Nice write up Danny, and good luck with it!
Couple of thoughts, may or may not be useful. First thought - on silty lakes, washed out baits work well, but have you also looked at essential oils for boilie flavours (assuming you make your own?). These hold their flavour and scent a lot longer in silt. May be worth trying.
Secondly the house pellets - can you make a paste by scolding them for 30 seconds then breaking down? May also be a winner with those wary fish?
Anyway, saw you had the big girl out of there - well in, and good angling! Tight lines.