22 DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISHERIES No. 9 (1944) 



cessfully, in Callander Bay, Lake Nipissing for the Little Current Hatchery, but in 

 1943, operations were discontinued there, and centred at Whitefish Falls, Bay of 

 Islands, North Channel, where the take of spawning pickerel was limited. This ac- 

 counted to some extent at least for the reduced plant of pickerel in 1943. 



Small-mouthed Black Bass: 



The number of bass fry planted was substantially the same as in the pre- 

 ceding year, but the number of fingerlings was considerably reduced. 



Large-mouthed Black Bass: 



The number of large-mouthed black bass propagated and distributed was 

 greatly in excess of that of the preceding year. The percentage increase in the dis- 

 tribution of fry was 174 per cent and of fingerings 102 per cent. 



Perch: 



The take of perch spawn in Lake Erie off Kingsville, is subject to wide 

 variation. Only 19,000,000 fry were distributed in 1943, whereas in 1939 three to 

 four times that number were distributed. 



Maskinonge: 



The distribution of maskinonge fingerlings was 205 per cent higher than that 

 of the preceding year, whereas the distribution of fry was 26 per cent lower. 



CLOSED WATERS 



The closure of selected natural water areas to all fishing during alternate 

 years, for an extended period of time, or permanently, is one of the practical meth- 

 ods for conserving the breeding stock. The fish thrive in suitable areas under suit- 

 able conditions without interference and spread to other parts of the same lake. 

 There is thus set up in each body of water a permanent breeding stock, and there 

 is being taken from it, only the natural increase each year. 



Ten out of fourteen of the following waters were closed on the basis of bio- 

 logical survey, and the remainder were reported upon favourably by the Depart- 

 ment's field officers. 



When personnel is available, more intensive follow-up studies will be made 

 concerning the effectiveness of closure in maintaining the fisheries on a proper 

 basis. 



In addition to the waters already closed for the natural protection and pro- 

 pagation of fish, the following were closed during the year, April 1, 1943 to March 

 31, 1944: 



BLACK DUCK LAKE (Deer Bay) 



Township of Harvey, County of Peterborough. 



CHBMONG LAKE (Portion located as follows): 



Lots 1, 2 and 3, Concession IV, Township of Smith, County of Peterborough. 



Lot 23, Concession IV, Township of Emily, County of Victoria. 



Lots 22 and 23, Concession V, Township of Emily, County of Victoria. 



CLEAR LAKE (Gravel Lake) 



Township of O'Brien, District of Cochrane. 



DEEP BAY (Sparrow Lake) 



Township of Matchedash, County of Simcoe. 



DRYDEN CREEK 



Townships of Dryden and Cleland, District of Su-dbury. 



