Best Muskie Topwater Lures of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Muskie topwater lures are a type of fishing bait specifically designed to attract muskellunge, a large freshwater fish native to North America. These lures are made with high-quality materials and designed to mimic the movements and appearance of natural prey, such as small fish or insects, on the surface of the water. They come in a variety of shapes, colours, and sizes, each with their own unique features and benefits. With their exceptional durability and effectiveness, muskie topwater lures are a must-have for any serious angler looking to improve their catch rate.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Bassdash SwimShad Glide Baits for Fishing Cover #TOP 1
Bassdash SwimShad Glide Baits for Fishing
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Bassdash SwimShad Glide Bait for Fishing Cover #TOP 2
Bassdash SwimShad Glide Bait for Fishing
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Pristis 5pcs Multi-Jointed Swimbaits for Fishing Cover #TOP 3
Pristis 5pcs Multi-Jointed Swimbaits for Fishing
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Muskie Topwater Lures

#TOP 1

Bassdash SwimShad Glide Baits for Fishing

4.5in/0.65oz
Bassdash SwimShad Glide Baits for Fishing Cover
Bassdash SwimShad Glide Baits Jointed Swimbait Bass Pike Salmon Trout Muskie Fishing Lure,3-Pack

The Bassdash SwimShad Baits are designed as a slow sinking lure that effectively targets the entire water column. Its single-jointed construction provides a remarkable swimming motion, making it attractive to fish. You can control its unique S-wave action with pauses and reel turns, increasing its appeal to larger catches. Additionally, the built-in stainless steel balls aid in balancing and casting distance, while also creating noise to draw attention in low water clarity. This combination enhances your chances of landing bigger fish.

What We Like
Effective for various fish species
Unique swimming motion
Noisy for low visibility conditions
Control with pauses and turns
Balanced for long-distance casting
#TOP 2

Bassdash SwimShad Glide Bait for Fishing

Red Perch
4.5in/0.76oz
Bassdash SwimShad Glide Bait for Fishing Cover
Bassdash SwimShad Glide Baits Jointed Swimbait Bass Pike Salmon Trout Muskie Fishing Lure

The Bassdash SwimShad Lure is designed as a slow sinking bait, allowing you to target fish throughout the entire water column. Its single-jointed construction creates a remarkable swimming motion that can entice larger fish. The unique S-wave action and big profile can be controlled with pauses and reel turns, enhancing its drawing power. With eight built-in stainless steel balls, this lure maintains balance and improves casting distance, while also producing noise to attract fish, especially in low water clarity conditions.

What We Like
Effective for various fish species
Unique swimming action
Noise attracts fish in murky water
Improved casting distance
Natural colour and realistic design
#TOP 3

Pristis 5pcs Multi-Jointed Swimbaits for Fishing

Pristis
MJN I
5.4"
Pristis 5pcs Multi-Jointed Swimbaits for Fishing Cover
Pristis 5pcs Multi Jointed Swimbaits, Lifelike Topwater Fishing Lures for Saltwater Freshwater, Creative Angler Gifts, Slow Sinking Animated Hard Baits for Bass Pike Muskie Largemouth, Fishing Plugs

The Pristis Swimbaits are expertly designed to mimic the natural movement of fish, making them highly effective for attracting predator species. With their realistic, multi-jointed construction, these lures swim in an enticing S-shape, increasing your chances of a catch. The lifelike 3D eyes and unique coatings not only enhance their visual appeal but also ensure practical performance on the water. Additionally, the counterweight design provides a slow sinking action, which helps in enticing larger fish to strike.

What We Like
Realistic fish-like appearance
Effective for various fish species
Slow sinking for better attraction
Exquisite packaging for gifting
#TOP 4

3-Pack Life-Like Bass Fishing Lures

SWIMBAIT
6 Joints Set A
3-Pack Life-Like Bass Fishing Lures Cover
3-Pack Multi-Jointed Fishing Lures – Slow Sinking Life-Like Bass Swimbaits – Premium Quality Durability - Sharp Treble Hooks – 3D Eyes Gravity Ball – Targets Bass, Perch, Walleye, Pike, Muskie, Trout

The A AKRAF Fishing Lures are an excellent choice for both seasoned anglers and beginners. Their life-like design mimics the swimming actions of small fish, making it easier for you to attract larger predators. With premium features like built-in gravity balls and ultra-sharp treble hooks, these lures ensure a successful catch. They are also widely compatible, suitable for various fishing environments such as lakes, beaches, and rocks, enhancing your fishing experience no matter where you are.

What We Like
Life-like swimming action
Sharp treble hooks
Durable and flexible materials
Suitable for various fishing types
Perfect gift for anglers
#TOP 5

7" RF Glider Bait for Bass Fishing

Real Fish
unknown
Rainbow Trout
7" RF Glider Bait for Bass Fishing Cover
7" RF Glider Glide Bait Bass Musky Striper Fishing Big Lure Multi Jointed Shad Trout Kits Slow Sinkingbluegill kokanee Lures swimbaits for Muskie (Rainbow Trout)

The RF Glider Bait is designed to mimic a rainbow trout with a lifelike action that attracts fish effectively. Its smooth glide action allows you to retrieve it slowly, creating a wide side-to-side movement that entices curious predators. The slow sink feature keeps the bait in the strike zone, increasing your chances of a catch. Additionally, sharp VMC hooks ensure secure hook sets, making this bait an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned anglers looking to enhance their fishing experience.

