Minnows

[T-Bone]

Didn't see herring on that list. Guess I'm good. 

[Canuckbass]

Didn't see herring on that list. Guess I'm good. 

That's perfect!! Think I have a couple in freezer... let one of the guys dangle one for a big laker.

[wayne]

Not to burst your bubble fellows, but the law is all bait fish. Herring included. Better double check before you bring those on your trip. Wardens will be checking everyone. Certainly would spoil your fishing vacation!

[Captain Hali]

I've had good success using the following methods: Early season when trout are feeding on or near the surface, down to 15 feet, I flat line using my med. spinning rod, 12-15 lbs. mono, 5 foot, 12 lb.  flourocarbon leader. To this I attach either a Williams Wabler W60 or W70 in Silver on sunny days, and Gold on overcast days. I use a Rapala knot to get the maximum action out of the lure. Also had good results with Rapala DHJ 10 or 12 in Silver and Blue. Once the lakers go deep, I go to my trolling rod, an 8 foot Shimano med/heavy action, with a Daiwa line counter reel. 250 yards of 30 lbs test mono or braid if you prefer to which I attach a dipsy diver, deep sixer, or a banana weight, then a Dave Davis gangtroll, 36-48 inches of 20lbs. test flourocarbon leader material, and finally a Live Target rainbow smelt banana bait, again tied on with a Rapala knot. This gives the lure maximum action. Once I mark fish I'll let out the amount of line I think will get me in the vicinity of the fish, based on 55 years of chasing Lakers, then I'll attach my Fish Hawk temperature and depth finder and send it down the line. Now I have to bring in the line to retrieve the Fish Hawk, check if for depth and water temperature and make my adjustment for the depth I want to run at using my line counter. The fish Hawk measures water temp. every 5 ft. as it goes down the line and also records the final depth where it stopped against your snap swivel. This allows you to fish at a depth relative to temperature or the depth you mark fish atdepending on preference . Lakers have a preferred temp., of between 48 & 52 degrees F. This also happens to be the temp., that Ciscos, Smelt, and Whitefish prefer. As with any species, if they don't take your offerings, change up. I also use Williams Wablers, Sutton spoons, and Rapalas in different color patterns until I get some action, or until the cooler is empty. Tight lines.           

[wayne]

Hey Captain Hali
Great info, thanks for sharing. The right techniques will have positives results. Happy fishing! Good luck everyone, should be an awesome season! I know I am anxious!

[Canuckbass]

Great info Hali!!
I'm not a troller by choice or boredom but fully understand your setup and that's a great game plan anywhere for lakers.
We finally got our 9.9 kicker running so trolling may be an option if I get a week up on the island this summer.
Just traded an electric trolling motor for a 6hp Johnson, will be a good troller on a 14 or 16ft tinner. So many good spots close to us and great for a guest boat etc.

[RHYBAK]

What if we have a jar of pickled herrings in our cabin and the Warden finds them?

Will he ask for a helping or will he charge me for having bait fish?

[SgtCrabby]

Or anything like sardines?

(neighbor when I was a kid ate sardines while fishing)