Author: Tom G.
This spring, my wife Cori and I moved up to Kalispell from Bigfork. While I certainly miss being in such close proximity to places like Wayfarers State Park, the Swan River trail and Crane Mountain, the move also made other parts of the valley feel much more accessible than they did when we were lived down south.
This has allowed me to explore and fall in love with some new parts of the valley this year. My favorite discovery has been the Stillwater State Forest land that is located off Hwy 93, northwest of Whitefish.
I have made several trips to this area over the past couple of months to fish, hike and just enjoy being out in the woods. The area is accessed via Beaver Lake Road off Hwy 93. The roads are in relatively good shape this spring and can be accessed with just about any vehicle. I have yet to run across any road conditions that would cause me to think twice about taking my Honda Element up there.
My favorite trips to the area so far have been to fish Dollar Lake. I have fished this lake a couple of times from the bank and once from a kayak. Late afternoons and early evenings have offered some productive fishing for both rainbow and cutthroat trout.
While I am far from an expert angler, I have been successful using my inexpensive spinning rod and some budget Danielson spinners. I may never become a really serious fisherman; I have really enjoyed picking up yet another hobby that gets me out in the forest.
Over the next few weeks, I hope to fish some more of the lakes in the area. I may also spend some time scouting for deer as my thoughts turn to prepping for hunting season.