15 Best Ice Fishing Jigs for Trout (2025 Guide)
Why Jigs Are Essential for Winter Trout Fishing
When Colorado’s lakes freeze and trout settle under the ice, having the best ice fishing jigs for trout is essential. Jigs imitate small baitfish, larvae, and crustaceans that trout feed on during cold months. Their compact design, combined with vertical presentation, makes them ideal for trout ice fishing in both shallow and deep water.
These 2025 picks cover everything from glow tungsten options to flutter spoons, perfect for rainbow, brown, and lake trout across North America.
If you’re new here, Reel Activities is your home for trout fishing tips, jig reviews, and seasonal ice-fishing guides. Visit our homepage at ReelActivities.com for more expert freshwater content.
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Why Use Jigs for Trout Ice Fishing
Jigs are the most productive ice fishing lures for trout because they allow precise control over depth and movement.
Advantages of Jig Fishing for Trout
- Control Depth & Action: Fine-tune your presentation to match trout activity.
- Versatile: From small tungsten heads to spoons, jigs cover every water column.
- Attractive Colors: Glow and metallic finishes draw attention even in murky ice water.
- Perfect for Finesse: Small profiles imitate real aquatic prey.
Whether you’re at Chatfield Reservoir or fishing frozen lakes across the Rockies, knowing how to match jig weight, color, and action makes all the difference.
Want to show off your biggest trout this winter?
Enter our monthly Slab Shots contest for a chance to win a gift card or jig prize.
The 15 Best Ice Fishing Jigs for Trout (2025)
Each jig below has proven success through ice seasons across Colorado and northern states.
1. Tungsten Drop XL — Fast-Sinking Precision
- Depth: 10 – 30 ft
- Best For: Deep trout beneath the thermocline
- Why It Works: Dense tungsten sinks fast — perfect for vertical jigging for trout in deep water.
- Pro Tip: Use chartreuse in stained water or glow white at dusk.
2. Custom Jigs & Spins Slender Spoon — Flutter Action Favorite
Buy on Amazon
- Depth: 6 – 20 ft
- Best For: Active trout mid-column
- Why It Works: Its flutter mimics wounded shad — deadly for rainbow trout ice fishing.
- Pro Tip: Match spoon size to local forage.
3. Northland Tackle Rigged Tungsten Broom Bug — Finesse Bug Imitator
- Depth: 8–15 ft
- Best For: Finicky trout, pressured lakes, and insect-matching finesse presentations
- Why It Works: The Northland Rigged Tungsten Broom Bug delivers a compact, bug-style profile that trout key in on during winter. The kit includes tungsten jig heads plus extra soft-plastic bodies, giving you multiple rigging options. Its subtle action and realistic shape make it ideal for picky rainbow and brown trout under the ice.
- Pro Tip: Use the smaller 1/28 oz size in clear water when trout are cautious, and switch to 1/16 oz when fishing deeper basins or light current.
4. Northland Forage Minnow Spoon — Aggressive Attraction
- Depth: 8 – 25 ft
- Best For: Hungry browns chasing baitfish
- Why It Works: Flash and UV finishes reflect light beneath ice.
- Pro Tip: Use bright gold on sunny days; silver on overcast ones.
5. Rapala Jigging Rap — Vertical Swimmer Classic
- Depth: 10 – 35 ft
- Best For: Lake trout and suspended fish
- Why It Works: Unique circular dart triggers reaction strikes.
- Pro Tip: Lift-pause-drop rhythm works best for deep Colorado ice fishing.
6. VMC Tungsten Tubby Jig Kit 1/16 oz Glow — High-Sensitivity Performer
- Depth: 12–20 ft
- Best For: Precision strikes in clear or low-light conditions
- Why It Works: The VMC Tungsten Tubby Jig sinks fast, offers excellent sensitivity, and its glow finish makes it highly visible beneath the ice. Perfect for trout that demand a subtle but attractive presentation.
- Pro Tip: Charge the glow with your headlamp before dropping — trout often strike within the first few minutes after charging.
7. Acme Kastmaster — All-Season Heavyweight
- Depth: 15 – 40 ft
- Best For: Windy conditions and deep basins
- Why It Works: Compact metal spoon maintains action in current.
