I've read alot about water temperature and using spoons in the summer when the water get's warmer ( ie. smaller and less flash) . But at the beginning of the season when the water is still off colored and cold, Herzog says go with the standard winter setup. My question is this, Does the same hold true for jigs? Should I use my winter colors and sizes at the begining of the season before the water clears and warms up?

Hookedonjigs-

It’s safe to say Spoon fishing and Jig fishing don’t have any “crossover.” Don’t try to apply the rules from spoon fishing to jig fishing. They are totally different methods.

Spoons violate territory and are best fished with casting tackle. Jigs trigger a feeding reflex and are best fished with spinning tackle. Spoons are the top lure for catching a few big steelhead. Jigs are best for catching A LOT of steelhead.

That said, I use the exact same spinning rod set-up for jigs all year long (9.5’ spin rod, shimano 2000, 10lb magna thin line, 8lb seaguar fc leader, thill float). However, my jig colors vary from winter to spring to summer/fall. Just experiment, there aren’t that many basic color schemes. My favorite jig sizes are 1/8oz and 1/16oz.

Should you use your winter colors and sizes at the begining of the season before the water clears and warms up? Yes-if it’s working. If not, first I’d try to figure out if there are fish in the river. Then I’d experiment with jig colors and sizes.

Good fishing-Dave

I fish mostly jigs and hardware for winter steelhead. In summer, mostly hardware and flies (wightless jigs in essence). Yes, the same rules apply............smaller, darker. I also do well in clear, cold water on small black jigs.