What We Like
Realistic bait fish profile
Smooth glide action
Slow sinking feature
Sharp VMC hooks
Effective for big bites
#TOP 6

OriGlam 5pcs Floating Popper Fishing Lures

OriGlam 5pcs Floating Popper Fishing Lures Cover
OriGlam 5pcs Floating Topwater Popper Fishing Lure 9cm, Popper Fishing Lures Treble Hooks Fishing Tackle Accessory, Artificial Surface Fishing Lures for Pike Bass Salmon

The OriGlam Popper Lures are designed to imitate real fish, complete with 3D eyes that entice even the most cautious fish. Each lure features a steel ball that creates attractive noise when it hits the water, enhancing its appeal. Equipped with sharp treble hooks, you can trust that fish will remain hooked once they bite. With their vivid colours, these lures effectively mimic natural prey, making them an excellent choice for anglers looking to catch a variety of predator fish.

What We Like
Realistic fish appearance
Attractive noise creation
Sharp treble hooks
Bright, vivid colours
Versatile for various fish
#TOP 7

Bassdash SwimShad Glide Baits 3-Pack

7in/2.2oz
Bassdash SwimShad Glide Baits 3-Pack Cover
Bassdash SwimShad Glide Baits Jointed Swimbait Bass Pike Salmon Trout Muskie Fishing Lure,3-Pack

The Bassdash Glide Baits are designed as slow sinking lures that effectively target the entire water column, making them versatile for anglers. Their single-jointed construction creates a remarkable swimming motion, enhancing your fishing experience. The unique S-wave action and large profile can be controlled with pauses and reel turns, drawing in larger fish. Additionally, the built-in stainless steel balls improve balance and casting distance, while also adding noise to attract fish, especially in low water clarity situations.

What We Like
Effective for various fish species
Unique S-wave action
Improved casting distance
Noisy for low clarity water
Realistic design
#TOP 8

OriGlam 5pcs Bass Fishing Lures Set

Multicolor
OriGlam 5pcs Bass Fishing Lures Set Cover
OriGlam 5pcs Fishing Lures Set Bass Lures, Artificial Hard Bait Swimbaits Hard Topwater Lure

The OriGlam Fishing Lures are designed to enhance your fishing experience. The rotating spinner tail produces enticing rumbles, attracting hidden fish with its rhythmic sound. Their perfect design features 3D living eyes and a realistic paint job, making them visually appealing to fish. You will appreciate how the streamlined body glides on top of the water, mimicking the movement of real minnows. Plus, the simulation fish skin adds an extra layer of attraction, increasing your chances of catching bigger fish.

What We Like
Highly realistic design
Effective in various waters
Attracts a wide range of fish
Durable and pliable materials
#TOP 9

SHADDOCK 5pcs Topwater Fishing Lures Set

BASS LURES WITH ROTATING TAIL-M
M-5PCS
SHADDOCK 5pcs Topwater Fishing Lures Set Cover
Topwater Fishing Lures Set 5pcs Bass Plopper Lure Floating Pencil Bait with Propeller Tail Topwater Bait Pike Fishing Lures for Trout Bass Catfish Freshwater Saltwater

The SHADDOCK Fishing Lures are expertly crafted with high-strength ABS construction, ensuring durability during your fishing trips. The 3D holographic eyes and realistic fish scales create a visually appealing lure that attracts more fish. With a propeller tail, these lures produce a plopping noise that draws fish into the area, enhancing your chances of a catch. Their versatile design allows you to use them for various species, including bass and pike, in both freshwater and saltwater settings.

What We Like
Durable ABS construction
Attractive 3D holographic eyes
Effective propeller tail noise
Versatile for various fish species
#TOP 10

OROOTL 8pcs Topwater Popper Fishing Lures Kit

JDXZ301-POPPER LURES 8PCS
OROOTL 8pcs Topwater Popper Fishing Lures Kit Cover
Popper Lure Topwater Fishing Lures, 8pcs Popper Fishing Lures Kit Crankbait Jerkbaits Hard Bait Bass Lures Pencil Artificial Bait Swimbait Set with Treble Hook for Pike Bass Trout Catfish Redfish

The OROOTL Popper Fishing Lures are designed to enhance your fishing experience with their attractive features. The exquisitely painted surface and 3D eyes make these lures visually appealing, enticing target fish to strike. With built-in metal noise balls, you’ll enjoy long, accurate casts and a sound that provokes predator fish to bite. The sharp treble hooks ensure that once you hook a fish, it stays on, giving you confidence during your catch. Made from high-strength ABS material, these lures resist wear and tear, ensuring durability even in tough conditions.

What We Like
Attractive design
Built-in noise for attraction
Durable treble hooks
High-strength material
Variety of colours
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do musky hit topwater lures?

Topwater muskie lures work day and night, mostly in calm conditions. They attract attention through motion and commotion. Most of them run in relatively straight lines, making them easy for muskies to target, zero in on, overtake and chomp the daylights out of.

2. How do you catch muskie on topwater?

Hesitate after the lure splashes down and then start reeling slowly so the lure tracks just beneath the surface. About halfway through your retrieve, raise your rod tip and start reeling faster to bring the lure to the surface. A muskie will often hit just as the blades begin to the break the surface of the water.

3. What is the best color for a topwater lure?

Color matters, just not as much. Topwater lures are obviously fished on the surface so fish won't be able to see most of the lure, just the underside. And since most fish have white bellies, topwater lures with white bellies are typically the best choice.

4. Does Pike hit topwater?

Wind. Wind is an important factor in fishing topwater for northern pike. Though pike are the biggest fish in the pond, wind can help and hurt you when targeting them on top. A little bit of wind is your friend as it often masks delivery of your bait.

Editor's Notes

During our muskie topwater lure research, we found 68 muskie topwater lure products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 15,075 customer reviews through our big data system to write the muskie topwater lures list. We found that most customers choose muskie topwater lures with an average price of £14.05.

The muskie topwater lures are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of muskie topwater lures, including Bassdash, Pristis, A AKRAF, Real Fish, OriGlam.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.