If you’ve ever gone fishing for muskies than you’ll know that they’re one of those annoying species that will sometimes bite on anything you throw at it or they’ll be very fussy eaters and refuse any lure you try. If you’re lucky enough to catch the muskies in a feeding frenzy, then you may catch some giant specimens with very little help or guidance and at this point, it doesn’t matter what you throw at it, they’ll be in the mood to give at least a nibble giving you plenty of time to strike.
But, even the luckiest angler can’t be in the right place at the right time constantly and the most dedicated muskie angler knows that they’ll be lucky to experience this phenomenon more than once or twice in a season, so the rest of the time you’ll need to rely on your lures, and your skill to land the monsters.
If you decide to pursue muskies than you need to expect to spend most of your time casting, waiting than trying again. Muskies are a hard fish to catch because they’re so picky and you’ll need the best lures you can find for the best chance of success.
If you present the right lure in the right way than you’re sure to get a bite, but the wrong lure might put off the muskie and you’ll be left waiting by the shore all day. So even the most seasoned muskie angler needs to have a well-stocked tackle box to try out different lures on the days where the fish aren’t biting, having a wide selection of lures increases your chance at landing some fish because it gives you more than one shot to entice the muskie onto your hook.
As muskie is relatively rare it can be hard to wade through all the different products that tell you they’re the best and pick the right one for you. Luckily, we’ve done a lot of the legwork for you, and have put together some of our favorite lures for you to take a look at. If you’re a novice and you’re not sure what features are the most important than have a glance at our buyer’s guide which will give you a steer in the right direction.
The most important thing is to keep in mind where you’re fishing so that you can get a lure that suits you.
Top 5 Best Musky Lures
OUR TOP PICK
Lixada Fishing Lures 5-12″ Multi Jointed Life-Like Swimbait Hard CrankBaits
EDITORS CHOICE
River2Sea Whopper Plopper
BEST VALUE
Savage Gear 3D Suicide Duck
OUR TOP PICK
Lixada Fishing Lures 5-12″ Multi Jointed Life-Like Swimbait Hard CrankBaits
First up we have this ultra-lifelike option from Lixada which is perfect for beginners looking for an effective lure that’s not going to break the bank.
This model can be used for both muskie and northern pike, so it gives you a little bit more versatility than some other similar options. Lixada is a well-respect brand among anglers and they’re known for creating top-quality lures that are effective time and time again without breaking easily, and this option lives up to that reputation.
This is a multi-jointed option made from ABS hard plastic for durability, and it’s a useful number to have in your tackle box for those days when the fish aren’t biting. The ABS hard plastic construction means that this lure should give you at least a few years of use without major damage, and its affordable price makes this an easy low-stakes investment for your angling.
Measuring up at 5-12 inches this model is divided into 8-segments for more lifelike swimming action, Lixada has gone to some lengths on the realistic features of this model with features like 3D eyes and body details to try and entice the big muskies to have a nibble.
The more realistic muskie lures are, the more effective they tend to be so this is a good first lure for those fishing muskie for the first time. Lixada has taken the effort to make their products more eco-conscious and if you’ve been looking to be more environmentally friendly even a seasoned angler would appreciate this option.
This is a great value option that will get consistent results even if you’re at the start of your angling journey. This option has an excellent amount of details, and the swimming action might not be as believable as some of the more expensive options, but it performs superbly especially considering the price.
It comes in a range of sizes and colors so you’re certain to find something that will suit you. The durable ABS plastic makes this an excellent investment that beginners especially will get a lot out of.
Pros
- Durable and well-constructed
- Affordable and suitable for beginners
- From a well respected and trusted brand
- Eco-friendly
- Comes in a range of size and colors
Cons
- The swimming action is a little jerky
- 8" 8-segment fishing lure. 2 strong and sharp treble hooks.
- 3D lifelike eyes. High resolution body detail.
- Smooth and rapid diving action. Life-like swimming actions in water to provoke predator to bite.
- Durable ABS material contributing to long service life.
- Specially for pike and muskie, wonderful tool for fishing lovers.
EDITORS CHOICE
River2Sea Whopper Plopper
Next up we have the newest version of a topwater lure designed by the legendary angler Larry Dahlberg. The original design on this option has had muskies throwing themselves at this lure and this hasn’t changed with a modern update.
