Techniques for Trout Jig Fishing

It is best to align your jig choice and method of fishing to match the expected nature of the trout and their target prey.  This can change throughout the year.   A few of the factors to be considered include, time of year, water temperature, typical prey, and size of the trout.    As jigs do not have their own action it is important to try different methods of retrieve to dial in the strikes from trout. 

One of the options to make your presentation of jigs more effective is the addition of scents or attractants.   I have had multiple experiences on the water where an attractant or scent has improved my fishing success.  You can read more information on what makes fish strike in our article – Triggers that make fish strike.

Bottom bouncing

For early season trout, they often are aligned to take baits at or near the bottom.  You can look at smaller jigs (less than 1/8 ounce) and use either grub or small minnow patterns.  This is typically a stop/go or lift/drop type retrieve.  You can look for dark or more natural colors as top producers.  When using a bottom bouncing retrieve it is best to use light line (4 to 6 pound test), so the jig action can be maximized.  It is important to watch any slack line twitches as fish typically strike when the jig is either falling or on the bottom.

For streams and rivers, it is best to catch upstream and across the current and then bounce the jig lightly as the water progresses downstream.  The jig should be light enough to easily travel downstream without heavy bottom dragging and contact.  This supplies the most natural motion of the jig.

Swimming

Swimming a jig is like how spoons and spinners are retrieved.  You cast, let the bait sink to either mid water or the bottom and then have a steady or pause/continue type retrieve.  Trout will either hit on the steady retrieve or as the jig falls during a pause in the retrieve. 

The size of the jig should match the expected size of prey and trout in the water.  They could be as small as 1” for stocked trout that feed on small fry fish or as large as 5” for trophy hold over trout that feed on large shad.

Jig and Float

The jig and float method can be used in either streams/rivers or lakes/reservoirs.  This method typically uses a small marabou or grub jig (like Trout Magnets) below a small float.  In a stream it is best to have the jig about the same depth as the water you are fishing.  With the stream current this will allow the jig to be fished in the best strike zone, just above the bottom.  In a lake, the jig/float method is best if there is either current or flow or waves on the water to move the float and impart action to the jig.  You can vary the depth of the jig below the float depending upon water temperature or time of day.

Here is our in depth article on fishing with floats.

SUMMARY

Tight lines …  Captain P.