Jig Trolling: A simple, but effective technique
By Mike Frisch

When I present walleye fishing seminars and talk about jig fishing, one question I’m often asked is, “What’s the best way for me to learn to fish a jig?” My answer usually includes a description of a method called jig trolling. While entire books have been written on the subject of jig fishing for walleyes, jig trolling is one jigging method that is not only easy to learn, but very productive as well.

As the “trolling” part of the name implies, this technique involves a jig fished while the boat is moving. In calm conditions a trolling motor can be used to move the boat, while windier conditions allow an angler to turn the boat sideways and use the wind to push it along. 

Jig trolling works well when walleyes are holding on shallow to mid-depth flats or along the first drop-off along the edges of flats and underwater points. These locations often hold walleyes during the early season, but mid-summer ‘eyes can often be found in these areas as well, especially on windy days or during low light periods.

To use this technique, I cast a light jig tipped with live bait (more on this combination in a bit) a good ways behind the boat. Next, I fish the combination by sweeping my rod forward and then allowing it to fall back on a semi-tight line before again sweeping the rod forward. Often, a gentle forward sweep of the rod works good, but at other times a more aggressive sweep will trigger fish as well. It pays to experiment and let the fish tell you what they prefer.

Regardless of the way the jig is fished, anytime a bite is suspected I let the rod tip slowly drift back toward the fish before sweep-setting the hook. The fish are often attracted to the color of the jig and usually have the hook in their mouths so I can set the hook without worrying about “feeding line” to the fish like we do with some other walleye techniques.

Now for the particulars of the jig/bait combination. A short-shanked jig with a wide hook gap works good when fishing with live bait. My favorite is a Fire-Ball Jig and I often use one in the 1/16-ounce size. This size works well when jig trolling in water depths of four- to about ten- feet. When fishing deeper water or when the wind kicks up, I may opt for a 1/8-ounce size.

Minnows are often my bait of choice for tipping jigs early in the season. At times, however, leeches and night crawlers will produce so it’s good to have some of them as well. If your lake has a strong shiner population, I’d opt for those. However, in many of the lakes I fish, fathead minnows get just as many bites and they’re cheaper and easier to keep alive. Later in the season, minnows will still catch fish, though leeches and crawlers figure more prominently into the equation.

Since much of my jig trolling is done in lakes with off-color water or on windy days when light penetration in the water is reduced, jigs with bright colors like chartreuse or fluorescent orange are my favorites. 

Small jigs fish well on light, smooth handling line. I prefer 6-lb test XL and fish it on a medium-light spinning rod and reel combination. Six to six-and-a-half foot rods work, but better hook setting power is available when using longer rods. The seven-foot Gary Roach Lightning Rod is a mid-priced rod that does a great job when jig trolling.

Fishing season is here and it’s time to get after the walleyes. If you’re looking for a simple, but very effective method for catching walleyes, consider learning to troll a jig. Grab a few jigs, a scoop of minnows and head to your favorite lake and give it a try. I think you’ll like the results.

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