ALASKA FISHERY AND FUR-SEAL INDUSTRIES, 1927 97 



Taking into consideration the numbers of salmon counted ascending the Igu- 

 lawok River, the number of fish taken by local whites and natives, and the 

 observations on the spawning grounds, it was estimated that the escapement was 

 about 80 per cent less than that of a normal year. 



BECHAROF LAKE DISTRICT 



Examination of the Becharof Lake system by Clarence Olsen indicated that 

 the escapement in 1927 was 20 per cent less than that of 1926. 



INSPECTION OF ILIAMNA AND LAKE CLARK SPAWNING AREAS IN 1927 



The following report was made by Agent Dennis Winn covering 

 his trip of inspection during the month of August: 



In accordance with practice for the last several years, the writer, accompanied 

 by Warden A. J. Suoinela, at the close of the commercial fishing season in Bristol 

 Bay proceeded to inspect the spawning areas of the Iliamna and Lake Clark 

 region. On August 5 ascent of the Kvichak River was made, where no salmon 

 were seen except a few small schools of pinks in the vicinity of Kaskonak Flats. 



As the launch approached Iliamna Lake a head wind held it in the river over- 

 night. Three families of native reindeer herders near-by were curing salmon for 

 hoine consumption. Although they were still fishing, they reported that nearly 

 all salmon had passed. About 500 red salmon were drying on the racks and 

 some had been taken to winter quarters. Little information could be obtained 

 from these natives as they spoke no English. 



The wind having abated soinewhat by the following morning, a trip was made to 

 Belinda Creek. Four native families in camp (reindeer herders who come here 

 «ach year) had from 1,500 to 1,800 red salmon in process of curing for their 

 winter supply. There were no fish in the caches, which at this date in previous 

 years usually contained from 4,000 to 5,000 cured fish. However, from the 

 appearance of their set nets just hauled ashore, and considering the number of 

 salmon seen milling in and near the stream mouth, it was felt that they would 

 have little difficulty in securing enough for their use, at the same time permitting 

 a fair escapement of fish to the spawning grounds. From all indications no 

 appreciable number of salmon had reached the lake before the commercial 

 season closed. 



The trip was continued up the lake toward Big Mountain, but the wind 

 increased to such an extent that it was necessary to anchor and await more 

 favorable conditions. On the morning of August 8 the wind had subsided sufl^i- 

 ciently to permit proceeding to Iliamna village, where arrangements were made 

 for the transportation of five bureau employees over the trail to Iliamna Bay, 

 there to embark on the patrol boat Kittiwake en route to the States. 



On August 9 an inspection of Kokhonak Creek was begun. Both in the stream 

 and at the mouth fair numbers of salmon were noticed, which, according to reports 

 of the natives, had arrived only five daj's before. The examination was continued 

 for about a mile upstream and then postponed until the following day, progress 

 being difficult because of high water. Some fish were noticed on the beds, 

 although in small numbers, and very little spawning was in progress. The 

 natives camped at the stream mouth, comprising three families of reindeer 

 herders from the vicinity, had about 500 red salmon drying on the racks. These 

 families each require about 50 bundles (2,000 salmon) for their winter use. 



On the morning of August 10 a trip was made to Kokhonak Creek Lake in 

 order that conditions might be observed there and in the stream on the return. 

 No fish had entered the lake, but a small school of about 200 red salmon was 

 scattered over approximately 70 by 150 feet of creek bottom at the lake outlet. 

 On the return a few small schools containing from 100 to 300 fish each were 

 noticed in various eddies from the upper portion of the creek downstream as far 

 as the Bluff's, about 2 miles from the stream mouth, where fair numbers were 

 seen schooling in deep pools. One school here contained about 2,500 red salmon, 

 which was the largest school seen, except at the stream mouth and milling outside 

 the entrance. Very little spawning was noted anywhere. It was estimated 

 that the total number of red salmon in the creek and those milling outside (which 

 it is assumed were destined for the creek) was approximately 75,000, or about 

 37 per cent of last year's riin. The numljer may have been increased later from 

 the lake, but from all indications no a]jpreciable increase could be expected. 

 The fish were all of exceptionally large size, as was the case a year ago. The 



