Wow. Now we're talking my language. Something I can understand!
So much depends on species, water conditions etc.
I like what we call "Swedish pimples." It's a kind of 'jig' and it's excellent for the trout family. A lot of times for smaller species, we'll just tie in a smaller lead jig head, painted of course. Usually white in brown water, and chartreuse is another favourite. In the boreal forest, I reckon that your water is likely going to full of tannins (from allocthonous refractory organics... BONUS POINTS for pulling up some old college limnology words!!! Woot!) and so the water is likely to be brown-ish. Bright colour jigs work best in that water, IMHO. If the water is clear, I'd use silver. You can get the pimple with a little red "tag" attached, and that red seems to work for me.
For pike and tougher species, I just use bait (such as smelt) on a weighted line.
As far as tackle goes, you can go the limit from fancy tip ups, down to a wee stick frozen in some slush. Make a loop in the line, tie a piece of bright flagging tape on it, and hang the loop off the very end of the stick. When you no longer see the tape, a fish has taken your line. We used to fish this way with only the terminal tackle and a spool of line (which you can freeze in slush so that it still turns). Put a stick through the spool's centre.
Most times, unless you're just plunking some bait down a hole, you want to jig a bit. You can use anything to hold your line. I make my own line holder thingys. Some you can build so that they balance on a stand and tip up when you have a bite.
It's important to use heavy line. You're not fighting the fish - you're hauling it in. 20 lb test isn't uncommon here. And in fact, braided nylon (which also makes excellent leather making thread, by the way) is really my preferred line.
I should stop. I could drone on and on.
Hope I've helped a wee bit.
ATB,
KK