The Cayuga Fisher

Jigging for Lake Trout:  Technique:  The Jig in Motion

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The Jig in Motion:

Here is where it all comes together. Properly equipped, a pod of feeding fish located, and with the boat at rest (or nearly so) it's time to bring lakers to the net!  It starts above the water, in your mind.  Remember, the task is to imitate a baitfish in motion- ideally an injured or dying one.  With few exceptions, your jig, either spoon or lead-head, should act accordingly, every moment that it is underwater.  Lakers will occasionally follow your jig all the way to the boat before striking- so be prepared at all times!

Movement is key.  But how to impart movement to your jig in such a manner as to drive fish absolutely nuts?  Sometimes it's a no-brainer, and the trout are hitting hard and often.  Aggressive, hungry lakers love a simple retrieve.  Drop to the bottom, and start jigging.  If you haven't gotten any takes within a short time- 30-60 seconds- lift your lure off the bottom, give it a final pause, and start reeling- fast.  If you've gained the attention of a fish or two (or six!) they will give chase and strike your jig.  These hits most often occur within the first 30 feet or so, but can, and do, happen at any depth, especially when the water is cold throughout the water column.  When jigging, a gentle up and down motion with a range of 1-3 feet is all you need.  Don't rip the jig up and let it fall back, this doesn't look natural and you will lose contact with it.

Nearly every tactic is a variation of this basic technique.  When the fish aren't actively feeding, they will need a little coaching from you.  Vary the speed of your retrieve- try slowing down a little at first.  Pause between jigs, leaving the lure laying on the mud and rocks.  Sometimes lakers will pick a lure right off the bottom, so if you feel a little resistance when lifting the rod again, set the hook!  Change the height of your jigging motion- instead of working the bottom foot, work the bottom three feet.  If your fluke is two-toned, put it on upside down to imitate a dead, belly-up baitfish.  Try a more horizontal jigging approach, drifting off the vertical before reeling in.  Change size, color, or style of jig... in short, try everything!

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