What if you could guarantee a bigger haul on your next Lake of the Woods ice fishing trip? The frozen expanse of Lake of the Woods holds incredible walleye and northern pike, but getting them to bite often feels like a guessing game. You spend hours drilling holes, bundling up, and dropping your line, only to watch the tip stay stubbornly still. It’s frustrating when you know the fish are down there, but they just won’t cooperate.
Choosing the perfect lure for this massive body of water can be overwhelming. Should you use a jig, a spoon, or a rattle bait? Water clarity, depth, and even the time of day change what works best. Many anglers waste precious fishing time experimenting with the wrong gear. This article cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly which lures consistently trigger strikes from the legendary Lake of the Woods species.
By the end of this guide, you will have a specialized tackle box ready for any condition on the ice. Get ready to swap out those unproductive baits, because we are diving deep into the top-performing ice fishing lures that unlock the secrets of Lake of the Woods success.
Top Ice Fishing Lures For Lake Of The Woods Recommendations
- Lake Trout 3-Pack Fishing Lures: Spoon lure kit ideal for lake trout fishing contains three 4.25" 1 oz lures in the following color combinations: Silver/Chartreuse, Gold Firetiger, Silver/Silver/Hot Green
- PATENTED BALL CHAIN VIBRATION SYSTEM: Features Iron Decoy’s innovative ball chain design that adds vibration, sound, and enhanced lower-body movement to the spoon, improving lure visibility and attraction in deep water, low light, and stained conditions.
- TRUE MULTI-SPECIES FISHING PERFORMANCE: Designed to target a wide range of freshwater species including trout, walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, salmon, steelhead, crappie, perch, kokanee, and northern pike across lakes, rivers, and streams.
- PREMIUM MARINE-GRADE METAL CONSTRUCTION: Built with a solid brass lure body and finished with a heavy-duty, electroplated, jewelry-quality coating for long-lasting durability, corrosion resistance, and consistent performance in freshwater and saltwater environments.
- CONTROLLED-DEPTH & TROLLING READY DESIGN: Performs consistently across a broad range of trolling speeds and is compatible with downriggers, lead core, dipsies, jets, and other depth-control systems, making this 3-pack a versatile value kit for year-round fishing.
- RIGGED AND READY: Don’t waste your time rigging up your tubes! The new Northland Fishing Tackle Level-Head Predator Tube comes rigged and ready to catch big fish right out of the package, and includes an extra soft plastic body.
- BIG FISH BAIT: The soft chewy body of this large tube lure swims and darts like a dying baitfish underwater, attracting hungry predators. A stout hook combined with a blood red sting’r hook ensures you can seal the deal on even the biggest lake trout or pike. Tie one on, and hold on!
- LEVEL-HEAD DESIGN: This pre-rigged soft plastic fishing tube features an eyelet that is strategically placed further down the head of the jig to ensure that the bait always hangs horizontally, to create a natural looking presentation when jigging.
- YEAR-ROUND USE: This artificial tube excels in any freshwater vertical jigging situation and will catch fish through the ice and from the boat alike. Available in 3 sizes, and 4 different proven colors like white, glow, and chartreuse that are highly visible in a variety of conditions.
- TESTED AND TRUSTED: This lure was tested and trusted by the team at Northland Fishing Tackle, and professional anglers across the country. Northland Fishing Tackle has been delivering essential fishing tackle to anglers nationwide for decades. Every Northland Tackle product is designed by fishermen for quality conscious anglers that demand the best in their fishing tackle and accessories.
- An essential lure on the water and under the ice alike, the Northland Fishing Tackle Puppet Minnow will get the job done on just about any species of fish. Built to imitate the action of a darting minnow, this lure darts upward on the lift and swims in a semi-circle during freefall.
- This ice fishing and open water fishing bait is perfect for all species of fish including bull bluegills, perch, walleyes, crappies, pike, and trout year-round. It can be fished in a variety of different ways to get bit in any situation. Rip it up and down vertically, cast it out and pop it back, or slowly raise and lower it to give it a rocking motion that fish can’t resist.
- Northland fishing and ice fishing jigs are made with quality components, so you can fish with confidence no matter what bites. The Puppet Minnow doesn’t miss many fish with two stout jigs on the front and back, plus a treble hook on the bottom. You can fish this jig plain or tip your bottom treble with a minnow head!
- The Puppet Minnow from Northland Fishing Tackle is a lights out lure for anglers everywhere. Available in small ⅛ Oz sizes that can entice panfish all the way up to 1 Oz variations that will seal the deal on pike and lake trout, there’s a Puppet Minnow for any situation. This darting jig is available in five total sizes and fifteen different colors, including UV and Glo options that work well in low light or ice fishing conditions.
- This lure was tested and trusted by the team at Northland Fishing Tackle, and professional anglers across the country. Northland Fishing Tackle has been delivering quality fishing tackle to anglers nationwide for decades. Every Northland Tackle product is designed by fishermen for quality conscious anglers that demand the best in their fishing gear.
