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. Whether you’re hole hopping for aggressive first-ice walleye, working a deep mid-winter basin for sluggish fish, or targeting the low-light bite at dawn and dusk, 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.

Shop Ice Fishing Tackle & Gear

Ice Fishing Lures Ice Jigging Spoons Ice Fishing Rods Ice Fishing Reels Ice Fishing Line All Ice Fishing Gear

Best Ice Fishing Lures for Walleye at a Glance

Lure Type Best For
Rapala Jigging Rap Balanced jig Hole hopping & reaction strikes
Rapala Slab Rap Vibrating lure Less aggressive, pressured fish
Reef Runner Cicada Blade bait Covering water fast
Eurotackle Z-Viber Micro lipless crankbait Finicky fish & multi-species
Wolverine Rattle Streak Spoon Rattle spoon Murky water
Clam Leech Flutter Spoon Flutter spoon Neutral or negative fish
CJ&S Slender Spoon Flutter spoon Suspended fish in clear water
ACME Kastmaster Jigging spoon Getting deep fast
Bay de Noc Swedish Pimple Jigging spoon Tipping with bait
VMC Tumbler Spoon Glow jigging spoon Low-light conditions

Best Jigging & Vibrating Ice Lures for Walleye

Best Overall Walleye Ice Lure: Rapala Jigging Rap

Rapala Jigging Rap
Balanced Jigging Lure Rapala Jigging Rap Wide Circular Dart | Fleeing Baitfish Action | Great for Deep Water
Shop 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.

Best for Pressured Walleye: Rapala Slab Rap

Rapala Slab Rap
Vibrating Ice Lure Rapala Slab Rap Tight Wiggle | Subtle Vibration | Short Lift-and-Drop Action
Shop Rapala Slab Rap

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. We’ve 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.

Best for Covering Water: Reef Runner Cicada Lures

Reef Runner Cicada Lures
Blade Bait Reef Runner Cicada Lures Intense Vibration | Tight, Erratic Motion | Minimal Rod Movement
Shop Reef Runner Cicada

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. We’ve found it to be excellent for drilling multiple holes and hopping from one to the next, covering water efficiently and locating active fish.

Best for Finicky Walleye: Eurotackle Z-Viber Micro Lipless Crankbait

Eurotackle Z-Viber Micro Lipless Crankbait
Micro Lipless Crankbait Eurotackle Z-Viber Micro Lipless Crankbait Compact Profile | Strong Vibration | Fast Sinking
Shop Eurotackle Z-Viber

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 a 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 it’s worth keeping one tied on throughout the day for anything that bites.

Best Ice Fishing Spoons for Walleye

Best for Murky Water: Wolverine Tackle Rattle Streak Spoons

Wolverine Tackle Rattle Streak Spoon
Rattle Jigging Spoon Wolverine Tackle Rattle Streak Spoons Rattle Chamber | Reflective Finish | Flash, Color & Sound
Shop Wolverine 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. We’ve found that a steady jigging rhythm works best, and the spoon’s reflective surface adds that extra flash needed to get a reaction strike.

Best for Negative Fish: Clam Leech Flutter Spoon

Clam Leech Flutter Spoon
Flutter Spoon Clam Leech Flutter Spoon Fluttering Action | Lightweight | Slow Descent
Shop 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.

This spoon is a favorite 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.

Best for Suspended Fish: Custom Jigs and Spins Slender Spoons

Custom Jigs and Spins Slender Spoon
Flutter Spoon Custom Jigs and Spins Slender Spoons Long, Slender Profile | Slow Flutter | Ideal for Clear Water
Shop CJ&S 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 we’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.

Best for Getting Deep Fast: ACME Kastmaster

ACME Kastmaster
Jigging Spoon ACME Kastmaster Balanced Design | Reflective Finish | Fast Drop
Shop 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. We’ve had great success using this lure in various water conditions, and it’s a go-to when you’re unsure where to start.

Best Classic Spoon for Tipping: Bay de Noc Swedish Pimples

Bay de Noc Swedish Pimple
Jigging Spoon Bay de Noc Swedish Pimples Proven Classic | Simple Design | Tips Well with Bait
Shop 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 it catches everything from aggressive, feeding walleye to finicky fish that need a bit more coaxing. Tip it with a small piece of bait to enhance its appeal, and it works like a charm.

Best for Low Light: VMC Tumbler Spoon

VMC Tumbler Spoon
Glow Jigging Spoon VMC Tumbler Spoon Tumbling Fall | Flash Blade at Hook | Ultra Glow & UV Finishes
Shop 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.

