382 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
[Not. 3, 1894. 
B it then, as the saying goes, "It is not all of fishing to 
nsh," and it was pleasant to drift with the current, idly, 
dreamily, careless in thought as the swallows that dim- 
pled the water's surface or the sandpipers that peeped and 
whistled along the brink, while the shadows lengthened 
and the sunlight, fading, lifted its invisible shimmer from 
the earth to the western sky, and the white clouds flushed 
to deepening crimson. The darkly gleaming water re- 
flected the woods and sky, softening every tint and out- 
line like a picture. The birds chirped aud rustled and the 
bats fluttered about in quest of the indecisive moth. 
Splash, splash, two leaping bass narrowly missed falling 
into the boat. "Put on your flies quick; they're feeding," 
said the veteran. So the leader was again adjusted and 
the flies whistled through the air, dropping near the 
stumps and beneath the overhanging bushes. Once, 
twice, thrice, the gay deceits swirled under and the quick 
strike of the wrist hooked a giddy fish. 
But the luck was short-lived, for twilight was darken- 
ing and the veteran and youngster gave over the sport 
and wended their way supperward, having as a result of 
the afternoon's experience a fair string of fish and a 
goodly amount of material for their own private string of 
yarns. J, R, B. 
Detroit, Mich. 
THE RANGELEY LAKE WATERS. — If. 
BY MOLEOHUNKAJHUNK. 
Extending through thirty years and more of annual ex- 
perience about the Rangeley Lake waters in winter and 
summer, and having missed only one or two years in my 
visitations, and having passed several months in many 
of my visits, I have observed some features about trout 
which may be of interest to fishermen, and which 
may throw some light upon the lives of those fish which 
are so gamy, beautiful and delectable. 
I will simply give my experience and opinions without 
any intention of entering into any controversy with other 
fishermen whose experience, perceptiveness and conclu- 
sions may be different or superior to my own. 
In referring to the Rangeley Lakes 1 include that chain 
of larger lakes situated in Oxford county, Me , commenc- 
ing with the Rangeley, the Mooseluckmeguntic, the two 
Richardsons and the Umbagog, with the adjoining and 
connecting small 1 ikes and ponds. The mentioned large 
lakes comprise a surface area of eighty square miles, and 
the principal tributary lakes and ponds, more than thirty 
in number, comprise ah equal surface area, or a total of 
160 square miles. 
The drainage area tributary to the system comprises 
over 3,000 square miles, which is almost entirely forest. 
The average precipitation of rain, which includes that 
from melting snow, is estimated at 42in. The altitude 
above tide water varies from 1,200ft. to l,600:t. 
The Rangeley waters are all well stocked with trout, 
excepting the Umbagog, the lower lake (partly in New 
Hampshire), which a dozen years ago was found to con- 
tain pickerel, and have been disastrous to the trout, and 
in consequence have thinned out the greater proportion 
of the small fish, although some quite large ones are now 
occasionally caught. This year I heard of several being 
caught weighing 6 and 71bs. 
The trout of the Rangeley waters are designated as the 
Salvelinus fontinalis, and are the true speckled, carmine 
spotted, and of the highest type in game qualities and 
fla.vor of any which inhabit any waters, excepting those 
of a kindred character, and it is very difficult to find any 
other waters, of equally favorable characteristics. I say 
without prejudice, having taken trout from some forty 
different localities in the State of Maine, and in many 
other States of the Union, as well as in foreign countries, 
that the Rangeley Lakes trout altogether are of finer 
form, color and flavor, than of any other waters I know 
of, while for average size they surpass any of their class. 
Take them at any month of the year, they are fat and 
deliciously flavored. There will not be one in a hundred 
which from age or disease is out of condition for food, 
although I will except the spendthrift milter, in the late 
autumn, for, though arrayed in his most brilliant intensi- 
fied suit of scarlet waistcoat with dark trimmings, mottled 
coat, spangled sides and white and black leggings, he has 
a thin sinuousness and a lacking flavor which should give 
him liberty and an opportunity for recuperation. I will 
not, however, except the full spawner, which, owing to 
high feed, remains in good condition, deteriorating some- 
what at the termination of the spawning period, from 
which, however, a speedy recovery is made. 
The opinion that pure water of crystal clearness is 
essential to the perfect existence of trout is not sustained 
by the condition at the Rangeley waters. Owing to the 
densely wooded country about, and the excessive precipi- 
tations of moisture, and the constant forest - leaching 
which occurs, all the waters with a very few limited ex- 
ceptions are somewhat opaque, having a yellowish tinge, 
which indicates the impregnating effect of the abundant 
adjoining plant life. This vegetable stain has its sequence 
in the furnishing of the first source of trout existence by 
the apparent spontaneous prodigality of infusorial life. 
