Lead tackle restricted at 13 northern Washington lakes

Starting this season, certain lead fishing tackle will not be allowed for fishing at 13 northern Washington lakes to help protect nesting loons.

The Eastern Washington lakes are:

Ferry County: Ferry, Long and Swan lakes.

Okanogan County: Blue (Sinlahekin), Bonaparte and Lost lakes.

Pend Oreille County: Meadow, Skookum and Yocum lakes.

Stevens County: Pierre Lake.

The new rules prohibit the use of lead weights and jigs that measure 1½ inches or less along the longest axis. Fly patterns containing lead are banned at Long Lake in Ferry County.

Loons have been known to die from ingesting fish that have lead in their body after being hooked by anglers and breaking off.

The West Side lakes with lead restrictions are in King and Whatcom counties.