Missourt River Sport. 475 
great beauty and symmetry, while it is as active as any fish 
known; and, on landing it, the fish croaks: hence it is known 
by some as the croaker, 
It never inhabits lakes, but its habitat is the channel of 
clear streams. This fish bites every month in the year, but 
best in February, March, and April. Its favorite bait is 
crawtish, but it seldom refuses a live ninnow. 
The channel cat offers as good play as the trout, and when 
angled tor with tine tackle the sport is unsurpassed. Tle 
makes the reel hum; and if the line is not kept clear on the 
reel and the fish played gingerly, so as to make him contend 
for every foot of line, he is quite sure to part tackle. 
Very interesting sport in fishing for the channel eat is in- 
dulged on the Upper Missouri River, by both ladies and gen- 
tlemen. The following is the modus operandi: A party with 
several scull boats rendezvous above a rapid in the river, 
and to the handles of several dozens of empty jugs, well 
corked, they attach to each a line about four feet in length, 
rigged with a strong hook, well baited, when they throw 
over the jugs, and let them drift down stream. Then the 
party usually regales itself with a luncheon, after which the 
rowers start to pick up the floating jugs. Presently several 
of the jugs are seen to dive here and there, and the rowers 
follow them up until the fish become fatigued, and, prone on 
their sides, they float on the surface of the stream, and are 
easily lifted into the boats. A catfish dinner and a hop 
usually winds up the day’s recreation. 
