Rich Landers

It's never been easier to learn the basics of fishing in the Spokane area. Although several fly fishing courses are underway, sign-up is underway for a new series of courses. Fly tying: Spokane County Parks is offering five different fly tying courses for beginners and intermediatesby Jake Hood. Students have choice of weekday evenings or weekends. But don't hesitate. Some begin Monday! Cost is $55 for 15 hours. Info: 456-4730.

Check it out Distance: 60 miles round trip Difficulty: Moderate Cruising time: 2-4 hours Season: year-round Maps: Lake Roosevelt North, by Northwest Map and Travel of Spokane, 455-6981. Info Coulee Dam National Recreation Area, Kettle Falls District, (509) 738-6266

Anglers at Banks Lake have been approaching the ice with a wing and a prayer this winter. "There aren't many people who like to ice fish more than I do, but I haven't dared go out on that lake much this year," said Reg Morgan of Coulee Dam. Only a few anglers ventured onto the rotten ice that still capped the lake last weekend. They've been going to the north end at night with lanterns to jig for whitefish at the mouth of the feeder canal.

Idaho sportsmen had better get a grip. Regardless of what direction they want their state government to go following the November elections, there's no excuse to let wildlife management go down the tube. Last week, Phil Batt, Idaho's newly elected governor, sent letters asking for the resignations of the state's Fish and Game Commissioners.

The new Washington Fish and Wildlife Department has a new logo. The department was born last year after the state Legislature approved a merger of the Fisheries and Wildlife agencies. Shortly afterward, Bob Turner, the agency's first director, announced a contest for schools and artists to design a new logo. The emblem needed to depict the agency's new role in managing fish and wildlife from the West Side saltwater to the East Side scablands. But the winner of the contest was never announced.