What jigging is
Jigging means animating a weighted lure vertically under the boat (or through the ice). The fish sees the lure fall, rise, hover — exactly like a wounded baitfish. It's the most productive technique for walleye, lake trout and perch.
🎯 Presentation techniquesIntermediate
Jigging
Vertical animation of a weighted lure — the #1 technique for deep walleye. Works in a boat and through the ice.
Best conditions
Depth 4–25 m, presence of structure
Best seasons
Summer · Fall · Winter (ice)
The basic move
- Drop to the bottom (count seconds to remember the depth)
- Lift one meter to avoid fishing in the rocks
- Give a sharp snap upward (15–40 cm depending on depth)
- Let the lure fall on its own — the pause triggers the strike
- Keep a touch of tension to feel subtle takes
- Repeat — 90 % of strikes happen on the drop or pause
Typical depths in Quebec
- Walleye: 4–8 m spring, 8–14 m summer, 6–10 m fall
- Lake trout: 15–30 m (downrigger or full line)
- Perch: 3–6 m, near bottom
- Smallmouth on structure: 5–8 m
Typical lures
- Jigging Rap — walleye reference
- Round jig head + soft plastic or minnow
- Wobbling spoon vertical
- Blade bait — especially in winter
When to fish it
- Summer: target the thermocline (8–14 m on most Quebec lakes)
- Fall: fish stack on structure, heavy day
- Winter (ice): queen technique for walleye and perch
Common mistakes
- Too aggressive: a violent snap often scares fish away. Stay subtle.
- Not enough pause: the pause is more important than the snap. Count 1001-1002-1003.
- Fishing too high: if you haven't touched bottom at least once, you don't know where you're fishing.
Target species
Recommended baits
Required gear
Medium-light rod 6'6"–7'Baitcasting or spinning reelBraid 10–15 lb + fluoro leader 8–12 lbSonar (essential)
Safety tips
On ice, verify 10+ cm thicknessWear a PFD in the boat
Common mistakes
Jigging too violentlyPauses too shortNo bottom reference