32 U. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



west shore, including all of Nushagak. It is estimated that about 10 per cent 

 of the Nushagak pack consisted of fish transferred from the east shore. 



Along the east shore of Bristol Bay the red salmon made their appearance 

 June 26, when small numbers were taken in the vicinity of Egegik. Fishing 

 improved gradually to July 1, when the heavy rush set in. Purse seiners oper- 

 ating through this period made excellent catches about 25 miles offshore from 

 Egegik. The number of fish increased so rapidly that practically all canneries 

 in this section were compelled to raise their limit flags simultaneously. In the 

 Naknek and Kvichak districts the run held from July 2 to 11, when a falling 

 off was noticed and some limit flags were taken down. All flags were removed a 

 few days later. After July 13 the run declined rapidly with occasional flashes to 

 the 20th, after which fishermen for the most part lost interest. Tlie Ugashik 

 run held steadiest and continued strong to July 22. Fair numbers were entering 

 to the end of July. 



At Nushagak the main run of red salmon began July 3 and held steady until 

 July 17, when it fell off to almost nothing. The run, however, was never heavy, 

 and no cannery was driven to its limit, although operating on 80 per cent 

 capacity. A small run of humpback salmon wns reported July 20. At Igushik 

 red .salmon made their appearance July 5, the run reaching its crest the 8th, 

 after which it tapered off rapidly, and after July 15 very few fish were noted. 

 The run was never large even at its height. 



In checking the salmon run at the outlet of the stream between Alegnagik 

 and Nerka Lakes an estimate was made of about 500,000 salmon passing up- 

 stream. Some spawning is accomplished in Alegnagik, but it is negligible in 

 comparison with the connecting series of lakes above. 



No estimate was possible at the operating points along the east shore and 

 none is necessary. The escapement was ample to meet every requirement for 

 the perpetuity of the cycle. In many cases the fish were too numerous in the 

 spawning beds for any results above normal seeding, especially in certain 

 streams tributary to Iliamna Lake. 



The patrol of the entire district was especially efficient. Six power boats 

 and the vessel f^coter were used. Three 30-foot Columbia River type boats, 

 each fitted with living accommodations for three men, were on liand from 1021, 

 and three 28-foot boats of the Columbia River trolling type, powered with 5 and 

 6 horsepower engines, each fitted with living accommodations for two men, 

 were available for this year's operations. These boats were used in connec- 

 tion with the predatory trout work and were placed on patrol when the fishing 

 season began. It was thus possible to cover the entire field with suitable power 

 boats to insure proper law enforcement. One boat with warden and assistant 

 was assigned each to Wood, Nushagak, Igushik, Kvichak, Naknek, and Ugashik 

 Rivers. Egegik was handled as previously, using an Evinrude motor and dory 

 with perfect success. One of the boats was used the entire season for opera- 

 tions in Iliamna Lake. 



The Scoter proved a welcome addition, making it possible to keep in touch 

 with the different phases of the work at all times and to prosecute those on 

 boats taken for violating fishery laws by transporting the commissioner and 

 marshal to the points where the violations occurred. 



The situation at Ugashik is bad. The fishermen refuse to remain below the 

 markers unless absolutely compelled to. There are 15 miles of river above the 

 markers to the Red Salmon Canning Co.'s cannery, and at times fishing boats 

 were anchored at intervals along the entire distance. Although it is certain 

 they were fishing and the method employed is known, positive evidence could not 

 be procui'ed, as the bureau's boat could be seen at a distance when it was impos- 

 sible to see their nets in the water. A small piece of net is so drawn across the 

 channel that it can easily be removed. In making the rounds with tlie warden 

 the writer noted a fisherman 6 to 8 miles above the marker who supposedly had 

 a net in the water, but just before his action could be seen he raised his sail. 

 One boat after another followed his example imtil from 8 to 10 boats were 

 sailing down the river ahead. The situation can be controlled by two boats, one 

 to operate in the vicinity of the ships just above the markers and the other in 

 the vicinity of the " chutes " and above, and this arrangement will be in force 

 another year. Every effort was made to enforce the laws with the single patrol 

 boat available, and as a result eight boats were apprehended. Fines were im- 

 posed in each case. 



