112 NORTHERN FISHES 



small suckers, instead of being detrimental to the spawning beds, is 

 actually a benefit, since the eggs are dead ones that would otherwise in 

 due course of time gather fungus and, working downward among the 

 good eggs, would in all probability spread the fungus and so during the 

 winter destroy many of the good eggs. The only fish said to be jjosi- 

 tively detrimental to the trout spawn is the miller's-thumb, Cottus 

 cognatus. However, this charge against the millcr's-thumb requires 

 further investigation. 



The brook trout is a prime favorite with anglers in all parts of the 

 country and is one of the choicest of food fishes. Trout streams are 

 among the most valuable resources of a region, and it behooves the 

 northern states to encourage the influx of sportsmen and tourists by 

 keeping all suitable waters well stocked and protecting them in the 

 interest of anglers. In many parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin good 

 trout streams are scarce, and the few that exist are fished so heavily 

 that continuous stocking is necessary. In recent years stocking with 

 fingerlings and even larger trout has been practiced. 



Brook trout bite readily on flies. Although worms are disdained by 

 many trout anglers, brook trout will bite readily on angleworms, which 

 are about the only bait one can use in some of the narrow brooks over- 

 grown with brush. Like most other trout they are exceedingly wary, 

 and the angler must exercise great caution, keeping out of sight as 

 much as possible. 



GENUS Cristivomer (Gill and Jordan) 



This genus contains only one species, which is distinguished by its 

 strongly forked tail and small scales. The vomer has a crest armed 

 with strong teeth. 



COMMON LAKE TROUT (Mackinaw Trout, Great Lakes Trout, 

 Forktail Trout, Togue) 



Cristivomer namaycush namaycush (Walbaum) 



The lake trout (Figure llB) is frequently called a "landlocked 

 salmon" by anglers, but it is a misnomer, for this name properly belongs 

 to the landlocked variety of the Atlantic salmon. The lake trout is dark 

 gray, with round pale spots sometimes tinged with pink. Although the 

 belly is usually pale, it may be dark and spotted. The length is about 

 4 times the depth. The dorsal and anal fins each have 11 rays. The tail 

 is deeply forked. The scales are rather small, numbering 185-205 in the 

 lateral line. 



Lake trout are distributed through northern North America, extend- 

 ing as far south as the Great Lakes region and the New England States. 

 Although this trout is widely distributed in certain types of northern 

 lakes, it cannot be said to be abundant in any of them. The character 



