Twitching Jigs for Salmon

We are right in the middle of the Fall Season, and if you’re an eager salmon angler, you’ll surely want a box full of twitching jigs ready for your next outing.

Twitching jigs is a highly effective technique when it comes to catching salmon in British Columbia’s freshwater. Primarily used for targeting Coho Salmon, a twitched jig will also entice strikes from Chinook, Pinks and Chum Salmon.  Be sure to check the regulations for closures.

In this article, we will focus on primarily Coho. 

Coho Salmon are at the top of our list for “twitchable” species and are known to be on two sides of the spectrum – at times they are incredibly aggressive and will seemingly strike just about anything that comes across their path of vision, and other times they are known for being incredibly spooked and tight lipped.

Regardless of the fish’s current condition, there is really no telling when a Coho will decide to bite, but be assured that a well presented twitched jig is a highly effective and proven technique for eliciting a strike from even the most spooked fish in the spot.

Method

A properly presented is often kept higher in the water column in order to draw fish from the bottom or mid-depths. With that being said, some conditions will require you to track your jig through the water at a much deeper depth.

In most cases, starting your method of twitch once the jig hits the water will be your best time to cover the water, and in other cases, you may need to allow your jig to sink for a short amount of time before starting your retrieve.

Once you have reached your desired depth, begin your retrieve. A technical and standard method of jig fishing entails the following in order:

1. Lift high at a medium pace (do not retrieve line while doing this).
2. Drop the tip, and while dropping, start a slow retrieve until the rod tip and blank is horizontal so that it is parallel to the waters’ surface.
3. At this time, repeat the lifting process after a few rotations of your reel (2-5feet) closer with each series of motions.

*Lift, retrieve, and overall speed are absolutely paramount in success ratios. Do not get hung up on one single retrieval method. If you are catching fish on one series of motions and they stop biting, try a slower retrieve and shorter lift, or a faster retrieve and higher lift – every day is different!

Fishing Rods

The necessary fishing rod type for this method of targeting Coho Salmon and Chum Salmon will consist of adequate length to the body or bodies of water you are fishing, your main targeted species, and that of a faster action blank. A fast action blank will provide a sensitive tip, yet overall stiff backbone and sensitivity throughout the entire rod for jig-to-rod feel and connection, and hook setting power.

The two most common rod types are in a spinning style or a casting style. Both styles work very effectively, and it comes down to angler preference. Below, we have listed a few suggested rods (most are available in a spinning and casting version).

• Trophy XL 600 Series Spinning Rod – 8’6” *spinning only
• Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rod and Fenwick Eagle Baitcasting Rod – (Various lengths)
• Fenwick HMX Spinning Rod and Fenwick HMX Baitcasting Rod – (Various lengths)
• G. Loomis E6X Spinning Rod – (Various lengths)
• Okuma Celilo Spinning Rod 8’6”
• Kufa Salmon and Steelhead Spinning Rod
• Shimano Clarus Spinning 8’6”

Reels

The importance of a reel in this fishery is not as critical to certain specifications like that of your chosen rod, but there are a few things to think about; line capacity, line type, cost, and the overall species you plan on targeting. Whether you plan on using a spinning setup or casting setup, we have you covered.

Spinning Reel and Casting Reel Brands

• Shimano
• Abu Garcia
• Okuma
• Mitchell
• 13 Fishing

Lines

When it comes to fishing line selections, it would often be a good idea to lean on the side of braided line over monofilament. While it is not totally imperative to have braided line, it is strongly recommended due to its lack of stretch and durability. Having little to no stretch in your line gives you an ultimate connection to your jig, allowing you to control it a lot easier and to fine tune your presentation. It also allows you to react to strikes much quicker. Suggested line weight should often vary from the standard 20lb, 30lb, and 40lb.

Line Brands

• Power Pro
• Sufix
• Tuf-Line

Jigs Styles – Colour, Type, & Weight

Jig colours and styles are never ending. Twitching jigs can consist of plain marabou styles, to rabbit fur styles, to a plastic grub tail and everything in between. What you choose for your jig styles and colours is dependent on species, water clarity, water speed, and water depth.

Standard Jig Head Sizes (weight oz)

• 1/4
• 3/8
• 1/2
• 5/8

Check out our selection of Compleat Angler jig heads.

Colour Combinations

• Black & Blue
• Black
• Black Purple
• Purple
• Pink & Purple
• Blue & White
• Chartreuse
• Black and Red

Grub Tail Colours

• Yellow
• Orange
• Purple
• Chartreuse

Setup

In order from rod top to jig:

1. Braided Line
2. Monofilament or Fluorocarbon Shock Leader (Connected by double uni knot or barrel swivel) – (1.5 to 2.5ft)
3. Jig tied to end of shock leader (Clinch Knot, Duncan Loop, Snap Swivel)