California. Dept. of Fish and Game.
Biennial Report 1918-1920.
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California. Dept. of Fish and Game,
Biennial Report 1918-1920.
(bound volume)
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3-^1 California. Dept. of Fish and Game,
Biennial Report 1918-1920.
(bound volume)
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California Resources Agency Library
1416 9th Street, Room 117
Sacramento, California 95814
CALIFams'lA RESOURCES AGENCY LiBWr;Y
Resources Qvild'mfi, Rconi 1 .7
1416 - 9th Street
Sacramento, Ca!ifor«Ja
958T4
7857
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Fish and Game Commission
TWENTY-SIXTH BIENNIAL REPORT
For the Years 1918-1920
California State Printing Office
J. M. CREMIN, superintendent
Sacramento, 1921
r857
CONTENTS.
Page
FKOXriSPIECE -i
I.KTTVAl OK TKANSMnTAL •">
IX .MK.MOKIA.M 0
TWENTY- SIXTH r.IKXMAL llErOTlT 7
DEl'AKT.MKXTAL AM) DISTRICT KEPOKTS IG
Departnioiit of Flsliculturo 11'. If. Shehlcy 10
Di'partniput of Cominoifial I'ishories A". B. Scoficlil 54
liiiri'au of Education. I'uhlicity anil Research //. C. Enjaut TO
L(>;,'al Department /*'• />• />i'^c 8")
Wain- I'ullufion.- A. ^[. Foirfirhl 88
San Francisco District Office -/. i^- Unnier 80
Sacramento District Office flco. 'Scale 9.".
Ix).s Augcles District Office E. Hcddcrli/ 101
APPENDIX lis
Fish Distribution b.v Counties 118
California Fresh Fishery Products 128
Seizures of Fish. Game and Illegally Used Fishing Apparatus 135
Lion Bounties 13(5
Violations of the Fish and (Jamc I>a\vs 137
Hunters' and Anirlers' License Sales 140
Financial Statement 143
IJ; 1 TKR OF IRANSMITTAL.
San Francisco, California,
July ], 1920.
To His h\rc(}lrnr!i WiiJ.TAM 1). Stkpitens,
dorcnior of I In Shiff of Cdlifornin,
SdcrdHioito, ( 'dlifor)! i<i.
Sir: In aceordjince with section 382 of the Political Code of the
State of California we have the honor to submit for your consideration
the twenty-sixtli Iticnnial report of the Fish and Game Commission.
Herein you will find a complete record of the activities of this Com-
mission, for the period July 1, 1918, to June 30, 1920, together with
the financial statement covering the two fiscal years, showing the
receipts and expenditures for the biennial period.
The intimate details concerning the work of the different depart-
ments may be found in the reports of the several heads of departments.
We commend them to your careful perusal.
There has been no change in the membership of the Commission itself
l)ut a change was nuide in its Executive Officer, Mr. Charles A.
Vogelsang succeeding Mr. Carl Westerfeld to this important office on
the twenty-eighth of April, 1920.
Respectfully submitted.
(Signed) F. M. Xewbekt. Prcsidtni.
(Signed; .M. J. Connell.
(Signed) E. L. BosQUi.
Board of Fish and Game Commissioners.
By CuAS. A. Vogelsang,
Executive Officer.
IN MEMORIAM.
Romer I. Bassler, Foreman in Charge Klamath Stations.
(Died 191S.)
Mr. Bassler entered Hie employ of the Fish aud Game Commission iu
lOOS and was employed as a fishculturist and as an employee in the car
mcsseneer service until 1015. In 101.") he was appointed suporiutoudont of
I)istril)utiou Car No. 2, and served in that capacity until the spring of 1918,
when his health broke down, owins in a great measure to the arduous
duties of his position.
Frank Shebley, Superintendent Mount Whitney Hatchery.
(Died December 21, lOlS.)
-Mr. Shebley entered the service of the Fish and Gam? Commission in 1S04
aud was employed as fish oulturist for several years at the Tahoe and Mount
Shasta hatcheries. In 1S08, he was made superintendent of the Efl lliver
Hatchei-y. In 100.5, he accepted a position as fishculturist for the county
of Santa Cruz and established the Brookdale Hatchery, which he operated
until 1012, when the property was turned over to the State Fish aud Game
Commission under a lease. He was appointed superintendent of the new
Mount Whitney Hatchery in 1917, and investigated the lakes aud streams
of the southern Sierras.
O. H. Richling, Cashier.
(Died November 0, 1010.)
^Ir. Richling was appointed a special deputy October 24, 1903, in Amador
Count.y. On account of excellent work he was given a regular aiiix)intment
on ]March 24, lOOS, iu the Sau Francisco office. At the time of his death he
held I he very responsible position of ca.shier.
Frank Clessens, Assistant Mount Shasta Hatchery.
(Died November, 1010.)
yir. Clessens entered the service of the Fish and Game Commission iu
lOO:]. and was employed as carpenter and assistant in general work at the
Mount Shasta Hatchery from that date until his death. His services were
marked by the highest degree of loyalty and dependability. He was always
faithful in the discharge of his duties and was on hand nt any hour of the
night to see that everything was running properly.
Chester A. Scroggs, Deputy Fish and Game Commissioner.
(Died January 22, 1920.)
Mr. Scroggs was first appointed .Tune 19, 1908, with headquarters at
Ix)omis, Placer County. He was a fearless officer and made a most excellent
record during his twelve years of service.
Forest Nesbitt, Deputy Fish and Game Commissioner.
(l>ied March 5, 1920.)
Mr. Nesbitt was the son of Sheriff Nesbitt, who has been reelected many
times in Monterey County. He was in the service less than three years,
but during that time his devotion to his work made him a thoroughly
efficient officer..
TWENTY-SIXTH BIENNIAL REPORT.
The following review of the work of the Kisli and Game f'oinniission
during the past biennial period shows that it has been one of constantly
widening range in its activities, of increased results witli respect to
hatchery output and iinprovenuMits, nf higlio- scientific achievement
by our r<>niiiicrcial FisluM"ics l)c|»;iftiiiciit, ;iii(l a closer enforcement
of the fish ami name laws by our pati'ol i'orce.
Witli (lui- increasing population, wliiili includes a considerable alien
elemeiil, and the almost universal use ol" the automobile, oui- respon-
sibilities have been vastly increased.
]\rost of the alien class arrive here with but little regard for con-
servation laws, the result being that they are the chiefest offenders
to engage the attention of our patrol force. The use of the automobile
has given easy opportunity to hundreds of thousands to reach the
habitat of fish and game at any hour of the day or night, which renders
detection of violation much more difficult.
We believe there is no force of employees in any department of the
state who have shown more loyalty and faithfulness to their respective
tasks than can be found in the employees serving under this Com-
mission, regardless of the department in which they are employed.
This Commission was fully and creditably represented in the great
war. Happily every man who was privileged to go. returned safely
and found his position open for him. Those who. from various causes,
were unable to contribute their services to their country, bore heavy
burdens uncomplainingly at liome. This is the more remarkable
when it is remembered that in all the industries and every transpor-
tation line compensation had been almost doubled. Our employees
7'emained' faithful to their woi'k. with but an insignificant salary
advance compared with the much greater cost of living. This Com-
mission has therefore reason to feel proud of its loyal and devoted
workers.
A special page is devoted to the list of those of our force wlio died
in our ser.vice during the past two years.
Our Department of Fish culture has at its head ^Ir. W. H. Shebley,
who has been identified with the fishcultnral work of iho California
Fi.sh and Game Commission for upwards of tliirty years, and who is
regarded as one of the ablest and most successful fishculturists in the
United States. Combined with his practical judgment, Mr. Shebley
unites the results of his many years of experience and study of the
scientific side of all questions relating to fishculture. with special ref-
erence to salmon and trout propagation, and has furnished a report on
the details of his work that is worthy of careful consideration,
8 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
During the past biennial period sixteen hatcheries and six egg-
collecting stations have been in operation. From them a total of
34,000,000 trout fry have been reared and distributed — the greatest
number in the histor}- of the Commission in a like period. In addition
to the trout distribution a total of approximately 29,000,000 Chinook
salmon were reared and distributed in suitable places in the Sacra-
mento, Eel and Klamath rivers.
The outstanding feature in the work of this department has been
a greatly improved system of fish distribution, increase in the number of
and expansion of our pond system, for rearing both trout and salmon,
and the successful propagation and distribution of the golden trout,
considered to be the most beautiful of the trouts of the world.
Special attention is called to the color plate of a Loch Leven trout,
on our report cover. This hardy, gamey fish hails from the lakes of
Scotland. He has found a most congenial habitat in all of the colder
waters of this state, either stream or lake. There is no more valiant
fighter in the trout family, nor one whose food qualities are superior.
