walleye ice fishing lures

“The Top Walleye Ice Fishing Lures to Up Your Catch Rate: A Comprehensive Report”

Walleye Ice Fishing: An Introduction


Walleye Ice Fishing Lures

Ice fishing is a popular winter sport that is enjoyed by many fishermen across the world. This activity involves fishing for various fish species that live in iced over lakes and rivers. One of the popular targets for ice fishers is the walleye fish, which is a freshwater fish that has an excellent taste and is highly sought after by anglers.

However, catching walleye fish during the winter season can be a real challenge. Due to the cold temperatures, these fish tend to move around slowly, and their metabolism rate drops considerably. As a result, they become relatively inactive and are not as likely to be caught using standard fishing methods and lures. It is because of this challenge that ice fishers need to use specialized lures designed for walleye ice fishing.

The importance of using the right lures when ice fishing for walleye cannot be overstated. These fish are known to be picky eaters, and getting them to bite can be difficult without the right bait. The right walleye ice fishing lures need to be appealing to the fish and mimic the movements of their natural prey, such as minnows, shiners, and other small fish.

Therefore, the right choice of lures can make all the difference when it comes to successful walleye ice fishing. In this article, we will explore some of the best walleye ice fishing lures, their characteristics, and how to use them to increase your catch rate during the winter seasons.

Types of Walleye Ice Fishing Lures


Walleye Ice Fishing Lures

When it comes to ice fishing for walleye, choosing the right lure can be the difference between going home empty-handed and having a successful day on the ice. There are three primary types of walleye ice fishing lures: jigs, spoons, and hard baits.

Jigs

Walleye Jigs

Jigs are the most popular type of walleye ice fishing lure, and for good reason. They are versatile, easy to use, and effective at catching walleye in a variety of conditions. Jigs come in a range of shapes and sizes, but the most common style is a round or teardrop-shaped head with a hook attached. The head is typically made of lead, tungsten, or zinc and may be painted or coated with a reflective material to attract fish. Jigs can be tipped with live bait, such as minnows or wax worms, or plastic baits like grubs or twister tails.

Spoons

Walleye Spoons

Spoons are another effective lure for walleye ice fishing. They are typically made of metal or plastic and are designed to imitate small baitfish like perch, shad, or smelt. Spoons come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, but silver, gold, and white are popular choices for walleye. Spoons can be fished vertically or horizontally, and their wobbling action can trigger feeding instincts in walleye.

Hard Baits

Walleye Hard Baits

Hard baits, also known as crankbaits or stickbaits, are less commonly used for ice fishing but can be effective at catching walleye. They are designed to mimic swimming prey and are typically made of hard plastic with treble hooks attached. Hard baits can be fished vertically or horizontally and may have a diving lip to help control depth. Some anglers prefer using hard baits in deeper waters or when walleye are holding close to the bottom.

Ultimately, the best choice of lure for walleye ice fishing will depend on a variety of factors, including water depth, clarity, temperature, and the behavior of the fish. Anglers may need to experiment with different lures and techniques to find what works best in their particular fishing location and conditions.

Choosing the Right Color and Size


Choosing the Right Color and Size

Choosing the right color and size of lure is crucial for a successful walleye ice fishing experience. Factors such as water clarity and time of day should be considered when making your selection.

Color Selection

Color Selection

The color of the lure you use will depend on the water clarity. In clear water, use natural or subtle colors such as silver, white, and light blue. In murky water, use brighter colors such as chartreuse, orange, and hot pink. These bright colors will help attract the attention of the walleye and make your lure more visible in the murky water.

It is important to keep in mind the time of day when selecting your lure color. During low light conditions, such as early morning or late afternoon, use darker colors like black, brown, and purple. During midday or brighter conditions, use lighter colors like white, silver, and gold.

Size Selection

Size Selection

The size of the lure you select will depend on the depth at which you are fishing and the size of the walleye you are targeting. In shallower waters, use smaller lures in the 1/8 to 1/4-ounce range. In deeper waters, use larger lures in the 1/4 to 1/2-ounce range.

