4916 GAME AND FISHERIES. 19 



the summer, but ran heavy towards close of season. Trout is not holding its 

 own. Comparison of the catch per annum of lake trout is eloquent evidence 

 that attention must be given the conservation of this species. The present inade- 

 quate close season, its frequent shortening by special legislation, the throwing 

 open at times of propagating grounds specially reserved and heavy over-fishing 

 are the causes of the decline of this delicious food fish. 



Illegal fishing has been reported in the Lake Superior waters in proximity to 

 the Soo and in the channels and smaller lakes east of this point. American 

 poachers have for years exploited these waters. A fast gasoline cruiser, capable 

 of standing a bit of rough sea, with a live man in charge, is an absolute necessity 

 for the purpose of properly patrolling these waters. 



Coarse Fish: Suckers are multiplying with rapidity and infesting the spawn- 

 ing grounds in Lake Superior, doing incalculable harm to the fisheries. A market 

 for all such coarse fish is open in the larger cities of the Eastern States. 



Eainbow Trout: Some splendid specimens of this wonderful game fish have 

 been taken in the Ste. Marie Eapids at the Soo, this season. So far as I know the 

 record rainbow taken with fly this season was a beautiful specimen, weighing 

 13 lbs. 14 oz. Mr. T. B. Harris, an officer of the Department and a keen angler, 

 was the successful fisherman. Mr. Harry Knapp, son of Mr. Con Knapp, of the 

 Algoma Hotel, Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., landed a rainbow weighing 12 lbs. 6 oz. 

 Many rainbow have been taken running from 9" lbs. up. This species is finding 

 its way up the east shore of Lake Superior and will doubtless within a few years 

 be found in the rapid waters of the various streams flowing into the big lake. 

 Recommendations have been made from time to time to have this most acceptable 

 addition to our game fishes protected by law. Especially is this now required, 

 when the rainbow trout is to be found on the commercial fishing grounds of 

 Lake Superior. As the law stands, a close season from September 30th to June 

 30th should amply protect the rainbow, which is, by the way, not' native to 

 Ontario waters but which was introduced to Ste. Marie Rapids by Superintendent 

 Harry Marks of the Michigan State Fish Hatchery, some fifteen years ago, and 

 which has thriven and increased beyond all expectations. This species spawns 

 in the spring. 



Wolves: Still in such numbers as to destroy far more deer than the hunters 

 kill in the season. The present bounty is so small and so much time is lost in 

 securing it, that there is no inducement for hunters to go after wolves. 



Observance of Law: During the summer a party of Finns located in the 

 vicinity of Trout Lake, living on the game and stealing from caches and ware- 

 houses of a lumber company. Made several trips to the locality, and located 

 camp which had recently been hurriedly vacated by the Finns. Party broke up 

 and scattered. In the search for this camp, found beaver pelt, nets, night lines 

 and some venison in a jobber's camp. Later located owner in the Soo, who is 

 to appear to answer charges this month. 



With the fast increasing population caused by the opening up of this new 

 country north of the Soo, the necessity arises for more assistance in enforcing 

 the Game and Fishery Laws. The district is of such great dimensions and the 

 means of patrolling it so meagre, while the opportunities of the illegal hunter 

 and trapper are so numerous, that to cover the territory at all, more men and men 

 better fitted for the work are required. 



