of the Fishery Board for Scotland. 



39 



REPORT FROM THURSO DISTRICT. 

 Take of Fish— 



1. As compared with the average results of previous years, the take of fish 



generally throughout the district has been an average one, as will be 

 seen from the confidential statement showing the results of river and 

 sea fishings since 1901 sent herewith. 



2. The actual number of fish caught has been as follows : — 



(a) By fixed engine, 2432. 



(b) By rod and line, from 11th January to end of June, 324. In 



addition to this, about 150 fish are caught by the shooting 

 tenants in the autumn of each year. 



3. Expressed in numbers for each month of the season, so as to show the 



times of greatest run, the figures are : — 





Jan. 



Feb. 



Mar. 



April. 



May. 



June. 



July. 



Aug. 



Total. 



By Fixed Engine, 









28 



62 



750 



1484 



108 



2432 



By Rod and Line, 



13 



13 



52 



83 



113 



50 









Particulars as to the times grilse and sea trout appeared, as included in 

 the above return, are as follows : — Grilse are in numbers in July. 

 4. The weight of the heaviest salmon taken during the season was 31 lbs. 



The particulars of time and place of capture are : — January, beat 4 of 

 river Thurso. 



Protection— 



1. The assessable rental for 1906 was £1799. 



2. The assessment levied was £134 18s. 6d. 



3. The water bailiffs employed are 2 in number. 



Obstructions to the Passage of Fish— 



1. Dam dykes disused, built, or in prospect : — It is proposed to dam Loch- 



more, but in the proposed works provision is made for the construction 

 of fish ladders, which will enable fish to ascend. 



2. Natural obstructions not yet dealt with : — None. 



Pollutions— 



None. 



The Salmon Disease- 

 No disease. 



The Spawning Season- 



1. Fish were first noticed spawning on ova fishing on 26th October, with 



good results. 



2. The greatest number spawned on November 15th. 



3. Spawning ceased in the beginning of December. 



4. As regards numbers of breeding fish, and state of the water, the past 



spawning season is regarded as fair. 



Smolts— 



1. Smolts were noticed to be migrating seawards in May and June. 



2. As a smolt year 1906 was fair. 



Artificial Propagation of Salmon— 



1. The number of ova secured locally during the past season was 300,000. 



2. In securing ova the numbers of male and female fish captured were 



not recorded. 



