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Lead tackle restrictions to be considered

A pair of common loons produced one chick in their first nesting effort at Long Lake in 2009. The female loon was back on a nest in May 2010 before Fish and Wildlife Department officials reported that she had been shot around May 9. Photo by Daniel Poleschook Jr. (Photo by Daniel Poleschook Jr.)
A pair of common loons produced one chick in their first nesting effort at Long Lake in 2009. The female loon was back on a nest in May 2010 before Fish and Wildlife Department officials reported that she had been shot around May 9. Photo by Daniel Poleschook Jr. (Photo by Daniel Poleschook Jr.)

FISHING – Restrictions on use of lead fishing tackle at 13 lakes with nesting loons will be considered by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission when it meets Dec. 2-4 in Olympia.

The lead issue is on the agenda for Dec. 4.

Studies have shown that loons can die of lead poisoning by ingesting lead sinkers as they forage for fish.

The 13 lakes where loons breed in Washington include Ferry, Long and Swan lakes in Ferry County; Calligan and Hancock lakes in King County; Bonaparte, Blue and Lost lakes in Okanogan County; Big Meadow, South Skookum and Yocum lakes in Pend Oreille County; Pierre Lake in Stevens County; and Hozomeen Lake in Whatcom County.

Click here for more information on lead and loons:

Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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