BOATING -- With the bass and panfish season underway at Lake Spokane -- and today's news that 155,000 trout are being stocked -- anglers with boats will be zeroing in on the Spokane River reservoir behind Long Lake Dam.

Here's how to get onto the water.

Lake Spokane is served with three boat ramps (and five campgrounds) operated by Riverside State Park:

• Lake Spokane Campground at the dam end of the reservoir, formerly managed by the state Department of Natural Resources.
• Nine Mile Recreation Area and Campground, formerly Nine Mile Resort, with more developed facilities, canoe and kayak rentals and a new boat launch and dock.
• Highway 291 boat launch at the upper end of the reservoir at the mouth of the Little Spokane River.

The Washington Discover Pass, which costs $30 a year or $10 a day, are required on vehicles at all state park facilities. In addition, a $7 launch fee is charged.

Boaters who frequently visit state park launches can purchase a state parks Natural Investment Permit, which is a Discover Pass-boat launching combo pass, for $80 a year.

The combo pass has the advantage of being transferable to any number of other vehicles. However, the pass portion is valid only at state park facilities. It is not accepted at Department of Natural Resources and Department of Fish and Wildlife facilities.

But if  you have a state fishing license, a Vehicle Access Pass for WDFW launches is included free, so you’re covered.