Spin-fishing for trout

With Flathead Valley river levels high and yo-yo-ing, anglers who want to catch trout are heading for lakes. And while fly fishermen certainly catch their share of fish, spin fishermen can also share in the bounty of Montana's trout.

To learn the "how" and "where" of spin-fishing for area trout in lakes, I contacted Dave Toelke at Snappy Sports Senter in Kalispell.

"Casting spinners or spoons will produce trout for spin fishermen," Toelke said. "And it's not complicated fishing, just cast and crank. A size 4 Panther Martin, yellow body with silver blade, is a good choice. Also try a size 1 Mepps, red and white body with silver or brass blade. One of the most popular spoons for trout is the quarter-ounce Thomas Cyclone in brass or silver and the 3/16 to 3/8-ounce Kamlooper, yellow with red dots or red with white dots."

Toelke cautions anglers to be sure to tie the lure to the line with a snap-swivel to prevent the line from twisting.

"Another option is bottom-fishing," adds Toelke. "Thread an egg sinker onto your line, then put some pink Berkley's Power Bait or a piece of nightcrawler onto a size 10 Eagle Claw soft bait hook. Then throw it out and let it sit on the bottom."

Shoreline access at many valley floor and foothills lakes is limited, but Toelke recommends Foy Lake, south of Kalispell.

"Foy Lake offers the most amount of access for shorebound fishermen," he said.

Other local lake options offered by Toelke include Lion Lake, near the town of Hungry Horse, the bays and inlets along the east side of Hungry Horse Reservoir, and Hubbart Reservoir, west of Kalispell.