This is a lure that’s a lot of fun to use, and there are smaller versions available if you like to catch bass too, so it’s a highly effective design across different fish species. This is a great model for those changeable weather conditions that happen so often on the water that a great angler will be prepared for, it’s an easy lure to control the action of so on rougher days you can move quickly through the water to stand out amongst the waves, but it also has amazing slow action for the calmer conditions where it doesn’t take much to grab a muskies attention.
Working this lure slowly is a great stealth option as the only noise it produces is from the tiny internal beads. It also throws water fabulously in those moments where mimicking an injured fish is the best way to entice a muskie.
This is an effective lure that's easy to fish with, and that even beginners will quickly get the hang of. You can cast this lure about a mile which should be more than enough range to catch some great looking fish. This is a very durable lure with a good long lifespan that may quickly become your go-to lure for muskie thanks to its consistency.
Seasoned anglers will love its versatility and how easy it is to fish at different speeds so that every time you take this model out of the tackle box, you know you’re going to have a successful day. You can get this lure in a wide range of colors so there’s going to be something that suits your location, and while they’re not the cheapest option on the market they’re by no means out of a beginner’s budget either.
This is a high-quality lure that will provide hours of fun out on the water whatever your skill level
Pros
- High-quality construction and durable
- Casts over a mile
- Easy to use and consistent
- Comes in a range of different colors
- Easy to fish at different speeds
Cons
- The tail section is a little delicate
- coupon, prop65, topfishing, topwater-baits
BEST VALUE
Savage Gear 3D Suicide Duck
Next up we have something a little bit different from Savage Gear, Some anglers are afraid to try out lures that aren’t in the shape of a fish and this is a great shame because it means that they’ll miss out on innovative and interesting lures like this option.
If you’re looking to hunt for the larger muskies than you need a lure that’s going to bring the big boys out of hiding, and what’s more likely to do that than an innocent duckling? This hard-plastic lure is designed to look the perfect sized duckling for a monster muskie looking for a snack and it’s an award-winning, versatile option that’s easy to fish in a wide range of conditions.
Savage Gear has taken care to create a realistic-looking lure and the details are very life-like so it’s not surprising that the muskies love to smash this lure. It can also be used for pike, so even on the days where the muskies are feeling picky, you still have the opportunity to bring in a great catch.
This is an easy lure to fish with and you can easily try slow or fast retrieves, long pulls, and a variety of speeds depending on the conditions and how effective the lure is out on the water. Even seasoned anglers will get a kick out of how easy this option is to use and at how simple it is to switch up your technique if the fish aren’t biting.
The lure has been designed with both a top and a bottom hook hanger to give you more options on how to present the lure, which is useful if the weather is changeable and you need to change the lure’s presentation easily and efficiently.
The little feet make a great sound as the lure moves through the water, and it’s no surprise that the muskie like it too gives the ultra-realistic 3D scanned finish. This is a great option for most anglers, and if you’re looking for something a little different it’s hard to think of something better than this.
This is a great opportunity to get a unique and innovative lure without breaking the bank
Pros
- Versatile and easy to use
- Interesting and innovative design
- Very realistic
- Nice features like moving ‘feet’ which make a good sound in the water
- Durable had-plastic construction
Cons
- Smaller than expected
- A deadly choice for trophy hunters
- Perfectly emulates a vulnerable duckling
- Durable hard ABS body
- Ultra-realistic 3D scanned finish
RUNNER UP
Chasebaits The Ultimate Squid
Another option for the angler who loves something a little bit different, this is a lure that’ll entice even the fussiest muskie and while some anglers find its appearance a little off-putting it’s worth sticking around for because of its incredible effectiveness even on freshwater fish like muskies.
Big muskies will give anything a bite if they feel like it, and there are even stories about some trying to take a chunk out of dogs that wander too close to the water and even small children! So while a squid may not be a muskie’s natural prey plenty of them are still willing to give it a go, which is great news for the angler looking for an opportunity.
A lot of care has been taken to make this option as realistic as possible, so that muskies might be willing to give it a try, so the squid has custom 3D squid eyes and contracting tentacles to make it look as lifelike as possible. As this is a new lure it’s a great chance to try out something most muskies haven’t encountered before, so even the wiliest specimen might come ns take a look out of curiosity giving you the chance to land some real monsters.
