1904 DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES. 43 



f-lhing to be found on the North American Continent. The Maskinonge fishing this year 

 has been better than in previous years, and the fish were of a larger size. It is quite 

 apparent that they are increasing rapidly. There are no Speckled Trout in his divis- 

 ion, but Lake Simcoe contains very fine Lake Teout, and these are increasing every 

 year. The lake also contains an abundance of Whitefish and Herring. The catch of 

 Pickerei, he says, was fully up to that of last year. He would recommend that the 

 clos* season be made from the ist of April, instead of the 15th of April, as at present, 

 as the Pickerel begin to run in the latter part of March. Carp are becoming very 

 numerous in the lake. He says the laws and regulations are well observed. 



Overseer Stephens, Chatham, reports that there has been a small decrease in the 

 number of fish taken in this district, owing tc the ice remaining in Lake St. Clair until 

 so iate in the spring, and no extension of the fishing season being glinted. In the 

 latter part of the year the catdh was good, and prices very high, and the revenue re- 

 ceived by the fishermen was an increase over last year. About 95 per cent, of the 

 fiah are exported to the United States, and about 5 per cent, are used for home con- 

 sun ption. The close season was very well observed, only one case of illegal fishing 

 having come to his notice. Two hoopnets were confiscated. There is only one sawmill 

 in his division ; no sawdust or other refuse is thrown into the river. There are no 

 fishways, and none are necessary. 



Overseer Steed, Sarnia, reports a still greater decrease in this season's catch when 

 compared with 1902. Several reasons may be mentioned therefor. The natural lo- 

 cation f f Lake Huron beach, combined with heavy weather, makes the results of 

 th* north and v. est winds very disastrous to all pound nets. Add to this the immense 

 number of logs (brought down by the mill companies of Sarnia Bay) enclosed by a 

 single boom log, and in some cases held by tugs just outside the pound nets ; these 

 are certain to cause trouble during heavy weather to all nets on the shore. New York 

 is the principal market, and during the past season prices have been such as to help 

 recompense the fishermen for the decreased catch. The close season for Pickerel 

 was not perfectly observed. The Port Huron customs receipts for April 27th showed 

 two entries of Pickerel, but it was impossible to trace these. On the 29th of April 

 if was reported that our fishermen were selling to a fish dealer in Port Huron ; when 

 interviewed he pledged his word that he had bought no Pickerel since close season 

 opened On May 6th (when accompanied by Chief Sarvis and Detective Murray) seveu 

 arrests were made for illegal fishing. Three of these were dismissed ; two found 

 guilty, sentence suspended ; one found guilty, paid costs ; one found guilty, and fined 

 Sic and costs. Two more were convicted on May 10th for selling Pickerel in .dose 

 season, and a fine of $1.50 and costs imposed upon each. Word was next received 

 that one of our own fishermen was fishing illegally at Port Lambton. This was 

 found to be the case, and a fine of $10 was imposed. Two more convictions were made 

 in June or selling Sturgeon under four feet long, and a fine of $1.50 each imposed. 

 The fishway in his district (on River Sydenham) might be improved, having suffered 

 from the floods of June. 



Overseer Neil Stewart, Chesley, reports that Trout have been more plentiful in 

 his district this year. Whitefish ;s a thing oi the past, none having been caught. The 

 catch of Herring has not been as good as last year, the weather being so stormy at 

 the end o c the season that the fishermen could not get out to lift their nets. All the 

 nels that they put out after the close season was extended 1 were lost, with the fish 

 that were in them. There are no game fish of any account in his district, except a 

 few Bass in the Saugeen River. A few Speckled Trout were caught in the north branch 

 of the Saugeen River this summer. All the fish caught in his district were sold in 

 Canada, probably one-third used for home consumption. 



The close season has been strictly observed. No illegal fishing came to his 

 knowledge. 



