North Totem Lake Fishing near Hamilton, Montana

• Overview

  North Totem Lake lies within the bounds of Ravalli County, Montana. Country round the bank runs to pine and birch. Surface area runs to about 6 acres — small enough to read in one session. It is a small entry by Ravalli County standards. Hamilton sits 15 miles from the bank. The nearest city of size is Spokane, 168 miles away. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on North Totem Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. Survey and observation records for Ravalli County include rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, brown trout and sockeye salmon. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Fish North Totem Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages here run 55°F at the top of summer and 18°F at the bottom of winter. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Look for the thaw near early May; the fishing lifts straight after. Going by climate averages, expect open water from about early May until roughly mid November. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. Time your trip to North Totem Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Nothing built is recorded close to the bank here. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. A landowner's word beats anything printed elsewhere. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. South Bear Lake at 0.7 miles is the sensible second choice. Signs at North Totem Lake carry more weight than any list.