THE FISHES OF GEORGIAN BAY 4* 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 39b 



Stizostedion vitreum, Mitchill. 



(Pickerel. Dore. Pike-perch. Wall-eye) 



Generally abundant along the main eastern shore of Georgian Bay, though 

 for some reason it has almost disappeared within ten years in the region of Go 

 Home Bay. Abundant especially on the north shore, and the basis of a valuable 

 commercial fishery in the North Channel. It is the most characteristic of the 

 larger fishes in the darker inland waters. It inhabits the deeper places about 

 rocky shores, projecting points, shoals or channels. It is fond of running water, 

 and may be taken at the foot of waterfalls when other places fail. As commonly 

 taken it is from 2 to 4 lbs. in weight, though the maximum is reported to be in the 

 neighborhood of 20 lbs. 



Body elongated and little compressed. Depth 4'1 to 5-5. Head conical, 

 its length 3 to 3-8 in that of the body. Snout 3-4 to 4 in head. Eye large, 5 to 

 6 '8 in head, the cornea whitish, giving the characteristic milky or wall-eye appear- 

 ance. General coloration yellow or brassy, the upper parts both coarsely and 

 finely blotched with black. Under parts white, yellowish or greenish. Anterior 

 dorsal fin with dark margin and obscure dark spot at its posterior end. Posterior 

 dorsal and caudal finely barred with dark flecks. Dorsal fin with 14 spines and 

 20 to 22 soft rays. Anal with 2 spines and 11 to 14 soft rays. Scales very small 

 and closely set, 11 to 14, 80 to 110, 14 to 21. 



, In Ontario and westward this fish is usually and inaptly termed "pickerel". 

 It has received a variety of names, however, of which the English term "pike- 

 perch", French Canadian "dore" (Pic dore), or the commonplace "wall-eye" 

 are more appropriate. 



With the exception of the common pike and the maskinonge, it is probably 

 the most predatory of all shallow water fishes. It lives on minnows, small black 

 bass, rock-bass, sunfish, perch, and suckers, but will also take mud-puppies and 

 crayfish. The fish is a strong, swift swimmer, and is well adapted for the capture 

 of small fishes by its stout bony jaws and palatines, which are provided with 

 strong canine teeth. Its large size, hard investment of closely set scales, and 

 formidable spines defend it adequately against all natural enemies. 



The dore is of considerable commercial value. In 1909 the total catch for 

 Georgian Bay proper was valued at $4,566.00, and for the North Channel $25,- 

 950.00. The much smaller amount taken in Georgian Bay proper is owing in part 

 to difference in regulations, pound-nets being licensed in the North Channel, 

 while on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay all inshore commercial fishing is pro- 

 hibited. 



The fish is also respected as a game fish, and though much inferior to the 

 small-mouthed bass in sporting qualities, is quite as much in demand as a table 

 fish on account of the firm white character of its flesh and its excellent flavor. 



During the early spring, immediately after the ice disappears, the fish ascend 

 the rivers to the spawning places at the foot of waterfalls. The eggs are deposited 

 on sticks and stones in the running water, and are often deposited in such large 



