1907 GAME AND FISHERIES. 49 



In regard to duck shooting, he would suggest that decoys be set not 

 more than 100 yards from any hard shore, and no shooting done from rice 

 beds, as it is the feeding ground for the ducks. Shooting from the rice beds 

 drives the ducks from the lake. 



Overseer John Jones, Fenelon Falls, reports that there has been no 

 illegal fishing in these waters since his appointment, that he is aware of, 

 although he has kept close watch at all times. 



The fishing in these waters during the summer of 1907 was better than 

 ever before, which would show that the fish are on the increase. There is 

 one thing he wishes to draw attention to, namely : The water on the dams 

 at Fenelon Falls, Rosedale and Bobcaygeon is kept too high during spawning 

 time and the water goes out on the low lands around the borders of the lakes. 

 The fish then go out to the warm shallow water to spawn, then tlie water 

 after a time recedes and leaves the spawn on the dry lands. No doubt but 

 this diminishes the quantity of fish materially. 



Overseer Thos. H. Johnston, Royston, reports that fish is a very scarce 

 article in his division. There is no net fishing done there, and a person 

 cannot go out in the evening and catch fish as in years past. The tourists 

 also complain of no fish. Some advise him to get calico bass, or croppy, as 

 some call it — a good fish, and very prolific. But he says the great impedi- 

 ments are the dams on the Magnetewan River, and the absence of fish slides. 

 There is not a fishway on the whole Magnetewan River. He has gone down 

 it, and it is obstructed all the way by dams. 



There were no fish sold there — only what were imported. 



The great obstructions are the lumbermen's dams, and they should be 

 compelled to put in fishways. The only attempt at a fishway was done by 

 Knight Bros, at Burk's Falls — from there to Bying Inlet there are some 

 twelve or fifteen high dams. 



The close seasons have been well observed. He has always put up notices 

 nbout this. 



There were no fines imposed. He caught a few fishing without permits, 

 but they immediately bought them. 



During the summer he visited Rainy Lake, Doe Lake, Cecebe Lake and 

 Ahmic Lake. The first two lakes have a few tourists from our own Province, 

 while the two latter are getting quite popular for Americans, four new 

 houses being built last summer, and one hotel on Ahmic Lake. The majority 

 of the tourists get permits at Niagara. He happened to visit this lake in a 

 very stormy time, but he waited, and watched some parties fishing, who 

 willingly bought permits. He visited every American hamlet and house 

 on the whole lake. A great many denj^ fishing at all, and he has to watch 

 them, but they are getting to understand the law better. There is another 

 lake coming into prominence — Sand Lake near Kearney in Armour township. 

 Several houses are being built there. 



Overseer Wellington Lean, Apsley, reports that the close season and 

 fishery regulations were well observed, there being only one case of 

 illegal fishing, in which case a fine was imposed and reported to the 

 Department. 



The mill owners observe the law, and there is no sawdust or mill refuse 

 allowed to go in the water. There are no fishways in his division. 



The granting of angling permits to non-residents, he thinks a good thing. 

 All seem perfectly satisfied to take out permits and pay the sum required. 



A larger number of tourists visited Loon Lake this summer than usual. 

 All report good fishing. More tourists are expected next summer, as there 

 will be another summer boarding house built. 



4 F. 