We have distributed upwards of four million Loch Leven fry in suitable
waters during the past biennial period, and desire that our people
become better acquainted with and more appreciative of his sterling
qualities.
Practically all of our hatchery stations are now provided with Ford
auto trucks, which are utilized in re-stocking streams in the vicinity
of the hatcheries or in other points remote from rail facilities. By
this method the fish can quickly be taken to the streams and properly
planted by trained men. Crews on our fish-distribution cars have been
increased in order that we may use trained men to accompany the
larger consignments from the railroad station to the waters that are
to be stocked, thereby assuring successful transportation and proper
distribution of the young fish.
A handsome new hatchery building, with four times the capacity
of the old one that has done duty for about thirty years, has been
completed on Lake Talioe near Tahoe City, and will be ready for
next season's operations. It is located about one mile north of the
old hatchery, where an abundant supply of water sufficient to main-
tain it at full capacity can bo had during the entire hatching season.
Some necessary work upon the grounds and ponds for fish displays
and a superintendent's cottage will be built in the spring and summer
of 1921.
Another entirely new hatchery site has been selected on the Kaweah
River, in Tulare County. Plans for the building are under way, which,
when completed, will be an important link in our chain of hatcheries,
enabling us to stock waters on the western slope of the Sierras to
REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 9
^renter ;i(lv;nita^:(' tli;m is possililc fi'Din citlici- llir Mount Shasta or
."Mount Wliitiiry liatclit'i-ics. 'I'liis hatchery is (■xix'ctcd lo Ix' in full
opofation fof ihi' lort hcoininu- ti'oiit season. 'I'he watei- fi^'hts have been
secured, th? supply unaranlei d, and il has been thoron<,dily tested by
the suceessful operation I'oi- the past two seasons of an experimental
hatcliery under eanvas.
Extensive repairs wliieh had been neiilected at the Mount Sha.sta
and Fall (Veek hateheries, due to wai- conditions, are now under way.
The eoming season will find these hatcheries fully equipped in all
respects.
MOUNT WHITNEY HATCHERY.
Inipi'ovenient wci'k has steadily j^-one on at the magnificent ]Mount
Whitney hatchery in hiyo County. The grounds and approaches
have been improved to match its general scheme.
Among the other five and one-half millions of trout hatched and dis-
tributed from the IMount Whitney Hatchery were 300,000 golden trout
during the past season, which were distributed under the direct .super-
vision of Commissioner Connell, into barren lakes and streams in the
southern Sierras. The location and water supply of this hatchery have
amply justified its selection as an ideal hatching and reai'ing place for
the rare and dainty trout of our southern Sierra, found in no other part
of the world, the golden trout.
FISHWAYS AND SCREENS.
Although the building of fishways has been retarded by the drought
of the past three years, in spite of it, remarkable progress has been
made. Surveys were made of 82 new fishways, practically all of which
have been constructed, the most important of them being the one located
on the American River, at the Folsom dam. The surveys, plans and the
construction of these ladders have been made under the constant super-
vision of deputy A. E. Doney, who has specialized in this work for more
than fifteen years.
Surveys and leual notices to install screens to prevent the loss of
young fish through irrigation canals and power wheels, have been made,
on 171 streams, ditches and canals, practically all of them now working
efifi( iently. This important woi-k is under the supervision of INIr. A. E.
Culver as screen inspector. In most cases our requests have been met
with ready compliance. In fact, there has never been a time in the his-
tory of the state when the conservation of our fish 1),\- installation of
screens and fishways has been needed more, owing to the constantly
increasing amount of watei- that is being diverted for agricultural and
industrial Durnoses.
10
FfEPORT OF Tin; FISIT AND GAME COMMISSION.
REPORT OP THE PISH AND GAMK COMMISSION. 11
COMMERCIAL FISHERIES.
Tliis department is under the immediate direction of Mr. N. B. Seo-
field, a trained scientist wlio has devoted twenty years to the service of
the state in the study, development and control of the commercial food
fish industries. lie is assisted by a thoroughly organized and efficient
office and patrol force, and also by a corps of able scientific investiga-
tors headed by Mr. W. F. Thompson. Highly important discoveries
have been made and valuable papers furnished, all tending to make of
this department one of the most important maintained in this class of
of work by any state or country.
Mr. Scofield's contribution to our report is a valuable document.
"We draw particular attention to that portion of it referring to the
operations of the canneries along our coast, with special reference to
the vexatious problems of fertilizer plants.
To assist in furtlier development of this work and to preserve the
valuable records and the statistical data already secured we have, with
the approval of your Board of Control, set aside $25,000 for the con-
struction of a fisheries laboratory to be located at San Pedro, adjacent
to the large fish canning establishments.
With commendable foresight the city of Los Angeles granted free of
cost a splendid building site for a period of thirty years, with the
privilege of renewal for a like period on the same terms. Plans are now
being drawn and we hope that this valuable addition to our scientific
work will soon be an accomplished fact and performing, under more
favorable conditions, still greater work than has been accomplished in
the past.
MOUNTAIN LION BOUNTIES.
The increasing number of does and fawns that can be seen in a day's
journey through the deer country, and which are being continually re-
ported by hunters and those living in the mountains, is conclusive evi-
dence of the wisdom of continuing to pay a bounty to encourage the
killing of these marauders, who not only prey upon deer of all ages, but
upon the farmers' livestock. He seems to have a fondness for colts,
calves, sheep or goats. This has been confirmed many times although
the presence of deer meat in the stomach contents strongly indicates
his preference.
The Commission began to pay the bounty in November, 1908, and has
to this time paid for the pelts and scalps of 3170 lions, all of which
were sent to this office accompanied by the applicant's sworn statement
showing where the animal was killed and by whom, and further sup-
ported by the signatures of two witnesses. In addition, the claim must
be accompanied by an account of the pursuit and killing, together with
12 REPORT OF THE PISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
such Other evidence as is acceptable to us to justify presenting the claim
to the Board of Control for approval.
There was a steady decrease from year to year in the number of
pelts received and claims presented, until a specially trained hunter
was employed. The largest number taken in any one calendar year
was 482 in 1908. For the calendar year 1918, 243 bounty claims were
paid, and for the calendar year 1919, 214 were paid. It was decided in
1917 to increase the bounty to $30 for the pelt of the female lion as a
further inducement to those living in the mountain lion country to hunt
them, as it requires trained dogs, as well as much patience and hard
rough work, to locate and finally tree them.
As the game refuges increased in number and shooting not being
permitted there, nor in the National Parks, the lions seemed to avail
themselves of those shelters. The Commission in 1918 decided to adopt
further measures and engaged the services of Mr. Jay C. Bruce, an
experienced mountaineer and lion hunter, the possessor of highly
trained dogs, to take up the work as a regular deputy and devote his
time especially to the refuges and parks, but also to respond to the call
from any section where lions were reported as doing damage.
The increased results have fully justified his employment, as in ad-
dition to the lions, he destroys all other predatory animals destructive
to game.
A page showing the total number of lions killed to January 1, 1920,
by counties, and for which the bounty has been paid, will be found in
the appendix.
ARRESTS AND FINES.
The w^ork of our patrol force is best shown by the official record of
its accomplishments, which clearly indicates that the work has been
thorough and far reaching; that it covers every class of offense relating
to the fish and game laws, and that it has reached into ever}^ corner of
the State. This statement is based upon the detailed history, shown in
our book of arrests and fines, of each case made.
Tlie number of arrests and amount of fines assessed upon oft'enders
during the biennial period is the greatest in tlie history of the Commis-
sion, totaling 1891 arrests and $49,426 in fines.
We do not claim that all violators of the fish and game laws have
been apprehended. The opportunities afforded through the now general
use of the automobile renders detection and capture more difficult. Our
force is placed at the same disadvantage thereby as our city and
county officers charged with the enforcement of other sections of the
Penal Code, but we do confidently claim that no other body of officers,
city, county or state, can show a cleaner record or a higher state of
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 13
efficiency. Their work is not measured by certain hours of the day or
night, but at all hours, in any weather, stormy or sunny, on the water
or in the field, or as conditions seem favorable to the law breaker.
We do recognize, however, a marked improvement in general public
sentiment towards the enforcement of the fish and game laws. Con-
victions by juries are no longer the exception. The attitude of
magistrates particularly in the interior of the state, is reflected by the
imposition of deterrent penalties.
Another hopeful sign is the courtesy shown, and assistance extended,
to our deputies throughout the state while in the discharge of their
duties.
THE UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE.
