To answer your question Ref, I have two tactics that consistently produce for my son, daughter and I. We always start out by using a Lindy Rig and not to insult yours or anybody else's intelligence, it's a hook at the end of the line [ we like to use circle hooks], followed by a barrel swivel and then a walking sinker. The distance between the hook and barrel will vary, but it's usually 1 1/2 - 3 feet. If we don't use a circle hook, we use a Phelps Floater which is a soft bodied jig as fish tend to hold onto it longer than other jigs. Actually, we always start with a Phelp's Floater. The size of it depends on the minnow we use. That's something that you can easily figue out on your own. We will either hook the minnow through the lip [ one lip so they can breathe and from the top lip down so they don't wiggle off ] or through near the caudal tail, just before the caudal. As far as colors, we prefer the half white/half blue, perch, pink or orange, but in reality, all colors have worked for us. Like anything else, some days color matters and some days it doesn't. At times we will also use scent on the minnow. Our other favorite method is a minnow below a stick float . Distance from float to minnow will vary and is something you just have to experiment with. Sometimes we will use a small splitshot just below the float, enough to keep the float vertical and at other times no float so that it lays flat on the water. I don't mind telling you we fish heavily along the dam wall and why not? It's structure. The other place we hit hard is by sunken trees [ also structure] and where the river makes it's first bend just down from the outflow, the gates. Also consider right up against the breast of the dam and also just below the fishing platform on the left bank where that little sluice pipe empties into the river. Sometimes it's hard to see with high water. And no, this isn't spot burning to those of you that think you're "secret " spot has been discovered. It's just plain good common sense on where to fish. Anyone that thinks they have a "secret" spot on probably any waterway is sadly mistaken unless you fish on a
very remote waterway. All of these spots have been known about for decades and if you didn't know about them, all you have to do is sit there and observe where others are catching their fish. And yes, there are still other spots there that I haven't mentioned, nice little hidey- holes. Once again, observe what others are doing. Hope this was a help to you Ref! If you want to PM me and send your address, I'm sure that I have some extra Phelp's and I'd be happy to send you some. In any event , GOOD LUCK! Luck as you know is what you make it by careful planning.