You have to use the 1/8 and 1/16th ounce jigs with light wire hooks if you are going to tip them with waxies. The heavy wire hooks split them in to pieces. There are days, when waxies and a little jig is all they will bite. Use lighter mainline, and a very lite leader so you don't straighten the hook. It works for me on most of the rivers that I fish near you. Noodle rods work best. Usually not a problem landing the fish in short order, as the rivers are generally liquid ice, and the fish aren't too terribly hot. Good luck