At this time, we desire to speak of the valuable assistance rendered
by the men of the United States Forest Service. Supervisor and ranger
alike have been of great assistance in this work. They have assisted our
deputies to the limit when necessary and many important cases were
unknown to us until the court records came in, showing that the arrest-
ing officers were members of the Forest Service. They have taken a
conspicuous part in the arduous work of distributing young trout in
remote waters.
They have also kept a watchful eye and reported on the conditions of
the streams as related to fishways and screens. Their intelligent coopera-
tion is deserving of your unqualified approval.
EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY.
We believe that nothing will develop public sentiment in favor of
fi.sh and game conservation more quickly and thoroughly than a prop-
erly conducted campaign of education and publicity. Your attention
is invited to the report of our Bureau of Education, Publicity and
Research, under the innnediate supervision of Dr. H. C. Bryant. A
perusal of this report will indicate how wide a field has been covered by
tliis liiifcaii ill |u-(>aching the gospel of conservation. Tt has reached uni-
versities and colleges, normal schools, high schools, grammar schools,
parents and teachers' associations, boy scout camps and other vacation
camps and mountain resorts of the state. The lectures are accom-
panied by motion picture films of wild life showing the home life of
game birds and mammals, and also one reel showing our hatchery
operations.
In addition, this bureau is charged with the responsibility of editing
and issuing our quarterly bulletin, "California Fish and Game/'
which was first issued in October, 191-1, and judging by the frequent
letters of approval coming to this office, has steadily grown in public
estimation.
14 REPORT OF THE PISII AND GAME COMMISSION.
It is becoming more and more apparent that the tremendous drain
upon our trout streams, due to the facilities of approach by rail
and especially ])y automobile, justifies us in urging that the trout
season be shortened at least one month throughout every district,
that the young fish planted each year may be given an opportunity to
reach a sportsman's size and permit seed enough to remain to insure,
if possible, reproduction of species.
We are also reminded by many sportsmen that owing to the unecpal
distribution of the deer in the state and the consequent stronger
attack on those sections of the state where deer are still numerous, that
the limit should be reduced to one buck per year. Whether such reduc-
tion shall be made at the forthcoming session of the Legislature is an
open question, but there can be no doubt that it must soon come.
We would favor some slight changes in the existing deer law with
respect to season, the evidence of which comes from those resident in
the respective sections where deer are found and whose judgment and
experience should, therefore, not be disregarded.
We receive suggestions of many sorts from different sections of the
state proposing changes in the fish and game laws. Some are entirely
of a selfish nature and would not treat with fairness, the neighboring
localities. We desire to be fair to all.
It is our endeavor to conserve the supply of fish and game of this
state for all of its people rather than to yield to the pressure of the
few in one section to the detriment of those in adjoining sections.
We aim to cooperate with each county to the fullest extent and give
careful consideration to their requests and to smooth out differences
that are more apparent than real. We acknowledge our obligation
to county officials of every class. Their support has been both cordial
and helpful. In fact, we recognize a decided gain with respect to the
general sentiment of the people regarding the observance of all
conservation measures pertaining to fish and game.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.
To many departments of the state do we acknowledge our indebted-
ness for courteous assistance and cooperation.
To the officials and subordinates of the American Express Company,
the Lake Tahoe Railway and Transportation Company, the San Fran-
cisco and Sacramento Railway, the Yosemite Valley Railroad Company,
the Sacramento Northern Railroad Company, we extend our thanks
for valuable assistance.
To the United States Bureau of Fisheries and assistants we acknowl-
edge our appreciation for hearty cooperation and assistance in salmon
culture.
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 15
To the United States Forest Service I'or ils valii.ililc .lid in \ho. en-
forcement oi" the fish and liaiiic laws and lilx'i'al cooperation in fisH^
(list fihidion.
We gratt'l'Mlly acknn\v]c(I<^-(' onr ohli^^-af ion to tlir I'niversity ■ 'p-.^-
California antl to Ldand Staid'oi-d .liinior I'liiversity for helpful
assistanee in investigations and in tlic sohition of difficult problems.
And especially do wc wish to cxpi'css onr appreciation to the thou-
sands of sportsmen, huntrrs and anglers alike, who are tihe main stay
of this organization in a (inaiicial sense, and who have by friendly
ath'icc and cooperation a.ssisted in cari-ying on this yreat work to its
present fu'^h standing ainon;:' the Kish and (Janie Conunissions of the
I'nited States.
2—7857
16
REPORT OF THE FigH AND GAME COMMISSION.
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REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF FISHCULTURE
The Honorable Board of Fish and Game Commissioners of the State
of California.
Sirs : We take pleasure in submitting for 3'our consideration a report
of the operations of your Department of Fisheulture for the biennial
period July 1, 1918, to June 30, 1920.
In previous reports submitted to your Honorable Board, this depart-
ment has called attention to the growing demand for trout fry for stock-
ing the streams and lakes of the state, due to the ever increasing num-
ber of anglers seeking recreation in every section where the sport of
angling is povssible.
With the advent of the automobile and the good roads movement, the
way has been opened, for one so inclined, to go in a few hours with
the greatest ease from the v'ery heart of our most closely settled com-
munities into the utmost reces.ses of our mountain fastnesses. And the
city dwellers have gone in a never-ending procession, literally by the
tens of thousands, from the opening day in the spring to the closing
of the fishing season on the approach of winter.
Sections of the state, in the most remote recesses of the high Sierras,
which but a few years ago could be reached only by pack trains with
the assistance of hardy mountain guides and days and often weeks of
travel, are now reached in hut a few hours from the main centers of
population, by automobiles, over some of the finest highways in the
world. There can be but one result from such a condition of affairs
and that is the practical destruction of fishing in the majority of the
waters of the state, unless the most stupendous efforts are put forth,
and at once, to conserve our game fishery resources and to increase
the extent of the operations of this department. Every effort has been
made within the past four years to keep pace with the demands of the
situation, but war and post-war conditions have seriously handicapped
us in accomplishing our objective. During the war period it was impos-
sible to attempt any construction and improvement work on account of
scarcity of labor and materials, therefore, it wa,s not until the spring
of 1919 that we were enabled to proceed with our plans for constructing
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 17
new hatcheries and egjjj collecting stations and ciilai-j^ing and modern-
izing our older plants, i)ropcM'ly fitting them with egg collecting equip-
ment and providing suitable (juarters and accommodations for the
men engaged in carrying on the work. We now feel that we are
equipped to handle the situation in the future to far better advantage
than we have been able to during the i)ast two years.
There are now in operation sixteen hatcheries, the nuijority ol' whicli
are also equipped to carry on e^iig collecting operations, and in addition
thereto, six egg collecting stations. AVitli this equipment we are con-
fident that we will be ai)le to keep pace with the demands for trout fry.
A vast improvement has l)e('n tiijidi' in our system of fish distril)ution
from tlie various hatcheries and witli tlie fish distributing cars. The
more inqiortant of our hatcheries are now provided with small auto
trucks, which in addition to being of great assistance in carrying on
all regular operations, are used very extensively in connection with
distributing the fry in the localities in which the stations are located.
The fish are taken out during the proper season, a few cans at a time,
and are carefully planted by our own men, who are skilled in this
line of work. Local sportsmen and i)rominent citizens of the various
communities are cooperating in stocking the streams, to a greater
extent than in previous years, for the people generally are coming to
realize the importance of maintaining the fish in their streams as an
attraction to lure the people into the healthful recreations of the wilds.
The crews on our fisli distribution cars have been increased to permit
our messengers to accompany as many as possible of the larger consign-
ments of fish from the point of delivery to the streams, where the
transportation and planting of the fish is at all difificult, and when the
applicants are inexperienced in fish planting. ]Many of them are
experienced in the work and no assistance from this department in the
actual planting work is necessary. Many of the deputy fish and game
wardens are also cooperating with the department and the applicants,
as are also a great many of the United States Forest Service Rangers
who have had experience in planting fish. The result, of this policy,
and new system of trout distribution, is that a far greater proportion
of the fish survive. Then too, with the better methods of planting and
the ever increasing number of experienced men engaged in the work,
the fish are better "scattered" and receive a much wider distribution
than formerly.
TROUT.
For the biennial period, a total of ;J-1,000,000 trout fry were reared
and distributed in the waters of California. This is the greatest number
of trout fry ever distributed by the Couunission in a like period.
