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This is part two of float fishing with jigs for salmon and steelhead. In this article, I will go into a brief detail on how and where to fish jigs. Fishing jigs is one of the most productive methods available because not only do jigs produce strikes but they are relatively easy to fish, require little on the water maintenance (think re-rigging bait), and they rarely catch up on the bottom. The use of a float to suspend the jig above the bottom gives the angler the chance for a snag free drift where the jig is presented perfectly to the fish every time.
When fishing jigs for steelhead and salmon it is important to keep a couple things in mind. Jigs should be fished near the bottom, so it is important to adjust your float so that you are between 1-3 feet from the bottom. It's not uncommon however for a steelhead or salmon to move up from the bottom to take a jig though so sometimes fishing a jig 5 feet or more above the bottom is acceptable. Use a sliding float so that you can adjust the depth you are fishing at easily. This simply requires a float stop and small plastic bead. Slip this on your main line before putting the float on and you can then adjust your depth by sliding the float stop. The float is important when jig fishing because it is what gives the jig its irresistible underwater action. The bobbing action of the float in the current moves the jig up and down and gives it its action. When the jig and weight makes the float stand straight upright in the water, you know you are fishing your jig just right. Anytime your float starts to fall over on its side or starts to drag it is important to mend or adjust your line so that the float comes back to the upright position. A floating line, long rod and good free spooling reel will help you with these line adjustments.
Salmon and steelhead jigs can be suited to any type of water, however there are a couple that stand out as prime water. These include slower runs with a clear current seam where the current slackens or slows. Jigs worked right along the seam, or edge, can produce savage strikes. Other prime places to fish a jig are in pools where the current swirls around in a back eddy. These back eddies can be continuously worked with a jig without the need to recast. It is as simple as letting out more line as the current takes the float and jig away from you, and reeling in as the float and jig comes back towards you.
For this reason it is my opinion that a casting reel is best suited to fishing jigs for salmon and steelhead. It is easy to free spool line out while using the thumb on the spool to keep pressure if needed. However, spinning reels work well for fishing jigs as well and many anglers prefer to use a spinning reel when float fishing jigs.
Popular steelhead and salmon jig styles and colors vary drastically by situation, but I will try to give a starting point for the angler looking to give jig fishing a shot. Generally speaking, when the river flows are higher a larger jig in a bright color will work well. Large marabou and chenille jigs in chartreuse, orange, red, and white all work well for salmon and steelhead. Alternatively, in lower clear water smaller jigs in neutral colors like black, olive, white, purple, and pink all work well. Salmon and steelhead jigs with marabou tails or full marabou or schlappen bodies work well because of the pulsing action of the feathers underwater. Schlappen is an oversized hackle feather that gives jigs a great underwater action without making them overly large in length. Other features to look for on a good salmon or steelhead jig is the use of chenille or egg beads for the body. These can both add a contrasting or complimenting color to a jig and add a little extra enticement for the fish. Another good option to look for is the use of a lead alternative weight for the jig head. More and more lakes, rivers and streams are being regulated lead-free waters so the use of a lead alternative weight is required. Even when not required, it is a good idea since it is more environmentally friendly and decreases the risk of harm to fish and wildlife. Brass bead head jigs make a nice alternative to solid lead jig heads and have enough weight to sink the jig and stand the float upright. Sometimes when fishing a smaller jig an extra lead alternative weight will need to be added 18 - 24 inches up the leader from the jig. Good lead alternative sinkers include brass, steel and tungsten.
Remember, if your float isn't standing straight upright your jig isn't fishing properly. Start out by fishing deeper and if your jig is dragging on the bottom, indicated by your float laying down and dragging against the current, then adjust the depth you are fishing at slightly and try again until you get a clean float through the drift. Good luck and happy float fishing!
North Fork Fishing Outfitters offers hand tied marabou and schlappen steelhead and salmon jigs at great prices. Our eco friendly brass bead head jigs are a good environmentally friendly alternative to solid lead jig heads, and are tied in the USA on high quality solid hooks for powerful hookups.
http://www.NorthForkFishingOutfitters.com
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