Lake Maxinkuckee, Physical and Biological Survey 397 



to many in each haul ; several hauls contained several hundred each, 

 the largest number being 419. Most of those caught in this way 

 were 1 or 2 years old; not many young-of-the-year were taken 

 and not many adults. A good many 3 years old were taken, but 

 by far the most abundant were those 1 and 2 years old. It is 

 scarcely necessary to state that only a few of these fish were re- 

 tained for specimens and that practically the entire catch was in- 

 variably returned to the lake. 



The young-of-the-year are found in great abundance in shallow 

 water near shore but, except when the smallest seine was used, 

 they would pass through the meshes and we were thus unable to de- 

 termine their number. 



In Lost Lake the Bhiegill seems equally abundant. More than 

 2,000 were caught in 100 hauls with a 25-foot seine. At Lake 

 Maxinkuckee this fish is known almost exclusively as the "Blue- 

 gill"; Blue Bream, Blue Sunfish, Copper-nosed Bream, Dollardee, 

 and the various other vernacular names by which it is known in 

 other localities are never heard there. 



In this lake the bluegills spawn during the last half of June, 

 their spawning beds being usually located on shallow bars where 

 the water is 4 to 8 feet deep. They clean off the rubbish from a 

 circular area 6 inches to a foot in diameter and, like the pumpkin- 

 seed, will defend the nest with much bravery. 



The Bluegill is the "gamest fish for its weight in the lake", 

 so says one of the most observant and successful of the anglers 

 who come to Maxinkuckee ; and not many who have had experience 

 with the large individuals in the clear, cold waters of this lake will 

 be disposed to question the estimate. 



In the first place, the bluegills of Lake Maxinkuckee are un- 

 usually large; they reach a length of 12 to 14 inches, a weight of 

 a pound, and are broader than one's hand. Even their average 

 size at this lake is from a half to three-quarters of a pound, while 

 in Bass Lake, 10 miles west of Maxinkuckee, they do not average 

 more than 2 or 3 ounces. Then the water of Maxinkuckee seems 

 conducive to a high development of game qualities, not only in 

 the Bluegill, but in all other fishes — the temperature, clearness, 

 depth, and quality and quantity of food all seem most favorable. 



This fish can be taken at any time in the year. Excellent 

 catches can be made early in the spring, but during July and 

 August the largest catches are probably made, it being no unusual 

 occurrence in those months for two men in one boat to take 75 to 

 100 pounds in an afternoon. It bites well during the entire fall, 

 also, though it is not fished for so assiduously after grasshoppers 



