Soft plastics like jigs, chatter baits, and worms are effective for Muskies "laid up" inactive and glued to the bottom---which they often do during lull periods between feeding activity.
However, you have to know precisely where the fish are, otherwise you'll search and search for just a couple inactive bedded fish. They can be quite hard to spot.
Large baits that pulse and thump and move fast when Muskies chase or slower and deep when Muskies just rise up to grab prey on ambush strikes is all dependent on the season. It's a lot more effective and fun to draw the fish in and have it hunt the bait than to hope you drag it by one's nose.
Stick to cranks and gliders and jumbo swimbaits in colder months. Soft plastics when you can spot them. Save the faster shallow baits for summer/fall.
Btw--the Noli is the most frustrating Muskie river I fish----it's skunked me more than any other river. The fish are ridiculously picky---tons of bait---plus they migrate out of holes and leave you wondering where they disappeared. If you want to actually start encountering fish regularly, drive a couple hours and start exploring New R, Melton Hill, or GF Tribs.
Good luck