- Pro Tip: Silver for clear water; brass for stained lakes like Barr Lake.
8. Lindy Techni-Glo Frostee Spoon — Balanced Classic
- Depth: 6 – 20 ft
- Best For: Multi-species trout action
- Why It Works: Wide wobble flashes even at slow lift speeds.
- Pro Tip: Perfect for Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocked ponds.
9. Alichino Ice Fishing Jig Set — Budget Micro Kit
- Depth: 5–15 ft
- Best For: Lightweight finesse vertical presentations for trout under the ice
- Why It Works: The Alichino Ice Fishing Jig Set includes 36 jig heads (lead + some tungsten) and comes in multiple sizes and colors, making it ideal for diversifying your finesse approach. The micro profile targets trout that are stingy, especially on pressured lakes. The kit format also keeps costs down while offering variety.
- Pro Tip: Use the smallest heads first in clear-water lakes or when trout are inactive. Switch to brighter colors under snow-cover or stained ice.
10. Swedish Pimple — Timeless Trout Slayer
- Depth: 8 – 25 ft
- Best For: All trout species
- Why It Works: Its flash and vibration call in distant fish.
- Pro Tip: Add a red tab to increase strike attraction.
11. 13 Fishing Flashbang — Glow and Rattle Combo
- Depth: 15 – 30 ft
- Best For: Low-light and deep bites
- Why It Works: Built-in rattle and UV glow attract fish after sunset.
- Pro Tip: Charge glow every 15 minutes.
12. Sougayilang Micro Jigging Spoons — Multi-Color Metal Flutter Set
- Depth: 5 – 20 ft
- Best For: Inactive fish
- Why It Works: Natural scent disperses through cold water.
- Pro Tip: Combine with slow lift-drop retrieves.
13. Strike King Mr. Crappie Jack Knife Spoons — Compact Flash
- Depth: 10–18 ft
- Best For: Pressured trout and mixed-species winter fisheries
- Why It Works: The Strike King Mr. Crappie Jack Knife Spoon has a compact profile with a built-in swivel blade that flashes and vibrates even on subtle jigging motions. Its action is perfect for calling in curious trout under the ice.
- Pro Tip: Use brighter colors like chartreuse or pink when fishing stained water or after snowstorms reduce visibility.
14. Reaction Tackle Tungsten Ice Fishing Jigs — Super Sensitive Tear Drop Glow Jigs
- Depth: 12–22 ft
- Best For: Trout, panfish, crappie, perch, and multispecies winter bites
- Why It Works: These Reaction Tackle tungsten tear-drop jigs sink quickly, stay highly responsive, and feature glow finishes that charge under UV light. Their compact profile makes them perfect for pressured trout or low-light conditions.
- Pro Tip: Charge the jig with a UV light every few minutes — the stronger the glow, the more aggressive the strikes tend to be.
15. Eurotackle Z-Viber Micro — Hybrid Innovation
- Depth: 6 – 20 ft
- Best For: Searching new spots
- Why It Works: Blends vibration and jigging for maximum flash and sound.
- Pro Tip: Start your morning with this to locate schools quickly.
Recommended Ice Fishing Setup for Trout
Rod: 24–30″ Light or Medium-Light Ice Rod
Reel: 1000–2000 Size Spinning Reel
Line: 3–5 lb Fluorocarbon (for stealth and sensitivity)
Tippet: Optional 2 ft leader for ultra-clear lakes
Sonar: Helps track suspended trout and adjust jig depth
Are you new to ice fishing? Check out these ice shanties and shelters to stay warm and safe on the ice:
https://www.cabelas.com/l/ice-shanties-shelters-and-sleds
Final Thoughts
The key to winter trout success is variety. By carrying a mix of tungsten jigs, spoons, and micro-finesse baits, you’ll be prepared for every situation the ice throws at you. Whether you’re fishing Colorado’s Chatfield Reservoir or high-alpine lakes across the Rockies, these 15 best ice fishing jigs for trout will keep your line tight all season long.
For more gear reviews, seasonal guides, and expert trout fishing tips, check out our Freshwater Fishing section.
