About three decades ago, I wrote a story on jigging spoons for whitefish. I still hear from anglers about that piece and love that it struck a chord. Back then, I focused on the Hopkins spoon — a classic that remains a solid choice (as we’ll discuss in a moment). Since that time, my angling partners and I have refined a few things and discovered some new lures that work extremely well. There are likely still some winter ice anglers who’ve never tried a simple jigging spoon for whitefish. So, consider this a revisitation of one of my favourite winter techniques: jigging heavy metal for whitefish. Why a jigging spoon? That small, downturned mouth of a whitefish doesn’t look like it could handle a spoon. However, it can open surprisingly wide, and whitefish are quite adept at eating baitfish such as gobies, smelt, and shiners. They can also be aggressive feeders — especially when chasing schooling minnows. The flash and pulse of a jigged spoon not only attract whitefish but often trigger strikes. Of course, not all spoons are created equal — some have more action than others. The bottom line is simple: if whitefish are feeding on baitfish, they’re vulnerable to a jigged spoon. The world of jigging spoons is vast, with countless shapes, sizes, and actions. Over more than 30 years of chasing winter whitefish, a few have consistently proven themselves. Hopkins Smoothie: When I first wrote about targeting winter whitefish with a spoon, the Hopkins Smoothie was my go-to. It’s still an excellent option, offering an enticing flutter on the fall and a thick body that fishes deep water well. My long-time favourites remain the half-ounce silver/blue or hammered silver patterns. I always keep a few Hopkins spoons in my tackle box during whitefish outings. Williams Ice Jig (J50): Over the past decade, however, the Williams Ice Jig — particularly the J50 model (quarter ounce, just over two inches long) — has become my lead-off hitter. It’s light and narrow, with a slow, pronounced flutter on the drop. The genuine silver plating produces an irresistible flash in the water, and I often give spoons with green or glow accents the first drop. Swedish Pimple: My second-favourite winter spoon is the Swedish Pimple. It’s denser than the Williams and excels in deeper water. The Pimple falls faster and flutters tighter — perfect for aggressive fish. When whitefish are in a mood,
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