Virgin river

The MNDoT has created quite an interesting switchback on the banks for the Minnesota River. Tons of boulders and lots of fill as well Every time I drive by it is yells FISH HERE! It’s getting really bothersome so I am going to scratch the itch and test it out. One problem…I have never fished such a river before. Captain assume thinks there will be walleyes in this spot. What is a good bait to use with 1/4-3/8oz jigs tied up. Should I use lighter line so I can snap off the snags or do I want heavy (15lb) instead. Do I cast up current, or down, or in the trees, or up in the air? This seems really awkward to me but I figured I would ask. If I was fishing a lake I would not have these questions but since I have never fished this river I am very curious about what where when why kinda stuff. Sorry for the Kindygarden post but the river is all new to this guy. Thanks in advance.

Weight of the jig used really depends on the current and depth you are working. 3/16-5/16 is pretty common for pitching.

Use a neon colored (green) mono about 6-8#, the color will help you to see strikes and tell when the jig in resting on the bottom. Tip your jig with a ring worm, moxi or twister tail. Pitch it perpendicular towards the shore, watching the bow in the line. When the jig stops falling a bow will form in the line, twitch the tip up or towards you to”hop” the jig off the bottom and watch the line to go slack meaning the jig is again on the bottom and repeat the process. On the “hop” the current will “sweep” your jig down stream helping to cover more water.

Choosing the correct weight for this application comes with time. A jig that is too light will never get to the bottom, one that is too heavy will snag and will not “sweep” on the hops. Like previously mentioned, choosing the correct weight is based on depth, current and size of plastic body. Hair jigs work too and you can often run a 1/16 lighter as there is not as much surface area to get caught by the current.

Good luck, dont get discouraged as you will be losing tackle learning this process.