By Lauren HollandUpdated November 2026
Anglers looking for spoons for ice fishing usually want one thing: a small, reliable jigging lure that gets fish to commit in cold, clear water. The right spoon depends on how deep you fish, how aggressive the bite is, and which species you chase. Our selection weighs five criteria: material and density (tungsten versus lead or brass), weight options that let you adjust fall rate, color range for different water clarity, rattle or sound features, and how well each design suits common targets like walleye, perch and crappie. Each pick below is matched to a specific need so you can narrow your choice quickly.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallNorthland Tackle Tungsten Slim SpoonView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for noisy, active fishNorthland Tackle Tungsten Buck-Shot Rattle SpoonView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for panfish and jigging varietyNorthland Fishing Tackle Buck-Shot Coffin Ice Fishing Jigging SpoonView on Amazon - 4
Best budget pick for beginnersRattling Glow Ice Fishing Jigs KitView on Amazon - 5
Best assortment for varied conditions28pcs Spoon Fishing Lures Set with HooksView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Northland Tackle Tungsten Slim Spoon | Overall jigging on walleye and crappie | Slim, fast-sinking tungsten profile |
| Northland Tackle Tungsten Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon | Attracting fish in stained or deep water | Built-in brass rattle |
| Northland Fishing Tackle Buck-Shot Coffin Spoon | Mixed panfish and walleye | Coffin-style body with multiple colors |
| Rattling Glow Ice Fishing Jigs Kit | Beginners and kit buyers | Multi-piece set in one package |
| 28pcs Spoon Fishing Lures Set | Trying many presentations | Large assortment with hooks included |
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: Overall jigging on walleye and crappie in mid-depth water
This is a strong general-purpose choice for anglers who want one spoon that covers most ice situations. Its slim profile gives a tight, fluttering fall that many owners describe as natural-looking to predators.
Key specs
- Tungsten construction for a fast, controlled sink rate
- Sold in multiple weights, including ⅛ oz, ¼ oz and ⅜ oz
- Available in 12 colors
Pros
- Dense tungsten sinks quickly through moving water and weeds
- Slim body suits subtle, finesse presentations
- Multiple weight options let you match depth
Cons
- Slim profile can be less visible in dirty water
- Tungsten costs more than lead-based alternatives in most categories
Bottom line: A dependable first spoon for anglers who want a single lure that handles most walleye and crappie situations.
Northland Tackle Tungsten Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon
Northland Tackle Tungsten Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon, Fast-Sinking Ice Fishing Spoon with Loud Brass Rattle, 12 Colors, ⅛ Oz, ¼ Oz, ⅜ Oz Lure Sizes
Best for: Attracting fish in stained water or when fish are inactive
Anglers who fish murky lakes or want to draw fish from a distance often reach for a rattling spoon. The brass rattle adds sound that can trigger strikes when visual cues are limited.
Key specs
- Tungsten body with an integrated brass rattle
- Available in ⅛ oz, ¼ oz and ⅜ oz sizes
- Available in 12 colors
Pros
- Rattle adds a sound trigger in dingy or deep water
- Fast-sinking tungsten reaches the strike zone quickly
- Good option when fish are sluggish and need a reason to react
Cons
- Sound can spook fish in very clear, pressured lakes
- Rattle mechanism needs occasional checking for debris
Bottom line: Pick this if you fish stained or deep water and want sound to help get bites.
Northland Fishing Tackle Buck-Shot Coffin Ice Fishing Jigging Spoon
Northland Fishing Tackle Buck-Shot Coffin Ice Fishing Jigging Spoon, 3 Spoons Per Pack, Assorted Colors for Walleye, Perch, Crappie, & More
Best for: Mixed panfish and walleye with varied colors on hand
This three-pack suits anglers who want several color patterns without buying singles. The coffin-shaped body produces a steady, vertical action that works well for perch and crappie holding near structure.
Key specs
- Three spoons per pack in assorted colors
- Buck-shot weighted coffin profile
- Designed for vertical jigging
Pros
- Assorted colors cover different water clarity conditions
- Compact pack is easy to carry in a tackle bag
- Vertical action is effective for panfish
Cons
- Only three per pack, which may run short during a long day
- Coffin shape is less suited to long-distance casting
Bottom line: A practical choice for anglers targeting panfish who want color variety in one purchase.
Rattling Glow Ice Fishing Jigs Kit
Rattling Glow for Bass Crappie Panfish Mens Fishing Gifts 15PCS/5PCS/4PCS Ice Fishing Jigs Ice Fishing Lures Kit Ice Fishing Spoons
Best for: Beginners and anglers who want a multi-piece kit
This kit is aimed at newer anglers who want to experiment with weights, colors and sound without assembling a collection piece by piece. Owners often describe it as a good way to learn which presentations their local fish prefer.
Key specs
- Kit sold in multiple piece counts, including 4, 5 and 15 pieces
- Includes rattling and glow-style jigs and spoons
- Suitable for bass, crappie and panfish
Pros
- Good variety for learning what fish respond to
- Rattle and glow options add versatility
- Economical way to build a starter selection
Cons
- Build quality on some kit lures may not match premium tungsten spoons
- Mixed kit contents mean some pieces will go unused for certain waters
Bottom line: Best suited to beginners or anglers who want a broad starter set before committing to specialized spoons.
28pcs Spoon Fishing Lures Set with Hooks
28pcs Spoon Fishing Lures Set with Hooks, Hard Metal Trout Spoons & ice Fishing Spoons for Salmon, bass, and Saltwater Fishin
Best for: Trying many presentations across multiple species
A large assortment like this one works for anglers who fish a range of conditions and want to test different sizes and profiles in one trip. It also covers freshwater and some saltwater uses, though ice fishing is the focus here.
