The lake is a sheet of white. You’re standing over six feet of ice, staring into a black hole, and the only thing between you and a trophy laker is a tiny piece of metal or plastic. We’ve all been there. You’ve drilled twenty holes, marked fish on the flasher, but they just won’t commit. The difference between a skunked day and a successful one often comes down to one simple thing: the bait tied to your line.
Lake trout are predators, but they’re also picky. They’ve seen it all by the time they reach size. The best baits for ice fishing mimic the natural forage—ciscoes, smelt, and sculpins—while offering an action that triggers a reaction strike. You need something that looks alive, moves in a way that says ‘easy meal,’ and stays in the strike zone long enough for a fish to make a decision. Flash helps, but vibration and profile often matter more in low light.
We’ve spent countless hours on hard water testing two baits that consistently outperform the rest: the Northland Fishing Tackle Level-Head Predator Tube Jig and the Trout Magnet Crankbait. These are the baits we tie on when we need to catch fish, not just attract them. Below, we break down exactly why they work, who they’re for, and where they fall short.
Here is a quick comparison of the two baits we tested:
| Features | Northland Predator Tube | Trout Magnet Crankbait |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Pre-rigged soft plastic tube | Hard plastic suspending crank |
| Key Action | Horizontal darting swim | Stop-and-go jerk bait |
| Best Depth Range | Vertical jigging, all depths | Shallow, 2-4 feet |
| Unique Feature | Level-Head horizontal hook hang | Internal rattles |
| Best Use Case | Deep water aggressive fish | Shallow flats and suspended fish |
Northland Predator Tube Jig
Northland Tackle
Northland Fishing Tackle Level-Head Predator Tube Jig for Ice Fishing and Fishing Lake Trout, Northern Pike, and Burbot, White/Chartreuse Top, 1 1/2 Oz, 2/Card
- RIGGED AND READY: Don’t waste your time rigging up your tubes! The new Northland Fishing Tackle Level-Head Predator Tube comes rig…
- BIG FISH BAIT: The soft chewy body of this large tube lure swims and darts like a dying baitfish underwater, attracting hungry pre…
- LEVEL-HEAD DESIGN: This pre-rigged soft plastic fishing tube features an eyelet that is strategically placed further down the head…
The one you reach for when fish are suspended and finicky.
The Northland Level-Head Predator Tube is a game-changer for anglers who are tired of rigging their own soft plastics. It comes out of the package ready to fish, with a stout hook and a blood red Sting’r hook already in place. This is a big fish bait. It’s designed for lake trout, northern pike, and burbot, and it has the profile to match. If you’re targeting lakers that are chasing larger forage like ciscoes, this tube is the right call.
What makes this bait stand out is the Level-Head design. The eyelet is positioned further down the head of the jig, which forces the bait to hang perfectly horizontal in the water. That might sound like a small detail, but it’s huge. A horizontal presentation looks like a baitfish resting or dying, not a piece of lead pointing nose-down at the bottom. This natural posture gets more looks from neutral fish. The soft, chewy body also has a subtle darting action when you snap the rod tip, mimicking a wounded baitfish perfectly.
There are a couple of trade-offs to consider. This is a heavier presentation, so it’s not ideal for ultralight tackle or shallow water. It’s a 1 1/2 oz lure, which means you’re going to be dropping it into deeper zones. It also comes in specific color patterns like White/Chartreuse, which are proven but might not match the exact hatch in every lake. The hook is stout, which is great for landing big fish, but it can be overkill if you’re also catching smaller perch or trout.
- Pre-rigged with a blood red Sting’r hook for better hookups
- Level-Head design keeps the bait horizontal for a natural look
- Soft chewy body with a lively darting action on the fall
- Includes an extra soft plastic body in the pack
- Available in multiple sizes and high-visibility colors
Best for: The ice angler targeting big lake trout in deep water who wants a durable, pre-rigged presentation that looks alive when dead-sticked or snapped.
Trout Magnet Crankbait
Trout Magnet
Trout Magnet Crankbait - Suspending Rattling Lure
- DEADLY BAIT FOR ALL SPECIES: Designed not just for trout but other species like them too
- JERK BAIT ACTION: Long slender design is perfect for stop and go action/jerk bait type action
- RATTLES: Small rattles add to the effectiveness of this lure
The one you tie on for a reaction bite in skinny water.
The Trout Magnet Crankbait is a different beast entirely. It’s a hard-bodied, suspending lure with a long, slender profile. This is not a jigging spoon. It’s a jerk bait. You cast it, let it sit, and twitch it back with a stop-and-go rhythm. The action is subtle but deadly, and the internal rattles add just enough noise to call fish in from a distance. It’s a fantastic choice when trout are holding in shallow flats or suspended just under the ice.
