REPORT OF STATE BOARD OF FISH COMMISSIONERS 111 



In May, 1905, the United States Bureau of Fisheries attempted to 

 establish a temporary station on Volcano Creek for the purpose of 

 taking the eggs of the Golden trout. It was found that the spawn- 

 ing season was practically over before the station could be installed, 

 and the master was postponed temporarily. A number of fish (264) 

 were captured", however, arid ^carried practically without loss on pack 

 animals to Lone Pine, whence they were shipped in care of a special 

 messenger to the Lewis and Clark Exposition at Portland. Through 

 a mishap, however, the entire lot was lost en route. 



Although the efforts thus far made haye not proved successful, it 

 is not believed that any real difficulties exist to prevent the carrying 

 of trout from Volcano Creek to one or more of the trout hatcheries 

 of the Bureau, and it is hoped that another effort may soon be made. 

 If a number, of fish can once be gotten to one of the hatcheries it will 

 be easy to propagate the species artificially. 



There are many small mountain streams in the Western States 

 where this fish would certainly thrive. It should also be tried in cer- 

 tain streams in the East. A small, clear stream, with low temperature 

 and fine gravelly bottom, preferably of granite, is recommended. It 

 would be extremely interesting to try the species in several streams 

 and note the effects of the new environment. The possibility of adding 

 such an attractive fish to the streams of other states is well worth a 

 serious effort. It is also desirable to establish a temporary hatchery' 

 on Volcano Creek where eggs may be taken and eyed for shipment. 



Another thing that should be taken up at once, preferably by the 

 California Fish Commission, is the stocking of barren waters in the 

 Kern River region. As stated elsewhere in this report, there are 

 many small streams and lakes of the southern High Sierras that are 

 entirely without fish of any kind, although certainly well suited to 

 trout. Among these may be mentioned "Rock Creek, Guyot Creek, 

 Whitney Creek and the lakes at its head, and many others. To stock 

 these waters by transplanting from Volcano Creek would be a very 

 easy matter. 



Protection. — As already stated, it is only a question of time, a very 

 few years at most, when the Golden trout of Volcano Creek will 

 become practically exterminated unless it receives some protection. 



In order that adequate protection be secured, it is recommended 

 that the limits of the Mount Whitney Military Reservation be 

 extended so as to include the whole of Volcano Creek. This can be 

 done by extending the eastern boundary from the present southern 

 boundary along the meridian of 118° 10' to its intersection 

 with the parallel of 36° 20', thence west on that parallel 

 to Kern River, which should be made the western boundary. 



