Imagine drilling a hole through thick, clear ice, the winter sun glinting off the surface. You drop your line, hoping for that tell-tale tug. But what lure gets the walleye or northern pike biting when the water is frozen?
Choosing the right ice fishing lure for Lake of the Woods is tougher than it looks. The fish behave differently under the ice. A lure that works great in summer might flop in January. Anglers often waste precious time and money trying lure after lure, only to come home empty-handed. It’s frustrating when you know the big fish are down there, but they just won’t cooperate with your presentation.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you the must-have lures that consistently bring in trophy fish on Lake of the Woods. You will learn exactly what colors and actions trigger strikes, saving you hours of guesswork on the ice. Get ready to fill your bucket!
Top Lake Of The Woods Ice Fishing Lures 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Beads and disk provide flash, sound and water displacement for maximum fish attraction
- Dropper chain separates hook from lure to catch more fish in neutral or negative moods
- A variety of proven fish catching color combinations
- When vertically jigged this lure creates flashes, sound and water displacement stimulating the fish's lateral line attracting Perch, Crappies, Walleye, Trout, Whitefish and more from great distances
- 1 per pack
- 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.
- Rapala CountDown Minnow Lure: Body Length: 2"; Running Depth: 3'-6'; Weight: 3/16 oz.; Two Hooks No. 10; Color: Brown Trout
- Controlled Sinking Action: Count down design lets you target specific depths for trout bass and walleye
- Natural Minnow Profile: Realistic baitfish shape and swimming action trigger strikes in clear water
- Proven Catch Record: Trusted hard bait for multi species fishing in lakes streams and reservoirs
- Rapala: Made by fishermen for fishermen, we understand what you need
- The Northland Thumper Spoon is a go-to ice fishing lure when you need more flash, flutter, and finesse. Its thin, bent brass profile and micro flicker blade provide unmatched action, perfect for drawing strikes in tough winter fishing conditions.
- Made from premium stamped brass with strategically placed bends, the Thumper Spoon creates a unique fluttering action on the fall, imitating a wounded baitfish. This irresistible motion attracts fish from both clear and stained waters, increasing your chances of getting bites.
- An added flutter blade delivers extra flash and vibrationoffering a highly effective presentation that triggers aggressive strikes from species like walleye, crappie, perch, bluegill, trout, bass, and more, even in the toughest conditions.
- Available in 10 vibrant match-the-hatch color options, ranging from natural baitfish patterns for clear water to long-lasting glow-in-the-dark designs for nighttime or murky water, this lure allows you to adapt to any fishing scenario with ease.
- Outfitted with ultra-sharp treble hooks, the Thumper Spoon is designed to catch a wide variety of species. Available in four sizes—1/16 oz, 1/8 oz, 3/16 oz, and 1/4 oz—it's perfect for fishing at different depths. Tested and trusted by professional anglers, this lure is built to perform.
- 【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
Choosing the Best Lake of the Woods Ice Fishing Lures
Ice fishing on Lake of the Woods demands the right gear. The right lure can make the difference between a successful day and a frustrating one. This guide helps you pick the best lures for catching walleye, northern pike, and sauger in the icy waters.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for Lake of the Woods ice fishing lures, look closely at these important features:
1. Action and Vibration
Lures must mimic wounded baitfish. A good lure has an erratic, jigging action. This movement catches the eye of predatory fish below the ice. Some lures vibrate slightly. This vibration travels well through cold water, attracting fish from a distance.
2. Size and Profile
Fish size matters. For smaller perch or crappie, use a smaller jig, maybe 1/16 or 1/8 ounce. For trophy walleye or pike, you need a larger spoon or jig, often 1/4 ounce or more. Match the lure profile to the natural forage in Lake of the Woods. Small minnows and shiners are common targets for predators.
3. Color Selection
Water clarity changes everything. On sunny days or in clear water, natural colors like silver, white, or gold work best. When the day is cloudy or the water is stained, bright colors like chartreuse, orange, or glow colors often trigger strikes. Always carry a variety!
