There is no simpler walleye rig and none more reliable in cold water. A jig gets a minnow down to the bottom and holds it there in current, and the jig's hook is already in the right place. In April and May, when walleye stack up below dams and in river mouths, a 1/4 oz jig and a shiner is what everyone on the bank is throwing. In October it is what the boats are dropping on the reefs.
What you need
- Jighead1/8–3/8 oz round or "walleye" head, #2–1/0 hook (1/4 oz is standard)
- MinnowShiner, chub or fathead, 2–4"
- Stinger hook (optional)Small treble on a short mono link for short-striking fish
- Line6–8 lb mono or fluorocarbon, or 10 lb braid with a fluoro leader
How to tie the jig and minnow
- Tie the jig to your line with a Palomar knot (or a loop knot for more action).
- Hook the minnow up through the bottom lip and out the top of the head so it swims upright.
- For vertical jigging with a tail-hooked minnow, run the hook through the tail and add a stinger if fish nip.
How to fish it
In current, cast upstream and let the jig tick bottom as it swings down, lifting and dropping it a few inches. Vertically, hold the jig just off bottom and lift-drop 6 inches. Set the hook on any tap, weight or "mushy" feel — walleye bites are subtle.
Tips
- Use the lightest jig that keeps you in contact with bottom.
- Bright chartreuse or orange heads in stained spring water; natural colours in clear lakes.
- Replace a dead minnow immediately — action matters.
Common mistakes
- Jigging too aggressively for cold-water fish. Subtle lifts win.
- Hooking the minnow through the body, which kills it fast.
FAQ
What size jig for walleye?
1/4 oz is the everyday walleye jig. Use 1/8 oz in shallow calm water, 3/8–1/2 oz in strong river current or deep water.