How To Choose The Right Tackle For Ice Fishing On
You came here because you want gear that puts fish in the box when Lake Erie freezes over. You know the difference between flash and fish presence — I’ve spent more winters than I’ll admit running lines across the Western flats and hanging sonar marks off the Central Basin. This roundup cuts through marketing: the lures below are the ones I trust for walleye, perch, crappie, lake trout and pike under ice. Expect real-world depth, color, and technique calls for each piece of tackle so your next trip is productive, not hopeful.
⚡ Quick Answer: Best Lake Erie Fishing
Best for Predator Species: Northland Fishing Tackle Level-Head Predator Tube Jig, Assorted Sizes & Colors for Ice Fishing and Fishing Lake Trout, Northern Pike, and Burbot
$12.92 — Check price on Amazon →
Table of Contents
- Main Points
- Our Top Picks
- Northland Fishing Tackle Level-Head Predator Tube Jig, Assorted Sizes & Colors for Ice Fishing and Fishing Lake Trout, Northern Pike, and Burbot
- 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
- 78-Piece Ice Fishing Jigs Kit with Glow-in-The-Dark Lures, Soft Baits, and Tackle Box for Panfish, Crappie, and Perch | Ice Fishing Gear Essentials
- 50PCS Ice Fishing Lures Kit, Ice Fishing Jigs for Walleye Perch, Jigs Heads for Ice Fishing Tackle, Panfish Crappie Perch Sunfish Pike bluegills Jigs
- Ice Fishing Jigs Kit, 30pcs Glow Ice Fishing Lures Luminous Ice Fishing Gear Winter Fishing Jigging for Crappie Pike Panfish Walleye Perch Bluegill
- Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Main Points
- Match profile to target: use the Northland Predator tube jigs in larger profiles for lake trout and pike and fish hard structure in the Central Basin (40–80 ft); drop them on a slow lift-and-fall or swim-jig them past rock edges for burbot and big trout.
- Make the Thumper spoon your go-to for walleye — the stamped brass flutter gives flash with slow, steady lifts; run 1/16–1/8 oz on Western flats (10–25 ft) and 1/8–1/4 oz when you’re holding deeper or in current in the Central Basin (25–40+ ft).
- For perch and crappie, prioritize small, luminous jigs from the 78-piece and 30pc glow kits — 1/32–1/16 oz tungsten-style profiles or similarly small lead heads, deadstick or tight-arc vertical jig with light twitches, especially early and late ice when light levels fall.
- Stock a mixed kit (like the 50PCS set) for variety, but check hook sharpness and body durability before you head out; swap in tungsten jigs when you need faster fall and better bottom contact in current or deep water, and keep spare finishes in chartreuse, glow, and black/blue for low-light Erie conditions.
- Buy by technique and depth, not brand alone: pick smaller, high-flash jigs for shallow Western- basin schooling, midweight spoons for mid-depth vertical jigging in fall and mid-winter, and larger tubes or heavy jigs for structure-bound trout and pike — your season, depth, and whether you’re slow-lifting or deadsticking dictate exact ounce and color choices.
Our Top Picks
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Northland Fishing Tackle Level-Head Predator Tube Jig, Assorted Sizes & Colors for Ice Fishing and Fishing Lake Trout, Northern Pike, and Burbot
🏆 Best For: Best for Predator Species
Best for Predator Species because the Level-Head Predator Tube gives you a horizontal, life-like profile that predators in Lake Erie can’t resist. I’ve run these on charter days and on the leaderboard; they present like a small injured baitfish when jigged or deadsticked, and that presentation wins bites on northern pike, lake trout, and burbot where other plastics look flat. The assorted sizes and colors let you dial in patterns quickly without changing bodies mid-drop.
The level-head design keeps the tube riding nose-down for a realistic fall and a sweep that triggers reaction strikes. The soft, cold-resistant PVC holds scent and soft-bait trailers, and it slips over stinger hooks cleanly so you can use a single hook or a short treble depending on target species. On the ice you’ll pair these with 1/8–1/2 oz heads in shallower Western Basin water and 1/2–1 oz or heavier when punching structure in the deeper Central Basin.
You should buy these if you target predators through fall and into the heart of winter, or if you need a dependable trailer for big-game presentations during mixed-species trips. Use small sizes (1.5–2.5") around weedlines and drop-offs for pike in the Western Basin; step up to larger tubes and heavier heads for suspended lakers and bottom-holding burbot in the Central Basin. In tournament scenarios where you need consistent hookup rates on reaction bites, these tubes are a go-to for vertical and slow-figure-eight presentations.
