Does anyone feel comfortable eating perch out of lake lowell? Just curious I live 10mins from the lake and would love to catch a bunch with my 5 year old. I caught some big ones bass fishing last year but I never woud have thought to Ice fish it.
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make sure and read the rules for the lake, you only can fish in front of either Dam within 200 yards I believe, its a federal wildlife refuge, so any fines are federal....
Matt
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http://www.deq.idaho.gov/media/639800-la...s_2006.pdf
Perch were not tested in the 2006 mercury study for Lowell, but since the 12 inch bass passed with a good score of .189 (>.300 is advisory limit) I would say that the perch would have a similar or lesser level. Bluegill were .166.....good. The much larger suckers and catfish though had higher levels.
Just for the mercury question, I would say the perch were good to eat. I don't know if there are other pollutants there though. You might have to poke around on the Internet and find out if there are any other studies or listings.
A few meals a month are probably ok.
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