About mid May(13th actually), me and my partnet went in off the Gunflint hoping to catch lakers and Brookies. We were going to go to Honker for Brookies. However, our outfitter told us it was no use, the Brookies don't get active until the water is warmer. When we went thru Gillis the surface temp. was 42 degrees. Granterd, it is a late spring, but what is the scoop? We were pretty pumped about catching Brookies, and then just had the wind knocked out of our sails. I'm getting a handle on the lakers, but brookies are new to me. I don't know much about trout, here in Okla.we stock 9-12inch Rainbows to feed the Stripers(just kidding, sorta). When is a good active time for them?

I'd say your outfitter doesn't fish for brook trout. Early spring after ice-out is a great time to fish for them in lakes, casting small spinners or spoons in two to ten feet of water.