FISHERIES OF THE PACIFIC COAST. 193 
of some commercial importance and has a large lumber trade in addi- 
tion to its fisheries. 
Fishing centers.— The fishing centers are all in the lower section of 
the river and on the u bay.” They are Oysterville, Yaquina City, New- 
port, Toledo, and Elk City. The most important shipping point for fish- 
ing products is Yaquina City, which is in direct railroad communication 
with interior towns. Toledo and Elk City also have railroad facilities. 
Importance of the fisheries.— The most important fishery on Yaquina 
River is that for salmon. Besides the salmon fishery there is quite an 
industry carried on in native oysters. A few Indians and white men 
are engaged in a desultory fishery on the banks at sea outside the 
headlands, though this business is of minor proportions. 
In the latter part of 1888 the “ Yaquina Deep Sea Fishing Company” 
was incorporated, the object being to prosecute the sea fisheries off the 
coast and ship the products to the interior markets. The company 
purchased the auxiliary stehm schooner George H. Chance , of 71 tons 
net register, and in 1889 was reported to be making preparations to 
actively engage in the business.* 
Species , seasons , etc.— The river is bountifully supplied with many 
varieties of food-fish, as well as oysters and hard and soft shell clams. 
In addition to salmon the following species of fish occur in the “ bay ” : 
Rockfish, flounders, sole, perch, bass, herring, smelt, and eels. 
About 6 miles from the mouth of the river oysters of the small 
native species are fouud abundantly along the shores for a stretch of 
4 miles. Atlantic oysters were transplanted to this place at one time 
and grew rapidly ; owing, however, to the fact that but few were 
planted, and that these were taken up in a comparatively short time, 
"the question of the practicability of successfully propagating them 
here remains unsettled. Hard and soft shell clams [Tapes [ Cuneus J 
staminea and Mya arenaria) occur abundantly along the river shores. 
The latter species has been known in the locality but a few years and 
is supposed to have been introduced with the Atlantic oyster. 
The salmon season begins the middle of August and lasts until about 
November. Oysters can not be taken during the close season, which 
begins June 15 and lasts until September. 
Fishing grounds . — The principal fishing ground on which gill nets are 
used is the channel of the river from its mouth as far up as Elk City, 
a distance of 25 miles. Sometimes, during pleasant weather, and when 
the sea is not too rough, the fishermen venture out to sea and set their 
nets to intercept the salmon on their way to the river. Haul seines 
* Since the above was written it has been learned that several untoward incidents 
or accidents, resulting chiefly from inexperience in sea fisheries, have led to the 
abandonment of this enterprise. The vessel and the headquarters of the compauy 
were transferred to Portlaud, Oregou, bub lack of technical skill and of demand for 
fish militated against success. It is probable that the attempt to prosecute sea fishing 
from Portland will not be continued much longer. 
H. Mis. 274 13 