Although nuich has been acconqilished in the distribution of trout
fry, it is impossible to keep the streams in the more easily accessible
18
REPORT OP THE PISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
regions stockctl to llit- satisuictioii oi' the majority of the anglers, as
the open season is too long. The trout fry do not have a chance to
grow. Fi-y phuitcd diiiiim tlir simniicr and early fall are caught the
next spring, wIkh they are not over four or five inches in length. The
growing season in tlie Sierra Nevada taimc — wlicre the great majority of
the stocking streams and lakes are situated — is during the spring, sum-
mer and fall. Ti-out do not make much of a growth during the cold
stormy weather of nudwiuter. To give the trout fry a chance to grow
and the adult fish to propagate, the season sliould be shortened at least
M'^^4k -! ,
Fig. .j. Sis.son Lake, one of the three large salmon rearing ponds at the Mount
Shasta Hatchery. Photograph by Homer Marston.
one month in the spring and one month in the fall. Five months out of
the year should be ample time for the anglers to enjoy the privilege
of taking trout.
There are streams in the Sierra Nevada ^Mountains in which there
are very few breeding or adult fish left. The anglers fish some of the
easily accessible streams until the only fish left in any great numbers
are the fry that have been planted the season before. They cannot
take all of the large fish out of a stream and expect to have good fish-
ing. If the open season on trout is shortened to five months, the
results will be apparent in several ways. The number of fish taken
will be reduced. The fry will have a chance to grow during the spring
and fall when there is an abundance of natural food, and the adult
fish will be protected during the breeding season. The rainbow, black-
spotted and steelhead species spawn in the spring, and the Eastern
brook. Loch Leven and German brown trout, in the fall. Thus there
REPORT OP THE FI.SH AND GAME COMMISSION.
19
will be an increase of natural propajration, and the fry from the natural
propagation, as well as from the li.itchcries, will have a chance to live
and grow to a larger size. And the anglers w ill liavc in turn a better
sized fish to catch.
CHINOOK SALMON.
The propagation of Chinook saliiKui lias engaged the attention of
this dcpai-tinciit as in foriin'r years, and while no radical change in
method oi- policy has been made, there has been a steady improvement
in the work. The policy of holding and feeding a large number of
salmon fry in the big salmon rearing j^onds at the Mount Shasta
KlG. 4. l-v.-l Ki, ;, .1 ;,!.' iii.iiith i.f I'.irt Scwar,! ('i. .-U, -Ii.iwjiil; I:-- ■ \tremely low
water level on February 2.3, 1920 — the lowest on record. Low water prevents the fish
from reaching their spawning grounds. Photograph by M. K. Spaulding.
Hatchery throughout the summer months, and releasing them during
the fall when conditions are propitious for their journey to the sea, has
been strictly adhered to.
The major portion of our Chinook salmon eggs has, as in years past,
been received from the United States Bureau of Fisheries' stations at
^rill Creek and Battle Creek, tributaries of the Sacramento River.
All rights to the use of their old station at Klamathon on the Klamath
River, in Siskiyou Count}', were secured from the Bureau of Fisheries
and this hatchery has been operated for the past two years. The first
season we were not properly prepared to conduct operations and only
20 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION,
a small number of eggs were taken. Last fall a fine take of eggs
was procured and the number received would have been much greater
had it not been for the drought, which extended all over the state
and materially interfered with the extent of our egg collecting
operations. A portion of the salmon eggs taken at Klamathon Hatchery
are hatched and the fry reared at the new Fall Creek Hatchery. Here
a large number of the ivy are held in ponds during the summer and
released in the Klamath river as fingerlings during the fall months.
A total of approximately 29,000,000 Chinook salmon were reared and
distributed in the Sacramento, Eel and Klamath rivers during 1918-
1919.
We desire to call particular attention to the salmon run in the Sacra-
mento river. It is threatened witli extermination if measures are not
taken in the immediate future to increase the pond rearing system on
the Sacramento River. Fully 80 per cent of the natural spawning
grounds of the Sacramento River basin have been destroyed by the
mines, and dams constructed for the purpose of generating electricity,
and by the diverting of water for irrigation purposes.
The salmon rearing ponds at the Mount Shasta Hatchery will soon be
inadequate to keep up the supply, and if the Iron Canyon Project is
completed, according to the plan of the promoters, all of the salmon fry
will have to be hatched and reared below Red Blutf .
The run has been broken at Redding by the construction of the dam
diverting the water into the canal of the Anderson-Cottonwood Irriga-
tion District. At the time the dam was built during 1916-1917, we
had an understanding with the engineer in charge of the District,
that the dam was not to be raised above a certain level. This would
allow all the salmon to pass the dam and proceed on their way up the
McCloud and Pit rivers. - Tliis would allow natural propagation in the
Pit River and the Bureau of Fisheries could collect the eggs from the
salmon that entered the McCloud River at Baird Hatchery and hatch
and rear them as in former years.
In spite of the heavy drain on the fish in Monterey Bay and else-
where in the ocean and in the Sacramento River, the salmon culture
operations, as carried on by the Bureau of Fisheries and the State Fish
and Game Commission, kept the run of salmon up without an appreci-
able decrease until the last two or three years. But recently the large
number of salmon taken in Monterey Bay, the fishing areas oif the coast
of Fort Bragg, and the fishing in the lower river, combined with the
number speared during the so called closed season on the upper reaches
of the river, have made a material reduction in the number of adult
salmon and effective measures must be taken without delay to save the
salmon that are the output of the Sacramento River system. The low
water in the river caused by the diversion of the water to the rice fields,
REPORT OF THE FISU AND GAME COMMISSION. 21
and its contaminated condition, has a tendency to prevent the salmon
from passing up the river. Th(^ water that returns from the rice
fields is full of organic matter anil the gases formed by the decomposi-
tion is deleterious to all fish life. In our opinion a careful study of this
condition should be made next season with the object of determining
the actual facts.
"We respectfully recommend that the Legislature stop all nuirket
fishing for salmon above the City of Sacramento and make a closed
season off the coast of Fort Bragg and in Monterey Bay so that at least
one-third less salmon can be taken during the season along our coast.
The dates for the closed season on the Sacramento River and in Monte-
rey Bay, and along the the coast where the salmon fishing grounds are
located, should be arranged from data collected by the Department of
Commercial Fisheries and the Department of Fishculture, so that
the best results may be obtained. Further experiments should be car-
ried on, at the Chico Experimental Station where the Fish and Game
Commission has procured a lease from the City of Chico on Big Chico
Creek in the Bidwell Park. These experiments should include the rear-
ing of salmon fry in ponds, so that if the Irc«i Canyon Project is com-
pleted, the Commission will be in a position to save the salmon of the
Sacramento River by a pond rearing system.
The installation of the dams in Pit River by the Pacific Gas and
Electric Company to generate hydro-electric power will destroy that
stream as a natural breeding ground for salmon. If work is begun on
the Iron Canyon Project in the next year, the power company should
be forced to erect a salmon hatchery and rearing ponds on Pit River
to propagate the salmon that their project will destroy. This should be
taken up at an early date and every effort made to save the salmon.
The last of the salmon breeding grounds on the San Joaquin will
be destroyed this season by the completion of the Kerckhoff dam and
powerhouse by the San Joaquin Light and Power Company. The water
wall be diverted through a tunnel 17,000 feet in length that will dry up
about 12 miles of the river bed as well as prevent any salmon from
ascending above the dam. A survey of conditions on the San Joaquin
River has been made and an estimate of the number of breeding salmon
that pass the Mendota Weir, about 50 miles below the Kerckhoff dam,
is in preparation. A survey has been made for a fishway over the new
^Mendota Weir that is now under construction. This will allow the
spring run of salmon to pass on up the San Joaquin River to a point
where the large irrigation canals take the water out of the river. These
salmon ascend the river during May, June and the first part of July.
In the foot hills near Friants they congregate in the large pools and
remain until such time in the fall as the temperature is right for them
to spawn, then they ascend the river into the gorge of the San Joaquin
22 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
River where they spawn during the fall. This is the result of our obser-
vations and data gathered from the residents and deputies who have
lived in that vicinity for years. If such proves to be the facts, the
only way to save the remainder of this run of fish is to establish an
egg collecting station near the Kerckhoff powerhouse, collect the eggs,
and transfer them by truck to Powerhouse No. 1, a distance of about
seven miles, and there hatch and rear the fry in ponds. The fry
should then be held until the following spring, or it may be necessary
to hold them in the ponds for 16 months, until the following spring
after they are hatched, and then release them in the river during flood
periods before the large canals are opened for the season's operations.
If the water is turned in the large canals before the fry are ready to
be released or the water is not turned off from the large canals during
the winter and early spring, the fry would have to be transported by
truck down the river to where they could be distributed below the canal
systems. All this work should be forced on the power companies. They
construct impassable obstructions in our rivers and streams in the
shape of dams and diverting tunnels and canals without regard to the
enormous destruction of the runs of commercial fishes. The Legislature
should enact laws at once, compelling the power and irrigation com-
panies to erect hatcheries and pond rearing systems, when in the judg-
ment of the Fish and Game Commission it is deemed necessary to do so,
and to furnish the funds to the state for the maintenance of these
hatcheries.
