Best Ice Fishing Lures for Walleye: Essential Picks for Winter Success

By: FishUSA Staff

November 29, 2024

Ice fishing for walleye is both challenging and rewarding. Success often comes down to using the right lures at the right time to match conditions, forage base, or mood of the fish. Here are some of the best ice fishing lures for walleye, with detailed reviews to help you understand how each product performs on the ice.

Rapala Jigging Rap

Rapala Slab Raps

Wolverine Tackle Rattle Streak Spoon

Clam Leech Flutter Spoon

Reef Runner Cicada Lures

Eurotackle Z-Viber Micro Lipless Crankbait

Custom Jigs & Spins Slender Spoons

ACME Kastmaster

Bay De Noc Swedish Pimples

VMC Tumbler Spoon

Rapala Jigging Rap

The Rapala Jigging Rap is a classic among ice anglers for its unique darting action. Designed to imitate a fleeing baitfish, this lure darts in a wide circular pattern, making it an effective choice for targeting walleye anywhere in the water column.

Anglers appreciate the weight and balance of the Jigging Rap, as it allows for precise control, even in deeper water. It’s perfect for vertical jigging and can be used when hole hopping to locate active fish quickly. This lure is particularly effective during the mid-winter months when walleye are deeper and more sluggish. Sharp, quick snaps of the rod help trigger aggressive strikes, especially when the bite is slow.

Buy Rapala Jigging Rap

Rapala Slab Raps

The Rapala Slab Rap offers a subtle, vibrating action that mimics a struggling baitfish. It’s designed to be fished with short lifts and drops, making it effective when walleye are less aggressive.

The subtle vibrations of the Slab Rap are thanks to its tight wiggle action. This sends out subtle signals in the water, exactly like a wounded baitfish would. I noticed that this lure excels when the walleye are finicky and not responding to louder, more aggressive presentations. It’s a great choice for pressured areas, and it’s easy to fish for extended periods without fatigue.

Buy Rapala Slab Raps

Wolverine Tackle Rattle Streak Spoons

The Wolverine Tackle Rattle Streak Spoon combines flash, color, and sound to attract walleye from a distance. The added rattle chamber is perfect for murky water conditions.

This spoon is versatile and can be used in various depths, but it truly shines in low-visibility situations. The rattle is just loud enough to attract attention without being too overbearing. I found that a steady jigging rhythm works best, and the spoon’s reflective surface adds that extra flash needed to get a reaction strike.

Buy Wolverine Tackle Rattle Streak Spoons

Clam Leech Flutter Spoon

The Clam Leech Flutter Spoon features a unique fluttering action that catches the eye of walleye. Its lightweight design allows for a slower descent, which can be enticing for finicky fish.

I love using this spoon when the walleye are in a neutral or negative mood. The slow, fluttering drop mimics a dying baitfish, and it’s this realistic action that often convinces walleye to bite when they would otherwise ignore faster-moving baits. Perfect for early mornings and late afternoons when fish are more cautious.

Buy Wolverine Tackle Rattle Streak Spoons

Reef Runner Cicada Lures

The Reef Runner Cicada is known for its vibrating, blade-style design that sends strong signals through the water. Its tight, erratic motion makes it a favorite for vertical jigging.

The Cicada's ability to vibrate intensely with minimal rod movement is a game changer. It’s effective for fish that need a bit of coaxing. I found it to be excellent for drilling multiple holes and hopping from one to the next, covering water efficiently and locating active fish.

Buy Reef Runner Cicada Lures

Eurotackle Z-Viber Micro Lipless Crankbait

The Eurotackle Z-Viber is a tiny yet powerful lipless crankbait that excels at catching walleye through the ice. Despite its small size, it produces a significant vibration and tight wobble.

The Z-Viber is my go-to when targeting finicky walleye that refuse larger lures. The compact design allows it to get down fast, and the tight wobble is subtle yet effective. It’s also great for multi-species use, so I often have one tied on throughout the day for anything that bites.

Buy Eurotackle Z-Viber Micro Lipless Crankbait

Custom Jigs and Spins Slender Spoons

The Custom Jigs and Spins Slender Spoon is designed for a slow, enticing flutter on the drop, mimicking a distressed baitfish. It is effective at triggering strikes from inactive walleye.

This spoon’s long, slender profile gives it a graceful flutter that no walleye can resist. It’s perfect for suspended fish, and I’ve found success by allowing it to drift down slowly, pausing occasionally to mimic a dying fish. Ideal for clear waters where the subtle action can be fully appreciated.

Buy Custom Jigs and Spins Slender Spoons

ACME Kastmaster

The ACME Kastmaster is a versatile spoon known for its balance and durability. It can be fished in various conditions, making it a staple in any angler’s tackle box.

The Kastmaster is a workhorse. It cuts through the water quickly, making it easy to get down to deeper fish, and its reflective finish is excellent at catching the attention of nearby walleye. I’ve had great success using this lure in various water conditions, and it’s my go-to when I’m unsure where to start.

Buy ACME Kastmaster

Bay de Noc Swedish Pimples

The Bay de Noc Swedish Pimple is a classic ice fishing lure that has stood the test of time. Don’t be fooled by its simple design, the Swedish Pimple is a downright fish catcher.

This is an essential lure for any ice angler. The Swedish Pimple’s consistent performance makes it reliable, and I’ve used it to catch everything from aggressive, feeding walleye to finicky fish that need a bit more coaxing. I often tip it with a small piece of bait to enhance its appeal, and it works like a charm.

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VMC Tumbler Spoon

The VMC Tumbler Spoon offers a slow tumbling action on the fall, quite a unique movement when it comes to spoons.

A small metallic blade near the treble hook adds flash but also creates a target right at the hook, increasing hookup rate. Holographic eyes, UV finishes, and a holographic Ultra Glow that lasts for up to 15 minutes a charge all make this spoon a deadly effective option for walleyes, especially in low light conditions.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing the right lure can make all the difference when ice fishing for walleye. Whether you prefer the aggressive action of jigging raps or the subtle flutter of spoons, there is a perfect lure out there for every situation. Consider adding a few of these top picks to your tackle box, and you’ll be ready to catch more walleye this winter season.

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