This is clearly evident without microscopic aid, and 
throughout the waters, in a greater or less degree, is 
plainly evident to the unassisted eye, not only by sunlight 
m the still water, but in overcast days in winter as well as 
summer. This exaggerated form of animalcules, which 
may perhaps be more strictly classified as polygastric in- 
fusoria, is shown in multitudinous form, and in some 
forms which undoubtedly have never been strictly classi- 
fied from the minute crustaceans invisible to the naked 
eye, to the prominent rotifera of two lines in breadth, 
which would be visible, even on a dull day, if but one- 
quarter of its size. On a still day with the sun's rays 
properly aslant, thousands of these minute representa- 
tions of protoplasm may be observed in their various 
movements, some darting with quick movement for short 
distances, others Whirling along with moderate speed, 
and others scarcely moving with invisible power, which 
might be mistaken for a passing current, but that they 
pass others from an opposite direction. 
This infusoria furnishes the newly hatched trout with 
abundant food, as well as the small fry which become 
thd food of larger trout, and the small fry, up to chubs 
and suckers of a pound or two in weight, are plentiful in 
the Rangeley waters, and the abundance of red fins and a 
dozen varieties of minnows are conspicuously noticeable. 
Despite the infusoria and vegetable stain of the water 
it is accounted most healthful for drinking, and is as soft 
and silky for washing and bathing as it would be possible 
for a water to be. 
The trout of the Rangeley Lakes probably average 
larger than from any other waters. I should estimate 
the average weight of those caught in the lakes, not 
ponds, at a pound. I have not kept any particular record 
of my catches of late years, but did until some fifteen 
years ago, when I had a record of over 6,000 trout, which 
averaged nearly a pound and a quarter, but my catches 
then included those of winter fishing through the ice, 
when the lakes were but little visited, and before it was 
any infraction of the law to so fish. I was very fond of 
those excursions of two or three weeks at the lakes, with 
trout for the object, and the auxiliaries of the robust 
open air life, the shooting, skating and other sports. 
With a few companions, we would have no difficulty in 
securing an average of fifty pounds of trout a day, which 
well frozen up, were carried out for distribution among our 
friends. These winter trout would average a full pound 
and a third, seldom taking under half a pound, and up to 
an occasional seven or eight pounder. 
Trout are not migratory in their habits, although in 
exceptional instances when disappointed in love affairs 
and driven away by successful rivals, or from a natural ex- 
cess of love adventure or physical disturbances, will roam 
about, and oftentimes in such cases will take extended 
departures; otherwise they will frequent the same feeding 
grounds, although taking their spring and autumnal out- 
ings. We all know of the particular fellows which are 
found year after year in the same deep pools and by the 
steep rocks, which so long bid defiance to human art, but 
which finally yield up their liberties and lives to their 
unconquerable taste for the insiduous fly. 
For years after years I have seen trout, so marked by 
their size or peculiarities as to be unmistakable, come to 
the same spots and defy all fair efforts against their priv- 
ileges. In vain were the most dainty flies of all colors and 
sizes flaunted in the air, and ripple-kissed, on suiface and 
beneath, live bait, fat worms and other delectable mor- 
sels; but all in vain. And these large fellows do not, any 
more than their lusty prototypes, when they have once 
taken possession of a first-class domicile, allow of the in- 
trusion by other trout of their habitation, unless ousted 
by superior prowess. This occurs often in the season of 
amatory dalliance, when two are considered sufficient 
company, and when eternal vigilance is found to be an 
essential of satisfactory housekeeping, and. where robbers 
and tramps have to be continually chased and banged at. 
Nothing can be more comical and amusing than to wit- 
ness the watchfulness and incessant unrest of a worthy 
burger of mature years, who has taken unto himself a 
helpmate to regulate the domestic routine of his establish- 
ment, and to whom he has promised immunity from out- 
side prowlers and sneak thieves. Good natured fellow, 
who has grown corpulent and high-colored from number- 
less golden chubs, striped minnows, and viscous suckers, 
which his vigorous activity has secured. Now will he 
forth for a season in a more highly oxygenized element; 
he will hie for the rushing waters, and promenade among 
the belles of the high world. So dressing himself in his 
gayest colors of red, white and orange, with many deli- 
cate tinted shades and sheens, and touching up his car- 
mine spots, he sail es forth on a rollicking tour, which 
leads to speedy subjugation. No lover can be more com- 
placent and attentive than he, none more willing to 
shoulder the matrimonial noose, or more fiercely jealous 
of the intrusion of others. It is amusing when mated to 
witness his torturing anxiety at the approach of other 
trout, and his inhospitable reception of them, which is 
indicated by his advance toward them with open mouth. 