There has been no effort on the part of some of the power companies
and irrigation districts to repair any of the damage that they are doing
in destroying a valuable source of food supply for the people. While
they are developing properties that are essential to the development
and growth of the state, they should at least be compelled to maintain
the run of eommercial fishes that they destroy in so doing, when it can
be done easily and at a nominal cost.
Some of the corporations have cooperated with us to the very fullest
extent possible in this work, but others have consistently opposed or
evaded our efforts to conserve our commercial fishes.
The eommercial fish interests should wake up to the fact that their
valuable business is being destroyed to create another industry, and
everyone should assist the Fish and Game Commission in saving this
important food supply before it is too late.
MOUNT SHASTA HATCHERY.
During the biennial period there were distributed from the Mount
Shasta Hatchery a total of 14,948,000 trout fry. A small portion of
these fish were distributed in local' streams from the hatchery, but the
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 23
greater number of them were shipped away in the two fish distribution
cars to other sections of the state.
While the department is operatin<? a total of twenty-two hatcheries
and egg collecting stations in various sections of the state, the greater
portion of the streams are stocked with tT-out fry from the ^Fount Shasta
iratchery. It is at this station tliat llic ciilirc supply of brood stock is
held in artificial ponds, which furnishes all of the Eastern brook, Loch
Leven and Brown trout fry. A small stock of rainbow breeders is also
carried at this liatchery. Under this system there is assured a never
failing supply of trout fry, no inatter to what extent adverse climatic
conditions may afit'ect tlic collecting of eggs from the wild fish in the
streams ;in(] lakes on which our egg collecting stations are located.
Especially during the past two seasons when our take of eggs from the
wild trout fell far below normal, on account of the extreme drought it
lias Ix'cu a source of gratification to this department to know that the
breeding stock in the jMount Shasta Hatchery ponds could be relied
upon to furnish at least a fair number of fry, all of desirable species,
for keeping our streams stocked.
We believe that the general public does not sufficiently appreciate
our accomplishments in this line of work. Even the applicants, with
whom we are more closely in touch, are so accustomed to having their
requests for thousands and tens of thousands of trout fry met annually,
and substantially as requested, that they little realize all the Avork and
jdanning it takes to produce the fish.
]\[ount Shasta Hatchery was established in 1888. The equipment
consisted of a single building 40 feet by 60 feet with a capacity of 44
hatching troughs. The output of fish during the first few years was
l)ut a few hundred thousand fry annually. Today the station covers
seventeen acres of land, practically every foot of which is utilized.
There are five large hatchery buildings located on the site with a
combined capacity of 450 hatching troughs, capable of handling at least
10,000,000 trout fry annually. Other buildings consist of a superin-
tendent's residence, cottages for the foreman and assistants, barn, sheds,
garage, spawning house and kitchen for the preparation of the fish food.
There are 50 large rearing ponds, where the breeding fish are retained,
nurseries for the young fish, etc. In addition to this equipment the
Commission has leased outside the grounds, but within a radius of
a quarter of a mile of the plant, three large ponds which are used for
rearing salmon fry. The capacity of these ponds is 3,000,000 fry.
A one and a half-ton truck is used for hauling materials and supplies
from the town of Sisson, which is one mile distant, and for hauling fish
and eggs to and from the trains.
24 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
During the past year a great deal of repair and improvement work
has been undertaken, the most important accomplished being the instal-
lation of new hatching troughs in "Hatchery A." The entire station
is in first class shape.
By far the greater portion of the salmon cultural operations of the
department are carried on at ]\rount Shasta Hatchery. During the bien-
nial period a total of 23,363,000 Chinook salmon were reared and dis-
tributed from j\Iouut Shasta Hatchery. Of this number a little over
16,000,000 have been distributed in the upper reaches of the Sacra-
mento and Klamath rivers during the spring and early part of the
summer, and the balance of over 7,000,000 have been reared in the three
salmon rearing ponds above referred to through the summer months.
The fry have an abundance of natural food in these lakes and an
unlimited flow of pure, cold, mountain water. They are also fed on
artificially prepared foods.
The conditions under which the fry are reared are ideal and when
the season is favorable for their release into the streams after the first
fall rains, they are in most excellent condition for their long journey
to the sea.
Located as it is at an altitude of 3500 feet above sea level on the
southern slope of Mount Shasta and in the heart of Strawberry Valley,
with a wonderful supply of pure cold water, as well as being within
a mile of the main line of the Southern Pacific Railroad, which is but
a couple of hours by rail from the rainbow trout egg collecting stations
on the Klamath River, Mount Shasta Hatchery is ideally situated. It
has a capacity for handling not only the bulk of trout fry which can
be transported to practically every section of the state at a compara-
tively moderate cost with a minimum loss of fish, but is capable of
also rearing a sufficient number of salmon fry to maintain the salmon
run in the Sacramento River.
KLAMATHON HATCHERY.
In order that the run of Chinook salmon in the Klamath River might
be properly maintained, it was deemed essential that the department
increase the extent of its operations with reference to this locality.
For many years past the Klamath River has been stocked each season
with Chinook salmon fry, the supply being principally obtained from
eggs taken from the Sacramento River. The United States Bureau of
Fisheries had operated the egg collecting station at Klamathon and the
eggs here taken were mostly shipped to Sisson. where they were hatched,
reared, shipped back and planted in the Klamath River. The Bureau
also hatched some fry at Klamathon and these fry were planted early
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 25
in the spring. However, the station was not well equipped for general
operations and the water supply was poor and uncertain and conse-
quently the extent of the operations was limited and the results
ohtained far from adequate. After careful deliberation, it was decided
that some radical clianirrs in the nictliod of sto('l\ing the Klamath River
nuist l)e undertaken. Tlie matlcr was taken up with the Bureau of
Fislieries and they very kindly agreed to turn the station over to us
and donated the use of most of their equipment, buildings, etc.
In our repoi't of 1918, mention was made of the provisions of the
l;i\v i'(M[uii'iiii;- llic owners of dams to erect hatcheries in lieu of fish-
ways, when in the judgment of the Fish and Game Commission the
dams are too higli for the successful operation ©f a fishway or for other
reasons it is deemed best to establish hatcheries below the dams for the
propagation of any species of fish that may be obstructed in their
movements l)y the dams. In accordance with the provisions of this
act, arrangements were made witli the California-Oregon Power Com-
pany to erect a good hatchery and cottages for the help at Fall Creek,
and to establish racks and an eg(^ collecting station at Klamathon for
the purpose of collecting salmon eggs from the salmon that could not
i-eaeh the spawning grounds on the upper reaches of the river, because
of the high dam constructed by tlie California-Oregon Power Company.
The racks at Klamathon are well constructed. The plans for the
racks and buildings were furnished by the Department of Fishculture
and our employees had the supervision of the work. The egg collecting
station at Klamathon and the Fall Creek Hatchery were built by the
power company at an expense of over $20,000.
Construction of the racks was l^egun during the fall of 1918, and was
finished in time to secure a small number of salmon eggs. Under our
plan of operation it was decided to take the eggs at Klamathon Station
and ship them to the new Pall Creek Hatchery, Avhich was under con-
struction at the same time, where they would be hatched, reared and
planted in the Klamath River and tributaries. Nearly a million Chinook
salmon eggs were secured during the fall of 1918. Early in September,
1919, a crew was put to work at Klanuithon Hatchery and everything
was put in excellent shape for the season's operations. The season
jiroved to be very unfavorable for egg collecting operations. The fall
i-ains came unusually late in the season and were insutfieient to raise
the Klamath River lo h'vds necessary for a good run of fish. However,
we were fairly successful and secured 5,000,000 eggs before the run was
finally over. Should next season be favorable for salmon egg collecting
operations, dnublo tliis number will undoubtedly be secured.
26 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
FALL CREEK HATCHERY.
As above mentioned, the Fall Creek Hatchery was constructed and
paid for by the California-Oregon Power Company in lieu of construct-
ing a fish ladder over their dam at Copco in the Klamath River.
A site on Fall Creek, a tributary of the Klamath River, at a distance
of sixteen miles from the town of Hornbrook and along the line of
the old Klamath River railroad was selected. A substantially con-
structed hatchery building, with a capacity of one hundred hatching
troughs, a cottage for the foreman and living quarters for assistants
comprise the equipment. The hatchery, completely equipped for fish-
cultural operations and with a capacity sufficient to adequately take
care of requirements in that section, was completed and ready for
operation in the spring of 1919. The Chinook salmon eggs, taken at
the Klamathon Hatchery during the previous fall, were hatched here
and the fry reared for distribution in the Klamath River and tributaries
during the spring and summer of 1919.
