Ice fishing for walleyes is a thrilling and challenging pursuit that requires a combination of skill, patience, and the right gear. Among the most important pieces of equipment are your lures. When targeting walleyes through the ice, it's essential to use the right lures that mimic their natural prey and trigger a predatory response. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best lures for ice fishing walleyes, breaking down what makes them effective and offering tips on how to use them for a successful trip on the ice.

1. Jigs: The Classic Walleye Lure

Jigs are arguably the most versatile and effective lures for ice fishing walleyes. They come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, making them adaptable to different water conditions and walleye preferences. A jig's small, compact size and slow, tantalizing fall through the water column mimics the movement of injured or vulnerable baitfish, making it irresistible to walleyes.

• Best Types of Jigs for Walleyes:
  • Traditional Leadhead Jigs: These are simple, effective, and come in various sizes and colors. They work especially well when tipped with live bait, such as a minnow or a leech. One of my favorite jig heads is the Z-Man Finesse EyeZ Jig heads. They’re super realistic!
  • Bucktail Jigs: These jigs are often tied with feathers or synthetic materials that create a subtle, fluttering action in the water. They’re a great option for walleyes when you need a more natural presentation. The feathered body mimics the movement of minnows.
  • Glow Jigs: Walleyes are known to be more active during low-light conditions, especially at dawn or dusk, and glow jigs are excellent for these situations. The glow effect helps attract walleyes from a greater distance.
• How to Use Jigs Effectively:When ice fishing for walleyes, it’s important to experiment with jigging techniques. Start by lowering your jig to the bottom and giving it gentle, steady movements. A subtle hop, pause, and drop will often draw in curious walleyes. Adjust the speed and intensity of your jigging based on how active the fish are. Many walleye anglers use a jig head and a minnow as a deadstick rig in conjunction with a more aggressive presentation.

2. Rattlebaits: Drawing Attention with Sound

Rattlebaits are another highly effective tool for ice fishing walleyes, especially when you need to draw fish in from a distance. These lures contain internal rattles or beads that produce vibrations in the water, which can be heard by walleyes from several feet away. The sound and vibration create a sense of urgency and attract fish, especially in murky or deep waters where visual cues may be limited.

• Best Rattlebaits for Walleyes:
  • Rapala Rattlin’ Rap: A popular choice among ice anglers, the Rapala Rattlin’ Rap is designed to produce a strong vibration and sound that is irresistible to walleyes. Its erratic action and fluttering motion mimic struggling baitfish.
  • Northland Buck Shot Rattle Spoon: This is a classic bait that is still one of my favorites and a go-to wherever I head out on the hardwater chasing walleyes. There are brass rattles within the body of the bait. It’s loud and aggressive and can call in fish for you. It’s perfect for catching the attention of fish in low-light or murky water conditions.
• How to Use Rattlebaits:Begin by lowering the rattlebait to the desired depth and use an aggressive jigging motion to get the vibrations going. A sharp, erratic up-and-down motion works well, but be prepared to slow things down if the fish are less aggressive. Rattlebaits can be especially effective when fish are suspending mid-water or in deeper holes.

3. Spoons: The Versatile Ice Fishing Tool

Spoons are another great option for targeting walleyes through the ice. Their unique shape allows them to mimic both baitfish and invertebrates, depending on how you use them. When jigged properly, spoons have an enticing fluttering motion that attracts walleyes, particularly in deep water.

• Best Spoons for Walleyes:
  • VMC Tingler Spoon: Known for its versatility and flashing action, the VMC Tingler Spoon is a favorite among ice anglers. It’s available in a variety of colors, including glow patterns, making it adaptable to different light conditions. It’s perfect for when you need a more subtle profile. I like to tip the Tingler Spoon with minnow heads to make it more effective.
  • Acme Kastmaster: Another classic choice, the Acme Kastmaster offers a slow fluttering action, perfect for walleyes that are less active or holding in deeper water. It’s also great for deadsticking.
• How to Use Spoons:Spoons can be jigged in a variety of ways, but one of the most effective methods is the "lift-and-drop" technique. Lift the spoon about 1-2 feet off the bottom, let it flutter back down, and repeat the motion. This gives the lure a lifelike action that mimics the natural movement of struggling baitfish.

Ice fishing for walleyes is both an art and a science, and selecting the right lure is key to a successful outing. Whether you're using jigs, rattlebaits, or spoons the most important thing is to stay versatile and experiment with different techniques until you find what works best for the specific conditions you're facing. By matching the lure to the walleye’s feeding behavior and adapting to the environment, you’ll maximize your chances of reeling in a gorgeous walleye for the plate, to mount on the wall, or for a memorable photo.

The Catch Cover Rattlesnake Reel is the most versatile rattle reel in ice fishing!