Two controlled impulse automobile counters were used to deter- 

 mine the travel to and past the lake. A record of weekend use and 

 weekday use was kept. During 128 days from May 15 to September 

 20, 1954 — 6,615 fisherman automobiles were driven to Nilan Reservoir, 

 For the period covered, this use would average slightly less than 52 

 cars per day. On the first weekend of the fishing season, 524 cars 

 drove to the lake. Fishermen continued to use Nilan Reservoir after 

 September 20, but the counters were removed since accurate figures 

 on fisherman-use could not be obtained after the opening of the bird 

 and big game seasons. 



CUTTHROAT AND DOLLY VARDEN TROUT STUDY 

 In 1954 the first phase of a study of cutthroat and dolly varden 

 trout was completed on the North Fork of the Flathead River and 

 Flathead Lake. The Commission gratefullj- acknowledges the assist- 

 ance given in this study by the Department of Zoology, Montana State 

 University. Results of this study are being arranged for publication by 

 the University student who was primarily concerned with the field work 

 and subsequent analysis. These will, therefore, he available for distribu- 

 tion at a later date. 



As a result of this and associated work and observations it is evident 

 that the cutthroat and dolly varden trout of Flathead Lake and its 

 associated drainages are migratory in nature. A number of hydro- 

 electric dams are planned for these drainages, which will block these 

 migrations as Hungry Horse Dam has done. With present knowledge 

 these installations are entirely incompatible with the trout fisheries. 

 Should means be provided whereby a concentrated research program 

 could be conducted on these fisheries prior to construction of these 

 dams, avenue of compatability might very well be found. If such a 

 research program is not done or if it is delayed until the late date 

 funds are made available for such work after project authorization, 

 it appears that this valuable recreational fishery will cease to exist. 

 Faith for maintaining these fisheries should not be placed in hatchery 

 planting with present knowledge available. Such efforts made in this 

 area in the past failed completely. More knowledge is needed from 

 research before reliance can be placed on hatchery plants of cutthroat 

 and dolly varden trout or any other management measure in these 

 drainages. 



NOXON RAPIDS STUDY 



A survey-type study was made in the Clark Fork River area below 

 Thompson Falls in relation to Noxon Dam which has been authorized 

 for construction. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects 

 of this dam upon the fishery and to recommend fisheries management 

 measures which might be undertaken in relation to the dam and im- 

 poundment. Results of this study will bo available at a later date. 

 The Commission expresses its gratitude to the Washington Water 

 Power Company which is constructing the dam for financing this 

 project, and for the close cooperation the Commission has experienced 

 with this company during the planning phases of this hydroelectric 

 project. 



— 56 — 



