I lived in Spokane for 20 years, and I don't recall any lakes that are close to Cheney that don't have boat access. There may be some, like Bead by Newport, and certainly there are hike-in lakes in Idaho and NE Washington, but just about everything else you can put a boat in, even if it's only a pram.

However, there are some great lakes in the area that have plenty of bank access. But if I were to be thinking about fishing in that area, I would invest in a float tube or pontoon because there are so many lakes where the fishing is great and getting out a little ways from the bank gives you a lot more flexibility.

As far as boats go, in most of the smaller lakes they aren't a big problem. A tube is excellent, especially in the winter lakes just before they close.

Good luck,

Keith