In Canada, Southeastern Ontario to be precise we have one of the greatest Samllies population on Lake Saint Francis (St Laurence River). They can be as big as 7 or 8 pounders. In fact, the biggest 5-fish bag came out of that body of water and it weighed over 30 pounds!!!
They are usually located around rock piles, weed edges, ledges, current-breaking rock points and believe it or not, they are also found on sand flats.
My approach is sarting fast with spinnerbaits and jerkbaits and if they are not hitting those lures I will switch to 3.5" tubes dragging them along the bottom or would also try wacky-style senkos or deep with drop-shot.
The size of the lure depends of the season. In the spring and fall I would down--size and during the summer months my baits will be bigger. As for colour, always try to match the colour of the baitfish that you see swimming around. If you are using tubes or drop-shot make sure that you are always making bottom contact and keep your line tight in case you get a hit you can set the hook immediately.
One last piece of advice, ALWAYS use quality equipment and technique-specific so you have optimal sensitivity for those bites. Be ready for a good fight!
Good luck catching'em!
DrB.