There are many ways that you can catch trout and the one artificial bait that I can rely on to consistently produce is using mini tube jigs. Some of the largest fish caught each year in the Sierras are accounted for by these jigs. These tube jigs resemble a wounded minnow when correctly worked by anglers. Presentation is the key to success when using mini jigs. Different methods can be used for prevailing conditions that anglers would encounter at high elevation lakes and streams. The equipment needed to maximize fishing with jigs starts with a 7’-7’6” or longer noodle action rod , add to this a long cast wide spool reel like several Shimano, Daiwa, and Okuma reels with a good drag system and you have the right combo for jig fishing. Using two or four pound test line optimizes your chances for more frequent hookups. When fishing heavy current streams it is best to choose four pound test. Weather conditions usually dictate how you can fish with jigs. For example, lake fishing on windy days may require you to use a bobber with your jig. A one inch red and white bobber with a black top (Plastic Lite) works well. The bobber can be clipped upside down and wrap your line three times around the wire post to prevent slippage. The length placement of the bobber is determined by the depth of the water you plan to fish. As a general rule, the maximum distance a bobber can be attached from your jig is dictated by the length of your fishing rod. Using a seven foot or longer two piece rod helps to attain at least a jig depth of 7 foot. By lightly twitching the bobber creates a wounded minnow effect on the jig. Pausing several seconds after twitching and taking in the slack line, helps to minimize false hookups. By varying the size and weight of your jigs will determine how fast your jigs will drop. Jig weights range from 1/80th ounce up to 1/16th ounce. There are even 1/8th ounce jig heads now available.
When fly-lining , its best to use a heavier jig head such as the 1/16th to 1/32nd ounce for distance casts. There are two methods used for fly lined retrieval. Shaking the rod end lightly up and down and slowly reeling in creates the darting action needed to entice fish. Another method used is to stick out your forefinger out from the rod handle and let the line hit it when reeling in. Many times the fish will hit your jig on the drop. After casting , you may decide to wait for at least a four or five second count or longer depending on water depth before reeling in.
Stream fishing requires a slightly different technique for jigs. Casts are usually made upstream and retrieval is determined by the current’s speed .
But many times its better to sight cast to fish downstream and work your jig upstream. It all depends on the current, location of fish and your immediate surroundings. In very rough, fast moving waters it maybe a good choice to use a bobber as a strike indicator. Distance to the bobber is determined by the stream depth and jig weight.
Probably the most often discussed topic of mini jig selection is about color. Choosing the right colored jig is the key to successful mini-jig fishing. There are over 200 hundred colors to select from. The general rule of thumb for selecting a color is determined by the light conditions present. In early morning hours the best colors to use is pearl white or a close variation. Two colored jigs such as white/green or white/gray are also good choices to use before the sun’s rays hit the water. As the light increases on the water then go to darker colors such as perch green, rainbow sparkle, and browns. Jigs that have glitter or sparkle have a better success ratio in the clear Alpine waters .
If the bite is finicky then try adding a mealworm to your jig or a (Berkley) power worm . Power worms come in many colors . The most popular colors are white, brown, pink, chartreuse green and orange to use with jigs.
