FISHERIES OF WASHINGTON AND BRITISH COLUMBIA. 281 



and seemingly remain more constantly, if not always, below the surface, 

 and to some extent at least in comparatively deep water. It is accord- 

 ingly impossible to judge of the general abundance of the species in 

 the inner salt waters at that season, or of the proportion which may 

 seek winter quarters in the open sea, if any do. They are observed and 

 may be taken at different places through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, 

 but it could not be learned that they move through this passageway in 

 such defined schools as are characteristic of the other species. Should 

 they do so, however, they may swim too low to fall under the observa- 

 tion of the fishermen. From all the data that have been collected it 

 seems not improbable that the species, in general, never goes far from 

 land, this view being strengthened by the fact that the river runs begin 

 very early in the year. 



In the stomachs of individuals captured in the Gulf and Sound, 

 shrimps, herring, and other small pelagic fishes have very commonly 

 been observed, showing positively, if such proof were needed, that 

 they avail themselves of the opportunities for feeding afforded by the 

 inner waters, as good undoubtedly as could be found upon the outer 

 coast. It is this circumstance which leads to their taking bait and 

 makes them the object of a hook-and-line fishery, both for market and 

 for sport. Whether they continue feeding in the salt water during the 

 spring and summer was not learned. They are said to refuse both food 

 and bait during their passage up the Fraser River, which is in accord- 

 ance with the general understanding of their fresh-water habit, but 

 exceptions to this rule seem to have been quite clearly demonstrated in 

 the case of certain small rivers which will be referred to again. 



The line fishing or trolling is carried on mainly during November, 

 December, January, and February, by both Indians and whites. The 

 principal localities brought to our attention were off Nanaimo, Howes 

 Sound; off the estuary of the Fraser River; off Victoria, Becher Bay, 

 among the San Juan Islands; off PortTownsend, oft" Port Gamble, and 

 in Hoods Canal. One of our informants had often fished successfully for 

 the quinnat during these months at Nanaimo within 10 yards of the 

 wharves, using spoon bait. The fish occurring there would disappear 

 in February, beginning then to make their way up the rivers. Another 

 informant described the general fishery off' Nanaimo as deep-water troll- 

 ing with herring bait and spoon, which continues until into March or 

 April, after which the fish become scarce. At Victoria winter fishing is 

 carried on to a distance of 8 or 10 miles from shore, chiefly from Decem- 

 ber to February, inclusive, the Indians going out whenever the weather 

 is suitable. Supplies are also received at Victoria from Becher Bay. 

 Some fishing is done at Port Townsend close by the wharves and farther 

 off shore, but the fish do not seem to be as abundant there as in other 

 places. The San Juan Islands afford good winter grounds, and quinnat 

 are also taken among those islands in April and May. 



The quinnat commence schooling and running as early as February. 

 On tlie upper part of the Washington coast the first run occurs in that 



