Riverrat it would be worth a try! Maybe some cheap steamers right out of the shell may be the ticket... I have caught burbot and char with quite a few snails in the stomach contents. Perhaps the smell of the clams would be similar to that of the illusive snail? On another note, you said suckers were present in those waters? I would guarantee those burbs are snacking on suckers regularly! I have caught several burbot with suckers and whitefish lodged in their craw. I guess the trick is finding what the burbot within that lake are hitting on, and get your hands on it. My guess is suckers, cisco, whitefish, snails, and blackfish. You "may" want to try some squid for bait as well, they love it!
-barleydog