1904 DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES. 36 



last tall, before the close season. Quite a number of the men lost their nets, and a 

 lew lost their entire fishing outfit, and consequently abandoned the fishing grounds, and 

 did no more fishing during the remainder of the season. It would have been necessary 

 to purchase new outfits, and the time was so short they did not consider it worth while. 

 It Is estimated that about fifty per cent, of the catch of fish was shipped to the United 

 Sutes. the balance being shipped to Canadian markets. He has not been informed of any 

 abuses existing during the year. The close season and other regulations of the De- 

 pan mi. nt have been well observed. There are no fishwajs in his division, and no saw 

 miiis outside the breakwater. He has always more or less difficulty in getting returns 

 from the fishermen. Most of the men are uneducated, and cannot fill in the forms, and 

 they are all such great distances apart, it takes time to get them in. However, he has 

 heon furnished with returns by all the fishermen. It would be a great benefit to have 

 a fish hatchery on the Canadian side of Lake Superior. It could be built at a mod;r- 

 ate cost, as there are fine streams suitable for the purpose. He is informed that the 

 fishjng industry on the American side, where they have hatcheries, is far superior to 

 the <anadinn side. He has lately been informed of a lake two or three miles north of 

 Loon Lake, which is swarming with Bass. If this lake became known it would be a 

 great attraction for tourists. The lake is about 2^2 or 3 miles long. It is but a short 

 distance from the C. P. R. line of railway. There is also a lake five or six miles north 

 of Ouimett. on the line of the C.P.R., which is plentifully supplied with Speckled Trout. 

 weighing from two to three pounds. It would be very convenient for tourists, as they 

 would take waggons at Ouimett and drive out to the lake. There is no Maskinonge 

 in that part of the country. 



Overseer McKewen, Tehkummah, Manitoulin Island, reports that a great many 

 tourists visited that locality during the year, where they find good accommodation at 

 Maniiowaning, Little Current. Gore Bay, and many other smaller places. They spend 

 a great deal of money, and in return get some excellent Bass and Speckled Trout fish- 

 ing, and in many casese a new lease of life. 



The laws and regulations of the Department are well observed. The Manitou Fish 

 Co.. who have a lease of Manitou Lake, have not found the fishing as profitable as ex- 

 pected, but they are not discouraged; they are making extensive preparations to stock 

 the lake next spring with White Fish and Salmon Trout by erecting a large and ex- 

 pensive hatchery at the outlet of the lake, and intend to have it in full operation by 

 the opening n f spring. The settlers are pleased that their interests were guarded when 

 1 as'ng the lake, by reserving them the right to fish with rod and line for their own use. 



Rumors reached him last summer that the company were doing some illegal fishing, 

 bft on investigation he found the report to be untrue. Some of the small inland lakes 

 furnish good Bass fishing. The fishing in the North Channel and Lake Huron seems 

 to h- ve been fairly good. 



Overseer McKirdy, Nepigon, reports that the revenue received from fishing per- 

 mits Issued was $1,080.00. some ?i5.oo less than for 1902; the very unfavorable weather 

 during the latter part of June and month of July, made these months very light, other- 

 wise the s^a^on would have been a record breaker. 



The fishing on the river was fully up to the standard, both in size and quantity, to 

 othe- rears Th" river h?s been well patrolled, and the camps keot in excellent sanitary 

 condition. The opening of two new camping places has helped materially to relieve 

 the congestion during August. 



Considerable has been done in clearing out the Pike and Suckers, thousands of 

 these pests having been destroyed, which will, no doubt, have a beneficial effect. He 

 would, however, suggest more radical measures to clear the river of these pests; then 

 indeed we would have a Trout stream to surpass the fondest dreams of the disciples 

 of Walton. 



