By Lauren HollandUpdated November 2026
Pickerel ice fishing lures need to do a few things well: get down quickly through a cold water column, flash or flutter enough to draw a fish out of cover, and hold up to the sharp teeth and bony jaws of a chain pickerel. This guide compares six lures from the same family of hard-water tackle, weighed against four criteria: how well the lure suits pickerel’s aggressive, ambush-style strikes, how easily it can be worked through a small hole, how wide the color and size options are, and how consistently owners report the lure performing across different lakes and ice conditions.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallNorthland Tackle Tungsten Slim SpoonView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for active pickerelNorthland Tackle Ice Fishing Thumper SpoonView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest budget pick30/60Pcs Glow ice jigs kitView on Amazon - 4
Best for cold, sluggish fishLindy Perch TalkerView on Amazon - 5
Best for fishing in moving-water edgesTRUSCEND Swim or Jig Spinner BaitsView on Amazon - 6
Best for covering water fastAcme KastmasterView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Northland Tackle Tungsten Slim Spoon | Best overall | Dense tungsten, thin profile that sinks fast |
| Northland Tackle Ice Fishing Thumper Spoon | Best for active pickerel | Stamped brass flutter action |
| 30/60Pcs Glow ice jigs kit | Best budget pick | Multi-piece jig assortment with storage box |
| Lindy Perch Talker | Best for cold, sluggish fish | Slow, subtle vibration on the drop |
| TRUSCEND Swim or Jig Spinner Baits | Best for moving-water edges | Copper blade spinner for flash and vibration |
| Acme Kastmaster | Best for covering water fast | Compact, heavy metal blade for vertical and casting use |
Northland Tackle Tungsten Slim Spoon
Northland Tackle Tungsten Slim Spoon, Fast-Sinking Thin Profile Ice Fishing Lure for Walleye, Crappie, & More, 12 Colors, ⅛ Oz, ¼ Oz, ⅜ Oz Lure Sizes
Best for: Anglers who want one reliable spoon that gets down quickly and works in a range of depths.
This is a good fit for anglers who fish several holes in a day and need a lure that drops fast through a narrow column without a lot of drag. Its slim profile is practical when pickerel are following a subtle presentation rather than charging a loud one.
Key specs
- Tungsten construction for a dense, fast-sinking body
- Thin, slim profile
- Available in 1/8 oz, 1/4 oz and 3/8 oz weights
- 12 color options
Pros
- Sinks quickly to working depth
- Thin profile suits cautious fish
- Multiple weights and colors to match conditions
Cons
- Thin body offers less flash than thicker spoons in dingy water
- Tungsten is pricier per piece than basic brass options
Bottom line: The most versatile pick here. Choose it if you want one spoon for most of your pickerel trips.
Northland Tackle Ice Fishing Thumper Spoon
Northland Tackle Ice Fishing Thumper Spoon, Stamped Brass Flutter Spoon Ice Fishing Lure for Walleye, Crappie, & More, 10 Colors, 1/16 Oz, 1/8 Oz, 3/16 Oz, ¼ Oz Lure Sizes
Best for: Anglers targeting active pickerel that respond to flutter and vibration.
Anglers who prefer to jig aggressively and call fish from a distance will find this spoon suits that style. The stamped brass body produces strong flutter on the fall and lift.
Key specs
- Stamped brass body
- Available in 1/16 oz, 1/8 oz, 3/16 oz and 1/4 oz
- 10 color options
Pros
- Strong flutter action on a simple jigging stroke
- Good range of weights for different depths
- Lightweight sizes work in shallow water
Cons
- Stamped finish can wear faster after repeated strikes
- Less subtle than a slim profile in clear water
Bottom line: A strong choice for anglers who want an active, flutter-driven lure to trigger reaction strikes.
