I know you can't run a gasoline motor on the lakes, but does any one know if you can launch a boat with a gas motor and just use your trolling motor?

Don't think so.

You used to be able to, don't know if you still can or not.

Yes you can. Seen several bigger boats on the lakes lately

Yes. Done it many times. I've found the fishing much better on the upper lake. Unless it has changed the lower lake (by the store) is a waste of time. There's also another lake at the park where I put my boat in to fish. That was also a waste of time.