When targeting larger walleye, use larger lures to help entice them to bite. If you are not having any luck with larger lures, try downsizing to a smaller lure to see if that will get their attention.

It is also important to consider the type of lure you are using when selecting the size. Jigging lures, such as spoons or jigs, will require a different size than a traditional minnow-shaped lure.

Experimentation and Observation

Experimentation and Observation

Experimentation and observation are key when it comes to choosing the right color and size of lure for walleye ice fishing. Not all conditions will be the same, and what works on one day may not work on the next.

Don’t be afraid to try different colors and sizes until you find what the walleye are biting on. Pay attention to which colors and sizes are producing the most bites, and adjust accordingly.

Ultimately, the right color and size of lure for walleye ice fishing will depend on a variety of factors. By considering water clarity, time of day, depth, and size, as well as experimenting and observing, you can increase your chances of a successful outing on the ice.

Rapala Jigging Rap


Rapala Jigging Rap

The Rapala Jigging Rap is a popular walleye ice fishing lure that has been used for years by anglers. This lure has a unique design that allows it to swim in a circle when jigged, which often entices walleye to bite. The Jigging Rap comes in a variety of sizes and colors, making it versatile for different fishing conditions.

The Jigging Rap has a lead head and a minnow-shaped body made of durable plastic. Its tail fin creates a realistic swimming motion when retrieved. The lure also features a single hook that is designed to catch walleye in the mouth, reducing the risk of injury to the fish.

Anglers recommend using the Jigging Rap in deeper waters, as it sinks quickly and can reach the desired depth quickly. The lure works best in clear water where walleye can see its realistic swimming motion.

Northland Buckshot Rattle Spoon


Northland Buckshot Rattle Spoon

The Northland Buckshot Rattle Spoon is another popular walleye ice fishing lure. This lure is designed to attract walleye with its rattle and reflective properties. The Buckshot Rattle Spoon is available in a variety of sizes and colors, making it versatile for different fishing conditions.

The Buckshot Rattle Spoon features a lead head and a spoon-shaped body made of durable metal. It also has a reflective finish that mimics natural prey. The lure is also equipped with a rattle that creates noise in the water, attracting walleye from a distance.

Experts recommend using the Buckshot Rattle Spoon in shallower waters, as its slow sink rate allows for a longer descent. The lure is also effective in stained water where the rattle and reflective properties can attract walleye to bite.

Berkley PowerBait Atomic Tubes


Berkley PowerBait Atomic Tubes

The Berkley PowerBait Atomic Tubes are a soft plastic lure that have become popular among walleye ice fishermen. The Atomic Tubes are designed to mimic small baitfish and other natural prey, which attracts walleye to bite. The Atomic Tubes come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them versatile for different fishing conditions.

The Atomic Tubes are made of durable soft plastic and are infused with Berkley’s patented PowerBait scent. This scent attracts fish to the lure and makes them hold on longer when biting. The Atomic Tubes are also equipped with treble hooks that have a higher hook-up ratio than single hooks.

Anglers recommend using the Atomic Tubes in shallower waters near weed beds or drop-offs. The slow, subtle movement of the lure mimics natural prey and entices walleye to bite.

Northland Forage Minnow Spoon


Northland Forage Minnow Spoon

The Northland Forage Minnow Spoon is a popular walleye ice fishing lure that is designed to mimic small minnows and other natural prey. The Forage Minnow Spoon comes in a variety of sizes and colors, making it versatile for different fishing conditions.

The Forage Minnow Spoon features a lead head and a spoon-shaped body made of durable metal. The lure is also equipped with a treble hook that has a higher hook-up ratio than a single hook. The Forage Minnow Spoon is designed to swim erratically when retrieved, mimicking the behavior of natural prey in the water.

Experts recommend using the Forage Minnow Spoon in deeper waters where walleye are feeding on smaller baitfish. The reflective properties of the lure also make it effective in murky water.

