44 FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 



as the fish cultural department can make further investigations, efforts 

 will be made to introduce the proper aquatic plants and insects to fur- 

 nish a greater abundance of food for the fish in these lakes. 



During 1920, species of gammarus were introduced into Rae Lakes, 

 but we have not been in a position to have an examination made as to 

 whether they have thrived or not. This work should be taken up as 

 soon as funds are available and a survey made, of the Rae Lakes and 

 other regions to introduce insects for fish food where such life is scarce. 



TAHOE HATCHERY. 



The new Tahoe Hatchery building was completed during the fall of 

 1920. It was operated during 1921 and is being operated during the 

 present season of 1922. During these two seasons 1,500,000 trout fry 

 were hatched in excellent condition. The new site is a great improve- 

 ment over the old hatchery site near Tahoe City. There is an abundance 

 of pure water. The only condition that must be overcome, one which 

 was planned for when the new site was selected, is the construction of 

 shallow ponds surrounding the springs that furnish the supply of water 

 for this hatchery so that the cold water may be increased in tempera- 

 ture, in order not to retard the development of the fry. While the fry 

 raised in the cold water are very strong and healthy, they do not grow 

 as rapidly as they should and the ponds for warming the water should 

 be l)uilt at an early date. 



The plan of fencing and improving the grounds around the ncAv 

 Tahoe Hatchery, of building roads and cottages for the help and a 

 building to be used for a storeroom and for preparing the feed for the 

 fish, have not been carried out, as there was not sufficient funds to 

 complete this work and to carry on the increased amount of work at 

 the other stations of collecting eggs, hatching and distributing the fry. 



The new Tahoe Hatchery, when all the work on the grounds and water 

 system, is completed will be one of the most attractive and up-to-date 

 hatcheries in the country and one in keeping with the general progress 

 of improvements around Lake Tahoe. 



BLACKWOOD CREEK TRAP. 



A trap was installed in Blackwood Creek during 1921-1922 as Jias 

 been done in former years, when conditions were such that we desired to 

 collect an extra number of eggs. A good take of eggs was secured con- 

 sidering the seasons. During the season of 1921, the water was rather 

 low. During the season of 1922, there was a deep snowfall on the water- 

 shed of Blackwood Creek and the snow melted rapidly during June, 

 causing extremely high water which wrecked the trap. During the 

 two seasons 1,000,000 eggs were collected that well repaid the Com- 

 mission for the efforts made. 



WARD CREEK TRAP. 



A trap was placed in Ward Creek during the sirring nf 1922 in an 

 attempt to collect a larger number of eggs for the Tahoe Hatchery. 

 The melting of the deep snow caused very high water in the creek and 

 caused the crew considerable trouble to keep the racks in place. A 

 number of fish' escaped over the racks, but 200,000 eggs were collected. 



