It's really a matter of preference.

Some things to consider that may help\hinder sucess:
Depth - what depth are the fish hanging out?
Areas - where are the fish hanging out?
Speed - what speed will provide the optimum presentation?
Temp - (this can influence all the above)
Food - what are the fish keyed in on?

As for lures\colors\baits\scents\flies - they all work. Some folks just get to like one way better. And each will out fish the others at certain times. I hardly ever just use one lure or method when I hit a lake...

I'd say to forget about the downrigger in the smaller lakes for now. If you spent a lot of time on Samammish or Washington, that would be a different story.

Try to keep it simple to start with. I'd reccomend trying a black or olive wooley bugger or carey special trolled very slowly. Or try very small dicknites or needlefish spoons. Or try small flatfish or hotshots.

About the most simple thing you can do is just use a hook, a few split shot about 24" above, and a chunck of worm threaded on the size 6 to 8 hook. You can slowly troll this or even just free drift with the current\wind. If you want to start adding some flash to get the fish's attention, you can get a small colorado or indiana spinner blade to add about 18" above your bait, and just below the split shot. Once you get that down you can try some 'pop gear' - but I only use that as a last resort (takes too much fight away from the fish IMHO).

Vary your speed - even kill the motor from time to time (make sure you keep enough momentum that your blades continue to rotate...)
Troll in 'S' patterns
Try close to shore, but sometimes the middle is the place to be.
If you get a hit, remember that spot, where there is one, there are often more.

I'm sure others have plenty to add...

Lake Sawyer should be good. Just go early or when it's raining to avoid the 'recreationalists'...