Trout Jigs

Trout Jigs
There are numerous kinds of jigs that can be used for rainbow trout fishing. A jig consists of a weighted head with attached hook and body. Trout jig bodies include tubes, grubs, feathers and minnows which are particularly effective on rainbow trout. Trout jigs are a very small fishing bait; they have a 1/16 to 1/32 ounce jig head. Some jig heads, called mini-jigs, are even as small as 1/80 of an ounce. Jigs are commonly used as walleye lures but they are also a very versatile rainbow trout lure.

Jigging for trout is most effective in deep pools created by beaver dams, boulders or other obstructions in the stream. Mini-jigs work well in mountain lakes as well. Be cautious when fishing with trout jigs; rocks, logs and over-hanging branches can cause frequent snags.

Be sure to check the regulations where you are fishing first but adding some live bait on the tip of your jigs can trigger extra strikes. Waxworms, nightcrawler bits, and minnows are good trout bait choices.

Trout jigs can be fished with a bobber to keep the lure up off the bottom and prevent snags. The bobber will also aid in casting in difficult situations. When using a bobber, adjust the bobber’s depth to the pool you are currently fishing because pools can vary greatly on a trout stream. Remember that the key to using trout jigs effectively is finesse.

Your jigging technique is almost as important color choice. Use the correct combination of dancing and retrieval to make your presentation the most effective. To make the jig dance, reel slowly a few cranks and then give the rod a slight jerk up or to the side. Mix up the direction of your jigging action to make the jig look like it is a minnow thrashing around in the water. Simply casting out your jig and reeling it back in is not nearly as effective as using a jigging motion.