TWENTY-NINTH BIENNIAL REPORT. 69 



with the return migration of fishes which have been artificially propa- 

 gated. An experiment which promises some results of interest and 

 value is now approaching completion. The experiment was initiated 

 in 1922 when, under the direction of Captain Lambson, eggs were 

 collected, fertilized, and placed in the hatchery at Fall Creek, a tribu- 

 tary of the Klamath. The resulting fry were placed in ponds where 

 they were carefully reared by Mr. E. V. Cassell who afterwards 

 superintended their distribution. The distribution of the fish 

 previously marked, was performed in such a way as to give the probable 

 results of the experiment an opportunity to demonstrate whether or 

 not returning fish will seek out and enter certain tributaries in which 

 they were reared or introduced. Upwards of 500 marked fish were 

 secured during 1926, all of which will serve to contribute largely to 

 our knowledge of the migratory habits of king salmon both in the ocean 

 and rivers. Equally good results are expected in 1927 when fishes of 

 the ages of 4 and 5 years will return. This experiment, full details of 

 which are given in California Fish and Game, Vol. 10, No. 1, involved 

 the marking of 153,000 yearling salmon. 



The successful completion of such an experiment depends largely 

 upon cooperation on the part of those engaged in fishing, as also 

 officials of the Commission, and results to date have been very satis- 

 factory. 



That work of a similar nature may be carefully controlled and kept 

 under more constant observation, it is desirable that an experimental 

 hatchery be provided. It is not necessary that such a hatchery be 

 given over entirely to experimental work of such a nature as to pre- 

 vent or even seriously interfere with its immediate function as a 

 regular station for artificial propagation. Such a station should, 

 however, be under the direct supervision of an investigator who may 

 plan and supervise the execution of experimental work relating to 

 propagation and distribution. Work on species other than salmon 

 might also be carried on to advantage in such a station. For example, 

 in the pursuit of the salmon investigation, advantage has been taken 

 of every opportunity to study the trout, particularly the steelhead, 

 and some data of value has accumulated. A correct interpretation of 

 some of this data rests upon experimental work and stream observation 

 of an inseparable nature, which might be accomplished with profit, if 

 the facilities of a properl^^ located hatchery were made available. 



SHAD. 



Shad in the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers Avere greatly 

 depleted by heavy fishing during the war, at which time there were 

 no closed seasons or other measures to give them protection. A closed 

 season was adopted which was first in effect during the shad run in 

 the spring of 1918. This protection and later the addition of two more 

 weeks to the closed season has resulted in the steady increase of these 

 fish. The quick response of these introduced fish to restrictive fishing 

 measures is remarkable and almost unique. We know of no other 

 fishery where the recovery has been so quick and so unmistakable. 



STRIPED BASS. 



Striped bass have been given a great deal of added protection during 

 the past ten years and at the 1923 session of the legislature a very 



