Suttle lake question?????

If you don't have a downrigger, I would try a handline or saltwater rod and reel as a downrigger. I have fished down to 100' with using a light halibut rod with 50# spectra and a 3 pound lead ball for a downrigger on my sailboat, which is not equipped with downriggers. I have also used a simple hand line for shallower fishing, which should work great in Suttle, since the fishing has been great at 20-36 feet. For handline, use something stiff to resist tangling when the action gets hot and heavy -- tuna cord or heavy mono. Use a 14" board notched 1" on each end to wrap your handline around, and down "wraps" for your depth, or use a bobber stop knot or an overhand knot to mark your handline at premeasured depths. If you don't want to buy expensive downrigger release clips, you can use small alligator clips with surgical tubing over the jaws. All of that messing around will be great for getting started, but it will sure make you want to buy a downrigger. There are some great little lake models for under $100. I would skip the diver, unless you can rig it with a release clip and use it like a downrigger -- otherwise I think there will be way too much extra leverage for the kokanee to use in ripping themselves off your hook.

Salmonid said:

I have had good success jigging in Suttle Lake with small buzz bombs or crippled herring this time of year. I have not tried trolling there. I have tried using a diver in Detroit but with the drag it really reduced the fight of the fish. Go with a downrigger if at all possible.

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