💡Takeaways
📌Tungsten and Spoon Jigs Dominate Winter Trout Fishing
The top ice fishing jigs for trout in 2025 include tungsten heads, flutter spoons, and micro-finesse bug imitations. These lure styles closely mimic natural winter prey such as minnows, larvae, and aquatic insects.📌Tungsten Jigs Provide Superior Depth Control
Tungsten jigs sink quickly and offer excellent sensitivity in cold water. They are ideal for targeting suspended rainbow, brown, and lake trout beneath thick ice.📌Glow and Metallic Finishes Improve Under-Ice Visibility
Glow coatings, UV accents, and metallic spoons help trout detect your lure in low-light or snow-covered conditions. These finishes often increase strikes during dawn, dusk, and cloudy days.📌Matching Jig Presentation to Trout Behavior Increases Catch Rates
Choosing the correct jig weight, color, and action improves results. Flutter spoons work well for active trout, and micro jigs shine when trout are finicky or heavily pressured.📌Depth and Clarity Determine the Most Effective Jig Style
Heavy tungsten jigs perform best in deeper water, flashy spoons excel in the mid-water column, and subtle insect-style profiles are ideal for clear or pressured lakes.📌Carrying Multiple Jig Styles Ensures Consistent Winter Success
A well-rounded selection of glow jigs, tungsten drops, spoons, and micro presentations allows anglers to adapt quickly as trout change depth, feeding habits, and activity levels throughout the season.
What is the trick to ice fishing?
The trick to ice fishing is learning how to find fish and control your presentation. Successful anglers focus on drilling multiple holes, checking depth with sonar, and switching between tungsten jigs, spoons, and live bait until they match the trout’s activity level. Slow, finesse-style jigging usually outperforms aggressive motions in winter because cold-water trout become less active. Consistent success comes from staying mobile, adjusting lure colors based on water clarity, and keeping baits close to the bottom or suspended fish marks.
How safe is 7 inches of ice?
Seven inches of clear, solid ice is considered very safe for ice fishing. This thickness easily supports groups of anglers, ice fishing gear, and small snowmobiles. Ice strength depends on quality, not just thickness, so clear blue ice is much stronger than snow ice or slush ice. Always check ice every few steps with a spud bar because conditions can change rapidly near inlets, outlets, and pressure ridges.
What is special about ice fishing?
Ice fishing is special because it allows anglers to reach trout, walleye, and panfish that typically stay far from shore during open water seasons. The frozen lake becomes a level playing field where you can fish anywhere simply by drilling a hole. Winter fish are more predictable, making it easier to target suspended trout or deep-schooling species. Many anglers also enjoy the quiet atmosphere, lack of boat traffic, and the challenge of using finesse tactics to catch fish in cold, clear water.
What is an ice fishing shanty?
An ice fishing shanty is a portable shelter used on frozen lakes to protect anglers from wind, snow, and extreme cold. Also called an ice hut or ice house, it can be a lightweight popup tent or a hard-sided portable building. Shanties help maintain body heat, reduce windchill, and make it easier to fish longer with heaters, chairs, and organized gear. Many anglers use them to stay safe and comfortable while spending several hours on the ice.
What is the 80/20 rule in fishing?
The 80/20 rule in fishing states that 80 percent of the fish are concentrated in 20 percent of the water. This principle encourages anglers to stop wasting time in unproductive spots and instead search for structure, depth changes, weedlines, and underwater transitions where fish naturally gather. In ice fishing, the 80/20 rule helps anglers drill holes along drop-offs, humps, and points where trout and other species feed during winter.
How many people fall through ice every year?
Each year, hundreds of people across North America fall through thin or unstable ice. The exact number varies, but safety experts report that ice-related incidents peak during early and late winter when ice is forming or melting. Most accidents happen when people assume ice is thick enough without checking it. Following ice safety guidelines—such as waiting for at least 4 inches of clear ice for foot travel, significantly reduces the risk.
Jesse Earl – Author
Jesse Earl is a passionate freshwater angler and the founder of Reel Activities. When he’s not testing gear or writing how-to guides, you’ll find him exploring hidden lakes, chasing walleye, or casting from the shoreline with a cup of gas station coffee in hand.
