I Having fished DHL for the past four years, off and on, my go to baits in the fall are jig (camo, PBJ, green pumpkin) with matching paca trailers; tail spinner; silver buddy; FNF (later in the winter - going tomorrow and will fish mostly) and swimbait. As the water cools (i.e. late November and December) you need to slow it down, I mean painfully slow. I try to fish my jigs where I feel every bump on the bottom paying particular attention to get slightly hung on the rocks. When it pops off that rock, reel down and be prepared to set the hook at the slightest tap. Tailspinner you also need to bounce off the bottom ("slow rolling") with swift pops of the rod, keeping in contact at all times with the bait because they will hit it 90% of the time on the down fall. You can work the silver buddy the same way, but will get hung a bit more.
I agree that DHL is a VERY tough lake to learn and be successful as a beginner. I have walked off the lake skunked with tail between my legs many times. I suggest going with a friend and hiring a guide for you first trip, at least. There are many good ones down there, look on smalljaw website to find some of the best on the lake. Good luck and let us know how you do, if you have not already gone.
