Bob, what are you thoughts on pencil lead in the rivers? There must be hundreds of pounds of lead lost each year in a lot of rivers. I know cold temps and winter flows probably keep the levels undetectable, but what about in the summer? Has anyone studied this to your knowledge? Thanks

I know this is to Bob but this subject has been used many times over many years by certain fly fishing groups to ban drift fishing. From everything I have read there is no factual basis for the argument.

Without getting too technical, it is VERY unlikely that the solid lead could ever be detected in the stream water. There are very few chemicals known to man that will actually dissolve lead but it does oxidize readily. I know of no streams, rivers or lakes that contain enough Fluoboric acid to make a difference in lead levels. The main threat in my opinion is animal life ingesting said lead. Bile is also one of those chemicals. As someone who spent over 4 years processing nearly a quarter million lbs. of lead per month I can honestly say that I think the lead threat is overrated at all levels. Just my opinion.

stlhead,

What flyfishing groups have tried this?

I know of a number that have used the "tradition" of the river...However, I've never heard of the lead content issue.

thick

It has been a while but I believe one was the Federation of Fly Fishers. I do not know what they are like now but for a time they were heavily pushing rule changes that would amount to fly fishing only, no hatcheries in all rivers.

I haven't heard of any studies myself ... but I'm sure they'll come along, if they haven't already been put into the works ... and I'm sure before I'm done fishing, I'll be throwing foot-long slinkies filled with steel shot ...

I think I will give the one inch slinky filled with gold a try. hehe