SALMON INVESTIGATIONS IN COLUMBIA RIVER BASIN IN 1896. 
39 
During the winter months short periods of cold weather sweep over this part of 
the Northwest, but not sufficiently severe for ice to form in the main portion of Lake 
Washington. Occasionally skim ice appears on the margin of the lake in sheltered 
places covering small areas. 
Trials with gill nets and other apparatus . — On November 23 the first trial with 
gill nets for whitefish was made in 35 feet of water, 300 feet from the shore, at a point 
where it is said that an example of this species had been taken. Two nets were set, 
and remained down 48 hours. They were visited on three different occasions during 
that time, but no fish were found in them. The reason for setting nets in such 
shallow water for whitefish, was in compliance with a request made by the person who 
claimed to have caught a specimen on the above-mentioned ground in the fall of 1892. 
It was taken on a hook, which throws considerable doubt as to its being the true 
whitefish. So far as we have been able to learn no other specimen has since been seen. 
On November 24 three more gill nets were set about 1£ miles from first position 
on the south side of Union Bay. Here also whitefish had been reported. Depth of 
water, 15 feet; temperature of water at bottom and at surface, 45°; bottom muddy. 
These nets remained in the water three days, and were visited each morning. No fish 
were found in them. 
On November 26 three nets were set at the head of Union Bay, in 10 feet of water, 
close to the shore, where fish are said to be plentiful in summer; also two other nets 
near outlet or portage, about three-quarters of a mile farther south. In this place 
anglers have good fishing, and it was thought that if fish were running in any consid- 
erable numbers the nets would be likely to take samples of different species. The 
nets set at the head of the bay were taken up the following morning, nothing being 
found in them. Those set near the outlet remained down two days, and were visited 
each morning. The second morning one cut throat trout and one chub were taken 
from them. During the time the nets were down a number of cut-throat trout, chub, 
and suckers had been taken on hook and line. Sounding and collecting with surface 
tow net had also been carried on whenever the weather permitted. 
On November 27 three gill nets were set near the bottom, off the mouth of Union 
Bay, in 18 feet of water, bottom hard sand, where they remained two days. Nothing 
was found in them when taken up. It is reported that large numbers of fish pass over 
this ground, and it was thought that our efforts would be rewarded by a few specimens. 
The result of this trial indicates that at this season fish do not move in great numbers. 
The same nets were set in 96 feet of water about a quarter of a mile farther off shore, 
where the bottom temperature was 3° warmer than at last station. The nets were, 
as before, set near the bottom, but without result. Had whitefish or other species 
been traveling over this ground a few would have been captured. 
A small creek that flows into the head or western part of Union Bay was next 
investigated. This creek is said to abound with trout in summer and with redfish in 
early fall. The water in the upper part of the creek flows with considerable velocity 
over a gravelly bottom. It is from 4 to 5 feet wide in most places, and about 7 or 8 
inches deep; there are a few pools whose depth is nearly 2 feet. The creek is largely 
fed by seepage from the surrounding hills. At the time of our visit the weather was 
cold and the ground covered with snow, and in many places ice had formed. The 
stream empties into a marshy lagoon where it finds its way, through several smaller 
ones, into Union Bay. 
