20 



THE AMERICAN RIVEK. 



The American is a shallow, muddy stream and empties into the Sac- 

 ramento at Sacramento City. But few fish are found in the lower part of 

 the stream. Trout are found in some of its branches above the mining dis- 

 tricts — notably Silver Creek and the Rubicon. This river, prior to placer 

 mining, Avas one of the best salmon streams in the State. Of late years no 

 salmon have ascended it. 



THE YUBA RIVER. 



The Yuba is a branch of the Feather River. It is a shallow stream, 

 except during the rainy season. Considerable mining is carried on in its 

 bed and along its banks, and its water is muddy. Trout are found in its 

 headwaters above the mining districts. 



BEAR RIVER. 



Bear has lost all claim to the name of river. Above the town of Wheat- 

 land it has lost its channel and volume as a Summer stream. It never 

 was noted as a fish stream, although a few salmon and perch were taken 

 from its waters in early days. 



THE SAN JOAQUIN RIVER. 



The San Joaquin, once a noted salmon stream; of late years few salmon 

 have been taken in its waters. The principal cause of abandonment is 

 the great number of dams upon its various branches, which are so con- 

 structed as not to allow the fish to reach their spawning grounds. Salmon 

 and other varieties of fish are taken in considerable quantities near the 

 mouth of the river. Most of the fishing in this stream is done below the 

 city of Stockton. 



THE TUOLUMNE RIVER. 



The Tuolumne, a branch of the San Joaquin, at one time was one of the 

 best salmon streams in the State. Salmon have not ascended the stream 

 for some years. 



THE STANISLAUS RIVER. 



What has been said of the Tuolumne is true of the Stanislaus. Occa- 

 sionally a salmon may be seen trying to get over one of its numerous dams. 



COAST RIVERS AND CREEKS. 



Smith River, in the county of Del Norte, with its north and south forks, 

 makes a large stream. It has a regular run of salmon and is also well 

 stocked with salmon and brook trout. 



The next stream south of the Smith of any consequence is the Klamath. 

 This is an excellent salmon stream, not fished, however, to any great extent. 

 The time is close at hand when it will have its share of fishing camps 

 and canneries. 



Trinity River, owing to the debris from the placer mines in that section, 

 does not amount to much as a fishing stream. The fish will not ascend 

 a stream to spawning grounds through water heavily charged, as this is, 

 with mining detritus. 