The small trout and chubs cause him no end of trouble, 
and he has no rest night or day. No sooner does his mate 
indicate her intention of depositing an egg, by her move- 
ments before the deposit, than several active chubs and 
small trout appear on each side eager for the delicate 
morsel, and while those on one side are dispersed, another 
daring rogue from the other side rushes in and secures 
the prize, and thus it goes on in particular instances 
throughout the spawning season, and it may be doubted 
if a single egg escapes to a hatching on some spawning 
beds. This destruction of eggs by trout themselves is a 
very serious evil, and is shared in by chubs and suckers, 
and the attending male is by no means backward in his 
own taste in that direction, and often when caught about 
the spawning bed is found with a stomach full of spawn. 
I incline to doubt, however, if the full charged and dis- 
pensing milter is guilty of this action, and probably not 
in the las*t stages of amatory play, as he is then very thin 
and flat, with most intensified colors, and when so caught 
has almost invariably an empty stomach. 
I have observed the actions at the spawning beds a 
great many times, about the shores ot the lakes and 
ponds, in the late autumn on clear, still days, and in 
November and December through the ice. The latter 
observation is the most satisfactory, and is obtained by 
cutting a hole a foot or two square through over the 
spawning beds, which may be but two or three feet below 
the surface. By placing a blanket or two on the ice for 
reclining upon, and by placing another blanket over the 
head, shutting out tbe immediate light, the trout can be 
observed in full play. The disturbance occasioned by 
cutting and clearing out the hole is over in a few minutes, 
aud the trout below soon become entirely fearless. On 
some beds the spawuers seem to be witnout particular 
mates, having a half dozen or more cavaliers in attend- 
ance, whose amatory distractions do not seem to interfere 
with their appetites, and who indiscriminately make a 
grand rush for the egg as soon as deposited, and it may 
be that there are several spawning heaps or beds imme- 
diately adjoining and half a dozen spawners at work, at- 
tended by a dozm or more males, who apparently secure 
every egg for digestion. I have sometimes seen fifty 
and even a hundred trout thus congregated in an area 
not over 10ft. square, and in such close proximity that 
there was hardly any intervening space between them. 
The spawning beds are generally composed of a slightly 
raised mound of gravel ot two or three feet diameter; some- 
times the beds are on the cLan sand, without any coarse 
gravel whatever; sometimes among pebbles and a bottom 
grass. 
The spawning beds often receive a hard scouring for 
eggs after the spawning season is over. It is not uncom- 
mon in the late autumn before the ice makes over the 
deserted beds, near the shore, to find half a dozen speckled 
chaps digging over the bed for some egg which may have 
previously escaped observation. It is not uncommon to 
see them digging into the beds with their bills from a 
horizontal position and their tails frequently flapping 
above the water surface, which occasions the first observa- 
tion. Last of all comes the Chinaman of the lake, the 
sucker who works patiently at lower wages than the 
dominant race, who with his porcine snout makes havoc 
with the bed, and fairly roots it apart for the last linger- 
ing morsel which remains. 
Probably nine-tenths of the Rangeley trout spawn in 
still water, where a moderate freshening occurs from 
springs. The same quarters will be occupied year after 
year, unless physical changes occur. 
Nearly all the trout spawn between the middle of Sep- 
tember and the middle of December, although exceptional 
cases occur throughout the year, and there is no time dur- 
ing the year but what trout can be found in spawn in a 
form of more or less development. I have observed them 
spawning through the ice well into January, and not very 
long ago I caught a 7-pounder in the first part of August, 
which was full of ripe spawn, and dripping. This fish 
was caught at a depth of about 30ft. on a slow troll, with 
a heavy sinker, with a worm added to a No. 2 fly. 
TROLLING FOR SALMON. 
Seattle, Wash., Oct, 16. — Again I've heard tbe "jingle 
of the salmon spoon," this time very distinctly, for I was 
listening for it. The other day I shoved the old Siwash 
"canim" off of the float at the head of Elliott Bay and 
turned her head for Lake Union, on whose tule-ed margin 
my lodge is just now located. This meant a twenty-three 
mile trip by salt and fresh water for the day, and as silver 
salmon are just now disputing the right of way with the 
big steamboats in the sound, I thought perhaps one 
might run against a spoon if I had it overboard. After 
paddling half a mile I dropped the troll over and settled 
down to business. The line had hardly got the rheumatic 
kinks out of it before I felt something "tail on," and in 
about a minute I had a 5-pound salmon floundering 
around in the bottom of the dugout. He showed fight, 
but he was "small fry," I knew by the way he bit, so I 
just snaked him in without any preUminary foolishness, 
same a? a Siwash does. 
