THE OREGON SPORTSMAN 



particular. An angle worm is likely to be a more successful bait in such 

 eases, and a little piece of the flesh of the too-abundant sculpin may 

 always be considered a hopeful bait for these sea-run trout. They will 

 take a medium-sized spoon or spinner occasionally in the lower waters near 

 the sea, and trolling from a boat these beautiful sunny days of Indian 

 Summer is delightful sport, if less productive in quantity. 



The "quinna" or Jack salmon have given but little sport this season, 

 coming in later than usual; and they. are now mostly spent, stale and unfit 

 for food. 



The silver salmon are now running abundantly in all the coast rivers 

 and bays, and give fine sport trolling. They are in fine condition too, 

 and at this time, in the beginning of their run, scarcely inferor as table 

 fish to the best Chinook, and far superior to the Chinooks now to be had 

 in market, which are hardly fit for food. 



There have been for three weeks past in our markets unusually fine 

 humpback salmon in large numbers, and as is always the case with these 

 fjsh in their best condition, entirely innocent of the "hump" which be- 

 comes very pronounced as the fish reaches spawning time, in which con- 

 dition it is almost worthless for food. Silver, chum (or "dog") and 

 humpbacks are better baked than fried in slices. Skillfully cooked thus, 

 the fish being baked whole, there is no reason for contempt of either of 

 these three as a delicious table fish. The season for the three varieties 

 named is a very short one, either for the sport of catching them by trolling, 

 or for utility as food, and a month in fresh water renders a fish of either 

 of these three families a thing to avoid. 



Sea trout usually follow up the salmon in large schools and after the 

 next big rain there will be fine trout fishing with bait in the lower 

 Columbia and coast streams, but the flies and fly-rod may be laid away 

 till next June. 



It may be wiser, however, to see that your rod is laid upon some 

 perfectly level shelf, with no weight of any kind piled upon it, and sec? 

 tc it that its joints are not tightly bound by the cords at either end of the 

 case containing it (unless it is in a rigid wooden form in which each part 

 has its own groove) or you will find it so warped next spring as to be 

 disappointing or useless. 



UNDER-SIZED FISH. 



When removing an under-sized trout from your hook, always moisten 

 your hands before grasping the fish. If this is not done, the dry hand 

 injures the fish and this often causes a growth of fungus. 



Always kill a fish that is large enough to keep, as soon as taken from 

 the hook. This can be done by giving it a stroke with a stick on the 

 head just back of the eyes. This avoids suffering and makes your fish 

 better for table use. 



Fagfe five 