Understanding Walleye Ice Fishing Lures: A Beginner’s Guide


Walleye Ice Fishing Lures

Walleye ice fishing is one of the most exciting and challenging winter sports. It requires patience, skill, and the right equipment. One of the most crucial aspects of walleye ice fishing is choosing the right lure. Different lures work better than others depending on the time of day, water temperature, depth, and other variables. Here are some tips to help you use walleye ice fishing lures more effectively:

1. Choose the Right Color


Walleye Fishing Lure Colors

One of the most critical factors to consider when selecting the right walleye ice fishing lure is color. The color of the lure should match the color of the baitfish the walleye are feeding on. In clear water, natural colors such as silver, gold, and white usually work best. In murky water, fluorescent colors such as chartreuse and orange work better.

2. Vary Your Retrieve Techniques


Walleye Ice Fishing Lure Retrieve

Another important tip for using walleye ice fishing lures effectively is to vary your retrieve techniques. Walleye are known to be attracted to slow and steady retrieves, but they can also be caught using fast retrieves, jigs, or jerks. To determine the right retrieve technique, experiment with different types until you find one that attracts the most strikes.

3. Match the Hook Size to the Bait Size


Walleye Ice Fishing Lure Hooks

Another vital factor to consider when using walleye ice fishing lures is hook size. It would help if you matched the hook size to the bait size you are using. If the hook is too small, it may not hook the fish effectively, and if it is too big, it may scare the fish away. A general rule of thumb is to select a hook size that matches the size of the baitfish you are using.

4. Change Up Your Bait When Fish aren’t Biting


Variation of Walleye Lures

When fishing for walleye, it is not uncommon to experience days when the fish are not biting. One of the most effective ways to overcome this challenge is to change up the bait you are using. Walleye can be picky eaters, and sometimes, changing the bait’s color or size can make a significant difference in getting more bites.

5. Use Live Bait for Best Results


Using Live Bait for Walleye Ice Fishing

When it comes to walleye ice fishing lures, live bait is always the best option. Walleye are known to be attracted to live minnows, worms, and other live baitfish. Using live bait can increase your chances of catching more and larger walleye. However, make sure to choose the right size and type of live bait for the fish and to store it correctly to keep it alive and attractive to the fish.

By following these tips, you can effectively use walleye ice fishing lures and increase your chances of catching more and bigger walleye. Remember to be patient, experiment with different techniques, and always have fun on the ice!

Conclusion


walleye ice fishing lures

As a walleye angler, using the right lures during ice fishing is vital to ensure a successful catch. The lures should be enticing enough to attract the attention of the walleye and trigger its predatory instincts. The effectiveness of different lures varies depending on multiple factors, including the location, time of day, and the fish’s feeding behaviour.

When it comes to ice fishing, it’s important to have a well-rounded tackle box with several lures that you can use in different situations. The top lures listed in this article, the Jigging Rap, the Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon, the Cicada Blade Bait, the Slender Spoon, the Puppet Minnow, and the Jigging Shad Rap, are some of the most effective lures for walleye ice fishing.

The Jigging Rap is one of the most versatile and popular lures among anglers. Its realistic swimming motion and sharp jerks make it a perfect mimicry of wounded baitfish, making it irresistible to the walleye. The Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon is another highly effective lure used to attract the fish’s attention with its rattling noise and flashy appearance.

The Cicada Blade Bait is a unique lure that imitates the sound and action of a distressed baitfish. Its blade design also allows the angler to control the depth and speed of the lure, which can be an advantage in certain conditions. The Slender Spoon is a thin and lightweight lure that has a slow sink rate, making it an ideal choice for suspending above weed beds or structure where walleye are known to gather.

The Puppet Minnow is a realistic and ultra-lightweight lure that mimics the movement of small baitfish. Its slender profile and realistic eyes make it almost identical to the real thing, making it an effective choice for finicky walleye that are difficult to catch. Lastly, the Jigging Shad Rap is a lightweight and compact lure that can be used both for vertical jigging and casting. Its erratic swimming action and rattling sound make it a perfect choice for aggressive walleye.

Overall, choosing the right lures and knowing how to use them effectively is essential to have a successful walleye ice fishing trip. Don’t be afraid to try different lures until you find the ones that work best for you and your fishing style.

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