36 THE REPORT OF THE No. 31 



exterminate them and the other coarse fish, and give the bass a chance to re- 

 establish themselves. The lake is well suited for bass, and being so conveniently 

 located should in time become a popular resort for anglers. 



Nepigon Trout. 



A Duluth, Minnesota, paper published an item to the effect that trout fishing 

 in the Nepigon River was likely to be impaired, owing to a mysterious disease 

 whictj, it was alleged, had been prevalent among the trout ; that the disease was 

 gaining in virulence, and that hundreds of the fish were to be found dead on the 

 shore daily. The attention of our agent at Nepigon was directed to the report, 

 which he pronounced utterly false. The story must have been manufactured 

 out of whole cloth, as there was not the slightest foundation for it ; and its object 

 cannot be even conjectured. The fishing has not been so good for years as it has 

 been this year. 



Reference was made in the report of last year to the increase of pike in the 

 River Nepigon, and the extermination of the speckled trout was predicted unless 

 vigorous steps were early taken to eradicate the pest. During the summer the 

 work of destruction of the coarse fish was entered upon, and 1800 pike, 389 

 pickerel, and 803 suckers were taken and destroyed. The good work should be 

 continued during the coming season, and no doubt a ready market may then be 

 found for the fish taken, as it is expected the Canadian Fish Co., to which Lake 

 Nepigon has been leased, will have by that time begun fishing operations. 



Application was received from the Board of Trade of Rat Portage for trout 

 to be placed in waters in the vicinity of that town. Overseer McKirdy was 

 instructed to arrange for taking 100 trout, provided free transportation for the 

 fish was furnished by the C. P. R. Owing to some delay in obtaining the 

 requisite tanks for carrying the fish and in perfecting the details, a number died 

 while in captivity. The remainder were safely deposited in good condition. 

 Their average weight was about two pounds. 



Overseer McKirdy has suggested the advisability of erecting one or two ice 

 houses along the river, where ice may be obtained by tourists who come from 

 long distances, and who are anxious to take home with them trophies of the rod. 

 He thinks that it will be possible to obtain lumber on the spot, as the Nepigon 

 Pulp Co. expect next year to have a portable .^awmill there cutting material 

 for their prospective works. The cost would be inconsiderable, and with a little 

 assistance the structures could be put up by the overseer before the season opens. 

 No doubt many would visit the river who do not now do so, if they could take 

 away with them a few noble specimens. The matter will be considered in good 

 time. 



The Cashmere Dam. 



The work of removing this dam, which had long been a barrier to the 

 ascent of fish on the Thames, has been completed, and there is now a clear pass- 

 age for fish to ascend the river. Everyone is said to be well pleased that the 

 cause of so much dissatisfaction has been removed. 



Fishways. 



Representations have been made as to the necessity for fishways in a num- 

 ber of dams in the province. Several new fishways are reported to have been 

 erected, and officers have been directed to see that those in existence have been 

 kept clear of debris and otherwise in good working order. In view of the 

 urgent representations received as to the necessity of fishways in dams on 

 the Humber River, a special officer was detailed to make a thorough examin- 