Key specs
- 28-piece set with hooks included
- Hard metal construction
- Assorted spoon profiles and sizes
Pros
- Large number of options for experimenting on the ice
- Hooks included, saving a separate purchase
- Works across several species
Cons
- Not all pieces are specifically designed for ice jigging
- Quantity can make organization and tackle storage harder
Bottom line: A good pick for anglers who want maximum variety and are willing to sort through a mixed set.
Buying Guide
Weight and Fall Rate
Spoon weight controls how fast the lure sinks and how it moves on the jig stroke. Common ice spoon weights run from about ⅛ oz to ⅜ oz. Lighter spoons flutter and suit shallow or finicky fish. Heavier spoons drop fast and stay in the strike zone in deeper water or current. Match weight to depth: start light in shallow water and go heavier as depth increases.
Good picks for this: Northland Tackle Tungsten Slim Spoon, Northland Tackle Tungsten Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon
Material: Tungsten Versus Lead and Brass
Tungsten is denser than lead, so a tungsten spoon of the same size sinks faster and stays slimmer. That matters when you need to reach depth quickly or keep a small profile. Lead and brass options are usually less expensive, but they are bulkier. Check the listing to confirm the material before buying.
Good picks for this: Northland Tackle Tungsten Slim Spoon, Northland Fishing Tackle Buck-Shot Coffin Ice Fishing Jigging Spoon
Color and Water Clarity
Clear water often rewards natural finishes like silver, gold and baitfish patterns. Stained or dark water usually calls for bright colors, high-contrast patterns or glow finishes that stand out. Carry a few colors so you can switch quickly if fish ignore one pattern. Many owners report that a color change alone can turn a slow hole.
Good picks for this: Northland Fishing Tackle Buck-Shot Coffin Ice Fishing Jigging Spoon, Rattling Glow Ice Fishing Jigs Kit
Rattle and Sound Features
A rattle adds noise that can draw fish in murky water or when they are inactive. In clear, heavily pressured lakes, sound may spook fish, so a silent spoon can be the better choice. Consider your typical water conditions before deciding whether you need a rattle.
Good picks for this: Northland Tackle Tungsten Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon, Rattling Glow Ice Fishing Jigs Kit
Target Species and Presentation
Walleye respond well to larger, flashier spoons that trigger aggressive strikes. Perch and crappie often prefer smaller, slimmer profiles with subtle action. Match your spoon size to your target. Smaller spoons with a tight flutter work well for panfish, while heavier options suit walleye in deeper, moving water.
Good picks for this: Northland Tackle Tungsten Slim Spoon, 28pcs Spoon Fishing Lures Set
Hooks and Hardware
Check whether hooks are included and whether they are sharp and properly sized for your target fish. Split rings and hook quality affect how often you lose fish. Replacing hooks on a new spoon is a common and inexpensive upgrade if the factory hooks seem weak.
Good picks for this: 28pcs Spoon Fishing Lures Set, Rattling Glow Ice Fishing Jigs Kit
Storage and Organization
Larger sets can clutter a tackle box. Sort spoons by weight and color in compartments so you can find the right one without digging. Keep spares of your most productive colors in a separate pocket. Dry spoons after use to avoid corrosion on hooks and rings.
Good picks for this: Northland Fishing Tackle Buck-Shot Coffin Ice Fishing Jigging Spoon, 28pcs Spoon Fishing Lures Set
FAQ
What weight spoon should I start with for ice fishing?
A ¼ oz spoon is a practical starting point for most walleye and panfish situations. It sinks at a reasonable rate and is easy to control. Switch to ⅛ oz in shallow or finicky conditions and to ⅜ oz in deeper water or current.
Are tungsten spoons better than lead spoons?
Tungsten is denser, so it sinks faster and allows a smaller profile at the same weight. Lead is less expensive and still effective. The better choice depends on how deep you fish and how much control you want over fall rate.
Do rattle spoons work better than silent ones?
Rattle spoons can help in stained or deep water where fish rely on sound. In clear, pressured lakes, a silent spoon may produce more bites. Try both if you have the option.
What colors work best for ice fishing spoons?
Natural colors like silver and gold tend to work in clear water. Bright or glow colors often perform better in stained or dark water. Carry several colors and change based on what the fish are responding to.
How do I jig a spoon effectively?
Use short, sharp lifts of about 6 to 12 inches, then let the spoon fall on a slack line. Many anglers pause after each lift because most strikes come on the fall. Vary the rhythm until you find what triggers fish that day.
Can I use ice fishing spoons in open water?
Yes. Many ice spoons also work well for trolling or casting from shore in open water, though the presentation may need adjusting. Check the manufacturer guidance for the specific model you buy.
Conclusion
For most anglers, the Northland Tackle Tungsten Slim Spoon is a versatile starting point because it covers mid-depth jigging for walleye and crappie. If you fish stained or deep water, the Northland Tackle Tungsten Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon adds sound to help trigger bites. Panfish anglers who want color variety will find the Northland Fishing Tackle Buck-Shot Coffin Spoon practical. Beginners may prefer the Rattling Glow Ice Fishing Jigs Kit to learn what works, while the 28pcs Spoon Fishing Lures Set suits anglers who want to experiment widely. Match your choice to depth, water clarity and target species.
Sources
- Fishing regulations, species information and conservation guidance for freshwater fish (fws.gov)
- Wildlife and fisheries management resources relevant to ice-season angling (wildlife.gov)
Related reading
- Vexilar Ice Fishing Flasher: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
- Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Rod Review: Pros and Cons
- Top 7 Ice Fishing Tent Eskimo Models 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.
