Outdoors with Jon Wilson

Editors note: Jon Wilson is an avid fisherman, hunter and hiker. His journeys center around the Inland Northwest and the Idaho Panhandle.

Spring is a great time to fish for spiny-ray (aka panfish) species in the Inland Northwest. Perch, crappie, smallmouth bass, and walleye awaken each spring as the water reaches and exceeds 50 degrees. Their delicately mild flavor, interesting life cycles, and seasonal habits frequently draw me to Banks Lake, Lake Spokane and Lake Pend Oreille in the panhandle.

Watching the setting sun cast a warm burgundy glow upon the stunning rock walls of the Grand Coulee...