ACCLIMATIZATION OF FISH IN THE PACIFIC STATES. 
385 
The history of the introduction of catfish into the waters of Nevada is very 
interesting. It appears that in 1877 Mr. H. G. Parker, the State fish commissioner, 
obtained from the Sacramento River, California, a large number of “ Schuylkill” 
catfish (. Ameiurus catus ), which were deposited in Washoe Lake, the Truckee, Carson, 
and Humboldt rivers, and several sloughs, 25,000 yearlings being placed in the 
Humboldt alone. In all these waters the catfish rapidly became acclimatized, and in 
his report for 1879 and 1880 the commissioner states: 
Nothing can be more satisfactory than the evidence I have of the increase and growth of the 
several lots of catfish I put in Washoe Lake and Carson, Truckee, and Humboldt rivers. Washoe Lake 
is so fully stocked and the fish of that size and vigor that further experiments would he useless. Over 
one hundred a day have been taken by one fisherman, none less than 14 inches long, and weighing 
from 1 to 11 pounds. Of those planted in Carson River, at Schultz’s ranch, several have been caught 
at Woodfords, 30 miles up the river from where deposited, and others 60 miles down the river from 
place of deposit, the latter having passed through all the poisonous substances flowing into the river 
from mining operations. Advices from the Truckee and Humboldt rivers warrant me in reporting 
equally as favorably as from those planted in Washoe Lake, and with another year’s growth, or on 
the opening of the rivers in the coming spring, I have no hesitancy in stating that good and profitable 
fishing may be had. * * * In December, 1880, 1 distributed catfish in Washoe, Humboldt, Churchill, 
Lander, Eureka, Elko, Nye, and White Pine counties. * * * In all, I planted fish at 81 different 
places. Outside of the Truckee and Humboldt rivers, Pine Creek, and Newark Valley, the plants 
were in lakes, sloughs, streams, and larger springs, but in every place public waters. 
Iii the report of the Nevada commissioner for 1881 and 1882 it is stated that 2,000 
catfish were distributed in various waters in those years, and that the results had 
been marked in all the waters stocked, thousands of pounds of catfish beiug taken 
from Washoe Lake with hook and line in 1882. From the reports for 1883-84 and 
1889-90 the following extracts are taken, which refer to the value of the catfish in 
waters where better fish can not flourish and to the economic importance which the fish 
have attained in Nevada. 
From nearly every plant of catfish I have reports several times a year, and in every instance I have 
been complimented on the introduction of this very prolific and superior food-fish. Its hardy nature 
so well fits it for our saline and muddy waters, that in localities where the trout can not flourish this 
fish is sure to thrive and multiply far beyond any of our transplants. In Washoe Lake, Carson and 
Humboldt rivers, they are now found in such great numbers that anglers of all ages and sexes never 
abandon the pleasure until well-filled baskets and sacks mark the day’s sport. For two years the 
Carson and Virginia markets have been to a great degree supplied with these fish from Washoe Lake. 
They find a ready sale at the highest prices. It has been my custom, and I now have on hand over 
1,000 yearlings ready for distribution, in lots from 50 to 100 fish. The species of catfish herein 
mentioned were taken from the Schuylkill River, Pennsylvania, where it is unusual to find them to 
exceed 1 pound in weight, while in this State many are caught weighing over 2 pounds, thus showing 
the favorable results from transplanting fish. — (Report for 1883-84.) 
The introduction and planting of the Schuylkill River blue catfish by our first fish commissioner, 
Mr. H. G. Parker, was commenced in August, 1877, the first deposits being made in Washoe Lake, 
Carson and Humboldt rivers. In two years these fish had increased to such numbers that the com- 
mission was enabled to stock other waters from the supply furnished in Washoe Lake. Thousands of 
pounds have been taken annually for the last eight or ten years, every family living near these waters 
supplying their table for about seven months of the year, while the markets of Carson and Virginia 
cities, although receiving large consignments, find such large sale that their stock is exhausted long 
before the most desirable salt-water fish find a purchaser. Add to this the fact of the number engaged 
in fishing for the market, and it will be seen that an industry has been developed, not only giving 
employment to quite a number of men and boys, but furnishing a food-fish of a most desirable and 
salable quality, and this through the workings of the Nevada fish commission. — (Report for 1889-90.) 
E. C. B. 1895—25 