Shop Walleye Ice Lures & Gear

Ice Fishing Lures Ice Jigging Spoons Ice Fishing Rods All Ice Fishing Gear

What to Look for in a Walleye Ice Fishing Lure

Action

Match the lure’s action to the mood of the fish. Aggressive walleye respond to the wide dart of a balanced lure like the Jigging Rap or the strong thump of a blade bait. Neutral or negative fish are more likely to eat a slow-falling flutter spoon or the subtle wiggle of a Slab Rap.

Sound and Vibration

Rattles and vibration help walleye locate a lure in murky water or when fish are scattered. Rattle spoons, blade baits, and micro lipless crankbaits call fish in from a distance. In clear water or on heavily pressured fish, a quieter presentation often gets more bites.

Color and Finish

Bright colors, glow, and UV finishes stand out in stained water and low light, while natural baitfish patterns and metallic finishes shine in clear water and bright conditions. For more on choosing colors for walleye, see our guide to the best jig colors for walleye.

Size and Weight

Heavier lures get down quickly in deep water and stay in control in current, which matters when you’re hole hopping. Smaller spoons and micro lipless baits are better for finicky fish, clear water, and lakes where the forage is small.

Ability to Tip with Bait

Jigging spoons with a treble or dropper hook can be tipped with a minnow head or piece of bait to add scent. Balanced lures and vibrating baits are designed to work on their own, so adding bait can dull their action.

How to Jig Walleye Through the Ice

Fish the Low-Light Windows

Walleye feed most actively around dawn and dusk and on overcast days. Plan to be set up over structure before the evening bite starts, and lean on glow and UV lures like the VMC Tumbler Spoon as light fades.

Hole Hop to Find Active Fish

Drill a line of holes along a breakline, point, or flat, and give each hole a few minutes with an aggressive lure like a Jigging Rap or Reef Runner Cicada. If nothing shows, move on. Covering water this way is one of the fastest ways to locate active walleye.

Snap, Then Pause

Most walleye hit on the fall or while the lure sits still. Snap the rod tip sharply, let the lure fall back on a semi-slack line, and pause until it settles before the next lift. If fish come in but won’t commit, shorten your lifts and lengthen your pauses.

Watch Your Electronics

A flasher shows you how walleye react to your lure in real time, so you can tell when to get more aggressive or slow down. Learn more in our guides to the best ice fishing flashers and sonars and sonar vs. underwater cameras.

Use Gear That Fits the Lure

Heavier walleye spoons and jigging lures fish best on a medium-power ice rod paired with a small spinning reel. See our picks for the best ice fishing reels, and browse more options in our guides to the best ice fishing lures and best ice fishing jigs.

FAQs About Ice Fishing Lures for Walleye

The Rapala Jigging Rap is widely considered the best all-around ice fishing lure for walleye. Its balanced design darts in a wide circular pattern that imitates a fleeing baitfish, it works at any depth, and sharp snaps of the rod trigger aggressive strikes. Jigging spoons like the Bay de Noc Swedish Pimple and ACME Kastmaster are close behind.

In stained or murky water and in low light, bright colors, glow finishes, and UV patterns help walleye find the lure. In clear water and bright conditions, natural baitfish colors such as silver, gold, and perch patterns tend to work better. Many anglers charge a glow lure with a light before each drop at dawn and dusk.

Tipping a jigging spoon such as a Swedish Pimple or Slender Spoon with a minnow head or small piece of bait adds scent and often converts lookers into biters, especially when walleye are sluggish. Balanced lures like the Jigging Rap and vibrating lures like the Slab Rap are usually fished without bait so their action is not affected.

Walleye are most active through the ice during low-light periods around dawn and dusk, and on overcast days. Early ice and late ice often produce the best bites, while mid-winter walleye tend to be deeper and more sluggish, which calls for subtler lures and slower jigging.

Yes. Rattle spoons like the Wolverine Tackle Rattle Streak Spoon and vibrating lures like the Reef Runner Cicada and Eurotackle Z-Viber call walleye in from a distance, which is especially helpful in murky water or when fish are scattered. If walleye come in on the flasher but will not commit, switch to a quieter fluttering spoon.

Drop the Jigging Rap to the bottom, reel up a foot or so, then snap the rod tip up sharply 12 to 24 inches and let the lure fall back on a semi-slack line so it can swing out in a circle. Pause until the lure settles before the next snap. Most strikes come during the pause, so watch your line and flasher closely.

Lures in roughly the 1/8 to 1/2 ounce range cover most walleye ice fishing. Go heavier in deep water or current so the lure gets down quickly and stays in control, and downsize to smaller spoons and micro lipless baits when walleye are finicky or the water is very clear.

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.