4 EEPOET OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 



TROUT. 



Pursuant with the above-mentioned provisions, the Commis- 

 sioners during the past year (January, 1897 — January, 1898) have 

 purchased twentj^ thousand (20,000) yearling trout, and acknowl- 

 edge the generous assistance received in the work of distribution 

 from many fishermen of the State. Most gratifying reports have 

 been received from fishermen during the past open season, and, 

 though there have been a few comi^laints of illegal fishing, the 

 better class of fishermen are strictly observing the law. The 

 height of water in the streams promises a bountiful catch the 

 coming year. 



BLACK BASS. 



Black bass fishing has not been satisfactory during the past 

 vseason, and the Commission feels that its recent efforts and plans 

 for the future in the direction of restocking the inland waters of 

 the State were, and are, fully warranted. 



An additional consignment of one thousand large-mouthed black 

 bass has been received from the U. S. Commission, and the same 

 has been deposited in the i)reserve set apart for the purpose of 

 propagation of this species, near WesterlJ^ 



LAND LOCKED SALMON. 



Out of tliree thousand eggs of this species received from the U. 

 S. Commission, in January, the Commissioners have been success- 

 ful in hatching upwards of two tliousand. The 3^oung fish were 

 reared until about four inches in length, and then deposited in 

 Mill Brook, in the town of Charlestown. This stream was selected 

 on account of its being the main feeder for Watchaug Lake, and 

 it thus affords a nursery for the 3'Oung salmon until they are old 

 enough to take care of themselves in the larger bodj^ of water. 

 These waters were stocked in May with the eggs of the fresh- 

 water smelt, obtained from New Hampshire, it being necessary to 

 introduce tins variety of fish into the lake, as it is the natural 

 food for the land locked salmon. It is the intention of the Com- 



