There is no better place to find new roads than in Western Montana, where we can enjoy some of our nation's best adventures right outside our back door. The Seeley-Swan Valley is no exception. According to VisitMT.com, Montana's official state travel site, the Seeley-Swan Valley is a "90-mile long corridor along Highway 83 stretching through the Swan Valley from Seeley Lake to Swan Lake."

Affectionately referred to as "Lake Country," this area of Western Montana is home to "hundreds of natural lakes, ranging in size from a few acres to several thousands of acres." One of many adventures in the Seeley-Swan area is the Seeley-Swan Scenic Drive, outlined in detail at VisitMT.com.

With early spring comes some of Montana's best fishing in the area, and it's not uncommon to find pristine waters before the winter runoff season takes hold in late May through early June.

We caught up with Aaron Bonsall, fishing extraordinaire and local fishing aficionado at Bob Ward and Sons in Missoula, to discuss a few of the fishing opportunities available in the Seeley-Swan Valley.

Bonsall said that area lakes are fishing really well right now, and that Seeley Lake, Salmon Lake, Lake Inez and others are among the best opportunities currently.

"Fishing for Northern Pike and Large Mouth Bass is great, and there are opportunities for Rainbow and Cutthroat trout in the area, " Bonsall said. "The Clearwater River opens this Saturday [May 18], and avid fishermen are looking forward to fishing Rainbow, Brown and Cutthroat trouts."

Bonsall also noted that Northern Pike are fishing well in lakes right now too.

Half of the battle is knowing which bait to use when and where, and Bonsall was eager to share what has worked well for fishermen recently.

"A Daredevle spoon and spoons in general work great, and spin fishing will yield more in the lakes," Bonsall said. "Another great option is a frog for top-water action. We see spin fishing yield more in the early spring, but fly fishing, dry and wet, will begin to pick up as the water clears after the spring runoff in June."

If you're not into fishing or scenic tours, the Seeley-Swan Valley has other options too. From shopping in Seeley, to visiting the acclaimed Morrell Falls or camping near Holland Lake, there's an adventure for everyone hidden in the Seeley-Swan valley.

If you're planning an adventure to the area, we suggest a visit to VisitMT.com to find a few fun options for you and your friends or family.

While you're out on your adventures this summer, snap a photo and enter Karl Tyler Chevrolet and Bob Ward & Sons' Find New Roads contest. They are giving away a prize valued at $2,500 that includes outdoor gear from Bob Ward's, and a weekend getaway at the Lemhi River with world-class fishing on a private estate.

Just submit your photo with the form below!

By submitting your entry you agree to the official contest rules.

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This blog is sponsored by Karl Tyler Chevrolet. Visit Karl Tyler Chevrolet at 3636 North Reserve Street, Missoula, MT 59808 or call 866-492-3671 for more information about the Find New Roads campaign and how you could win a getaway of a lifetime from Karl Tyler Chevrolet and Bob Ward & Sons.

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