Arctic fox fur on flies and jigs offers incredible movement in the water, it pulses and breathes, which is exactly what steelhead key on. Photo by Gerald Brydalski

When nasty ice-cold weather and rising waters pin Western New York steelhead anglers indoors, it doesn’t mean the season grinds to a halt. In fact, for many, it simply shifts from the riverbank to the fly-tying bench. Wind-driven rain (and snow), high water, or ice-choked access points create the perfect excuse to prepare for the next break in the weather by tying some of the tiniest and most effective steelhead jigs of the year. Here we are!

Few people know this better than Gerald Brydalski, president of the 7,000-member Western New York Steelheaders Association. According to Brydalski, one material consistently rises to the top when it comes to tying small, high-performance steelhead jigs: Arctic fox fur.

“Arctic fox has incredible movement in the water,” Brydalski explains. “Even on a slow drift, it pulses and breathes, which is exactly what steelhead key on, especially in cold or stained water.”

That natural, flowing action is what makes Arctic fox fur so popular among jig tiers. Unlike stiffer synthetic fibers, Arctic fox offers a soft, durable texture that undulates with the slightest current. Whether used from the tail, body fur, or cut into zonker strips, it produces a lifelike profile that imitates small baitfish, eggs, or aquatic insects that steelhead feed on throughout the winter months.

Tying with Arctic fox doesn’t require an elaborate setup, making it an ideal project for anglers stuck inside during rough weather. The basics include jig heads in various weights, strong tying thread such as Uni or Danville (or 6-pound braid) and, of course, Arctic fox fur in a selection of proven colors. White, black, olive, chartreuse, pink, and natural blends remain favorites across our Western New York tributaries.

Most tiers also keep a few optional materials on hand to fine-tune their creations. A hint of flash can add attraction in off-colored water, while stick-on or painted eyes give jigs a realistic baitfish appearance. With basic fly-tying tools: a vise, sharp scissors, and a whip finisher, anglers can produce a box full of fish-ready jigs in a single sitting. I just toss a log into the wood stove, sip a coffee, and ask my better half for a small Christmas cookie. I never lose count of the jigs tied; I do lose count of the cookies…for some reason.

One of the advantages of Arctic fox is its versatility. The same fur used for steelhead jigs also excels in streamers for salmon, trout, and even bass, making it a smart investment for anglers who fish multiple seasons. Supplies are readily available through online fly shops, regional tackle retailers, and even marketplaces like eBay, where a wide range of colors and cuts can be found. You can find fly-tying specialty items locally at Colville Outfitters and Custom Tackle (3800 Lakeshore Rd., Blasdell) or the Hairy Trout (3891 Seneca St., West Seneca). Bill’s Hooks in Dunkirk (5139 W. Lake Rd.) has a limited selection of associated steelhead tackle.

Beyond filling tackle boxes, tying jigs during winter storms offers something just as valuable: anticipation. As I tie each jig, I’m reminded that conditions will improve, flows will drop, and the steelies will once again be reachable. For Western New York anglers, these quiet hours indoors become part of the rhythm of the season. The timing seems just right, right now.

When the weather finally breaks and we can return to the winter streams, we can do so armed with the confidence of our hand-tied Arctic fox jigs, crafted during the storm, ready to dance through the current and tempt the next bright steelhead.

Outdoors Calendar

Jan. 1: LAST DAY of the Holiday Deer Hunt for southern zone, muzzleloaders/archery only.

Jan. 1: First Day Hikes all around NYS. Visit https://dec.ny.gov.

Jan. 3: Clays for Cash, 100 sporting clay shoot, Hanover Fish & Game, 780 Overhiser Rd., Forestville, N.Y.

Jan. 3-4: Hamburg Gun Show, Hamburg Fairgrounds, $10 admission, opens 9 a.m. each day. Info: 716-542-9929

Jan. 6: Children in the Stream, Youth Fly Fishing program, free, Costello Room, Rockefeller Art Center, SUNY Fredonia, 7 -8:30 p.m., 12 yrs old and older, info: 716-410-7003 (Alberto Rey).