DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES,

231
CB.AVEN P. 0., N.W.T., 31st December, 1888.
Mr. ALEX. MOQOEEN,
Inspector of Fisheries,
Manitoba and North-West Territories.
Siu,—I have the honor to submit a report on the fisheries of my district, Long
Lake, N.W.T., for the year ended 31st December, 1888.
The close seasons for whitefish and pickerel have been duly respected by our
settlers and fishermen, as well as the fishery regulations generally.
I am pleased to report an improvement in the catch of white and other fish a
compared with the previous year. During the months of March and April the yield
of whitefish was pa ticularly good and fishermen thus engaged satisfactorily
rewarded.
There were six outfits of white men engaged in fishing during the past year and
the aggregate of nets used by them was 41
The following statement is based on information gathered from the fishermen
and is as nearly correct as can be obtained :—
Pounds.
Whitefish 7,300
Pike ..... . 6,500
Pickerel 1,000
A considerable number of buffalo fish and suckers are taken from these waters.
The former is a coarse, unmarketable fish, though the Indians eat them and
consider them good food. The latter is a fair table fish but during cold weather
only.
Several families of Indians from Piapot's Reserve and the Touchwood Hills'
Agency visit Long Lake for the purpose of fishing.
They have had in use an average of 30 nets, and in the meantime angle exteii
sivoly for pike and pickerel. Their catch is as follows :—
Pounds.
Whitefish 2,500
Pike. . 11,000
Pickerel . .. 500
In my district over the Qu'Appelle River several dams have been built for the
jurpose of oveiflowing the water on the hay marshes.
They are all provided with sluices, and those owning them assure me they will
10t be closed to the obstruction of fish, i.e., during the season fish are moving in the
stream.
The whitefish of Long Lake seem a superior fish to those of the same species
from other waters, and to my mind, it is a matter of importance that they receive all
pcssible protection ; sud in this connection I beg to call your attention to the fact
that during the entire existing close season, nearly all the female whitefish taken
are full of spawn.
I would therefore strongly recommend a change that would more nearly accord
in principle with the object of a close season.
I have the honor to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
0. P. STONE,
Fishery Overseer for Long Lake and Eeighborhood.