Five hundred thousand Chinook salmon fry were planted during the
early spring months and a large pond was constructed in which were
held and reared, to the fingerliDg stage, 648,000 fry. They were released
in the stream during the months of October and November. In addition
to handling the salmon work during the season of 1919, 670,000 rainbow
trout eggs were received from the Bogus Creek Station that spring and
were reared and planted in the Klamath River, above and below the dam
and in tributary streams, during that summer. A large portion of the
rainbow trout eggs taken at the Bogus Creek Station are immediatelj^
transferred to the Fall Creek Hatchery, where they are "eyed" and
later all surplus eggs over and above the amount required for stock-
ing the Klamath River are shipped to other stations to be hatched and
reared for general distribution.
BOGUS CREEK STATION.
For a number of years rainbow trout egg collecting operations have
been carried on in the Klamath River section by trapping the spawning
fish as they ascend Bogus Creek and Camp Creek. The racks, traps
and holding tanks in botli oi these creeks were in a very poor state of
repair and accordingly, during the fall of 1919, the old egg collecting
plant was removed and new equipment installed.
Spawning operations at these two creeks are carried on by the same
crew, as they are but a short distance apart. Bogus Creek being on one
side of the Klamath River and Camp Creek a short distance above on
the opposite side of the stream. Accordingly, the two camps are oper-
ated under the name of Bogus Creek Station.
In the spring of 1918, 2,000,000 rainbow trout eggs were collected
from this station and in 1919, 2,500,000 were taken. During the spring
REPORT OP THE PISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 27
of 1920, we procured over 2,()00,000 o<;(,'s from tliis station, despite
tbe extreme (lrou(?lit and uii favorable weather conditions, whicli
()l)taiiic'd Ihiouj^luMil the state. The success of our operations at this
statiuii tliis season was due to the installation of the lU'W equipment.
The eytrs were shipped to Fall Ci-eek llatcher>- aiul to Mount Shasta
Jlateliery. where they wei"e "eyed"" and reaied I'oi' dist I'ihiit ion thi-(Mmli-
out dilt'erent sections of the state.
HORNBROOK STATION.
TTonihi'ouk Station, which is lo;;ited on Cottonwood Creek, near the
town of llornbrcok, Siskixoii ("minty. prodnced Tiri.OOU rainbow trout
egj^s in the spi'ini;' of l!)lli and this nuiiiher i-oidd have been materially
increased had tlie racks been i)la;cd in the sti'eani lower down and had
we been better e(|uipped for eji'u' collectini;' oi)erations.
A cai'd'ol iii\-esl illation of Cottonwood Creek with I'eferenee to
the collecting of rainbow trout eggs was made during the spring and
early summer of 191!). A lease for a new site was obtained from Mr.
.Marshall Horn and a permanent system of racks was installed therein
to ti-ap the spawning tj-out as they ascend the stream. A new and larger
holding tank for the fish was also installed and with the new equip-
ment it was possible to obtain 1,600,000 trout eggs in the spring of
1920. These eggs were shipped, as soon as taken, to the IMount Shasta
llatehery.
MOUNT WHITNEY HATCHERY.
The IMount Whitney Ilatchei-y. which is located near the town of
Independence, Inyo County, and which was completed in the spring of
liMT. lias been operated each season to better advantage. This hatchery
has the most extensive and complete ecpiipment of any of our station.-
and the results obtained, especially during the past two years, have
demonstrated the success of the hatchery. The trout fry produced at
this hatchery are larger and more vigorous than those of any other
hatchery. This condition is due to the wonderful supply of pure, cold
water with which the hatchery is supplied from Oak Creek, and to the
fact that the fishcidtural equipment is superior to that of any other
station. While it is true that the station is located at a considerable
distance fi-om some of the Southern California and San Joaquin Valley
sections, Avhich receive their supply of trout therefrom, the transporta-
tion facilities are very good, the fi-aiiis being run on schedules which
permit of the fish being delivered to the applicants within but a very
short time of their leaving the hatchery. Consequently, the fry are in
the very best possible condition when planted in the streams. While
it may appear, to one not familiar with the existing conditions, that
the distribution of the fish from IMount Whitney Hatchery is more
28 REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
expensive than from other stations, on account of the hi«!:h rate of fares
from Mojave to Owenyo, the very reverse is true; for the
trips of our distribution car are all comparatively short ones and we
are enabled to complete the distribution work within a short time,
which materially lessens the cost of distribution. But the most import-
ant feature of the advantage to Southern California of this hatchery
is the excellence of the fry produced. They are truly wonderful fish
and the advantage to the southern waters of our planting such fry is
really inestimable.
During the biennial period, we distributed a total of nearly 5,000,000
trout fry from Mount Whitney Hatchery. The most interesting work
undertaken at this station during the two years, from a fish cultural
standpoint, has been the propagation of golden trout, obtained from the
Cottonwood Lakes Station. The propagation of this species is very
difficult owing to the weakness of the embr^'os. The eggs are fertilized
with but an ordinary loss, but the embryos hatched seem to lack vitality
and it is only by exercising the greatest care and patience in handling
the eggs during incubation and in caring for the embryos, tliat the
fry survive at all. However, golden trout are being successfully reared,
and some very excellent results are expected from the stocking of the
streams and lakes of the southern high Sierra, in which section con-
ditions are propitious for the successful development of this species.
Owing to the failure to collect the usual number of eggs this spring,
we were not able to carry out the plans of stocking all the barren lakes
and streams of this region this season, but plans are being made to
carry on the work next season. A well equipped pack train in charge
of an experienced fish planter will be placed in charge of the work.
This is an important work as it will stock the barren waters in advance
of the army of anglers that each season advance farther into our moun-
tain regions in search of sport and recreation.
The work of improving the grounds around the hatchery has been
continued and the gardens are beginning to show the results. A large
pond has been constructed, in which there are a number of adult trout
of different species. Surrounding the pond are extensive lawns and
beautiful flower gardens, roadways, paths, etc. The shrubs and trees
set out a year ago last spring are thriving exceptionally well, and the
time is not far distant when the Mount Whitney grounds will take rank
with some of the finest garden spots of the state.
COTTONWOOD LAKES STATION.
As above stated, the propagation of golden trout fry for the stocking
of streams and lakes of the southern high Sierra, has engaged the atten-
tion of the Department for the past two years. The eggs of this
variety are obtained ])y trapping the spawners as they ascend the
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
29
streams flowing into Cottonwood Lakes. These operations are carried
on under extreme difficulties. The fi.sli commence "running" as soon
as the ice on the hikes commences to break up in the spring, which is
generally during the middli' of June. 'Hie remoteness of the site of
operations from railroatls, highways or, indeed, any human habitations,
the high altitude, and prevalence of snow .storms, make the trip into
this remote section at this season of tlic year actually dangerous at
times. Nevertheless the work has been continued and crews have gone
into the "lakes" each season and successfully accomplished their mis-
sion. Five Inuidrcd tliousnnd eggs were taken in the spring of 1918,
and in 1919, nearly a million eggs were procured. Immediately after
each spawning pack trains were started out to take the eggs to the Mount
Wliitney Hatchery where they were hatched and reared. The Cotton-
wood Lakes Station is being opened up again this season and about
three quarters of a million eggs will be taken, if conditions are
favorable.
Fig. .5. On the way to tlie Rae Lakes Kg^-coUectins; Station, on June 7. 1920. It
takes ingenuity and hard work to reach seme of the spawning stations. Photograph
by G. McCloud Jr.
RAE LAKES STATION.
The Rae Lakes Station was established during the late spring of 1917
and operated that season. At the site of operations the altitude is 10,500
feet above sea level. It is a beautiful cliain of lakes set in the heart of
the high southern Sierra in Fresno County, and is well stocked with
rainbow trout. To reach the site in time to trap the fish as they enter
the streams to spawn is extremely difficult. The trip into the lakes must
be made via Oak Creek pass at an elevation of over 11,000 feet. There
are few trails and one must make the trip through the blind mountain
30
REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
Fig. 6. Shoveling snow to release a pack animal on tlie Rae Lake trail, June 9,
1920. Crossing the Sierras in summer is not always an easy thing. Photograph by
G. McCloud Jr.
passes over great depths of snow. Severe snow storms in this section,
even in June when the fish are spawning, are frequent. Even when
the days are clear and warm, the nights are freezing cold and the
.journey through the passes is at best a difficult one, taxing the strength
Fig. 7. Spawning lainbow Irout at the Umc i.;ik'-s i<;gg-.'(illc(t iiig Station.
