I had a Merc (Tohatsu) 7hp on my Crestliner 16ft fiberglass (early 60s model). It worked great, was economical and enough power to get me around some of the larger lakes north of Spokane. Unfortunately, someone wanted it more than me one night and it was stolen off my boat (parked in my driveway). Best of luck and tight lines.

I haven't gone yet but I read the little pend oriell chain is iced over enough and people have been fishing thomas and coffin lakes. If they have good ice the rest should be good too. Good luck and tight lines

Other lakes nort.h of Spokane open year around are Davis and Jump off Joe. The Little Pend Orielle chain between Colville and Ione are also open year around. Access can be a problem and snow can also restrict things. Good luck and tight loines

Never have had much luck in the river but I have fished the chain of lakes above Tiger for decades. Some of them have rainbows, frater lake has cutthroat and the rest are multi species lakes. Caught to small largemouth in leo today and a rainbow at gillette. Good dock at gillette (Beaver Lodge resort) and dock fishing is very reasonable. Good luck to you and the kids.

This time of year Jump off Joe could be good for sunfish, bass and trout (trout if water not too warm). North of Spokane around Colville you have the Little Pend Oreille chain of lakes and Little Twin Lake (one of my favorites because it is stocked with cutthroat trout. Good luck.

North of Spokane we have a few koke lakes. Trolling with a small dodger and worm/white corn combo can do well. If you can find the depth that helps. Also one of the lakes, Loon, has what is known as the sockeye hole and still fishing at night works. Tender mouths so be careful setting the hook, I've lost quite a few over the years with too hard a set. Tight lines.

Grew up north of Spokane. Not a lot of great fly fishing rivers up here but there are some good fly only lakes up by Colville. Also the Pend Orielle and Kettle Rivers and the Columbia. Lots of smaller streams all over. The Little Pend Orielle chain of lakes east of Colville can have good fishing and a couple of decent camp grounds. Been fishing that area for 60+ years. Rainbow, brookies and cuts as well as lots of other types depending on the lake or stream. PM me if you want more specifics. Good luck and tight lines.

If you are inland you can find Ling cod (burbot) in Bead Lake north of Spokane and Kootney Lake in BC north of Nelson. There are others around here but I'm not sure which ones. Good luck.

Little Pend Oreille chain of smaller lakes on highway 20 between Ione and Colville WA. All 4 lakes connected and beatable. A couple of shallow channels but go slow and no problem. Rainbow, tiger and occasional cutthroat and brook trout. Also various spiny rays ans some teach. I resort on Gilette Lake and state campgrounds on Gilette and Thomas. Other smaller lakes in the area. Been fishing these lakes for over 60 years - not as good as years ago but still bring home fish.

Fishing in a channel between two lakes north of Spokane. Daughter caught a duck, one heck of a fight and daughter was afraid the duck was hurt. Just through the bill. Cut the line and away it went

Salmon fishing years ago off Mukulteo. Stopped to get rid of a dogfish. Not as deep as we thought. When we started up dad had a heavier drag on his line, thought it was seaweed. Reeled in a 7"dungeoness. Mom caught a code. Had a good dinner.

Papabear, I have been diabetic for years. Type 2 does change your eating. If you use almond flour get superfine, regular grind is a bit coarse. There is also coconut, tapioca and arrowroot flours. A combination of almond and coconut flours can work well for breading and baking. Good luck with the changes. You need to experiment to find what works and you like.

Jump Off Joe lake, about 35 miles north on highway 395 (Division Street turns into 395). 2 or 3 trout species along with sunfish, bass and occasional goldfish (carp). Resort has a good dock with benches and a cleaning station if you get lucky. They charge for dock fishing but it was only $5 in the past. Good luck.