them most desirable for use in Montana because the resulting off- 

 spring are adapted to life and reproduction in Montana lakes. 



With the exception of fall-spawning rainbow eggs and a very 

 few eggs from lake trout, northern pike and walleye pike, Montana 

 is self-sufficient in this egg collection program. If this state were to 

 buy the eggs (valued from $2.00 to $3.00 per thousand) which would 

 be necessary to carry out this present program, the cost would be a 

 heavy burden. 



Distribution 



Fish distribution in Montana is getting more attention each year. 

 It becomes increasingly evident that large hatcheiy pi-oduction fig- 

 ures mean nothing if, after fish have been reared in the hatcheries 

 for several weeks to a year or more, the fish produced are taken 

 to the lakes and streams of the state and hurriedly dumped into the 

 water. 



The main concern of individuals and organizations is over large 

 hatchery production figures. Little concern is expressed over the 

 number of liberated fish that reach the fisherman's creel. One of 

 the weakest links in the fisheries programs has been in the distribu- 

 tion of fish reared. 



Montana's current hatchery production will become relatively 

 much greater as the fish distribution plans and systems are improved. 

 Many times the number of fish will reach the creel under improved 

 planting methods than are now being returned from present methods. 



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