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FRESHWATER RIG LIBRARY

Three-Way River Rig

A river rig: a three-way swivel separates the bait leader from a short, weaker drop line to the weight. In current the bait drifts naturally and only the weight breaks off on snags.

Best forCatfish, river fish
WhereRivers, below dams, current seams
MethodBottom in current
DifficultyEasy
Three-Way River Rig — BigJoe rig illustration
Main lineThree-way swivelBreak-away drop lineBell / bank sinkerLeaderCircle hookBait

Rig diagram (component order)

Three-Way River Rig: Main line, Three-way swivel, Break-away drop line, Bell / bank sinker, Leader, Circle hook, Bait

Step-by-step how-to

Three-Way River Rig — BigJoe step-by-step graphic
BigJoe step-by-step graphic

Step-by-step build instructions

  1. 1Three-Way River Rig, step 1

    Tie the main line to one eye of the three-way swivel.

  2. 2Three-Way River Rig, step 2

    Tie 6–12 in of lighter line to the second eye.

  3. 3Three-Way River Rig, step 3

    Add the sinker to that drop line.

  4. 4Three-Way River Rig, step 4

    Tie an 18–36 in leader to the third eye.

  5. 5Three-Way River Rig, step 5

    Tie the hook and bait it.

  6. 6Three-Way River Rig, step 6

    Cast up-current and let it settle in a seam. Snagged? Only the weight breaks.

BigJoe Tips

  • Use just enough weight to hold in the current.
  • Fish the slack water behind rocks and logs.
  • Circle hooks reduce deep hooking of catfish.
  • Rod in a holder; let the fish load the rod.

Variations

  • Pencil lead in rocky rivers snags less.
  • A float on the leader lifts the bait.
  • Longer leader in slow water.
  • Use a slinky weight for drifting.

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Target Species

Channel catfishIctalurus punctatusAmerican eelAnguilla rostrataBigmouth sleeperGobiomorus dormitorMountain mulletDajaus monticola