Three-Way Rig
Built on a three-way swivel - short dropper to a sinker, long leader to the bait - this rig walks a weight along bottom while the bait swims naturally a meter behind and above.
The three-way rig is the moving-water answer to keeping a bait near bottom WITHOUT dragging it in the dirt: from a three-way swivel, a short line runs down to a sinker that ticks along, and a longer leader trails a minnow, spinner-and-worm, or plug swimming clean behind. Walleye rivers, salmon drifts, cod grounds - anywhere you drift or slow-troll structure, this is the classic.
What it is & why it works
Three-way swivel: main line, 20-30 cm dropper to sinker, 60-120 cm leader to bait. Weight maintains bottom contact; separation keeps the presentation off the silt and visible.
When to use it
River walleye drifts, trolling live bait or plugs near bottom, salmon back-trolling, deep saltwater drifting. Any time depth control must coexist with a naturally swimming bait.
How to set it up
Tie the three ways: main to one eye, lighter-test dropper to a bell sinker (breaks off in snags saving the rig), leader to hook/lure. Sinker weight = enough for a 45° line angle while moving.
Fishing it
Lower until the sinker touches, lift a hand-width, and re-tap every few seconds as depth changes - 'walking' the weight. Strikes are solid on the trailing bait; sweep with the drift.
Variations & sizing
Wolf-river variant for walleye jigs; flasher-and-fly salmon setups; heavier cannonball versions for deep salt drifting.
Common mistakes
Dropper same-strength as main (snags cost whole rigs), losing bottom contact and fishing 3 m too high, and leaders too short - separation is the point.