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
31
and resourcefulness of the hardii'st moimtainocrs. Owing to the difficul-
ties attending the opening up iiinl operation of this station, and to the
fact that sufficient skilled help to operate all of our hatcheries to
capacity could not be obtained, tliis station was not utilized during
1918 and 1911).
On account of the e.xtrenu? drought obtaining tiirougliout the entire
state during the winter and spring of 1920, which materially reduced
our take of trout eggs, it was decided tliat every effort should be made
to take at least a half million rainbow eggs at the Rae Lakes Station in
colleetins Station as it appeared at the end of
June, 1920. Photograph by L. J. Stinnett.
order tluit .Mount AYhitney Hatchery might be supplied with an ample
number of trout eggs to stock the streams and lakes of southern
California. Some rainl)ow and a few steelhead eggs had been shipped
to Blount Whitney Hatchery from some of the northern stations, but
the hatchery was still half a million eggs short of requirements.
Accordingly, on June 7, our crew left Mount "Whitney Hatchery for
the Rae Lakes district. The Oak Creek trail was in very bad shape,
rocks and slides having made it very rough. The snow banks were very
deep and the snow soft, making it extremely difficult to get the pack
animals through in places. Several times the men had to shovel out
l)aths for the horses. The party was four days in making the trip, but
fortunately they got in ahead of the run. The ice on the lakes was just
3-7857
32 REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMJMISSlOX.
coinniencinti- to \n-v;\k up and it was several days before the fish began
to run into the creeks to spawn. In the meantime, the crew had ample
opportunity to install the racks, traps and holding pens.
The run of fish was very heavy but being of small size they pro-
duced only an average of 250 eggs each. Approximately 500,000 eggs
Avere taken, al)out what we expected to obtain. The eggs were brought
down to the Mount Whitney Hatchery immediately after being taken.
LAKE TAHOE HATCHERY.
The Tahoe Hatcherj'^, located on tlie shores of Lake Tahoe, one mile
from the town of Tahoe, was established in 1889. The water supply is
furnished from springs rising on the land used as a hatchery site.
Thirteen acres were purchased at the time the hatchery was constructed,
so as to secure all the available water to be had near the site. The
water is pure and very good for the purpose of rearing fish, but the
supply, ten miners inches, is not sufficient for a hatchery of the size
necessary to supply the Tahoe basin outside of the territory supplied
from the Mount Tallac Hatchery.
During the fall of 1917, this Department began a survey of all the
available and suitable streams flowing into Lake Tahoe and after a
careful examination we selected the Walker Springs, one mile north
from the present site, on the state highway. The Walker Springs run
during the minimum flow is 30 inches of water and during the maxi-
mum flow is a couple of hundred inches, and this during the season of
greatest hatchery activity. Therefore the state has secured a most
desirable site to carry on hatchery work. It is the only suitable water
for hatchery purposes in the Tahoe basin proper. The streams that
have their sources in the mountain range surrounding Lake Tahoe carry
too much detritus and are too roily during the time the snow is melting.
After purchasing the property, plans were made by the state architect
for a modern stone hatchery with four times the capacity of the old
hatchery. The contract was given to Mr. Matt Green during the sum-
mer of 1919. Work was begun on the new hatchery that fall and will
be completed this summer (1920) . At the request of Governor Stephens
and the citizens of Placer County, the old hatchery grounds were
converted into a public camping ground by an act of the Legislature
during 1918, and the management of this public park was placed with
the Pish and Game Commission, who have improved and maintained
it from the funds collected from hunting- and angling licenses. The
old hatchery at Tahoe is being used until such time as the new hatchery
shall be completed.
During the past two years there were hatched and reared 857,000
rainbow and black-spotted trout fry at the Lake Tahoe Hatchery and
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 33
these wore given a wide distribution in tlie streams tributary to Lake
Tahoe.
The new hatchery will have a oapaeity of 3,000,000 fry up to the
swinnninp: stage. Then the surplus fry can be placed in nursery ponds
until such lime as they can be distributed. The work of fencing the
grounds, building roads, cottages for the superintendent and the help,
and a small building for the preparation of the fish food, will be car-
ried on during the coming fall and spring.
An endeavor has been nuide to add a new variety of game fish to the
native species of trout in Lake Tahoe, by the introduction of the
renowned golden trout of the Mount Whitney region. Last summer a
consignment of 250,000 golden trout eggs were shii)ped from the IMount
Whitney Hatchery to the Lake Tahoe Hatchery. The resulting fry
were carefully reared and planted in the streams flowing into the lake,
where conditions appeared to be most favorable for them. If the
golden trout thrive in the waters of Lake Tahoe, it will mean much t&
the anglers of the state, who enjoy the fishing in this region.
MOUNT TALLAC HATCHERY.
The Talhiv; Hatchery has been operated for the past two seasons as
formerly. Some changes have been made in the building to improve the
light and water supply. During the last three seasons of drought, the
water supply at Tallac Hatchery was effected as in other parts of the
state.
Since the construction, by the Tallac Hotel management some years
ago, of a dam at the outlet of Fallen Leaf Lake, which holds back the
water that enters the lake from Glenn Alpine Creek, the principal feeder
of Fallen Leaf Lake, the water in Taylor Creek, the stream that is the
outlet of F'allen Leaf Lake, has been very low. Owing to the light rain-
fall in the autumn, and the unusually light fall of snow and rain during
the winter months, the water that has entered the lake, during the
last three winters, has been held back by the dam at the outlet of the
lake. Consec|uently, the flow of water in Taylor Creek has not been
great enough to attract the spawning fish to its mouth, where it pours
its waters into Lake Tahoe, and where our egg-collection station is
located.
As a result of the conditions, the take of black-spotted trout eggs was
considerably less than in other seasons of normal rain and snowfall.
The Tallac egg collecting station at the mouth of Taylor Creek has
been one of the best egg collecting stations in the state. From three
to five million eggs have been collected annually from this station for
the last fifteen years.
While there are fifteen other streams entering Lake Tahoe on the
California side of the lake where the trout have a chance to spawn
34 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
naturally, a greater number entered Taylor Creek than any other stream
flowing into the lake, and our supply of blaek-spotted trout eggs has
been secured from this creek almost exclusively for the last twenty-five
years. This fact alone is positive proof of the beneficial results of arti-
ficial propagation, as no more than 5 per cent of the eggs collected
annually from Taylor Creek are returned to it as fry, after being reared
at the Tallac Hatchery. The remainder of the fry are distributed in
other streams entering the lake and throughout the Truckee and
Tahoe basins. The number of trout entering this stream was undimin-
ished during twenty years of our egg collecting operations until the
water was held back during the last two unusually dry winters by the
dam at the outlet of Fallen Leaf Lake.
What the effect will be later on when the seasonal storms are normal
again cannot be foretold, but it is probable tliat we will have to restock
this stream heavily for a couple of seasons to restore the run that has
been depleted by storage of the water in Fallen Leaf Lake.
We are planning to collect eggs from the Upper Truckee River, that
has its source in the water shed of the mountain range to the south of
the lake and empties into the head of Lake Tahoe, about two and one-
half miles from the mouth of Taylor Creek. This is a larger stream
than Taylor Creek and should produce as many eggs as it has, if the
run has not been depleted during the years that the market fisherman
and others were carrying on their illegal fashing.
The new hatchery at Tahoe City will require a larger number of eggs,
as its capacity is four times as great as that of the old station which
will be abandoned this season. Therefore our efforts to collect eggs
from some of the other streams flowing into the lake will have to be
increased. We have introduced rainbow and steelhead trout into Lake
Tahoe in considerable numbers during the past two years, and in a
few years these desirable species should increase in numbers great
enough to give an added attraction to the already remarkably good
fishing to be had in Lake Tahoe. The introduction of new species into
the lake should improve the fishing conditions, as each new variety
has different habits from the others. It often happens that in a lake as
large as Tahoe the native species will not take the bait or lure offered
them during certain periods in the summer, as the temperature and
winds have caused the plankton to descend to greater depths than is
practicable to take game fish. The native trout during these periods
follow the minnows that are feeding on plankton. Consequently they
are too deep to reach with ordinary tackle and, if they are reached,
have no inclination to bite freely as their natural food supply is con-
yentrated where they can easily obtain all the food that they require
without much effort.
REPORT OF THE PISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 35
New species of fish intr-odncod will liave a tendency to feed nearer
the surface and the aiitjlers will enjoy better fishinj?. The introduction
of rainbow and steelhead trout should be kept up for a number of years
in as larj^e numbers as possible, as it takes a long time to stock a body
of water as lar^e as Lake Tahoe with a new species.