They’re a good option for the enthusiastic beginner looking to make their mark as the lure is pretty affordable and it’s a great one to try out as a last resort even if you’re not sold on the premise. The lure even has a custom scent to be as appetizing as possible and the extended candle that flutters with any movement in the water is sure to be enough to convince a muskie that it looks and smells good enough to eat.
If you’re willing to take a chance on something a little different you may be pleasantly surprised by the results.
Pros
- Durable and innovative design
- Hyper-realistic with features like custom scent
- Easy to use
- Affordable price point
- Excellent swimming action
Cons
- The tentacles are at risk of getting bitten off, but the lure comes in a pack of 3 so this doesn’t matter too much
- THE ORIGINAL! - Beware of cheap imitations... None come close to the incredible action that is unique to the original Chasebaits Utimate Squid!
- LIFE-LIKE MOVEMENT- Designed to be the most realistic Squid ever made; The wings will mesmerize you with the most realistic roll and swim action just like a real squid
- REALISTIC FEATURES- With custom 3D squid eyes, custom scent, contracting tentacles and extended candles that flutter with any movement
- RECOMMENDED RIG- rig with a weighted Jighead or Wormhook, 1/4 oz up to 3oz, with a 4/0 - 6/0 hook
- SPECS- Sizes: 5.9" (3 Pack) and 7.8" (2 Pack)
RUNNER UP
Musky Double Cowgirl
Finally, this option from Musky Mayhem is the perfect lure for the budding muskie angler, constantly popular and easy to use this is a great option for beginners who are just starting out.
This option comes in a range of colors so you’re sure to find something that you like the look of and the Flashabou skirting gives it excellent action in the water. It’s a very versatile option that can be used in pretty much every location, water body and you can use it for different species if you want to.
What this lure is designed for though is muskie, and even beginners will find that they encounter some huge muskie with this option on the other end of their line. The lure includes 2 large number 10 spinner blades which create a huge amount of vibration so it’s no wonder that even very big muskies pay attention.
Seasoned anglers may find this one is a good option to have in their tackle box, especially in July and August but the ease of use for this one makes it a particular stand out for novices.
Pros
- Durable and effective
- Well-constructed
- Great for beginners
- Comes in a range of colors
- Excellent swimming action to attract even large muskies
Cons
More expensive than other beginner lures, but high quality so a worthwhile investment
- Package length: 35.306 cm
- Package width: 13.208 cm
- Package height: 6.35 cm
- Package quantity: 1
Best Musky Lures Buying Guide
Only you know what the best lure for you and your style is because so much of picking the best option is thinking about location and what you need your lure to do.
Hopefully though, seeing some of the best options currently available has given you some ideas about what the perfect lure for you might be, and as you can see there really is something out there for everyone. Before you go make your choice though take a look at some of the most important factors to look out for before you make your choice.
Lure Depth
Before you make your choice, you need to think about the depth that your lure needs to reach. Muskies are very aggressive so the hard part is finding them as if you do disturb them, the chance is pretty high that they’ll at least give you a bit of tussle. But finding them can be an issue as depending on the time of year, and the temperature they tend to hang out at different depths.
During hot times of the year, fish tend to dive to deeper depths where the water is cooler to avoid the scorching sun, in winter months though fish are closer to the surface to stay warmer. So dependant on the time of year you might want a topwater lure or something that can travel to the deeps
Size
Muskie lures tend to be pretty sizeable because muskies are large predators that usually go for larger prey rather than small mouthfuls as they can feed on creatures up to ⅔ of their body length.
Smaller lures tend to have lower success rates for this reason, so it’s better to go big or go home with this species. With the right equipment, you’ll be able to cast larger lures which should be more interesting to the muskie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a muskie lure?
If you want the best chance of victory than getting the right lure is a good idea. Muskie is large and aggressive fish, but they also tend to be pretty elusive so anything you can do to make them bite is going to be a plus. When on the hunt for muskie you want as much help as you can get.
What type of hook should I use?
Another one where you need to think about the size of the fish you want, you need your hook to match the size of the lure you use and the fish you want. The wrong size can result in no bites, a weak bite, or even hooking the fish in the wrong place which can be cruel to the fish if it gets away and damage your catch if you manage to haul it up.
