I have been learning/fishing a new lake in Washington (riffe). This is a reservoir (snow run-off) and is at full pool (no water movement) with temps in the 65-70 degree area at the surface.  I dropped my Aqua View down to 30-35' temp is 60 deg. Visibility is approximately 10-15' currently. During the last few weeks I have been picking up fish in 18-22 ft range. My last two trips I have pulled nothing but dinks. I tried 20-30' range with no luck. There are humps, flats etc..at the 50' depth.  Ledges though are very slim and the only ones I have found are 100' + water depth.  My question is am I wasting my time (never when fishing of course) in that depth range?  Should I venture to the 40' or even 50' mark?  If so, what technique would one use that deep besides drop shotting and spooning?

Try a heavy football jig with a craw or creature trailer, crawl it across the bottom, if fish are holding on or near the bottom.

I agree Gary, the football jig is a great presentation. Typically, i only use this after I have "found fish" due to it's dreadfully slow presentation. I have to discipline myself even if I know fish are there with this technique.  

You will find the answer in this article about last week's tournament:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_123/bass-erie3-08.html

8-)

A buddy of mine and I found smallies back this past winter in Lake Washington at 55'. We spent most of our time searching at 25-40' and the extra 15' depth change made all of the difference.

Are you a member at some of the local forums?

I usually don't fish deeper than the thermocline.

Local Forums?  send me a pm and I will let you know, but only one besides "BASS Resource"

Well, I went out this weekend and tried to locate some fish with my sonar.  Seems I have the land locked Salmon down!!  Flopping s.o.b's.  Have extra holes in my hand now from trying to get the hooks out.  Still haven't found the big smallies, 2lb 7oz biggest rest 1-2 lbs.  Tried all the way to 60'.  Being their is no schools of baitfish in this lake, i'm assuming the fish shouldn't move too often.  I believe their prey is, perch, crayfish and smolt.  Never saw any schools of baitfish (perch) on my sonar.  Ones I did see with my Aqua vue had 4-10 perch-don't think smallies would school up and follow those.  Maybe the smallies aren't schooled???