Honest caveat: big pike will shred soft plastics eventually — expect to re-rig after several fish. Also, on ultra-clear, low-activity days a subtle tungsten jig or livebait deadstick can outfish plastics; don’t treat these as a one-size-fits-all remedy.
✅ Pros
- True horizontal presentation on the drop
- Cold-resistant soft PVC holds scent well
- Assorted sizes cover multiple predator targets
❌ Cons
- Threads easily on prolonged pike assaults
- Less effective in ultra-clear, inactive water
- Key Ingredient: level-head horizontal presentation
- Scent Profile: neutral base, holds added attractant well
- Best For: Best for Predator Species
- Size / Volume: assorted 1.5"–3" sizes, multi-color packs
- Recommended Depth: 6–20 ft for pike, 20–60+ ft for lakers/burbot
- Special Feature: cold-resistant PVC, pairs with stingers/hooks
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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: Best Flashy Flutter Action
This stamped-brass Thumper earns the "Best Flashy Flutter Action" slot because it does exactly what you want under Erie ice: it flashes, flutters, and falls with a tight shimmy that provokes reaction bites from suspended walleyes and hungry perch. The thin, stamped profile produces a shimmy on the drop that small-profile minnows and waxie rigs can’t match, and the size range (1/16–1/4 oz) covers the shallow Western Basin soft-structure bites and the deeper Central Basin suspended marks without you having to change lure families mid-session.
Key features you’ll use every day are obvious on the water — stamped brass for a bright, long-lasting flash, a choice of plated colors that read well in low light, and a true range of micro-weights for precise depth control. Fish it slow with a subtle lift-and-fall in 10–25 feet using the 1/16–1/8 oz sizes, and step up to 3/16–1/4 oz when you’re holding fish on 20–40 foot slopes and edges. Tip it with waxies or a small minnow head, run light 4–6 lb fluorocarbon, and you’ll convert short taps into hooks when Erie fish are picky or pressured during weekday tournaments and winter charters.
If you run ice trips, or you’re a tournament angler who needs a reliable reaction lure for short-bite windows, buy a handful. Use the lighter sizes on Western Basin flats and Erie reefs where walleyes stack shallow after a cold front, and break out the heavier sizes in the Central Basin when fish suspend off the shelf or when you’re hovering over deep rubble at mid-winter. It’s versatile for walleye, excellent for perch, and will pick off crappies when the column tightens up and visibility drops in stained edges.
Real talk: the plated finish will eventually show wear if you let perch chew on it and you’ll want to replace the stock trebles with stout singles for better hooksets on bigger Erie walleyes. Also, when fish want a bigger profile you’ll need a larger bait; this spoon excels at reaction strikes but won’t substitute for a fat minnow when fish are keyed on size.
✅ Pros
- Thin stamped-brass produces tight flutter
- Weights cover shallow to deep ice marks
- High flash reads well in low light
❌ Cons
- Plated finish chips under heavy tooth
- Stock hooks small for large walleyes
- Key Ingredient: Stamped brass body for flash and flutter
- Scent Profile: Neutral — accepts waxies, spikes, or minnow tips
- Best For: Best Flashy Flutter Action on Lake Erie ice
- Size / Volume: 1/16 oz, 1/8 oz, 3/16 oz, 1/4 oz
- Special Feature: Tight shimmy on fall, strong visual flash
- Price / Rating: $5.99 — 4.7 stars (reliable value)
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78-Piece Ice Fishing Jigs Kit with Glow-in-The-Dark Lures, Soft Baits, and Tackle Box for Panfish, Crappie, and Perch | Ice Fishing Gear Essentials
🏆 Best For: Best Complete Starter Kit
This kit earns the "Best Complete Starter Kit" slot because it gives you everything practical for panfish and perch work on Lake Erie without wasting space or cash. Seventy-eight pieces for $23.99 and a 4.7-star crowd rating sounds like typical cheap bulk, but here you get a real spread — micro jigs, larger profile spoons, soft plastics, and glow options all sorted in a compact box. For shanty runs in the Western Basin or mid-winter scouting in the Central Basin, that variety gets you on fish fast when schools shift from shallow bays to deeper breaklines.
Key features translate directly to results on the ice. Glow-in-the-dark jigs hold fish attention in low-light and stained water; assorted sizes let you switch from 1/32‑ounce finesse work to slightly heavier profiles when fish tighten up. The soft baits imitate minnows and small forage; the organizer keeps rigs and spoilers untangled between holes. Real-world benefit: you can start a morning with small tungsten or painted jigs for finicky early-ice perch, then reach for larger spoons as schools move off structure later in the day.
