1904 DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES. 41 



used ior 'home consumption. He complains that the anglers destroy a great many 

 minnows for bait, and would recommend that notice be put up to further 'the protection 

 of s;ime. The fishermen mostly observe the laws and regulations of the Department. 

 Three charges of illegal fishing came to his notice during the year, and f a fine was im- 

 posed in each case. The Bass fishing continues to improve, and anglers are becoming 

 raoiv numerous every year. 



There are no 'fishways in his division. 



Overseer Sargent, Bronte, reports a decrease in the catch of Herring compared 

 with that of last year, but on account of the high prices that prevailed during the year the 

 season's business, was, on the whole, a very favorable one. The bulk of the take 

 was (isposed of in the Hamilton and Toronto markets. He is glad to report that the 

 old Ciscoe they had in former years are returning. He noticed in two hauls made 

 by the fishermen (and there were two or three thousand in each haul) that 90 per 

 cent cf the total catch were Ciscoes. The fishermen are much pleased that they are 

 returning. He has every reason to believe that they will again be as numerous as in 

 former years. Angling has not been so good in the Twelve and Sixteen Mile Creeks. 

 H<; thinks this is caused by the abundance of German Carp that frequent these waters, 

 and hopes the Department may devise some means to rid the waters of this noxious 

 fish. The close seasons and other regulations were well observe*!. 



Overseer Shewen, Apsley, reports that there was an increase in the catch of fish for 

 the past year on account of an influx of American tourists. All fish caught were used 

 for heme consumption. He visited the different camps and cautioned the parties about 

 catching more fish than they could consume, and the result was that the settlers in 

 the vicinity were given all surplus fish, and none were wasted. 



The year before he was appointed overseer he counted over 100 Black Bass lying 

 rotting on the shore of Long Lake, Township of Burleigh, at one camp. He has 

 pati oiled his district at different intervals to see that the close season was duly observed. 



He had reason to believe that illegal fishing was carried on in October at " Trout 

 Lake," Township Burleigh. He immediately visited the camp and lake, but found no nets. 



No damage has been done to fish by dumping mill refuse in the streams. There 

 are no fishways, but he would recommend one to be placed between " Gold Lake " and 

 " Eagle Lake," and another between Eagle and Deer Lakes. 



He had a small grant some four years ago to place some parent fish in Loon and 

 Little Wolf Lakes, and is pleased to say that the result has proved satisfactory. The 

 settlers are now catching fair-sized Black Bass. 



The Americans, who are now coming more frequently and in greater numbers to 

 this district, have asked " why the Government do not place fish in more of the pretty 

 and numerous lakes which are now devoid of game fish." 



There are two lakes, Wolf and Crab Lakes, Township Anstruther. both suitable 

 for Bass, and they certainly ought to be stocked with Bass and Salmon Trout. It might 

 be done at no great expense. 



Overseer Skeen, Harwood, reports that the season as a whole has not been as 

 good for Maskinonge fishing as last year, owing in a great extent to the prevalence 

 of very high winds, which kept the water in a condition that was not favorable for 

 trolling, and caused! the tourist to seek the more sheltered places and angle with the rod 

 and l : ne for Bass, in which they had excellent results. There was an increase in the 

 number of tourists who visited the§e waters during the year, and he looks for a much 

 greater number during the coming year, as Rice Lake is fast becoming known far and 

 wid° as a sportsman's paradise. The close seasons and other regulations of the De- 

 partment were well observed. There are no fishways in his district. He is convinced 

 th?t a lot of spawn is lo^t annuallv through the rapid lowering of the water during the 

 spring, and suggests that some means be adopted to overcome this. 