30/60Pcs Glow ice jigs kit
30/60Pcs Glow ice jigs for Crappie Bluegill Sunfish Perch Panfish Walleye Pike Jigs, Ice Fishing Gear with Storage Box Ice Fishing Jigs Kit, Glow Jig Lure Set for Winter Ice Fishing
Best for: Budget-minded anglers who want a broad jig assortment in one kit.
This kit suits beginners and anglers who lose lures regularly and want replacements on hand. Glow finishes help in low-light conditions near dawn and dusk.
Key specs
- 30 or 60 piece configurations, depending on listing
- Glow finish
- Includes storage box
Pros
- Large quantity for the cost of a few single lures
- Glow finish is useful in low light
- Storage box keeps the kit organized
Cons
- Individual jig quality can vary across a bulk kit
- Assorted sizes may not all suit one specific pattern
Bottom line: A practical value option for stocking up and experimenting. Good for anglers who prefer depth of quantity over premium finish.
Lindy Perch Talker
Lindy Perch Talker Ice Fishing Lure – Great for Perch, Walleye, Trout and Whitefish
Best for: Slow-moving or inactive pickerel that need a gentle, subtle presentation.
This lure is designed for finesse presentations. Anglers who find fish sluggish under cold conditions often reach for a subtle lure that produces a small, steady vibration rather than a hard flash.
Key specs
- Designed for ice fishing
- Listed for perch, walleye, trout and whitefish
Pros
- Subtle action suits pressured or cold-water fish
- Easy to work with small, slow movements
- Well-established brand in ice fishing tackle
Cons
- Not as much flash for aggressive fish in stained water
- Fewer size options than a full spoon line
Bottom line: Best reserved for slow days and cold-front conditions when fish need a gentle approach.
TRUSCEND Swim or Jig Spinner Baits
TRUSCEND Swim or Jig Fishing Spinner Baits for Freshwater and Saltwater, Rooster Tail Fishing Lures for Trout Bass Walleye Crappie Salmon Pike, Blade Bait with Copper Blade
Best for: Anglers who want spinner flash and vibration, especially near weed edges and moving-water transitions.
Spinner baits with a copper blade produce flash and vibration that pickerel often respond to. This lure is most useful when you can work it along edges or through suspended fish.
Key specs
- Copper blade
- Designed for swim or jig presentations
- Listed for freshwater and saltwater use
Pros
- Blade flash draws attention from a distance
- Works both swimming and jigging
- Versatile across freshwater species
Cons
- Blade can foul in heavy vegetation
- Bulkier than a slim spoon for tight holes
Bottom line: A good choice for anglers who want flash and vibration and fish near structure or current breaks.
Acme Kastmaster
Acme Kastmaster Fishing Lure
Best for: Covering water quickly and reaching fish at distance.
The Kastmaster is a compact metal lure that many anglers use to search for active fish. Its weight helps it reach depth quickly, which is useful when you are moving between holes.
Key specs
- Compact metal body
- Heavy-bodied for casting and vertical use
Pros
- Fast sinking and good casting distance
- Simple, reliable design
- Works well for searching water
Cons
- Less flutter than a dedicated flutter spoon
- Finish can dull over time without care
Bottom line: A search lure for covering water. Pick it when you want to locate fish before committing to a single hole.
Buying Guide
Lure weight and sink rate
Pickerel often hold in the middle of the water column or near cover, and a lure that sinks too slowly may waste time in the wrong zone. Heavier tungsten or dense metal lures reach depth faster, which matters when you are fishing in current or deeper basins. Lighter lures give a more natural fall in shallow water.
Good picks for this: Northland Tackle Tungsten Slim Spoon, Acme Kastmaster
Action: flutter, vibration or flash
Flutter spoons create a wide, erratic fall that triggers reaction strikes. Vibration lures produce a steady pulse that draws fish from a distance. Blade-based lures add flash. Match the action to whether fish are active or sluggish.