- 【Premium Materials】- FishTrip ice fishing lures are made of high-quality lead materials and high-carbon steel hooks. Durable and sharp, the extremely penetrating hook tip can quickly pierce the upper jaw of the target fish. Built to withstand the rigors of ice fishing, ensuring they can be used for many seasons
- 【Glow in the Dark】- The ice fishing hook heads feature realistic convex fin attachments and are coated with high-fidelity paint to keep the hooks bright, making fish clearly visible in low-light conditions, increasing your chances of a successful catch (Tips：Only some of the hooks have glow-in-the-dark function, please choose according to your needs.)
- 【Efficient Ice Fishing Jigs】- 30pcs ice fishing jigs set includes 5 different shapes and sizes of jigs. Each shape has a different color with highly reflective baitfish images and large 3D eyes that works with the barbed hook tip design to achieve a higher hook-up rate
- 【Various Fish Species】- These ice fishing bait kits are perfect for ice fishing enthusiasts, attracting a variety of fish such as crappie, sunfish, minnows, bass, pike, perch, walleye, bluegill and trout
- 【About FishTrip】: Every FishTrip product is well made with great attention to detail, which is sure to increase your catch rate. If you have any questions feel free to contact us
- 10PCS Topwater Lures in one Plastic box,Weight: 1.6g/0.056oz; Length:2.6cm/1.02in, Box Size:13.5 * 7.5 * 2.2cm / 5.31 * 2.95 * 0.87in.- holographic eyes and verisimilar body make it a life like fish.
- Brilliant colors and realistic crankbait with lifelike bait fish swimming action to attract fishes which can be used in both saltwater and freshwater.
- Gravity Ball & Treble Hooks - Built-in gravity ball helps to raise the throw distance and make some noise to attract the fishes.super sharp rust-proof treble hooks, high durability and flexibility.
- MADE BY ABS:Durable ABS construction make it rigged with sharp treble hooks which makes it a powerful catching tool.
- Widely targeting at predator fishes such as panfish, crappie, walleye, pike, muskie, roach, trout and other various fishes. Suitable for saltwater and freshwater fishing, wonderful lures for anglers.
- CONFIDENCE IN EVERY CAST The effectiveness of any fishing lure hinges on its performance, and performance stems from its design.
- AFTER YEARS DEVOTED TO TESTING AND DESIGN, we've meticulously honed the shape, length, width, metal composition, electroplating, and color combinations to create an exceptionally effective lure.
- PRECISION CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING the Iron Decoy lures have been designed to produce incredible consistent action during slow, average, and fast speeds.
- PATENT PENDING BALL CHAIN DESIGN The innovative ball chain trailer design enhances the lure's action while introducing both vibration and sound.
- HIGH QUALITY BRAND NAME PARTS The Eagle Claw Laser Sharp hooks, Rosco Split Rings, WTP Prism Tape, and Ball Chain Manufacturing Trailer represent top-tier components from renowned brands, embodying unparalleled quality and reliability.
- Rip your way to more panfish, perch, pike, walleyes and trout - When the bite is slow, Rippin' Shad Fishing Hooks get you that extra edge you need! Perfect for vertical jigging through the ice and both casting and jigging in open water. Wiggle that bait just right and watch the competition shake their heads.
- Flat head produces a tight-wiggling action - Our customer's favorite feature! You can experiment with straight or rip-fall cadences to bring your prey right into your net. Trusty ears out on the lake will tell you which works best. That tail wiggle sends hungry fish into a frenzy of fun!
- Internally weighted rattle chamber emits sonic vibration and sonars - Noise brings them in from far away! They'll hear the call from down deep and come to investigate what all that commotion's about. Such delightful surprises for any fisherman lucky enough to have a Rippin' Shad Fishing Hook on his line!
- An essential lure on the water and under the ice alike, the Northland Fishing Tackle Puppet Minnow will get the job done on just about any species of fish. Built to imitate the action of a darting minnow, this lure darts upward on the lift and swims in a semi-circle during freefall.
- This ice fishing and open water fishing bait is perfect for all species of fish including bull bluegills, perch, walleyes, crappies, pike, and trout year-round. It can be fished in a variety of different ways to get bit in any situation. Rip it up and down vertically, cast it out and pop it back, or slowly raise and lower it to give it a rocking motion that fish can’t resist.
- Northland fishing and ice fishing jigs are made with quality components, so you can fish with confidence no matter what bites. The Puppet Minnow doesn’t miss many fish with two stout jigs on the front and back, plus a treble hook on the bottom. You can fish this jig plain or tip your bottom treble with a minnow head!
- The Puppet Minnow from Northland Fishing Tackle is a lights out lure for anglers everywhere. Available in small ⅛ Oz sizes that can entice panfish all the way up to 1 Oz variations that will seal the deal on pike and lake trout, there’s a Puppet Minnow for any situation. This darting jig is available in five total sizes and fifteen different colors, including UV and Glo options that work well in low light or ice fishing conditions.
- This lure was tested and trusted by the team at Northland Fishing Tackle, and professional anglers across the country. Northland Fishing Tackle has been delivering quality fishing tackle to anglers nationwide for decades. Every Northland Tackle product is designed by fishermen for quality conscious anglers that demand the best in their fishing gear.
