I've been in NC for the past two months fly fishing and I'm going to come back to MN in a week or so. I've been catching these trout on some of the tiniest flies. I'm talking #20-28. Just itty bitty little midges, hares ears, scuds and the like. A huge pain to tie btw.
I was thinking about trying some of these little things this winter for some gills if they start getting finicky. Maybe not the tiny ones, but something like #18-22.We'll see how it works.
So what are the smallest size jigs or flies(if you use them) that you are or have used?

I posted on here about using a similar technique... havent gottne much of a response other than ppl telling me to use ice fishing designed jigs. Prior to this season the smallest ive used would probably be the smallest offered by the major lure companies.
If you do try it let me know how it works for you... I sure plan I trying it this season.

Check into Rat Finkie.Also remember to use very small diameter line.

I also like to use little midges and scuds, when the fish will not bite. I have been starting to use a lot more tungsten jigs, you can get a smaller jig but keep the weight. Good luck on the ice!

I've used nymphs and wet flies from my fly box for ice fishing. Don't think I've gone below size 16 though. One day last winter I caught a bunch of sunnies on a Brown Hackle wet fly. Similar to this picture except mine had a brown tail too. I put a small split shot about a foot above the fly.

What is the size of the ones that Marmish sells?? They are pretty small

Yeah, I think I might give an 18 a shot. I tied up some really cool clown/icecream midges in a 18. They look $. I'll try to post a pic if I can ever find the dang camera.
The wet flies are a good call. Gonna have to give them a try too.

p.s. Looks like the smallest Marmish is a #14.

#16 gold jig from Your bobbers down. I don't use it often, because I worry about gutting the fish.

#14 marmish hate tyin them on those darn holes are tiny!!!

Got that right!!! Wasn't sure what size they were, knew they were tiny though

I have a 2mm Fiska and lots of 3mm. It still boggles my mind how I can actually string the 2mm with 2lb line. It is flat out puiny! But it catches fish.

I've used the tiniest Marmooska jig and have also used #12,14,16 dry fly hooks too. The smallest fish I've caught is walleye bait sized spottail shiners.

Brian

#18 bead-head prince nymph
#18 bead-head pheasant tail nymph

Both VERY deadly when jigged/fluttered. I generally run these on two-pound fluro with a single 1/32 oz split-shot 18" above. Generally does not need bait/spike.

Only problem is that the little guys are just as likely to inhale the nymphs as the bulls. Bring a forcept.

You guys have to try those Finnish HALI jigs with little glass diamonds and yarn attractors. There is nothing better for crappies. I have found them at Gander and Mills if you need to find them.

I use size 18 hooks sometimes with a single grass shrimp when the fish get REAL picky later in the year..You do need to watch with the camera to get them..No spring bobber would move the way they suck and blow these things in and out!