THE NY 111 I "I-: IJASS IN TUE GREAT LAKES. 



In nil other parts of Lake Superior this fish is not recorded as being known. In the flatting 

 ^rounds at the north end of Green Bay, White Bass are known only as stragglers. Farther down 

 the bay, about Cedar River, they are rare, but are more common on the shoals between Menom- 

 onee ami IVshtego. They are taken principally in September, are important, and command a 

 ready sale. They do not frequent deep water. Between Peshtego and Lougtail Point, including 

 the fishing points at Maple Bend, Peusaukee, Gail's Point, and Oconto Bay, White Bass are rather 

 common, and important during August and September; at other times they are seldom taken. 

 They are caught in the pound-nets, are much sought for early in autumn, and are shipped princi- 

 pally to Saint Louis. 



The White Bass is a beautiful, clean-looking fish, presenting a fine appearance and bearing 

 shipment well. At Green Bay City, the southern extremity of Green Bay, this species is abundant. 

 On the eastern shore of Green Bay, bordering upon the counties of Door and Kewaunee, and 

 as far north as Saint Martin's Island, they are taken in small quantities in autumn, but are not 

 abundant enough to be shipped. 



At Jacksonport, on the western shore of Lake Michigan, a few White Bass are taken in autumn. 

 At Two Rivers they are not rare in September. A couple of dozen may be found among one or 

 two thousand pounds of fish, and then may be entirely absent for a long time. At Manitowoc 

 they are often taken in some numbers in September, when large runs sometimes occur, and then 

 none are taken, perhaps, for two or three years. During the last three years very few have been 

 taken. Mr. Patterson, of that district, thinks the bass family is increasing in the vicinity of 

 Manitowoc. 



At Milwaukee White Bass used to be so abundant that they were largely caught on hooks off 

 the piers, but now only a few are taken in the pound-nets. At the south end of Lake Michigan 

 \VliiteBasscorae in great numbers in April and September, entering the river, but not being 

 taken to any extent in the pound-nets. The principal fisheries of that region are those of New 

 Buffalo and Michigan City. Here they run small, and are of no commercial importance. 



White Bass are .abundant on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, between New Buffalo and 

 Saugatuck, making their first appearance during the warm days of May or June. At this time they 

 strike in from the lake in great numbers. They remain about the mouth of Saint Joseph's River 

 till September, and sometimes October, and even ascend the river several miles. After September 

 they work out into the lake again. They associate with the Black Bass in schools. They are not 

 sufficiently abundant, however, to be of any commercial importance, as no seining is done; if that 

 kind of fishing were carried on, almost any number might be taken. The White Bass is considered 

 one of the " game" fish. Specimens have been taken weighing over three pounds. When coming 

 in from the lake to the river they are very light in color, but become darker during their stay. 

 Mr. 1 1 a i rli has put specimens in his fish ponds, the bottom of which is of black muck, and these 

 have become black on the back. 



Along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, from Allegan County to Leelenaw County, they are 

 reported as quite common, especially about Manistee, Ludington, and Point au Sable, but as 

 having been less abundant this year (1880) than usual. At Grand Haven they are plentiful and 

 of a large size. About and in Grand Traverse Bay, Little Traverse Bay, and Fox Islands, they 

 must be of great rarity, the first instance of their occurrence known to Miller, in this region, having 

 been in Little Traverse Bay during the summer of 1880. Off the shores of Emmet, Cheboygan, 

 and Presque Isle Counties, Michigan, which coast line includes the northeast portion of Lake 

 Michigan, the Straits of Mackinaw, and the northwest portion of Lake Huron, White Bass are by 

 all pronounced rare. Captain Coats reports the capture of three in 1880, and thinks they are 



