

[JTXQjTTh. 



The East and West Fork may well be described together. They are rapid 

 flowing mountain streams, with many small tributaries, flowing through narrow 

 valleys and surrounded by high pine-clad hills and with limited areas of farming 

 land along their courses. Both streams have their source near the boundary line 

 between Montana and Idaho, flow in a northeasterly and northwesterly direction to 

 a confluence approximately eight miles south of the town of Darby. The scenery 

 is beautiful for the whole length of both streams. Many people spend their vaca- 

 tions in and along the banks, and the resort at Warm Springs on the East Fork 

 is each year becoming more popular. 



Conditions for Propagation, _ 



The general conditions with respect to fish propagation in the Bitter" Root 

 River are, on the whole, favorable. For a distance of about thirty-six miles of the 

 lower reaches of the river, there are no irrigating ditches diverted, the stream is 

 comparatively deep and clear, with many deep, shady pools, riffles and lots of 

 spawning grounds, on beds of gravel which are found in many places. 



While reports of catches made and size of fish caught cannot always be 

 depended upon as correct, there are a sufficient number of well authenticated 

 reports which will warrant the statement that at present there are many large 

 native or cut-throat trout caught, that the average catch in the proper season is 

 as great as at any time in the past, and that the efforts made to keep the stream 

 supplied with fish have been successful. 



It is the belief of the writer that efforts to stock this river should be confined 

 to planting native and Eastern Brook trout for the reason that the Grayling do not 

 live, and that other game fish do not prosper so well. The stream has always been 

 noted for the number and excellence of its native trout; the surroundings are 

 manifestly favorable for its growth and the sentiment of the people is favorable 

 to the protective laws. 



The river may be stocked from Missoula, for points along the North end, from 

 Florence, Stevensville, Victor, Hamilton or Darby, for points along its course and 

 at all the places mentioned are found persons ready and willing to plant fry at 

 any time. 



TEIBUTARIES. 



West Side. 



Length in 

 Name Miles 



Lolo 24 



Carlton 12 



Sweeney 12 



Buss 13 



Kootenai 15 



Big Creek 22 



Sweathouse 23 



Bear 23 



Fred Burr 24 



Mill 26 



Blodgett 25 



Sawtooth 22 



Roaring Lion 18 



Lost Horse 22 



Rock 26 



Tin Cup 24 



West Fork 45 



East Side. 



Name 



Miller Creek .. 



Eight Mile 



Burnt Fork ..... 



Skalkaho 



Weeping Child 

 East Fork 



Miles 

 Length in 

 18 



15 

 26 

 22 

 19 

 36 



Lake Como — Six miles long and one mile wide. 



(59) 



