Skyrise,
I used to think go small for clear water myself, but found that it isn't necessary at all for winter steelies. take this morning for example, went up to the Skykomish, and the water was pretty darned clear (more than five feet of vis.) I hooked two fresh winter runs, one came unhooked, and *gulp* one broke me off, I saw both fish. both were on 1/4 oz. Marabou Jigs, with #1 hooks. one on blood red and black, and one on orange and white, you just don't need to size down for winter fish in my opinion. however for summer runs I usualy fish with a 1/16 oz. jig with a #4 hook. both fish today bit in less than three feet of water.

Fuzzy
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