You should buy this if you need an all-in-one, low-cost solution for ice days and shanty backups. If you guide or run tournaments, it’s a reliable spare box for clients or an emergency kit in your sled. Use it early ice through mid-winter — target 6–25 feet in Western Basin bays and 20–40 feet on Central Basin humps and breaklines. Pair with a light 24–30" ice jig rod and a 1000–2500 spin reel. Work the jigs with a lift-and-fall cadence: short hops, then a one- to three-second pause.
Honest caveats: the hooks are lighter than what experienced anglers prefer, and several soft plastics will stiffen in subzero air temps — plan to swap hooks and carry a small soft-bait warmer if you’re running extended tournament days. Also, the kit lacks heavier jigs for larger crappie or walleye presentations, so keep a few durable 1/8–1/4 ounce options in your main box.
✅ Pros
- Complete spread of jig sizes and colors
- Glow jigs for low-light visibility
- Affordable, compact tackle organizer
❌ Cons
- Hooks are light, need upgrades
- Soft baits stiffen below freezing
- Key Ingredient: glow-in-the-dark micro jigs and spoons
- Scent Profile: none — clean plastics, no attractant
- Best For: Best Complete Starter Kit
- Size / Volume: 78 pieces in compact tackle box
- Special Feature: organized compartments and glow lures
- Recommended Depth/Technique: 6–40 ft; light jigging, waxie trailers
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50PCS Ice Fishing Lures Kit, Ice Fishing Jigs for Walleye Perch, Jigs Heads for Ice Fishing Tackle, Panfish Crappie Perch Sunfish Pike bluegills Jigs
🏆 Best For: Best Value Variety Pack
This 50PCS Ice Fishing Lures Kit earns the "Best Value Variety Pack" slot because it gives you fifty usable jigs for under ten bucks — a practical stack of sizes and colors that covers what Lake Erie crews actually need on the ice. For a charter or tournament day you can outfit multiple rods, swap colors fast when fish go finicky, and still have spares when hooks dull or heads lose paint. At $9.99 and a 4.0-star showing, it's not shiny gear room stuff — it's workhorse backup that keeps you fishing instead of tinkering.
Inside the box you get micro to mid-size heads and an array of bright and natural colors that match the Erie perch hatch and small walleye presentations. In real life that means you can run a 1/64–1/8 oz setup for panfish and perch in Western Basin shoals, then step up to the heavier jigs and darker finishes for vertical jigging on Central Basin humps. Hooks are light and single‑hooked for better hookups on perch and small walleye; the painted lead heads get down fast in current and hold through short drifts and vertical jigs. Toss a small minnow or a soft plastic trailer, hang 6–8 lb fluorocarbon for perch, and you’ve covered the basics with no drama.
If you run group trips, guide a buddy, or need a no‑risk backup during tournament week, this kit is for you. Use it early ice through midwinter when fish are roaming mid‑columns and reacting to color and profile; it’s ideal for Western Basin perch pushes in late fall and for smaller walleye marks in the Central Basin once the fish compress on structure. Bring this pack for day-to-day drilling patterns: tightlines over weed edges, jigging off humps, or when you’re grid-searching for active schools.
Be honest — the tradeoffs are real. Hooks come a touch soft and the paint chips after heavy use, so expect to re-sharpen and rotate jigs. Weight tolerances aren’t bench-precise, and a few jigs will need touchups before you trust them in a critical tournament hole. Still, for the price you get breadth and immediate utility; just treat this as reliable backup gear, not your primary tournament arsenal.
✅ Pros
- Very low cost per jig
- Wide range of sizes and colors
- Good for panfish and perch
❌ Cons
- Hooks arrive dull
- Paint chips with heavy use
- Key Ingredient: 50-piece mixed jig assortment
- Scent Profile: un-scented, ready for plastics or bait
- Best For: ice jigging walleye, perch, panfish
- Size / Volume: 50 pieces, mixed 1/64–1/8 oz heads
- Special Feature: budget price, color variety
- Hook / Material: painted lead heads, light single hooks
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Ice Fishing Jigs Kit, 30pcs Glow Ice Fishing Lures Luminous Ice Fishing Gear Winter Fishing Jigging for Crappie Pike Panfish Walleye Perch Bluegill
🏆 Best For: Best for Low-Light Fishing
You earn low-light bites on Lake Erie by showing fish something they can't ignore, and that’s exactly why this 30-piece glow jig kit sits at "Best for Low-Light Fishing." The glow finish reads well on a flasher and through stained Western Basin water at dawn and dusk. In tournament starts when you’ve got the first light window and inches of daylight to steal a limit, these luminous jigs give you that visual edge on walleye and perch where subtle presentation matters.