This lure shines because it’s evenly weighted. When you stop reeling, it suspends in place rather than floating up or sinking down. That pause is when most strikes happen. It gives a hesitant fish time to commit. The shallow runner design means it runs only 2-4 feet deep, which makes it perfect for fishing in less than ten feet of water or just under the ice. It’s a great option for sight fishing or for those days when the flasher shows fish cruising high in the water column.
However, it’s not without limitations. The size is small, so it’s better suited for smaller to medium lake trout, or for species like rainbow and brook trout. A monster laker might still hit it, but you’ll be under-gunned with the light wire hooks. It’s also a shallow runner, so you won’t be using this to fish the bottom in 60 feet of water. It has a specific niche, but within that niche, it’s a killer bait.
- Long, slender profile mimics a baitfish perfectly
- Internal rattles provide a subtle vibration in murky water
- Evenly weighted to suspend at a controlled depth during pauses
- Runs at a consistent 2-4 foot depth
- Excellent for jerk bait action and stop-and-go retrieves
Best for: The angler fishing shallow water, under the ice, or targeting suspended fish with a finesse presentation that triggers a reaction strike.
How We Chose These Products
We started with a simple question: what do lake trout actually eat in the winter? The answer is usually small forage fish like smelt, ciscoes, and sculpins. We looked for baits that accurately imitated that profile and offered a realistic action. We then narrowed the field based on durability, hook quality, and ease of use. A bait that falls apart after two fish isn’t worth your money, no matter how good it looks in the package.
We also considered the context of the presentation. A jigging spoon works well for aggressive fish, but a soft plastic tube is better for neutral fish. A crankbait is great for covering water, but a jig is better for staying in one spot. We selected the Northland Predator Tube because it solved the common problem of soft plastics hanging nose-down in the water. We selected the Trout Magnet Crankbait because it offers a unique suspending action that fills a specific niche for shallow water anglers.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
When you’re picking a bait for lake trout through the ice, you need to think about depth and action. Deep water often calls for heavier jigs that get down fast and stay there. Shallow water requires lighter presentations that won’t spook fish. Matching your bait size to the local forage is also critical. If the trout are eating 3-inch ciscoes, a 5-inch swimbait is going to get ignored. Pay attention to what you see on your flasher and what other anglers are catching fish on.
Color selection is another factor, but it’s often overthought. In deep, dark water, glow-in-the-dark or bright chartreuse patterns are easier for fish to see. In clear, shallow water, natural silver and white patterns are usually better. You should also consider the hook quality. Lake trout have hard mouths, and a cheap, dull hook will cost you fish. Look for baits with sharp, stout hooks that can handle a hard hookset.
Finally, think about the action you plan to use. Are you going to dead-stick a bait and wait for a fish to come to you? Or are you going to aggressively snap the rod to trigger a reaction bite? Your technique should dictate the bait you choose. A soft plastic tube is versatile for both, while a crankbait is specifically designed for a jerk-and-pause retrieve.
Our Top Recommendation
If we had to pick just one bait to tie on for the rest of the ice season, it would be the Northland Level-Head Predator Tube. It’s the most versatile of the two for lake trout. You can fish it aggressively by ripping it off the bottom, or you can dead-stick it and let the horizontal profile do the work. It’s built tough to handle big fish, and the pre-rigged hook setup means less time fiddling with knots in the cold. It covers the depth ranges where most big lake trout live during the winter.
For anglers who prefer a lighter, finesse approach or primarily fish shallow water, the Trout Magnet Crankbait is an excellent alternative. It’s a fantastic tool to have in your box for those specific days when fish are suspended high or cruising the flats. It’s not a replacement for a good jig, but it’s a great addition to your arsenal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best color for lake trout ice fishing?
It depends on the light and water clarity. In deep water or low light, glow-in-the-dark and chartreuse are top producers. In clear water and bright conditions, natural silver, white, and perch patterns work better. The Northland tube in White/Chartreuse is a good compromise because it offers visibility and a natural profile.
How deep should I fish for lake trout?
Lake trout are often found near the bottom in 30 to 60 feet of water during the winter, but they can suspend higher. Start by fishing the bottom, then work your way up in 5-foot increments until you mark fish on your flasher. The Trout Magnet is better for shallow water, while the Northland tube is suited for deeper drops.
Can I use the same bait for stocked and wild trout?
Yes, but with some adjustments. Stocked trout often feed on pellet imitations and smaller baitfish. Wild trout are used to a more diverse diet. A smaller tube jig or a smaller crankbait will work for both. The key is to match the size of the local forage, which can vary between lakes.
How important is scent when ice fishing for lake trout?
Lake trout rely heavily on their lateral line and sight, but scent can help in murky water or when fish are neutral. The Northland tube allows you to tip it with a piece of cut bait or a minnow head to add scent without changing the action. The crankbait is a pure reaction lure, so scent isn’t a factor there.
