Trolling for Kokanee in American lake

How do you guys judge how deep your gear is when trolling for Kokanee. I'm using a 1oz in line trolling sinker and let out 70-80 feet of line but I really don't have any idea of my depth and can't seem to pick up any fish. Any tips would be great.

man that's a tough one.  It depends on so many things.  80 feet of line, with a 45 degree angle (which is really steep) means 40 feet down.  22.5 degree angle, which seems more likely means 20 feet down, and that's theoretical.  Factor in drag on your line and gear and you might only be down 15 feet.  That's why most guys use down riggers.  If you want to fish at 80 feet and have a level wind reel, you want 250 feet of line out.  On my reel, that's 18 passes of the guide.

Maybe it's your terminal tackle? 

You could also try a Jet Diver by Luhr-Jensen.  They are light weight and depending on the model will take your gear from 10-40 ft.

I have used this chart for estimating depth even though it's a different kind of weight.


http://rednekoutfitters.com/inline_trolling_weight_chart.html

Thats why I am going to install a downrigger on my yak. That and trolling for trout. Here is a video that might help you.  

Awesome that helps a lot. Thanks.