The kit’s real-world strengths are simple: a mix of micro sizes, bright glow paint, and a price that lets you experiment without worrying about losing gear in current or ice cracks. You can deadstick a glow micro-jig tipped with a waxie for perch, or pulse it aggressively for suspended walleye on wind-blown edges. The lightweight profile responds to delicate rod tip work and shows clearly on a flasher at 8–20 feet in typical ice holes. Charge them with a headlamp before you drop and you’ll see immediate pickup rates during low-light periods.
If you fish Lake Erie through the ice and chase walleye, perch, or panfish, pick up a set. They belong in your box for early- and late-season sessions and on days when cloud cover kills visibility. In the Western Basin’s stained, shallow bays they shine; in the clearer Central Basin they’re best around twilight or shaded structure. Use them with 4–6 lb fluorocarbon, a light ice rod, and a sensitive jigging cadence. Tournament anglers use them as a go-to secondary pattern for pre-dawn windows or when sonar shows sluggish, low-contrast targets.
Honest caveats: the hooks are thin-gauge and can straighten on larger pike or heavy-handed sets, and the glow will lose intensity after repeated scrapes or long daylight exposure. Don’t expect premium corrosion resistance — treat these as high-value consumables, not heirloom tackle.
✅ Pros
- Excellent low-light visibility
- Thirty-piece assorted pack
- Extremely budget-friendly
❌ Cons
- Thin hooks for big fish
- Glow fades with heavy use
- Key Ingredient: luminous glow paint
- Scent Profile: unscented (add waxies/minnow)
- Best For: Best for Low-Light Fishing
- Size / Volume: 30-piece assorted micro jigs
- Best Season: early/late ice and overcast days
- Special Feature: flashes clearly on flasher sonar
Factors to Consider
Frequently Asked Questions
What rod length is best for ice jigging walleye on Lake Erie?
Go 24–30 inches for most jigging—short rods give control on light jigs and precise hooksets. For deadsticking and tip-ups use longer 36–42 inch rods or purpose-built tip-ups when targeting big walleye on deep troughs.
Which line should I use for perch vs walleye under the ice?
Perch: 4–6 lb braid with a 4–6 lb fluoro leader for the lightest profiles and maximum sensitivity. Walleye: 6–10 lb braid with a 6–8 lb fluorocarbon leader to resist abrasion on rough bottoms while keeping detection sharp.
What jig sizes and baits work best through Erie ice by season?
Use 1/32–1/16 oz tungsten jigs early and often for perch and suspended walleye; move to 1/8 oz when targeting deeper or more aggressive walleye in mid-winter. Fish small softbaits or minnows for walleye and tiny plastics or deadsticked minnows for thick Western Basin perch schools.
How deep should I fish in the Western vs Central Basin in winter?
Western Basin often fishes shallower—start 10–20 feet along reefs and flats where perch stack and walleye feed on baitfish. Central Basin holds larger wintering walleye deeper—expect 18–35 feet on trough edges, humps, and sunken structure; use your sonar to refine depth quickly.
Do I need a LiveScope or is a simple flasher enough?
A flasher or CHIRP unit is enough for most Erie ice work and offers fast, actionable returns on schools and bait. LiveScope helps in tournament contexts or when you need to target single hooked-up fish in tight schools, but it’s an expensive upgrade rather than a must-have.
What battery and power setup should I bring for a full day on the ice?
Bring a 12V AGM or lithium battery in the 25–50 Ah range to run sonar and heated clothing for a full day; larger batteries if you run shelters and multiple devices. Pack a spare or charging option—cold reduces capacity, and mid-day electronics failure kills productivity.
Should I wear a life vest on Lake Erie ice?
Yes—wear a flotation coat or vest every time you’re on Erie ice. Current lanes and thin spots are common near the Western Basin shorelines and around islands; a flotation device plus ice picks and a rope are the baseline safety kit for any serious angler.
Conclusion
Pick gear that matches how you fish Erie—short, stiff jigging rods, low-diameter braid with fluoro leaders, a responsive sonar, and reliable tip-ups for deep trough work. Prioritize durability and portability so you can move from Western shallow flats to Central Basin humps quickly; a mid-range setup that covers jigging, deadsticking, and electronics will catch the most fish across seasons.
