MISSOURI RIVER SPORT. 475 



great beauty and symmetry, while it is as active as any fish 

 known ; and, on landing it, the fish croaks : hence it is known 

 by some as the croaker. 



It never inhabits lakes, but its habitat is the channel of 

 clear streams. This fish bites every month in the year, but 

 best in February, March, and April. Its favorite bait is 

 crawfish, but it seldom refuses a live minnow. 



The channel cat offers as good play as the trout, and when 

 angled for with fine tackle the sport is unsurpassed. He 

 makes the reel hum ; and if the line is not kept clear on the 

 reel and the fish played gingerly, so as to make him contend 

 for every foot of line, he is quite sure to part tackle. 



Very interesting sport in fishing for the channel cat is in- 

 dulged on the Upper Missouri River, by both ladies and gen- 

 tlemen. The following is the modus operandi: A party With 

 several scull boats rendezvous above a rapid in the river, 

 and to the handles of several dozens of empty jugs, well 

 corked, they attach to each a line about four feet in length, 

 rigged with a strong hook, well baited, when they throw 

 over the jugs, and let them drift down stream. Then the 

 party usually regales itself with a luncheon, after which the 

 rowers start to pick up the floating jugs. Presently several 

 of the jugs are seen to dive here and there, and the rowers 

 follow them up until the fish become fatigued, and, prone on 

 their sides, they float on the surface of the stream, and are 

 easily lifted into the boats. A catfish dinner and a hop 

 usually winds up the day's recreation. 



