When winter rolls in, ice fishing for trout becomes one of the most exciting outdoor activities for anglers. However, catching trout through the ice requires specialized lures that work best in cold water conditions.
The best ice fishing lures for trout in 2025 aren’t necessarily the same ones you use in open water. Since you’re fishing vertically, you need lures that will attract trout with movement, flash, and scent. In this guide, we’ll cover the top trout lures for ice fishing this season and how to use them effectively.
1. Jigging Rapala – Best Overall Ice Fishing Lure for Trout
The Rapala Jigging Rap has been a top choice for ice anglers for decades. Its unique swimming action mimics an injured baitfish, making it irresistible to trout.
Why It Works:
- Darts in random directions when jigged
- Balanced design for a natural fall
- Available in various colors to match local baitfish
Best Colors: Silver, Blue Chrome, Firetiger
How to Use It:
- Drop it to the desired depth and give sharp upward jerks, then let it fall.
- Experiment with pauses to trigger bites from finicky trout.
2. Tungsten Ice Jigs – Best for Finicky Trout
Tungsten jigs, like the Clam Drop-Kick Jig or Northland Tungsten Punch Jig, are perfect for targeting trout when they are slow to bite.
Why It Works:
- Sinks quickly to the strike zone
- Compact size with high density
- Works great when tipped with live bait or plastics
Best Colors: Glow, Chartreuse, Pink
How to Use It:
- Tip it with a wax worm or minnow head and jig it lightly.
- Use small twitches to mimic natural movement.
3. Swedish Pimple – Best Flutter Spoon for Flash
The Swedish Pimple is one of the best ice fishing spoons ever made. It creates a ton of flash and erratic movement to trigger aggressive trout strikes.
Why It Works:
- Imitates a wounded baitfish
- Adds vibration and flash to draw in fish
- Can be tipped with bait for extra attraction
Best Colors: Gold, Silver, Glow Red
How to Use It:
- Drop it down and jig aggressively to attract fish from a distance.
- Slow down and use smaller hops when trout are close but hesitant.
4. Acme Kastmaster – Best for Deep Water Trout
The Acme Kastmaster is a versatile ice fishing lure that works well for targeting trout in deeper water. It has a dense profile, allowing it to sink quickly and stay in the strike zone.
Why It Works:
- Casts far and sinks fast
- Wobbles naturally when jigged
- Durable and long-lasting
Best Colors: Chrome/Blue, Firetiger, Gold
How to Use It:
- Jig it aggressively to create flash and vibrations.
- Use a slower lift-drop motion in deeper water.
5. Marabou Jigs – Best Natural Presentation
Soft and lifelike, marabou jigs provide an excellent natural presentation that entices trout, especially in clear water.
Why It Works:
- Realistic movement in the water
- Soft feathers create subtle action
- Can be fished with or without bait
Best Colors: Black, White, Olive
How to Use It:
- Use a slow, subtle jigging motion to imitate a swimming insect.
- Tip with a small wax worm or minnow for added scent.
6. Berkley PowerBait Atomic Teasers – Best Scented Lure
If trout are picky, adding scent can make a huge difference. The Berkley PowerBait Atomic Teaser is a small, scented jig that works exceptionally well under the ice.
Why It Works:
- Infused with PowerBait scent to attract trout
- Small profile mimics insect larvae
- Effective in both shallow and deep water
Best Colors: Chartreuse, Glow White, Pink
How to Use It:
- Let it sit with occasional small twitches.
- Works great with a deadstick setup.
7. Live Bait Rig – Best for Passive Trout
Sometimes, live bait is the only thing that will get trout to bite. Minnows, wax worms, and mealworms work exceptionally well when fish are sluggish.
Why It Works:
- Natural scent and movement attract fish
- Works well when trout are not aggressive
- Can be paired with small jigs or hooks
Best Baits: Fathead minnows, wax worms, mealworms
How to Use It:
- Use a small hook and let the bait move naturally.
- Keep it close to the bottom or suspended mid-water.
Ice Fishing Tips for Trout in 2025
1. Find the Right Depth
- Early in the season, trout often stay in shallow water (5-15 feet).
- As winter progresses, they move deeper to 20-40 feet.
- Use a fish finder to locate the most productive depth.
2. Use a Variety of Lures
- Trout can be picky! Switch between jigs, spoons, and live bait to see what works best.
3. Fish During Peak Times
- Early morning (sunrise to 10 AM) and late afternoon (3 PM to sunset) are the best times.
4. Use Light Line for More Bites
- 4-6 lb fluorocarbon line is ideal for clear ice fishing conditions.
5. Stay Mobile
- If you don’t get bites within 20 minutes, move to a new hole.
Final Thoughts
Ice fishing for trout in 2025 is all about using the right lures and techniques to match the conditions. Whether you prefer jigging a Rapala Jigging Rap, fluttering a Swedish Pimple, or using live bait, the key is to stay adaptable.
Try different colors, jigging actions, and depths until you find what works best. With these top trout ice fishing lures, you’ll have a great chance of hooking into some big fish this season.
Tight lines and good luck on the ice! 🎣❄️