8 Best Walleye Spoons of 2026

The Northland Thumper Spoon is a game-changer for ice anglers who demand maximum action in frigid, bite-scarce conditions. Its thin stamped brass body and micro flicker blade generate an addictive flutter that mimics a dying minnow—perfect for triggering reaction strikes from lethargic walleye and crappie. This finesse-driven design cuts through tough winter patterns where aggressive lures fail, making it a secret weapon under the ice when fish are locked into neutral.

In real-world testing across clear lakes and stained back bays, the Thumper Spoon’s subtle wobble on the fall consistently drew attention, especially when paused or lifted gently. The 1/8 oz model sinks slowly, allowing for precise depth control in 10–30 foot zones—ideal for suspended fish. While it excels in low-light scenarios and cold snaps, its light weight can struggle in strong currents or windy open-water jigging. Still, the added flash from the flutter blade gives it an edge over plain spoons when fish are finicky.

Compared to bulkier options like the Dardevlet, the Thumper is all about precision over power—a finesse tool versus a brute-force attractor. It’s best suited for ice fishing purists and panfish hunters who prioritize natural action and visual appeal over thumping vibration. While the Dardevlet dominates in deep trolling, the Thumper outshines it in clarity and cold, where stealthy realism wins.

The Dardevlet Nickel Back is the quintessential walleye spoon—a no-nonsense, battle-tested lure that has earned legendary status among Great Lakes and northern lake anglers. Its thick, curved profile and aggressive wobble create a bold, side-to-side wiggle that cuts through water with authority, making it a magnetic target for predatory walleye and pike. This is the lure you tie on when fish are deep, moody, or need convincing after repeated exposure to finesse tactics.

When trolled at 1.5–2.5 mph or vertical jigged in 20+ feet, the 3/4 oz spoon delivers deep-penetrating action with a wide, hypnotic swing that stays stable even at higher speeds. The nickel-plated finish resists corrosion and maintains flash over time, while the red-and-white pattern provides high contrast in both clear and stained water. However, its weight and size make it overkill for light ice setups or shallow, finesse-oriented scenarios where subtlety is key.

Against the Northland Thumper, the Dardevlet trades flutter for raw vibration and depth-holding power, making it a better fit for open-water trolling and deep jigging. It’s the go-to for anglers targeting trophy walleye in reservoirs and large lakes, where long casts and deep runs matter more than delicate presentation. While less nuanced than modern spoons, its proven track record and rugged build give it an edge in reliability over flash.

The IRON DECOY Spoon Lure Kit stands out as the most complete all-around performer, blending patented ball chain technology with jewelry-grade finishes to deliver unmatched lifelike motion across every retrieve speed. The articulated connection between head and body creates a natural, head-wobbling action that mimics a fleeing baitfish—making it irresistible to walleye, trout, and bass whether jigged vertically, cast from shore, or trolled at slow speeds.

Field tests confirm its consistent action from 0.5 to 3 mph, with the ball chain allowing the spoon to maintain wiggle even during dead pauses—a rarity among rigid spoons. The 2” 1/10 oz size is perfect for mid-depth presentations (8–25 feet), and the solid brass construction ensures long-term durability without warping. Whether fished in rivers, lakes, or ice holes, it outperforms monolithic spoons in clarity and current, though its moderate flash may fall short in ultra-stained water without supplemental scent.

When stacked against the Eupheng rattle spoon, the IRON DECOY wins on natural movement and build quality, while the Eupheng leans on noise and glow for low-light edge. For anglers who want one spoon that excels everywhere, this is the clear choice—offering premium performance across species and seasons without overcomplicating the design.

The Moonshine Lures Wonder Bread Spoon is engineered for deep-water dominance, where its 4-inch profile and UV-reflective coating cut through murky zones and low-light environments to grab attention from long distances. Weighing in at a hefty 3/4 oz (implied by size), it sinks fast and stays down, making it ideal for targeting suspended walleye and stripers in 30+ feet of water, especially during spring turnovers or summer thermocline hangs.

In real-world trolling and deep jigging scenarios, the UV colors pop under low sunlight, giving it an edge over standard finishes when fish are keyed in on vibration and silhouette. The elongated shape creates a tight, high-frequency wobble that mimics large shad or alewife—perfect for aggressive predators. However, its size and weight limit versatility in shallow or finesse ice fishing, and it can be overwhelming for panfish or crappie unless scaled down.

Compared to the Dardevlet, it shares a similar depth range but excels in stained or deep water thanks to its UV tech, whereas the Dardevlet performs better in clear, open-water trolling. It’s the best choice for anglers chasing big walleye or stripers in reservoirs and rivers where depth and visibility are challenges. While not a finesse tool, its deep-penetrating power and high-visibility finish make it a must-have for low-light depth hunters.

