196 
BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES 
The statistics of the carp fisheries for Lake Pepin and Lake Keokuk since the erec- 
tion of the dam are somewhat difficult to interpret. Let us first see what has been the 
general history of the carp fishery of the basin over a considerable period of years. 
(Sette, 1925, p. 209.) The product of the carp fisheries of the Mississippi River and 
tributaries for various years was as follows: 
Pounds 
1894 1 , 294 , 843 
1899 11 , 868,840 
1903 12 , 270 , 346 
1908 10 30 , 670 , 000 
1922 20 18 , 338 , 371 
There is noted a progressive increase in the carp fishery of the basin up to 1908 
and a marked decline in 1922, even after discounting the figures of 1908 and 1922 
because of the unusual conditions prevailing in the Illinois River about 1908. 
Coming now to the consideration of recent statistics of the carp fishery of Lake 
Keokuk, there is found a great increase from 1914 to 1917 (from 302,000 to 762,000 
pounds 21 ), and a decrease of even greater proportions in 1922 (276,000 pounds), with 
a comparable yield in 1927 (291,000 pounds). The story is very similar to that of the 
buffalo fish in the same waters, except that the decline of the carp fishery was much less 
notable. Reference is made to the discussion of this question in connection with the 
buffalo fishes, page 193 above. It is the story in Lake Pepin that seems phenomenal. 
From 238,000 pounds in 1914 to 468,000 pounds in 1917 is not astonishing, but an 
increase to 2,579,000 pounds in 1922 seems to require explanation, especially as the 
catch in 1927 was but 615,000 pounds. 
It is always proper to inquire into the validity of such statistics, and, as the 
story told by the records of the carp fishery of Lake Pepin appeared almost incredible 
on its face, a special effort was made to check it by inquiries of fishermen and dealers. 
The information obtained was convincing as to its essential truth. Zack Nyhart, 
of Lake City, Minn., informed the author in 1926 that there had been great runs of 
carp in 1921 , 1922, 1923, and 1924, but few since. The crest of the run was, he thought 
in 1923. The last great haul of carp made by him was on July 30, 1924. Mr. Desch- 
neau, of Reed’s Landing, spoke of the “droves and droves” of carp of about 2}/£- 
pound weight seen in 1921 and immediately following years. He spoke of a single 
haul of 40,000 pounds taken in the lower end of the lake several years before (about 
1922). He told also of seeing from his garden one afternoon, a great mass of carp 
“breaking” the water between wing dams and moving upshore. Seines were gotten 
ready as soon as possible, but the carp had disappeared before he and his partner 
were ready. Other fishermen were more successful and made large hauls from the 
school. From these and other reports, it appears that for some unknown reasons 
19 15,400,000 pounds from Illinois River. 
20 6,434,539 pounds from Illinois River. 
21 That the greatly increased yield of carp in Lake Keokuk for 191? was not peculiar to that year is indicated by data secured 
from certain markets in 1916 and given below; The data of the column headed 1914 were obtained from manuscript records of the 
statistical agents who conducted the canvass for 1914. 
Locality 
1914, whole 
year 
1916, June, 
July, August 
Pounds 
22, 475 
63, 700 
81, 775 
Pounds 
92. 000 
132, 000 
50. 000 
