Early Season Lakers

[Keeper64]

Evening everyone. Countdown is on!!! Heading to Smith Bay on June 5th and can't wait. Just the four of us this year but no doubt we'll have a great time, eat like kings, and maybe drink a bit too much!!

My question for the group is where / how deep can we expect to catch lakers at this time of year???  Presumeably, they can be caught much closer to shore, in 20-30ft of water?  I know they typically like the 55F water but just wasn't sure how deep that would be. If that shallow, then I won't need to bring downrigger, and can probably use a dypsy diver and/or a lead core rod. 

I would normally troll with a large 4" spoon (gold/silver) or maybe blue/silver rappy, but would love to hear from others what they've had success with in the past. As for locations, I've always heard that the channel between Smith Bay and Two Moons can be a good track to pass back and forth. Still good this early? Any other suggestions?

Thanks guys.

[jackalofnar]

Early in the season before the thermocline is established, the lakers can be just about anywhere.  Last year on our trip, I caught two in under 20 ft of water in early June.  The first was with my little bait caster reel while trolling a worm harness for Walleye during the day.  The second was at the end of a lake trout run with wire line as I was about to reel in to start again.

Once the thermocline is established, we generally find the depth and fish just below that.  We have had great success over the years with this approach.

Kirk

[limacharley]

When I was at camp last weekend, the surface temp of the water was still in the 47-48 range. It has been cool and raining so by the time June 4 arrives, I can't see it being north of 55.

Call your outfitter a couple of days ahead and they should know for sure by talking to their guests.