I will most likely be visiting the brother in law (read putz), in Spokane around spring, maybe May.
What I want to know is, even though it is far inland, is there any good river fishing around spokane?(within like an hour drive) Salmon steelies sturgeon, anything bigger than pan rainbows? I am really looking forward to the 12 hour drive so it would really help if I could get into some mischief while I am up there!

come on guys
I am begging!

Not a lot to report for that area, thats why your thread is a little slow. Th first 10 hours of your drive will take you through some prime winter fishing spots. The last two hours......theres always big lakers in northern Idaho

Sprague lake has some big cuts (also some walleye bass action.) The inlet can have some great fishing but I am not sure if it is open in May. Diamond lake has great large mouth bass...5-10pd...hit the docks with a wacky rigged rubber worm...can be dynamite!!(you will need your float tube and some thick waders to keep off the cold.)
Rock lake has big browns by the boat launch...bait works best.
As far as river fishing goes try the Spokane River it has some big fishin it...
Sorry so general... I grew up in Spokane...We mainly fished lakes and small streams...Although Diamond is a lake, it can be HOT!! for Bass at that time. Try going to Spokane during bloomsday..that way if you get bored fishing you at least have the memory of one of the worlds largest road races.

Well, if you fly fish, I would recommend Bayley Lake, North of Chewelah. The lake is at about 1.5 hours from Spokane. Fly fishing only, one fish per day over 16 inches check regs), and has some absolute pigs! We have done very well in past years with a wooly bugger and sink-tip line. The largest rainbow I have seen was probably around 8 pounds but I have personally caught them in the 5 and 6 pound range. Tons of lakes near spokane, keep asking around, check with the local fly shops/tackle shops. Good luck!

RM

........and if you would like to catch a real fish, it will take a little longer drive than an hour, but not much. It hasn't been announced yet, but I'm guessing the Clearwater, and Snake will be open for springers again next year. Keep an eye on the Washington F&G website when it gets closer.

Carson,

Here would be my recommendations:

For lakes, I'd go to Rock Lake for brown trout, Amber for rainbows, or Coeur d'Alene (ID) for pike in the spring. (make sure they're open at the time you're there).

If you'd rather river fish (flyfish or otherwise, for trout), send me an e-mail, as I'd rather not post those spots on the board.

Good luck.

Fish on...

Todd.

^^^