1907 GAME AND FISHERIES. 33 



of this River as a speckled trout stream^^ but to add to its attractions in 

 every way possible. 



Any expenditure in this direction would be handsomely repaid in other 

 ways. 



There are two different methods which could be adopted to greatly reduce 

 the number of these coarse fish in the river, and yet cost the 'Province but 

 very little. The first method is for the Department to improve the portages 

 on the river, and place three launches on streams between these portages, 

 put up ice at a couple of points on the rWer, and net th© river for these coarse 

 fish, transport them down here, and ship to the eastern markets. This could 

 all be undertaken by the Department. The Revenue from this method would 

 I think pay for all expenses. The second method is for the Department to 

 improve the portages, and grant someone the privilege of netting the river 

 (under proper supervision), for these coarse fish, for what they could make 

 out of them by bringing them down her© and shipping to markets. 



Whether anything is done to rid the river of these coarse fish or not, 

 these portages should he repaired, particularly the two long ones, namelyj 

 Camp Alexander, two and one-half miles long, and Pine portage, between 

 three and three and one-half miles long. Horse teams are used upon these 

 two long portages for transporting tourists' camp outfit and supplies; also 

 that of prospectors and others. They are, from years of traffic, in very bad 

 condition, making it almost impossible to travel on them with teams, and 

 should he put in good condition the first thing in the spring as a puhlic 

 convenience. 



It might be feared by some that permitting netting in the river would 

 be dangerous, as the speckled trout would also be netted; but when it is 

 considered that the Nipigon is, practically, a chain of long narrow lakes, 

 full of numerous arms, etc., and creating large stretches of dead water which 

 these coarse fish inhabit principally, while the trout keep more to the rapid 

 running waters, except in spawning' season when they go to gravel beaches of 

 the dead waters ; with the result that their spawn is practically all consumed 

 by the coarse fish, or that which escapes them and is hatched out. The 

 fry are then devoured before large enough to take care of themselves. 



Hoop nets should be used principally, so that any trout netted could 

 b© released uninjured; and the Fire Rangers on the river each season, who 

 also act as Game and Fishery guardians, would be able to see that th© 

 speckled trout were not molested. 



Some local people here are considering the advisability of putting a 

 system of launches on the river between the various portages, to transport 

 tourists up and down the river, and in speaking to them re fishing the river, 

 he thinks it could be arranged that they would do this work for traffic for 

 their launches and to make the river more attractive from a tourist stand- 

 point, which would also mean an increased traffic from that source for them. 



To market these fish, it is absolutely necessary to have launches, owing 

 to the distance they have to be transported,, and ice must be put up at, at 

 least, two different points on the river to preserve the fish. 



If anything is to be done in this direction this coming season arrange- 

 ments would have to be made without delay, in order that ice could be put 

 up before too late. 



He would again strongly recommend that the Department give this 

 matter early attention. 

 3 F. 



