How to Tie Jigs for a Steelhead

Steelhead trout, which are a sea-run rainbow trout, respond well when lured with jigs tied with feathers and beads in a variety of color patterns. Jigs are effective because they can be used in most river conditions. When learning how to tie your own, choose material that will provide plenty of motion and has colorful feathers to entice fish. Experiment with different feather and flasher colors to tailor the lure to your local fishing grounds.

Things You'll Need

  • Ball-head jig hook, size 1
  • 2 pink beads
  • Black thread, size 6/0
  • Marabou feathers, pink and purple
  • Vise
  • Scissors
  • Bobbin
  • 8-inch, 20-pound-test monofilament
  • Head cement or super glue
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Instructions

  1. How to make a marabou jig for steelhead

    • 1

      Place two pink beads on the hook and insert the hook in vise.

    • 2

      Insert looped monofilament line through the pink beads. Let the loop stick out.

    • 3

      Strip the lower fibers of the maribou feather from its stems then align the tips. Put the maribou stems through the loop.

    • 4

      Hold the beads and pull the line toward head of jig. Gently push the beads toward the hook point until the marabou stems are exposed at the head. Move the beads at the middle of the hook shank.

    • 5

      Clip excess feathers and start wrapping thread at the head of the jig.

    • 6

      Pull the feathers toward the jig head until the tail length is 1/2 inch beyond the hook bend. Tie in the ends of the feathers and clip excess ends at the head.

    • 7

      Wrap the line at about 1/8 inch of the marabou stems. This secures the material and holds the spot where the beads stop.

    • 8

      Coat the thread with super glue or head cement.