XIL-ON THE SPECKLED TROUT OF UTAH LAKE. . 



Salmo VirginaJis, Girard. 



By Dr. H. C. Yarrow, U. S. A., surgeon and naturaUst of the expedition for explorations 

 and surveys west of the 100th meridian, in charge of Lieut. G. M. Wheeler, United States 

 Engineers. • 



The lake trout, or, as it is sometimes called, tHe brook and speckled 

 trout, by the inhabitants of Utah, is one of the most characteristic 

 and numerous fish of the Territory, affording a valuable, healthy, and 

 cheap article of diet. This fish has existed for years in immense num- 

 bers, and for this reason it is rather singular that its occurrence was not 

 noticed until the party under Lieutenant Wheeler, of the Engineers, 

 visited Utah Lake in 1872. This fish is found in Utah and Pang witch 

 Lakes (the latter in Southern Utah) throughout the year, being most 

 abundant during July and August, at which time these notes were hastily 

 made. 



In comparison wifeh the other fishes of Utah, the lake trout is un- 

 doubtedly the most numerous and most easily captured ; how long; 

 however, this condition of affairs will last it is impossible to say, the 

 supply having greatly diminished during the past few years, owing to 

 reckless methods of fishing and increase in the number of fishermen ; 

 moreover a larger demand is now made for this fish, owing to increase 

 in the number of settlers. The decrease in the yield may be roughly 

 estimated at about one-third, but this percentage is slowly but surely 

 increasing. The greatest size this fish attains, as far as could be learned 

 on inquiry and from personal observation, is three feet ; weight about 

 fifteen and a half pounds. The average length, however, is about four- 

 teen inches, and average weight one and a half pounds. The rate of 

 growth is not known, although it is stated by the fishermen to be per- 

 haps an inch per annum, but according to my own belief the rate is 

 greater. The fish is supposed to attain its full size in about five years. 

 In shape there is very little difference between the male and female ; 

 though near the breeding season the female is the larger and more 

 brilliant in color. This increased brilliancy of color affects both sexes, 

 but is noticeable in a more marked degree in the female. About breed- 

 ing-time the eyes are brighter, scales more brilliant, and the superficial 

 blood-vessels more fully engorged than ordinarily ; the movements are 

 more rapid, a celerity being displayed quite at variance with its usual 

 somewhat sluggish habits. This fish winters in the deepest waters of 

 the lakes, as most of the mountain streams to which it resorts in spring 

 and summer are shallow and very cold. The male and female, large and 

 small, run indiscriminately together, the presence of this fish in any 



