ALASKA FISHERY AND FUR-SEAL INDUSTRIES, 1&21. 17 



trout variety, Cristivamer namaycush, and all contained young salmon. Some of the 

 trout stomachs examined contained as many as 50 skeletons of small fish and from 10 to 

 20 red-salmon fingerlings. The skeletons could not be classified, but as there were 

 large schools of young salmon noted, apparently just out of the gravel, it was felt that 

 they could be none other than salmon. Many trout specimens were thin and emaciated 

 from disease. Examination of the eggs indicated spawning in the fall. It was noted 

 on several occasions that the trout would pass downstream with the migrating salrnon 

 in the evening and the following morning would be bark as usual to await the coming 

 of another school. It would appear that they followed the salmon to about the head 

 of the rapids. In 1920 some trout were taken below that point, but not in anjr num- 

 bers. During the period the trout were absent the terns, which were always in evi- 

 dence, would disappear also, only to return with the trout. 



About the middle of June the catch began to fall off rapidly. Examination of trout 

 stomachs showed the presence of migrating salmon, and it was felt that the fishing was 

 responsible for the diminishing numbers. It was decided then to move camp to the 

 mouth of Kidawik ('reek. A storm on the lake delayed the transfer, but camp was 

 finally estabhshed the 18th. Fishing appliances were set out, and work on blasting 

 a fishway over the dam obstructing Kidawik Creek was immediately begun. The 

 obstruction was a ledge of conglomerate rock extending across the entire stream, 

 forming a perpendicular fall from 6 to 8 feet in height that was practically impassable 

 to ascending salmon, except in high-water periocls. A satisfactory passage 15 feet 

 in width, sloping back 25 feet from the base, was blasted over the left edge of the falls, 

 over which the fish can now pass without difficulty. This opens about a mile and a 

 half of ideal spawning ground in the creek and permits free passage to Toms Lake 

 at its head, a wonderful body of water 15 miles long b^y 3 miles wide. 



Prospectors and natives advised as to the names of Kida^nk Creek and Toms Lake, 

 which were used in 1920, hence their use in this report. Robert F. Crriggs, in his 

 article "The valley of ten thousand smokes," in the National Geographic Magazine 

 of September, 1921, has renamed these waters "Brooks Creek" and "Brooks Lake." 



On August 6 a trijj was made up the creek and around the lake. The creek was 

 alive with fish both above and below the falls, as was the outlet to the lake. No 

 salmon, however, were noted farther up the lake, although likely spawning territory 

 was noted near the head. Very little spawning, however, was underway at that date, 

 which may account for the nonappearance of salmon farther up. Fishing was con- 

 ducted as aggressively as possible m connection with the work on the barrier. The 

 total catch for the season was 1,583 fish, averaging 10 pounds each, or 15,830 pounds. 

 Work was discontinued August 8, and the employees were transferred to the Alaska- 

 Portland Packers Association cannery for the return trip on the Berlin. The equip- 

 ment was stored at the cannery, where also the launch was placed on the ways. 



Egegik. — The Egegik party, consisting of H. B. Looff, Karl Kreamer, and Edward 

 Jackson, was put ashore at Egegik May 29, by a Libby, McNeill & Libby boat, and 

 permission was granted by the company's superintendent, P. K. Clausen, to store 

 supplies to be drawn upon as needed. An Evanrude engine was assembled and ends 

 of dories cut down and arranged to receive same as an outboard motor. 



A storm of three days' duration prevented immediate departure upstream, but 

 camp was finally established at the rapids near the outlet of the lake on June 5. The 

 lake was still filled with ice, but migrating salmon were observed passing downstream. 

 The last of the migration noted was June 10, which would indicate that the main por- 

 tion passed out before o\xr arrival. For several days the ice interfered with and at 

 times prevented fishing, but fair work was accomplished. Stomachs of trout, all 

 Dolly Vardens, were examined and without exception contained young salmon. 

 Terns, too, were always in evidence. The lake was clear of ice June 12, but severe 

 weather prevented moving before June 16. Camp was finally located at the head of 

 Little Becharof Lake on Kanatak Creek, which, with the lake at its head, is con- 

 sidered the main red salmon stream of this section. 



The principal spawning grounds in this sector are those in Little Becharof Lake and 

 its tributaries, which latter number 11 streams well suited for and occupied by spawn- 

 ing red salmon, as were the entire east «,nd west shores and part of the south shore of 

 Little Becharof Lake. Several minor streams were noted, each containing its quota, 

 estimated at from 100,000 fish at Kanatak Creek, the most important, to about 5,000 

 fish at Point Creek, which is small and of limited capacity. An estimate of the number 

 cf fish in the sector was placed at 327,000 July 30, so it will be readily understood that 

 by far the greater portion of the fish due each stream were yet in the lake and only the 

 early run had reached the creeks. Natives living at Kanatak \'illage for the last 10 

 years report this year's run the largest reaching the lake in their time. The salmon 

 all appeared to be in good condition. 



