26 MONTANA STATE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 



their value. Many of the Salmon were taken trolling during September and 

 Oftobe" and provided much sport as well as food. Tjiter as they came to the 

 spawning beds, permission was given to the Montana Relief Commission to seine 

 these .^sh for canning and distribution to the needy. A total of 21,000 cans were 

 packed. This is a matter of importance to the sportsmen and the department 

 and rome measures should be taken to pi-operly handle this new development. 



Bjiss Rescue Work 



This work has been continued the past two years with improvements made 

 in the rescue, handling and distribution of these fi.sli. With indications that 

 there was need of restocking some of the sloughs adjacent to where rescue work 

 is done the majority of fish rescued were planted back in waters of Flathead 

 county which have been classified for several years as bass waters. The Clear- 

 water lakes were stocked again the past two years from this rescue work, but 

 no new waters stocked with this species. 



Public Works Administration 



With the creation of the Public Works Administration and their giving 

 attention to irrigation and water conservation, a letter was directed to Secre- 

 tary Ickes asking that they give consideration to fish life and incorporate in 

 the regulations the following: 



?. Fish screens to be installed at outlet of all reservoirs. 



2. That a minimum low water level be established which would provide 

 enough depth to sustain fish life. 



3. That where fish are found in feeder canals, sufficient flow be main- 

 tained to sustain fish life. 



4. That the u.se of water from natural lakes be restricted to the amount 

 stored by construction of a dam above the lake level and to prohibit lowering 

 the level of any natural lake. 



The department was assured that the merits of this request were recognized 

 and AA ould be given every consideration. 



Heconmiendations 



For the benefit <if game fishing in this vState it is recommended that — 



1. Some thought be given the fish screen installation in irrigation ditches 

 where it has Ihhmi proven coni-lusively losses of fish occur. This matter is of 

 prime importance and with the re<^'overy program now under way the time seems 

 opportune for some action. Installation of screens, besides overcoming one of 

 our greatest obstacles wouhl provide much labor fur foundries, machinists, car- 

 penter.s. concrete workers and laborers. It is thought that, provided this matter 

 would be given favorable consideration in the legislature, screens could be 

 installed with the irrigation company issuing bonds to be paid over a period 

 of 20 years. The money is to Ite secured from the rublii- Works Administration 

 for the construction work. 



2. It is recommenik'd that some legislation he passed nuiking it unlawful 

 for anyone to plant or transplant fisii of any species into any waters of Mon- 

 tana. At the present time there is no law covering this and much damage lias 

 iilrcft.ly been done l)y enthusiastic but mi.sguided sportsmen who are desirous of 

 liuilding ui> a certain species, favorable to them.selves but which in many cases 

 prove disastrous to more desirable species and results in complete ruination of 

 excellent fishing waters. There are several outstanding eases where this may 