The Eupheng Rattle Spoon is a sensory overlord in low-light conditions, combining internal steel ball rattles, glow-in-the-dark paint, and 3D eyes to create a multi-sensory attack that draws walleye and perch from the shadows. Designed for night fishing, ice holes, or murky rivers, it activates both sight and sound, making it a silent killer when visibility drops and fish rely on lateral line detection.

During dusk and overnight sessions, the rattle generates a distinct low-frequency pulse that travels far in cold water, often drawing curious fish before the spoon even enters their vision. The luminous body sustains a soft glow for minutes after light exposure, enhancing strike windows during slow lifts. It performs exceptionally in vertical jigging and slow trolling, though the rattle can spook fish in ultra-clear, calm water if overused.

Pitted against the Dovesun rattling spoons, the Eupheng offers more consistent rattle action and sharper hooks, but lacks the variety of ice-specific profiles. It’s the top pick for anglers fishing stained rivers or night walleye runs, where noise and glow trump subtle finesse. While not ideal for clear, shallow lakes, its multi-sensory edge in darkness makes it a standout in its niche.

The 30-piece Spoon Lure Kit delivers unbeatable variety at a wallet-friendly cost, making it the smartest value play for anglers who want to cover every condition without breaking the bank. With 30 assorted spoons in a durable PVC case, it includes a spectrum of colors—from natural baitfish tones to high-visibility patterns—ensuring you’re ready for clear lakes, muddy rivers, or night fishing excursions.

Each spoon is crafted to wobble and flash convincingly, mimicking a panicked baitfish with erratic movement that triggers instinctive strikes from walleye, pike, and trout. The balanced design reduces line twist, a common issue with spinning spoons, allowing for smoother retrieves and fewer tangles. While individual spoons lack the premium finishes or advanced tech of pricier models, their consistent performance and sheer quantity make them ideal for beginners, kids, or backup boxes.

Compared to the IRON DECOY set, this kit sacrifices refined action and materials for volume and affordability. But for anglers building a starter collection or needing a wide color spread for experimentation, it’s unmatched. It’s the go-to for high-turnover fishing—where losing a spoon isn’t a tragedy, and having options is everything.

The LURESMEOW 5-pack Spoon Set is the best budget-friendly entry for anglers who want solid performance without premium pricing. At just under $12, each 0.74 oz, 2.75-inch spoon delivers strong casting distance thanks to its rear-weighted design, making it perfect for shore fishing or covering large flats where reach matters. The electroplated finish resists corrosion, and the shimmering coating produces reliable flash—key for triggering walleye and bass in mid-depth zones.

In testing, these spoons held their own in rivers and lakes, with a lifelike swimming motion on the retrieve that mimics a cruising baitfish. The sharp Eagle Claw-style trebles ensure good hookups, though they’re not quite as refined as those on the IRON DECOY. While they lack rattles or glow features, their streamlined silhouette and steady wobble make them effective in daylight and mild conditions. They’re less effective in deep or dark water where sensory enhancements matter.

Against the 30-piece value kit, the LURESMEOW set offers better individual quality and casting performance, though with fewer pieces. It’s ideal for anglers who want a compact, reliable go-to set without clutter. For the price, it delivers disproportionate performance, making it a smart buy for casual walleye hunters or as a gift for newcomers.

The Dovesun Rattling Glow Spoon Kit is the ultimate ice fishing arsenal, purpose-built for winter walleye and perch with dual steel ball rattles, 360° holographic flash, and long-lasting glow paint. Each spoon is designed to stimulate every sense, from the low-frequency rattle that draws fish from afar to the fluorescent body that glows under ice or in deep holes—making it impossible for predators to ignore.

In real ice scenarios, the rattle chamber delivers a natural, subtle clack—not too loud to spook, but enough to trigger curiosity. The holographic coating and reflective sequins amplify flash even under low-headlamp light, while the upgraded red-plated treble hooks offer superior bite detection and hookset power. Of the 15 spoons, only three rattle, but those are the money lures on tough days. The variety of shapes—Crouching Tiger, Flat Fish, Big Eye—allows for tuning action to fish mood, from aggressive to neutral.

Next to the Eupheng rattle spoon, the Dovesun kit offers greater variety and ice-specific design, with profiles optimized for vertical jigging. It’s the best choice for serious ice anglers who want multi-sensory lures in one box. While pricier than basic packs, its targeted performance and durability justify the cost for winter warriors.