I have not fished out west but I have been a trout fisherman for over 40 years. I never trout fish without a pack or two of Gulp Minnows. I mostly use the 2½ & 3" watermelon pearl on the lightest jig that will get me to the depth I need. I like to cast across stream and tight line the jig just enough to keep it off the bottom. They are so deadly on the native trout around here I almost feel like I'm cheating. Best of luck!