I struck and lost a pair before I got Five-mile Rock on 
the beam and then I struck one that I didn't lose. When 
he struck I stopped the paddle and the salmon stopped 
the canoe, then he had a three-ring circus all by himself 
for about ten minutes. He had 80ft. of braided linen 
line to go on and he used it. He went out of water the 
first move; shook his head like a terrier and made the 
spoon rattle and jingle like a set of sleighbells, then he 
started for Cape Flattery; and by the time I had 20ft. of 
line in, had veered round and had fairly good headway 
for Tacoma. I checked that plan too and I guess it made 
him mad, for he sulked for a few minutes and I hauled 
him, tail first, to within hailing distance. Then he made 
a rush and took out about 40 ft. of line again and shot out 
of water like a rocket; then I heard the spoon jingle 
again. He played horse for about fifteen minutes before 
I finally got him over the gunwale. He measured 2ft. 
Sin., and knew how to fight for his size too. From 
where I hooked him to the lighthouse was about four 
miles, and in that distance I hooked five more; but only 
got two as they seemed to be striking warily, and those 
I did get were only slightly hooked. 
Fishermen, that is net-fishers for the canneries, com- 
plain of a very small run of fish this year; but for those 
four miles the water seemed to be alive with fine ones; 
a.nd at no time while I was paddling that distance was it 
possible to look in any direction without seeing salmon 
jumping, and you were more likely to see a half dozen at 
once than only one. The three that I got while going 
through the school weighed lOlbs. each and measured 
alike 2ft. 5in. Those jumping seemed to be about the 
same size. I was not salmon fishing to be fishing, just 
merely dragging a trolling line because I could do so and 
not interfere with my journey, yet I caught four fine 
salmon within an hour and then quit, for I could not use 
more before they would spoil. They are royal fish and no. 
mistake, game every inch, and will fight you until gaffed 
just as sure as hooked. They will take a spoon every time 
it comes their way, and if you have a rod and line instead 
of an ordinary trolling line you will find out that a ten- 
pounder is no joke before he is brought to gaff. There 
are millions of them here every fall; and there is room 
for all the fishermen in the United States; so that devotees 
of the gentle art need not be backward in coming if all 
they want is a couple of thousand silmon for a few days' 
sport. If any of the family come this way I'll get a day 
off and go out with them, so they cannot miss the best 
fishing grounds if they will hunt me up. 
One curious thing I noticed about my four fish was that 
they had nothing in the stomach nor any sign of partly 
digested food. They had not touched fresh water yet and 
there is an abundance of food all through the sound. Now 
why should they have enTpty stomachs? 
Erratic Trout. 
Trout still bother me by being too erratic in their ways. 
For instance, two weeks ago I went out on the lake 
where about a dozen people were fishing, using salmon 
eggs for bait and getting good strings. I did likewise; 
that is, I got salmon eggs daubed all over me and man- 
aged to flim-flam one trout enough to get up on the 
wharf. All this was done in three hours' patient fishing 
in one of these affectionate wrap-you-in-a-wet-blanket 
rains which we brag about out here, keeping steady com- 
pany with us. A nice cool wind from the northeast con- 
sequently direct from the few thousand glaciers over in 
the Cascade Mountains ruffled the lake into white-plumed 
wrinkles. This kind of a layout had about used up my 
reserve supply of patience, when I concluded I'd try a 
spinner on the trout; so I cut a nice slice of chub, scales, 
glitter and all, and shaped it into a faint resemblance to 
a minnow by dint of artistic carving with my pocket- 
knife. A good many smiles were directed toward me, 
and inserting my hook I consigned it to the billowy 
dampness of the lake and started to troll it along near the 
surface. I had got only a decent start when a nice big 
trout hit the hook in a most provoking manner and just 
hung right to it. I had quite a seance with him before 
he quit and crawled into the basket. He weighed If lbs. 
In about an hour after that I took the car for home with 
eight of them "spooning it" in the wicker work, and 
nearly the same size, and all but one caught on a chunk 
of chub cut so it would spin. When I dressed them not 
a single stomach showed other food than salmon eggs. 
There I had fished all the forenoon, wasting a lot of valu- 
