Just because ice has started to form on the lake and rivers doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to catch crappie. If you use the right lure, you’ll be able to get plenty of action during the winter months.
So, what are the best ice fishing lures for crappie? It’s best to try to use lures that use that glow in the dark. You might also be able to get great results by using smaller baits, which resemble the foods that they tend to eat. You might also want to think about using a soft material, so it wiggles as it moves through the water, resembling a real fish. See My favorite choices for Crappie Lures Here on my resources page.
Ice fishing for crappie can be a very rewarding experience. However, there are a few things that you can do to give yourself a better chance of catching one. Let’s look at some of the things you need to know about the best ice fishing lures for crappie.
What Lures Should You Use When Ice Fishing For Crappie?
Do you need an Ice Fishing Flasher? Heres some good choices!
It’s best to try to stick to smaller lures, that resemble the types of foods that crappie usually eats. It can be a good idea to get one that glows in the dark. Also, try to get a lure that has a natural movement as it jigs through the water.
The type of lure that you use will have a big impact on whether you will be able to catch crappie.
This is especially important during the winter months when they tend to be more lethargic and reluctant to eat. There is a range of things to look for when selecting your lure.
First, think about the type of lure that you are using. You’ll often want something small.
Crappies tend to focus on prey like larvae and insects. If you can imitate these food sources, they will be more likely to bite. Also, it limits the size of the hole that you need to drill in the ice.
Here are some good hooks for crappie fishing. size 8-12 are great!
If the crappie is deep under the ice, you might want to upgrade to a larger lure. By presenting a juicier lure, you’ll give them more reason to bite.
This is especially important during winter when the crappie is trying to conserve energy.
Another important tip is to try to stick to lures that can glow in the dark. During the winter, crappies tend to move to lower depths. As a result, there is less light to see what food is available.
Because of this, it can be hard for them to spot what they should be eating. Choosing a glow in the dark lure is like putting a spotlight on your offering. As the crappies move closer to the surface, move to natural colors.
Another good way to make sure that your lure is standing out underwater is by picking one that has a rattle.
The next thing to consider is the way that the bait moves through the water. The vibrations will make it easier for the crappie to spot the food, giving you a better chance of getting a bite.
In the summer you might want to use live bait, like the minnow. However, during winter, they might die from the cold temperature.
Instead, you’ll need to create a lure that artificially creates movement.
To tell you how the lure will move through the water, there are a few things to look for. First, you should try to look for a soft plastic.
The soft parts will wiggle as it is dragged along, attracting the attention of the crappie. You might also want to at the front of the lure.
It’s best to choose something with a small spoon. This changes the way that the lure ‘swims’, making it imitate prey in distress.
Need CHUM ? Here’s an article you might like about chum for crappie.
It’s usually best to have a wide selection of lures that you can choose from. If one isn’t working, don’t be afraid to swap it out for something that will deliver better results.
You might need to try three or four lures to get to the one that works best in that location. Keep a fishing journal to help you keep track of these changes, so you can better plan future trips.
Where To Fish For Crappies In Winter?
Once you’ve found the right lure, you’ll need to focus your energy on the places where crappies are most active.
In a fertile environment, they tend to stick to the deeper water in the middle of the lake. In most cases, they will stick close to things like weeds, logs, or rocks which can provide cover.
There is a range of places that you might want to look for crappies. In most cases, you’ll want to try fishing close to healthy vegetation, like underwater weeds.
This provides the crappies with shelter and nutrients. However, if there aren’t weeds available, try other underwater obstacles, like rocks or logs.
The depth that crappies occupy during the winter can vary. In most cases, they will stick to the deeper waters, in the middle of the lake.
However, if they are feeding, they might rise to higher levels, sometimes just a few feet below the ice. You might be able to find a better location if you use a sonar device, which lets you see what is going on under the water.
To find the best location, you’ll need to be prepared to experiment. It might take multiple holes before you find one that delivers results.
In some cases, it can help to work with other fishermen. This makes it easier to find a lucrative spot.
| Lure Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Jigging Rapala | A classic lure that can be jigged or vertically jigged through the ice. It mimics a small minnow or baitfish, making it attractive to crappie. |
| Tungsten Jig | Tungsten jigs are heavy and compact, making them great for getting deep into the water column quickly. They also mimic small baitfish and insects, making them attractive to crappie. |
| Marabou Jig | Marabou jigs have a soft, feathery tail that creates a lifelike swimming action when jigged through the water. They are great for slow-moving presentations and can be tipped with a minnow or waxworm. |
| Micro Spoon | Micro spoons are small lures that mimic the flash and movement of small baitfish. They are great for catching crappie in clear water and can be jigged or trolled. |
| Jigging Minnow | Jigging minnows are soft plastic lures that mimic the movement of a live minnow. They can be tipped with a waxworm or other small bait to increase their appeal to crappie. |
How To Rig A Lure To Catch Crappies In The Winter?
It’s also important to check the way that you’ve set up your rig. During winter, you’ll need to choose a more sensitive line, so you know when you are getting bites. It can also help to use a clear line, so the fish won’t be able to spot it.
There are several techniques that you can use when rigging your line. First, you’ll need to think about the kind of equipment you’re getting. It can often help to make sure that you are using a sensitive rod.
This will let you know when you are receiving bites. You must pull on the hook, setting it in the mouth of the fish. You should be able to feel your bait as it moves through the water.
You might also use a lighter line. In the clear waters, the fish will be able to spot the fishing line. This
makes them wary of biting. If you’re using a lighter line, make sure to get a good knot. This will make sure that the lure doesn’t slide off after it gets bitten.
Related Questions
What’s the best time of day to ice fish for crappie? It’s usually best to try to fish during the middle of the day. This is when the temperature will be warmer and the fish will be the most active. You might also find some good activity at nightfall.
Where is the ice thickest? Ice will always be thickest towards the center of the lake. If you’re fishing in this area, be prepared to use an auger to help you drill a hole.
Final Thoughts
Crappie can be a great species to target during the winter months. While they might be a little more lethargic, you’ll still be able to get them to bite. The key to doing this is using the right lures.
It’s best to stick to soft plastics, that glow in the dark. If you can get the right lure, in the right spot, you should be able to enjoy a delicious crappie dinner.
Check out these Recommended Ice Fishing Boots from Amazon.
