I guess I forgot to mention what lure is my "go to" lure.  That would be the   (You need to Login or Register at 4 3/8" (or longer) in Clown or Blue/Silver.  This lure is rated to run 20' deep.  Unfortunately, it catches all game fish in northern waters.

If I'm headed in early season, I'll load up on jig heads (mostly white or yellow and a few black) with 5" twister tails (mostly white, with a few pearl or black).  I fish them by jigging, casting and trolling.  Again, this lure is not selective.  I've caught the slam in one day on one lake with this jig but then fish will be more concentrated in the upper layers of the water column.

dd