I know this site mainly consists of west-side, WA fishermen, but I can't seem to find any forums around my neck of the woods.

I was wondering if anyone out there has some suggestions for jig colors for the Clearwater river in Idaho.

I have always had success with red/black, all-black, and purple/black buck-tail jigs, but I am looking to find some other colors for situations when the old standbys won't work.

Any suggestions from someone familiar with the river would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jake

When I was in school, and fishing the Clearwater 40+ days per season, I had the most success with very simple white headed jigs with a single black marabou feather tied on as the tail/body. Got so I could tie up 60 per hour. Tip the hook with a shrimp.

Where are you fishing? Had a lot of great days on that river.

It's about time for a Clearwater voyage...
While I mainly fly fish and toss hardware over there; I also float fish in those abundant sections of water that are perfectly made for using a jig.

Rabbit fur, Schlappen, Marabou, Hackle Feathers and Rhea are what most of my jigs are made up of. Alot of you Idaho fisherman have stuck with store baught "Big Bucktail Jigs", and really haven't dove into float fishing and tieing your own jigs.
I still get a kick out of the guys on the N. Fork in Orfino, who chose to use those HUGE floats that sound like a pound of lead hitting the water...

I do well on the go to summer tones. Black, Red and shades of pink and purple. However, I've also had banner days on more vibrant flashy colors, such as Pink/Chartreuse, Cerise/Purple, etc...
If you haven't tried a Nightmare on the Clearwater your missing out... That pattern cleans house.

BTW, Steelheaderer316: Steelheader.net has a TON of guys who are in your neck of the woods. Might want to give that site a buzz.

I'll bet the right bead would fool a few.

Beads are used as much on the Clearwater as Black yarn is used on the Skok during the snagger run...
Trout beads work well, and a majority of the guys there using a indicator are fishing a bead.

Thanks guys, I will check out that "Nightmare" pattern

I second the Nightmare, not so much for the "perfect" combination of colors as the fact it has lots of contrast. I now tie most of my jig with at least two very different colors. Cop car is great as are white head cerise body and the like. Beads are always a plus in my book.

Also grab some of the Steelhead Stalker yarn. It’s UV reflective and brushes out very nicely.

Dave,

Do you recommend a fly-tying vise for making your own jigs, I think I remember one in your newest jig-fishing book.

I think I should really begin tying.

Jake

Steelheader316,

It is waaaaaayyyy easier to tie using a fly-tying vise. Yes, you really should begin. Just like with flies, tie your own and always have just the style and colors you want.

Sg

+1

I am waaaay too fumble fingered to tie anything without a vise. BTW the late Lee Wulff was reputed to be able to tie a size 18 Royal Wulff without a vise.

In the rare case that I toss a jig in the Clearwater, I use black and chartreuse-- the ones that are all-black with a little chartreuse belly. 99% of the time I'm in my DB pulling plugs.

I take it you must be going to the UofI?

Which plugs do you like on the Clearwater?

Apparently he needed to get out and fish some more. Not sure I would even like to have that distinction. Pretty amazing though.