REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS 



47 



At the last session of the Legislature the trout law was so amended 

 that the taking of steelhead with nets at any time was prohibited. This 

 law has created some antagonism among the small element in Hum- 

 boldt County who follow the vocation of fishing, and we believe they 

 will make a determined effort at the forthcoming session of the Legis- 

 lature to have it changed so as to again permit the catching of steelhead 

 with nets. When it is shown that the total value of the steelhead that 

 were caught and shipped to market by net fishermen from all parts of 



EEL RIVER HATCHERY, HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 



the State did not, in the year of 1904, exceed $1,600, and this small 

 amount was distributed among eighty or ninety fishermen, net fishing 

 would seem of insufficient importance compared to the far greater value 

 the steelhead will have in being allowed to ascend all the coastwise 

 streams to their headwaters for the purpose of spawning. 



In the spring of 1905, also 1906, these fish have shown a decided in- 

 crease, especially in Santa Cruz Count}', where the efficient and skillful 

 conduct of the Brookdale Hatchery, under the management of Mr. 