Good picks for this: Northland Tackle Ice Fishing Thumper Spoon, TRUSCEND Swim or Jig Spinner Baits
Size and profile
Smaller holes and thin profiles reduce drag and help you work the lure precisely. A slim profile is practical when fish are wary. Larger lures move more water and are easier to see in dark conditions but can spook cautious pickerel.
Good picks for this: Northland Tackle Tungsten Slim Spoon, Lindy Perch Talker
Color and finish
Clear or subdued colors often work in bright, clear conditions. Brighter or glow finishes help in stained water and low light at dawn and dusk. Keeping a few colors on hand lets you adjust quickly when conditions change.
Good picks for this: 30/60Pcs Glow ice jigs kit, Northland Tackle Tungsten Slim Spoon
Durability and hook quality
Pickerel have sharp teeth and bony jaws that can cut through soft wire or wear down finishes. Check hook strength and split-ring quality. Owners often report that stamped finishes show wear sooner than solid tungsten or heavy metal bodies.
Good picks for this: Acme Kastmaster, Northland Tackle Tungsten Slim Spoon
Use case: searching versus targeting
A searching lure covers water and locates active fish. A targeting lure stays in a productive zone and works it slowly. Know which role you need before buying a single lure or a full kit.
Good picks for this: Acme Kastmaster, 30/60Pcs Glow ice jigs kit
Care and maintenance
Dry lures after each trip to prevent corrosion, and inspect hooks and split rings before each outing. Store lures in a box that keeps them separated so finishes do not scratch against each other.
Good picks for this: 30/60Pcs Glow ice jigs kit, Lindy Perch Talker
FAQ
What is the best lure for pickerel under the ice?
There is no single best lure for every day. A slim tungsten spoon is a strong all-around choice because it sinks quickly and works in a range of depths. Flutter spoons are effective when fish are active, and subtle vibration lures suit slow conditions.
What color should I use for pickerel?
Choose brighter or flashier colors in stained or low-light water and more natural or subdued tones in clear water. Keeping two or three colors on hand helps you adjust when fish change their response.
How deep do pickerel hold in winter?
Pickerel often hold near weed edges, drop-offs and cover, and depth varies by lake and weather. Many anglers start by working several depths until they find the zone where fish respond.
Do I need a flutter spoon or a jig for pickerel?
Both can work. Flutter spoons are useful for triggering reaction strikes from active fish, while jigs and subtle lures suit cautious fish. A mix of both gives you more options during a session.
Can I use these lures for other species?
Yes. Many of these lures are listed for walleye, crappie, perch and other panfish. Adjust size and color to match the target species and the water you are fishing.
Are tungsten lures worth it?
Tungsten is denser than brass or lead, so a tungsten lure of the same size sinks faster and has a smaller profile. Owners often report it is useful when you need depth quickly or want a slim presentation.
Conclusion
For most anglers, the Northland Tackle Tungsten Slim Spoon is the most versatile starting point. Pick the Northland Tackle Ice Fishing Thumper Spoon when pickerel are active and responding to flutter, the Lindy Perch Talker for slow, cold conditions, and the TRUSCEND spinner bait when flash and vibration near structure are the goal. The Acme Kastmaster suits anglers who need to cover water quickly, and the 30/60Pcs Glow ice jigs kit is a practical way to build a broad selection on a budget. Match your choice to fish activity, water clarity and the depth you need to reach.
Sources
- State wildlife agency guidance on ice fishing regulations and seasons (wildlife.state.gov)
- Water and fish habitat information for lakes and freshwater systems (usgs.gov)
- Fisheries science and professional guidance on freshwater fish behavior
Related reading
- Lures for Ice Fishing: A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Ones
- Good Ice Fishing Lures: 7 Best Picks for Panfish and Walleye (2026)
- 5 Best Ice Fishing Lures for Walleye: 5 Picks Compared (2026)
- Walleye Bait Ice Fishing: 6 Best Picks for Hard-Water Anglers (2026)
About Lauren Holland
Lauren Holland is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our ice fishing guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
