Ice fishing can be as much about strategy as it is about patience. If you’re serious about pulling in fish through a hole in the ice, you need the right tools for the job. While it’s tempting to fill your tackle box with every flashy lure you find, you can catch nearly everything with just seven essential types of lures. Master these, and you’ll be ready for anything, from panfish to trophy-sized predators.
1. Flutter Spoons: The Flashy Fish Magnets

Flutter spoons are all about creating eye-catching movement underwater. These lightweight, thin lures don’t sink as fast as others, but they make up for it with their mesmerizing fluttering action. This motion mimics a dying baitfish and sends flashes of light through the water, making them especially effective in clear conditions. While flutter spoons excel at attracting larger predators like walleye and northern pike, they can also be downsized for smaller fish.
2. Rattle Spoons: The Noise Makers

Rattle spoons combine visual appeal with sound, making them one of the most versatile tools in any ice angler’s arsenal. These spoons have small BBs inside a chamber, creating vibrations and noise as they move. Their sound mimics the clinking of baitfish, drawing fish from a distance. Whether you’re jigging aggressively or fishing with finesse, a rattle spoon works wonders on crappie, perch, and even lake trout.
3. Lipless Crankbaits: Vibrating Powerhouses

Lipless crankbaits bring a whole new level of attraction to ice fishing. Their vibrating action and built-in rattle create a commotion that mimics the movements of small baitfish like bluegill or perch. These lures are fantastic for covering a wide area and work best when you’re targeting aggressive fish like walleye or bass. For panfish, downsized versions deliver just the right balance of sound and subtlety.
4. Tungsten Jigs: The Finesse Specialist

Tungsten jigs are small but mighty. Thanks to their dense material, they sink quickly and stay in the target zone longer, making them perfect for fishing in deeper water. They’re especially effective for finicky panfish like bluegill or perch. Pair them with soft plastics or live bait to maximize their potential. The compact size and precision of tungsten jigs make them an essential tool for delicate presentations.
5. Soft Plastics: The Adaptable All-Star

Gone are the days when live bait was the only option for ice fishing. Soft plastics have revolutionized the sport with their lifelike movements and durability. From bloodworm imitations to miniature zooplankton replicas, these lures can be customized for specific fish and conditions. When fish are aggressive, soft plastics are unbeatable. They’re also an excellent choice when you want to skip the mess of live bait.
6. Glide Baits: The Hole-Hopping Hunters

Glide baits are unique in their ability to move laterally under the ice, mimicking the erratic swimming of a distressed minnow. When jigged, these lures shoot out in different directions before gliding back to the center. This unpredictable motion triggers strikes from fish like walleye, perch, and even pike. Glide baits are perfect for covering more water while staying stationary over your fishing hole.
7. Heavy Thin Spoons: The Precision Droppers

When you need to fish deep or in fast currents, heavy thin spoons are the answer. These dense lures sink quickly and stay steady in the strike zone, making them ideal for precise presentations. They’re particularly effective for species like trout and whitefish, which require a more finesse-based approach. Heavy thin spoons excel in conditions where other lures might struggle to stay in position.
Why These Lures Work

These seven lures aren’t just random picks; they each serve a specific purpose. From creating sound and vibration to mimicking natural prey, they cover all the sensory triggers that entice fish to strike. Whether you’re fishing in stained water, clear conditions, or strong currents, there’s a lure here to match your situation.
Building a Versatile Ice Fishing Kit

By focusing on these seven lure types, you can keep your tackle box streamlined and effective. Instead of wasting money on gimmicky lures, invest in high-quality versions of these essentials. This strategy not only saves you money but also simplifies your decision-making when you’re on the ice.
Adapting to Fish Behavior

One of the biggest challenges in ice fishing is understanding fish behavior. Some days, fish respond aggressively to movement and noise, while other days, they require a slow, subtle presentation. Having a variety of lures allows you to adjust your approach on the fly, ensuring you’re prepared for anything.
The Bottom Line

Ice fishing is as much about preparation as it is about skill. With these seven lures, you’ll be equipped to handle any species, water condition, or weather pattern. Whether you’re chasing perch on a frozen lake or battling a trophy pike, these lures have you covered. So gear up, hit the ice, and get ready for a season full of success.

Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.