264 U. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES 
dam, it was thought the ascent would be difficult in low water, and a section 
of about 30 feet was broken out. Beaver workings were noted in all streams 
throughout the flats. It is believed that the opening of the beaver season in 
the spring will remove this menace to the ascent of salmon, but all streams 
where beaver are reported should be inspected each year. 
On September 4 a trip was made over the portage to Kegik Lake. More sal- 
mon were in evidence here than ever had been noted before. Almost the entire 
west shore or head of the lake was well covered with salmon. Around the 
mouth of the four small creeks it was estimated there were 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 
and 10,000 red salmon, respectively, and salmon also were milling along the 
lake shore between the streams preparatory to spawning, and were jumping in 
the lake over a quarter of a mile from shore. None had entered the creeks as 
yet or had begun spawning. It was estimated that at least 50,000 red salmon 
were in sight from the shore, which, of course, does not represent all the salmon 
that entered the lake, but only the early fish. This is a late-spawning area, and 
salmon had reached it only two weeks before. Also, no check was possible 
around the lake, as the sides are almost perpendicular bluffs. The return was 
made to Tarnalia Point and the portage reached on September 6. 
Only a casual inspection was made of Taziminia, but apparently there was 
an adequate supply of salmon for thoroughly seeding the 8 miles of river ayail- 
able for spawning below the falls. 
Return was made by way of the portage to Iliamna Lake, and thence by 
launch to Iliamna Village. A rumor was investigated that some local white 
men contemplated beaver farming, using salmon streams for the purpose. 
Those interested were advised that the idea should not be encouraged, as such 
operations will not be permitted. 
More salmon were reported in Pile Bay tributaries than for the past six 
years. The numbers were not large, but the increase is most encouraging. Red 
salmon in Iliamna River were not numerous—fewer than in 1923 but more than 
in 1921. It was estimated that about 10,000 salmon spawned in the stream. 
Local whites and natives had dried 407 bundles (16,280 red salmon) for home 
use and dog feed. 
The inspection as a whole was very satisfactory and encouraging. The 
escapement was the best since 1918, with the exception of 1922, and except 
in a few ‘areas the numbers were considered adequate for proper seeding. 
Not all of the available area was covered, however, and some good areas were 
but sparsely covered, as compared with other good years. Certain areas will 
receive ample numbers one year and few another, while other areas are satis- 
factorily seeded every year; although a year like 1925 would be an exception 
to this latter rule, as there were not enough salmon to cover the grounds of 
any area. As the result of observations year after year it appears that even 
in a satisfactory year, such as this, as much suitable area remains vacant as 
is used for spawning. 
It is believed that Lake Clark received the larger portion of the escapement 
this year, while in 1921, 1922, and 1923 the greater bulk of the escapement 
appeared to center in Iliamna Lake. Returns from this year’s spawning will 
also probably be better because the water in the lakes was low, with consequent 
less likelihood of the water receding and leaving the spawning beds bare, as 
occasionally occurs. The streams emptying into Iliamna Lake also were low 
and securely bedded, thus eliminating most of the shallow sloughs, where in 
some years great losses undoubtedly occur when the water recedes after the 
eggs are deposited, and leaves them dry. 
Throughout the district the local whites and natives took their full supply 
of salmon early when the fish were good, and discontinued fishing, except for 
occasional fresh salmon for themselves and their dogs. Rehabilitation of the 
runs has also caused the reestablishment of fishing camps by the natives. Sey- 
eral camps had been located at Kokhonak Creek and along the Newhalen River, 
and one near the mouth of the Kegik River on Lake Clark. Camps and vil- 
lages formerly existed at these places but were discontinued, primarily on - 
account of scarcity of salmon. The total number of red salmon dried by local 
whites and natives in the Iliamna and Lake Clark districts was 1,909 bundles 
(76,360 fish). Probably the number used fresh and the few barrels salted 
would bring the total catch to 100,000 salmon, which is about the average ~ 
number used in years when salmon are plentiful. 
One feature, which the natives reported had never occurred before, was 
the appearance of humpback salmon along the north shore of [liamna Lake, 
A few were seen near the Iliamna-Newhalen portage, and natives had taken 
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