4. Hook Quality
A dull hook means lost fish. Ensure the hooks are razor-sharp. Strong, quality hooks prevent fish from bending them out when you set the hook hard. Treble hooks or strong single hooks are necessary for bigger species.
Important Materials in Your Lures
The materials used in lure construction affect durability and attraction.
- Lead and Tungsten: Most jigs use lead because it is dense and affordable. Tungsten is denser than lead. Tungsten jigs sink faster and offer a smaller profile while maintaining the same weight. Many anglers prefer tungsten for finesse fishing.
- Plastics and Soft Bodies: Some modern lures incorporate soft plastic trailers. These add scent and a more natural feel when fish mouth the bait. Quality plastics resist tearing after multiple fish catches.
- Finish and Paint: A durable paint job lasts longer. Look for UV-enhanced finishes or quality epoxy coatings. Poor paint chips easily, making the lure look old and less appealing.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality construction directly impacts your success.
Factors Improving Quality:
High-quality lures feature precision weighting that ensures the lure falls correctly. They often include premium hardware, like stainless steel split rings. Lures with excellent balance stay upright when jigged.
Factors Reducing Quality:
Cheaply made lures often have rough edges or poorly set eyes. If the paint flakes off after just a few uses, the quality is low. Poorly balanced jigs might spin or fall sideways, which fish ignore.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you fish when selecting a lure.
Jigging vs. Dead Sticking
Jigging Lures (Active Fishing): These lures require constant movement. You lift and drop the rod rhythmically. Spoons and blade baits excel here, especially when targeting active walleye near drop-offs.
Dead Sticking Lures (Passive Fishing): Sometimes fish are sluggish. You might tip a small jig with live bait (like a minnow head) and let it sit still or barely move it. Smaller, compact jigs are perfect for this technique.
Targeting Specific Species
Walleye: Use slender spoons or vertical jigs tipped with minnows. Focus on mid-depth structure.
Northern Pike: Bigger, flashier spoons or large rattles are needed to provoke these aggressive feeders.
Perch: Small, brightly colored tungsten jigs or small plastics work well when fishing shallower flats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best time of day to use these lures?
A: Early morning and late afternoon are usually best. However, on Lake of the Woods, a good glow lure works well even during the middle of the day, especially in lower light conditions under heavy clouds.
Q: Should I use live bait with my ice fishing lure?
A: Yes, tipping your jig with a small minnow or a wax worm often increases success, particularly for finicky walleye. The movement and scent of live bait add attraction.
Q: How deep should I fish my lure?
A: You must fish where the fish are! Start near the bottom, as many Lake of the Woods species feed low. If you don’t get bites, try raising your lure a foot or two off the bottom structure.
Q: Are expensive lures always better?
A: Not always, but better materials usually mean better performance. Invest in high-quality hooks and durable paint. A $10, well-made tungsten jig can outperform several cheap lead jigs.
Q: How important is the rattle feature?
A: Rattles are very important in murky or deep water. The noise helps fish locate the lure when visibility is low. Clear water may not require loud rattles.
Q: What is the ideal jigging motion?
A: A common method involves lifting the rod tip sharply about 6 to 12 inches, then letting the lure flutter back down quickly. Pay attention to the pause at the bottom; many strikes happen then.
Q: How often should I change my lure color?
A: Change your color every 15 to 20 minutes if you are not getting bites. Start with a natural color, and if that fails, switch to a bright, high-contrast color.
Q: Can I use the same lures for pike and walleye?
A: You can, but you should use larger versions for pike. Walleye lures are generally smaller and more subtle. Pike have bigger mouths and prefer larger meals.
Q: What is “glow in the dark” paint for?
A: Glow paint absorbs light and then slowly releases it. This is very effective in the dark environment under the ice, making your lure highly visible to fish.
Q: How should I store my ice fishing lures?
A: Always rinse freshwater lures with fresh water after use, especially if you used them in saltwater or brackish water nearby. Dry them completely before storing them to prevent rust on the hooks and hardware.