Ever since last year I started using rattle traps to pull behind the boat and catching a bunch of fish all the time not big ones but I was thinking what if I put a weighted downrigger and got those lures down a little deeper somehow would that work in the winter time?

We've done it several times. Its okay if you know what your doing. Its great if you are in flat areas or going between humps, depending on the depth you have your rig down to. I've lost many a lead ball to humps and trees - LOL.