider the following factors:

Lure Type: Different lures serve different purposes. Tungsten jigs are great for quickly getting down to deeper fish, while spoons offer flash and vibration to attract perch from a distance. Choose based on how active or finicky the fish are.
Action: Perch can respond to a variety of actions. Fast, aggressive jigging can trigger reaction bites, while a more subtle flutter can coax shy fish. Consider the conditions and the fish’s mood when choosing a lure.
Color and Size: Matching the hatch is key. Choose lures that mimic the local forage in color and size. Bright colors can be more effective in murky water, while natural colors work best in clear water.
Weight: Heavier lures are suitable for fishing deeper waters and faster presentations, while lighter lures allow for a slower, more natural presentation. Use the weight that suits your fishing depth and technique.
Versatility: It’s beneficial to carry a mix of lure types, including jigs, spoons, and glide baits. Being able to switch up presentations can make all the difference in catching more perch.

Final Thoughts

Perch are aggressive and willing to bite, but choosing the right lure can enhance your success on the ice. From tungsten jigs to glide baits and spoons, each lure has its strengths. Use this guide to select the best lures for your next ice fishing trip, and increase your chances of catching more perch this winter.

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