bass in rivers can be an exhilarating experience. With its diverse water conditions and fish behaviors, river fishing presents a unique challenge for anglers. Among the many types of fishing lures, jigs stand out as one of the most effective and versatile tools for bass fishing in rivers.
Jig fishing lures have proven to be successful in catching bass, whether in shallow or deep river waters, due to their ability to mimic the natural prey that bass often hunt. From soft plastic trailers to flipping jigs, the world of jigs offers a variety of options for anglers to choose from. But with so many types of jigs available, how do you know which one is the best for bass fishing in rivers?
In this article, we’ll compare the best jig fishing lures for bass in rivers, discuss how to choose the right one for your fishing conditions, and share valuable tips and techniques for using jigs effectively.
What Makes Jigs Ideal for Bass Fishing in Rivers?
The Power of Jigs for River Bass
Jigs are incredibly effective because of their ability to mimic prey that bass target in river environments. Whether it’s crayfish, baitfish, or insects, bass are opportunistic feeders that strike at anything that moves in the water column. Jigs, with their weighted heads and varied trailers, can be used to mimic these prey items, making them irresistible to bass.
Why Jigs Work Well for Bass in Rivers:
Versatility: Jigs can be used in a variety of river environments, from shallow, rocky areas to deep, slow-moving waters.
Mimic Prey: Jigs can be dressed with trailers that replicate the movement of different prey species that bass hunt in rivers.
Effective at Different Depths: Jigs can be fished at various depths depending on the weight of the jig and the retrieval technique.
Can Be Fished in Cover: Jigs excel in fishing through heavy cover, such as submerged rocks, fallen trees, and aquatic vegetation, where bass often lurk.
Types of Jigs for Bass in Rivers
When choosing a jig fishing lure for bass in rivers, it’s important to select the right type of jig based on the water depth, clarity, and structure of the river. Below, we’ll compare the most effective types of jigs for river bass fishing:
1. Football Jigs
Football jigs have a wide, rounded head that mimics the appearance of a baitfish or crayfish crawling along the river bottom. Their unique shape allows for a more stable and consistent presentation, making them ideal for fishing in rocky or uneven riverbeds.
Best For: Fishing in rocky river environments, where bass are feeding on bottom-dwelling prey.
Key Features:
Wide, football-shaped head
Sits upright on the river bottom
Works well in deep water
Why It’s Great for Rivers: Football jigs excel in rocky or uneven riverbeds because the wide head prevents them from getting stuck in crevices, allowing for smooth retrievals.
2. Flipping Jigs
Flipping jigs are designed for heavy cover and shallow water fishing, making them an excellent choice for fishing in rivers with submerged trees, weeds, or brush piles. They are often paired with soft plastic trailers like creature baits or craws to increase their effectiveness.
Best For: Fishing in shallow, weedy, or brush-filled river areas.
Key Features:
Compact head for easy flipping
Excellent for fishing close to structures like logs, brush, and vegetation
Paired with trailers like crawfish or creature baits
Why It’s Great for Rivers: Flipping jigs are perfect for cover fishing, allowing you to get your lure deep into the structures where bass are likely hiding.
3. Arky Jigs
Arky jigs have a distinctive, flat head design that makes them very versatile in river fishing. The flat head creates an erratic action when retrieved, making them effective at catching bass that are feeding on baitfish or other prey in the water column.
Best For: Both shallow and deep river fishing.
Key Features:
Flat, streamlined head
Great for creating erratic movements
Versatile for use with various trailers
Why It’s Great for Rivers: The Arky jig’s ability to move erratically through the water makes it excellent for catching bass that are actively feeding or chasing prey in the water column.
4. Swim Jigs
Swim jigs are designed with a streamlined, bullet-shaped head and are used for fishing in open water and shallow areas. They can be retrieved with a steady swimming motion, making them ideal for imitating swimming prey like minnows.
Best For: Fishing shallow river areas and targeting active bass.
Key Features:
Bullet-shaped head for smooth movement
Can be fished quickly or slowly
Paired with soft plastic trailers like swimbaits
Why It’s Great for Rivers: Swim jigs are effective for aggressive bass that are chasing schools of baitfish in open water, and their ability to be fished at different speeds makes them versatile.
How to Choose the Best Jig for Bass in Rivers
Choosing the right jig fishing lure for bass in rivers depends on several factors, including the river’s structure, water clarity, and the depth at which bass are feeding. Here’s how to select the best jig for your river fishing trip:
1. Consider the Water Depth
For shallow rivers (up to 6 feet deep), use flipping jigs or swim jigs with lighter weights (1/4 oz to 3/8 oz) to keep the jig near the surface.
For deeper rivers (6 feet or more), football jigs or Arky jigs with heavier weights (1/2 oz to 3/4 oz) work best to get the lure down to where the bass are feeding.
2. Match the Jig to the River’s Structure
If you’re fishing near rocky riverbeds or submerged structures, use football jigs for a steady presentation on the bottom.
For weedy or brush-filled areas, go with flipping jigs to maneuver around obstacles and present your lure effectively.
3. Water Clarity and Color
In clear water, use natural colors like green pumpkin, brown, or black, which mimic the natural prey in the river.
In murky or stained water, use bright colors like chartreuse or orange to increase visibility.
4. Trailer Selection
Choosing the right trailer for your jig can make all the difference. Soft plastic trailers such as craws, creature baits, or swimbaits add movement and realism to the jig, making it more attractive to bass.
Crawfish trailers work well for football jigs and flipping jigs to mimic bottom-dwelling prey.
Swimbait trailers are ideal for swim jigs, helping the jig swim smoothly and attracting bass feeding on small baitfish.
Techniques for Using Jigs in Rivers
Once you’ve chosen the right jig for your river fishing trip, it’s essential to master the techniques for using them effectively. Here are some techniques for fishing jigs in rivers:
1. The Steady Retrieve
This is the most straightforward technique. Cast your jig and retrieve it at a steady pace, ensuring the jig stays near the bottom or in the strike zone. This technique is effective for swim jigs and football jigs.
Tip: Vary your retrieval speed to see what works best. Slow retrieves work well when bass are feeding gently, while faster retrieves can attract more aggressive bass.
2. The Stop-and-Go Technique
This technique involves retrieving the jig and then stopping it for a brief pause, imitating the erratic movement of a prey item. This technique is highly effective for football jigs and flipping jigs when bass are hiding near structures.
Tip: After casting, reel in a few feet, then pause for 1-2 seconds before continuing the retrieve. This creates a more natural, lifelike action that bass find irresistible.
3. The Bottom Bouncing Technique
For football jigs, a bottom-bouncing technique works best. Allow the jig to hit the riverbed and then reel in slowly while keeping the jig near the bottom. This mimics a crayfish or small fish crawling along the riverbed, which is an excellent target for bass.
Conclusion
When fishing for bass in rivers, jig fishing lures are a top choice due to their versatility and effectiveness. By understanding the different types of jigs, selecting the right one for the conditions, and mastering the techniques, you can significantly improve your chances of landing a big catch.
Whether you’re using a football jig, flipping jig, swim jig, or Arky jig, make sure to adapt your approach to the specific river conditions and the behavior of the bass. With the right tools and techniques, you’ll be well-equipped for your next river fishing adventure.
Visit LureBolt.com to browse our selection of high-quality jig fishing lures for bass and other freshwater species. Our durable jigs are designed to help you catch more fish and have more fun while doing it.
For more information and to explore our full range of lures, visit