546 BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



in its movements, until finally it resorts to cool waters of deep holes or cold inflowing 

 brooks. Again in the fall it congregates on shoals or at the mouths of streams which 

 it ascends to spawn. After spawning it gradually works back into the lake and is 

 found about the mouths of streams or wherever food may be found. It is this run-down 

 fish that has been mentioned previously by a correspondent as constituting one of his 

 supposed distinct races. 



In an article published in Forest and Stream, November 24, 1900, J. P. Whitney 

 wrote that in December and early January the trout are comparatively plentiful in a 

 few feet of water below the ice, but that afterwards they are mostly in from 15 to 40 

 feet. 



Brooks possessing suitable conditions are occupied throughout the year and some- 

 times year after year, at least in some portions. While streams tributary to lakes 

 afford nurseries from which the lake receives an annual supply, many trout, continuing 

 small, reach maturity and pass their whole existence in the brooks. 



Migratory movements. — Trout are not generally subject to extended migrations, 

 and in the far inland waters, excepting their movements for breeding or seasonal accom- 

 modation, they are rather localized in their habits. Near the coast, however, when 

 possible, they often enter the sea, and in certain localities there seems to be a race of 

 almost permanent marine trout, entering fresh water at more or less regular periods. In 

 New England such fish are locally known as salters. 



One Rangeley Lake observer, in a communication to a sportsmen's journal, wrote 

 that the trout were not migratory in their habits, although in exceptional instances 

 they would roam about more or less and sometimes go long distances. Otherwise they 

 would frequent the same feeding grounds, although making their usual spring and 

 autumnal movements. He further stated that if a trout was carried away from its 

 accustomed haunt and placed in the water it would return forthwith, thus displaying a 

 remarkable homing instinct. He cited one instance of a trout, known by a hook left 

 in its mouth, which was caught again the next day in its original place, having traveled 

 a distance of 3 miles during a dark night beneath 30 inches of ice and snow. 



Mr. Rich wrote " that he once saw a school of trout several acres in extent making 

 their way from the headwaters of the lake toward the inlet. They were said to be swim- 

 ming near the surface and the water appeared to be alive with them. They could 

 plainly be seen from the boat and were of all sizes, some very large ones being among 

 them. He said occasionally one would break water. 



The population of tributary waters is mainly brought about by wanderings of 

 young fish which tend to move upstream and into smaller streams after they begin to 

 feed, although adult trout, while in pursuit of food, sometimes gradually make their way 

 into neighboring waters. 



Breeding. — The trout spawns in autumn during the falling of the water temperature, 

 the season varying somewhat with the latitude and also with the local temperature of 

 the water. In general, including all localities and conditions, it may be said to .extend 

 from September into December. The duration is about two months for the trout of 

 any body of water. In the Rangeley Lakes the height of the season is from about the 

 middle of October to November, depending somewhat on the conditions and weather. 

 The season may be delayed or interrupted by weather conditions. 



oj. G. Rich, American Angler, Apr. 14, 1883. 



