The Bobber and Nymph Rig
A size 12 bead head prince nymph is my first choice when it comes to some hard core finesse fishing. The great thing about the nymph/bobber rig is that it matches the mood of the fish to a "T". Cold-blooded trout in the cold, early season water demand slow, deliberate presentations, which is where this rig excels.
Take a tiny bobber, the size of a dime, or at the largest a nickel and set it two to four feet above the nymph. The idea is to have a bobber that's just big enough to cast a reasonable distance, but small enough to be pulled under with minimal resistance. That way a biting trout feels nothing on the take, giving us the time to set the hook. On the business end, tie the hook up snug with your favorite fishing knot. I use the Trilene Knot. Then when the nymph is attached, twist the knot over so the knot is turned toward the point of the hook. This will allow the fly to orient itself horizontally, which appears more natural for feeding trout. Using a small bobber and suspending the fly horizontally will get you most of the way there. Now the key, where do you fish it? Finesse presentations are best in flat water or near flat water. Work the calm side of the lake and when you're looking at the bobber, pay close attention to anything unnatural. When the bobber does something, anything funny, set the hook. So many times it will be a trout
Other Options - The Bobber and Worm
If the lake isn't calm or the bite is tremendously difficult, I'll pick a shoreline with some wave action and pitch a bobber and worm combo. The worm represents a bigger meal and although it bobs up and down in the waves, the trout seem more willing to swim over and pick it up
What I've found when it comes to setting the hook with bait is that a delayed strike works best. The reason for the delay is that inevitably there is slack in the line when a trout bites. When the bobber dips below the surface, reel up the slack first (the delay) and when you feel the weight of the fish, strike. This method will put you into plenty of fish.