DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES,

54
The Mission Point net was set in fishing order 9th June, capturing some ten fish
'the first night, proving as above stated, that the fish had been running in the river
in large numbers for some time previous. To further corroborate this statement, and
to prove that very often numbers of salmon enter and pass up the river in the early
part of May, when the ricers are swollen and filled with snow water, and impossible
to set out a net, and that in some instances they pass up while the ice is sti11 in the
river. In evidence of this theory, a short piece of net was set out between Oampbeliton
and Daihousie about 20th of May this season, and twelve fine salmon were
caught in it the first night. This is pretty good proof that many salmon pass up to
the spawning grounds at the head of the rivers before the nets can be safely set out.
The Government net at the camping island, owing to high water and strong
currents, was not placed in fishing condition until the 14th of June. This net by
special permission was kept et until the 1st of October, but only 13 fish were caught
in it during the month of August and three during the month of September.
The statement of parent salmon caught in the Government nets, and of those
purchased from neighboring fishermen is as follows
Net at Island from June 14th to October 1st 150
Mission Point set from June 9th to July 20th. 96
Purchased from W. Pratt 17
do Melvin Adams from 12th June to 12th July... 90
Total , 353
Some 30 of these fish died from fungus growth in the gills and other parts of
their bodies, where they were injured in the nets, and when conveying them to the
retaining pond.
Manipulation of Salmon.
The fish were caught in the reservoir and placed in the cribs on the 20th of
October, and operations continued until the 10th of November; 315 were found in
the pond, 160 males and 155 females, from which were collected l,5C0,000 eggs.
These ova were conveyed to the hatchery in scows and successfully deposited in the
hatching troughs without meeting with any loss, and at the present time they are
looking very healthy. I anticipate the hatching of a larger percentage than usual.
A number of the parent fish were retained a few days in the pond after being
stripped. They appeared as lively as possible when liberated. No loss occurred in
'the spawning of the fish or in conveying LhO ova to the hatchery.
Repairs to Retaining Pond.
Owing to the very high freshets in October, undermining and washing away
the banks of the narrow channel, in which the reservoir is built, it will be necessary
to construct two small piers or blocks to attach the wire screen net work to, and
hold it secure in time of freshets. The trees on the edge of the islands, which form
the creek or channel have heretofore supported the timbers, are now tumbling down
from the effects of the freshet, and will be unsafe to trust to in the future. The
work of building the piers can be done in the spring while the ice is still on the
river. In connection with this pond a reception house, 20 by 22 feet, was constructed
at the island during the past season for the convenience of the men, and for safety
from frost while spawning the fish, and packing the ova.
Jondition of the Hatchery.
All the trays and troughs were varnished during the past season and the lat
chery with all its appliances is in good working condition, and very little more
plant will be required for carrying on the work another season.
As regards the small artificial retaining pond at the hatchery, the bcvy fresbet
in October flooded the pond, and allowed all the young salmon that were in it to
escape. The water was so high as to overflow the whole flat, and was up to the
Iloor of the hatchery.