The hi-lo rig hangs the weight at the end and stacks hooks above it on short loops, so both baits sit right where bottom-hugging fish are feeding. It is the Lake Simcoe and Lake Erie jumbo perch rig, the ice-fishing "perch spreader", and a strong catfish and whitefish rig in deep water. Learn the dropper loop knot once and you can tie one in a minute.
What you need
- Line8–12 lb mono for the rig body (mono holds the loop shape)
- HooksTwo #4–#8 hooks (or small jigs/flies), one per loop
- SinkerBell or bank sinker 1/2–2 oz at the bottom
- BaitMinnows, worm pieces, perch eyes (where legal), waxworms
- Swivel (optional)At the top to reduce twist
How to tie the hi-lo rig (dropper loop rig)
- Tie a dropper loop 8–10 inches from the end of a 3-foot section of mono: form a loop, twist the line 5–7 times, pull the loop through the middle and tighten.
- Tie a second dropper loop 12–18 inches above the first.
- Pass each loop through a hook eye and around the hook bend to attach the hooks, or thread a hook onto the loop.
- Tie a bell sinker to the bottom end with a clinch knot.
- Tie the top end to your main line (or a swivel).
How to fish it
Drop straight down until the sinker hits bottom, then reel up 6 inches. Hold still or jig gently. Perch bites are rapid taps — lift firmly. Through the ice, the same rig with small jigs or flies on the loops is deadly.
Tips
- Keep the loops short (2–3") so they stand out from the main line and don't tangle.
- Use a small bead or coloured hook on the loop for perch.
Common mistakes
- Loops too long; they wrap the main line.
- Braid for the rig body — the loops collapse. Use mono.