32 MONTANA STATE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION 



of Grayling eggs. This species is assuming increasing importance in Montana. 

 As they are one of the most beautiful and sporty of Montana's native game 

 species every effort has been put forth to increase their numbers. 



In the spring of 1935 a total of 12,806,720 Grayling eggs were collected 

 and in the season of 1936 the take amounted to 12,773,270 eggs. The solution 

 of practical and succesful propagation of this species promises to contribute 

 greatly to the perpetuation of this beautiful fish. 



Sockeye Salmon 



The Sockeye salmon population of Flathead lake has received consider- 

 able publicity and each fall the shores of the lake are lined with enthusiastic 

 fishermen. The principal spawning areas are situated on the east shore of 

 the lake, where many of the mountain streams end the last of their tumultuous 

 journey by flowing through large gravel beds along the shores. 



It is here that the salmon congregate in large numbers to complete their 

 spawning activities, which concludes the life cycle of this specie. 



Concentration of these fish attract fishermen from every section of the 

 state. It was estimated in the fall of 1935 that approximately 100 tons of 

 these fish were removed from the lake. It can be readily seen that their 

 economic value is high and in addition they have provided a great deal of 

 pleasure and sport for the angler. 



Measures have been taken by the Commission limiting the catch and pos- 

 session limit and also confining the hours of fishing from daylight to dusk. 

 Presence of the salmon in the lake will contribute much to improve food con- ' 

 ditions for the native trout existing there and it is hoped that the regulatory 

 measures now in force will be sufficient to guarantee the perpetuation of this 

 valuable species. 



Distribution Unit 



Every man on the fisheries personnel is constantly striving to develop new 

 methods which will increase the efficiency of their stations and as a result of 

 these efforts a new type of an aeration unit and tank has been developed. 



The aeration unit consists of a small auto generator rewound to a six- 

 volt motor with a current consumption of 25 amperes. This motor is connected 

 to a small rotary gear pump tapped for half inch pipe. The motor is fitted 

 with a manually operated switch located on the dash and derives its power 

 from a car storage battery which is of 150 ampere hour capacity. 



The pump draws the water from the bottom of the tank through a 

 screened intake and returns it to the top of the tank where it is forced through 

 a number of small jets at relatively high pressure. This high pressure spray 

 effectively maintains a safe oxygen content in the tank and has been instru- 

 mental in lowering distribution costs and delivering the fish from the hatch- 

 eries to the streams and lakes, regardless of distance, in perfect physical 

 condition. 



The tank measures 42 by 48 inches and is 26 inches deep. It carries, 

 under average conditions, appioximately 50 gallons of water. This unit is 

 installed on a light pick-up truck and is capable of hauling as many fish 

 as could be taken previously in 75 ten-gallon fish cans, requiring a truck of 

 several tons capacity. 



It is planned to construct any new tanks that will be required from 

 aluminum alloy, thus reducing the excess of dead weight to allow for addi- 

 tional trout. 