Choosing the Best Ice Fishing Lures for Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods (LOW) is famous for its massive walleye, northern pike, and plentiful perch. Catching these fish through the ice requires the right gear, especially your lures. This guide helps you pick the perfect tools for your next trip to LOW.
Key Features to Look For in LOW Lures
When you shop for ice fishing lures, look closely at these features. They make a big difference in how many fish you catch.
- Vibration and Action: Lures that move or vibrate strongly attract fish in murky or deep water, common at LOW. A good lure wiggles or rattles when you jig it.
- Color Visibility: Fish see colors differently underwater. Bright colors like chartreuse or firetiger work well on sunny days. Darker colors, like black or silver, are better when it’s cloudy or very deep.
- Size Matching: Match your lure size to the baitfish the walleye or perch are currently eating. Small jigs work for perch, but big spoons are often needed for aggressive pike.
- Hook Quality: Sharp, strong hooks land fish quickly. Cheap hooks bend easily when you hook a big walleye.
Important Materials in Ice Fishing Lures
The material a lure uses affects how it sinks, how it looks, and how long it lasts.
Metal Lures (Spoons and Jigs):
Most effective LOW lures use metal. Brass, lead, and tungsten are common. Tungsten is heavier than lead. This means a tungsten jig drops faster, letting you fish deeper water efficiently. Metal also reflects light well, mimicking shiny baitfish.
Soft Plastics:
Some anglers use soft plastic trailers on their jigs. These plastics often contain scents that attract fish. Look for durable plastic that resists tearing when a hungry perch bites down hard.
Paint and Finish:
High-quality lures use chip-resistant paint. A lure that loses its color underwater looks unnatural. Good finishes also include UV brighteners, which help the lure show up even in low light.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Lure Quality
Quality matters when fighting a trophy fish on the ice.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Hand-Tuned Action: The best lures have a swimming action built right into the design. You don’t have to work hard to make them look alive.
- Premium Treble Hooks: Hooks made from high-carbon steel stay sharp longer and offer better hook-setting power.
- Durable Coatings: Good paint jobs stay intact after hitting the ice or being chewed on by pike.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
Cheaply made lures often have poor finishes that flake off quickly. Thin, weak hooks bend easily, letting the fish escape. Lures that sink too slowly due to poor weighting can miss bites because they spend too much time suspended above the fish.
User Experience and Use Cases on Lake of the Woods
Think about how you fish when selecting your lures.
Walleye Tactics:
Walleye often hold near structure or on soft bottoms. Use vertical jigging spoons (like a Swedish Pimple or a jigging Rapala) tipped with a minnow head. When jigging, lift the lure sharply, then let it flutter down slowly. This flutter action triggers the walleye to strike.
Pike and Aggressive Fish:
Pike are aggressive predators. They like large, flashy lures. Use big, rattling spoons or heavy lipless crankbaits. Cast them slightly away from your hole and reel them back with an erratic action. They react well to speed and noise.
Perch Fishing:
Perch are often found in schools and can be picky. Use small, bright tungsten jigs (1/16 oz or smaller). Fish these jigs very close to the bottom, using short, subtle twitches. A small bead or a piece of soft plastic tail often seals the deal for perch.
10 FAQs About Ice Fishing Lures for Lake of the Woods
Q: What is the best all-around lure color for LOW walleye?
A: Chartreuse or a combination of silver and blue usually works well across different light conditions at Lake of the Woods.
Q: Should I use live bait or artificial lures?
A: Artificial lures are great for generating strikes, but tipping them with a small piece of live bait (like a minnow head or a maggot) often increases your success rate, especially for finicky walleye.
Q: Are expensive lures really worth the money?
A: Sometimes, yes. More expensive lures often have better materials, stronger hooks, and more realistic finishes that last longer and attract more fish.
Q: How deep should I fish my lures?
A: You must match your depth to where the fish are. Use a fish finder to locate them. If walleye are at 25 feet, keep your lure in that zone. Heavier lures help you reach depth faster.
Q: What is “jigging” and why is it important?
A: Jigging means quickly lifting and then slowly dropping your lure repeatedly. This movement mimics a wounded baitfish, which triggers a predatory response from the game fish.
Q: Do rattles help ice fishing lures?
A: Yes, rattles create noise that travels well in cold, dense water. They are very effective when visibility is low due to stained water or deep fishing.
Q: What size spoon do I need for northern pike?
A: For pike, look at spoons that are 2.5 inches long or larger. You need a big target to convince a big pike to strike.
Q: How often should I change my lure?
A: If you have not had a bite in 10 to 15 minutes, change your lure. Try switching the color, then the size, and finally the action.
Q: What is the best material for fishing in very deep water?
A: Tungsten jigs are superior for deep water because they are dense. They sink quickly to the bottom, saving you time between drops.
Q: Should I use fluorocarbon or mono line for ice fishing?
A: Fluorocarbon line is often preferred because it is nearly invisible underwater, which can be a big advantage when fish are spooky.