In IDIS. tliere were hatched and reared at IMount Tallac Hatchery,
149,000 rainbow, ], 133,000 black-spotted and 335,000 .steelhead trout
fry, and 1919, 51,000 rainbow, 685,000 black-spotted and 185,000
steelhead fry were distributed in Lake Tahoe and other waters of that
section.
The .steelhead trout have made such a remarkable growth, and pro-
duced such a fine, gamey, fighting fish when planted in inland lakes of
the high Sierra that it was deemed essential that an effort be made to
introduce this species in the waters of Lake Tahoe, hence a shipment of
steelhead trout eggs is being sent to Mount Tallac Hatchery each season
and the fry are planted in the most favorable locations.
FORT SEWARD HATCHERY,
The li;i1ch(M'y established in 1910 on Fort Seward Creek, Humboldt
County, has more than filled our expectations, the fry produced at this
hatchery being the best reared in any of the hatcheries located in the
Coast counties.
The hatchery building is situated near the creek in a steep-walled can-
yon and the superintendent '^; dwelling on an eminence overlooking the
hatchery. As our funds were limited at the time the hatchery was estab-
lished, only a poorly constructed cabin could be built for the help be-
sides the cottage for the superintendent. During the fall of 1919, two
four-room cottages, of plain interior fini.sh and shingle outside, were
built .so that men with families could be employed. It is a difficult
matter to find competent help that will stay for any length of time in an
isolated place such as this, sixty miles south of Eureka on the main line
of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad and five miles from the post office
and store at Fort Seward, unless every comfort is provided.
The water in Fort Seward Creek is the only water suitable for
hatchery purposes on the line of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad.
There are .several streams between South Fork station and Fortuna, but
they all have their sources in the same sedimentary formation as Price
Creek, where we were compelled to abandon the hatchery owing to the
great amount of sediment carried in the water during the winter and
spring when the rainy season was at its height.
•We have endeavored to find a location from which an ample supply
of salmon and steelhead eggs could be collected for this hatchery, so
that Eel River may not be depleted of the valuable run of salmon and
36 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
steelhead to be found in that river and its tributaries. Investigations
have been made for rack and trap sites in the lower reaches of the
river, but none have been found that can be operated for any sum of
money that is available for such purposes from the present income of the
Commission. The river is so wide and deep and subject to such tremen-
dous floods that it is impracticable to attempt to collect eggs near the
mouth of it.
It has been urged on our Dei)artiuent several times, by persons not
fcimiliar with fishcultural operations and who are not educated to the
hal)its of the anadromous fishes that enter Eel River, that we catch the
breeding fish for our egg supply from the fish that congregate in the
large pooLs from the mouth of Bull Creek to the large pool at the mouth
of the river. The fish that enter the river and linger in the large pools
early in the season are not ripe and consequently they can not be
spawned. Several attempts have been made during the last few years
to collect eggs from the salmon on the lower reaches of the river, but for
the reasons above mentioned all efforts have failed.
The Fort Seward Hatchery has been supplied with steelhead eggs
from the Snow Mountain Egg-collecting Station located on the south Eel
River, one of the tributaries of the main or middle Eel River. A careful
examination of the Eel River system was made during 1918 and 1919
in an effort to locate an egg collecting station on the upper reaches
of the river that would furnish l)oth salmon and steelhead eggs enough
for the whole Eel River in northern Humboldt County, and several
other streams. The most favorable location found so far, is near Brans-
coms on the South Fork of the main Eel River in northern Mendocino
County. The eggs can be collected at this point from fish that are ripe,
as the site is located approximately 120 miles from the junction of the
south fork and the main Eel River.
The south fork must not be confused with the South Eel River, as
the two streams are miles apart and have their sources in different
ranges of the coast mountains. The South Eel River, which in reality is
the head of the main Eel River, rises in the middle range of the Coast
Mountains. The south fork of the Eel River rises in northern Mendo-
cino County in the Coast Range proper and follows the basin near the
coast all the way to its junction with the main river. It is the principal
tributary of the Eel River system and flows through a heavily wooded
country from its source to the mouth and carries the largest amount of
water during the fall months of any of the forks of the Eel River.
Judging from the amount of water, the topographical formation of
the country through which it flows, and the temperature of the water,
it is the branch of the river which the great majority of the steelhead
and salmon enter to spawn. This cannot be determined to a certainty'"
until an experimental station is operated for one or two seasons.
REPORT OF THE FISH AND (lAMf; COMMISSION.
37
We iiro, at this writing, negotiating foi- a site iicai- i'>i;iiiseunib.s to
lat'k and trap the river and carry on the experiment. It is necessary
foi- the maintenance of the run of llic steelhead and sahnon in Eel
IJivei-, that a permanent egg collecting station be esta])lislied where a
sufficient number of steelhead and .salmon eggs can be collected annually
to furnish the Ft. Seward Hatchery with a regular supply of eggs as
well as enough of the steelhead trout to furnish a supply for some of our
other stations. If the .station at Hranscombs is established and should
prove to be too far u|) the river, another location farther down must be
found, if the fishing conditions in Eel River are to be maintained. It is
necessary that a sufficient number of fry be planted each season to
insure a good run of fish.
Fig. 9. A truck load of trout fry for planting in the siirains of 'J'nnity County.
AlthouEjh tliese fry traveled one hundred and one miles over mountain roads, only one
hundred and one fish were lost during the entire trip. Photograph by John Gray.
A total of 1,757,000 trout fry have been distributed in the streams
of the northwest coast counties, ITumboldt, Mendocino and Trinity,
during the seasons of 1918 and 1019, from the Ft. Seward hatchery.
The fry were given a very wide distribution, most of them being steel-
heacLs and being planted in the Eel River and tributaries. The Mad
River section was also given a fine lot of fry and fishing is reported to be
excellent in that district as a result of the continued stocking of the
streams.
During the biennial period two million Chinook Salmon were reared
a1 the Fort Seward Hatchery and planted in Eel River, Mad River and
the tributaries of Humboldt Bay.
38 REPORT OF THE FISH AXD GAME COMMISSION.
UKIAH HATCHERY.
The steelhead trout eggs taken at Snow Mountain Station have been
"eyed" at Ukiah Hatchery each season, and the surplus eggs shipped
from this point to otlier stations. Of the eggs retained and hatched at
til is station, 1,080.000 fry have been reared and distributed in the
streams of Mendocino and Sonoma counties, during the season of 1918
and 1919.
Ukiah Hatchery was opened for operations in the spring of 1920,
and the eggs taken at Snow IMountain Station were sent dow^n to be
"eyed," but on account of the extreme drought which affected our
operations in this section to a greater extent than in any other locality,
Diere was not a sufficient number of eggs taken to justify the hatching
and rearing of fry at Ukiah. Then too, the water supply absolutely
failed during the latter part of Ma,v and even had there been an
ndequate number of eggs available the station could not have been
operated. As it was, we were fortunate in being able to "eye" the eggs
and prepare them for shipment before the water supply gave out
entirely. Consequently, all of the eggs were shipped to Fort Seward
TIatchery, from Avhich station they will be distributed in the waters of
Humboldt, Trinity, JMendocino, Sonoma and Marin counties.
SNOW MOUNTAIN.
During the spring of 1918 a total of 3,600,000 steelhead trout eggs
were taken at Snow IMountain Station, and in 1919 we obtained
5.400,000. During both seasons the number of eggs taken could have
l)een very materially increased had we l)een provided with adequate
facilities for holding the spawning fish.
This station is located at the Cape Horn dam in the Eel River. The
dam and the fish ladder over the same are the property of the SnoAV
Mountain Water and Power Company. We secured from the Company
a lease to the fish ladder, together with such buildings as are located on
the site, and the privilege of operating thereon a hatchery and egg col-
lecting station. A small battery of hatching troughs was installed and
holding pens, etc., for the spawning fish were provided. As the fish as-
cend the fish ladder they are automatically trapped and swim directly
into the holding pens, from which they cannot escape. It is a very
cleverly arranged scheme and in addition to being a saving, by eliminat-
ing a great deal of work, lessens the loss of fish from handling. How-
ever, the capacity of the holding pens and "eyeing" equipment was not
sufficient to enable us to handle the maximum of the capabilities of the
plant, for the run of spawn fish in Eel River is enormous during fav-
orable seasons.
To increase our equipment presented some unusual difficulties, how-
ever, and the expense would necessarily be considerable, so it was not
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 39
until tlie early winter of 1919 that we were enabled to undertake the
work. While there were many unexpected delays in eoniploting the
construction, the station was all ready for operations by the middle of
February, 1920, and the crew on the ground and in readiness for
handling the largest take of eggs since the establishment of the station.
But all of our efforts were unavailing. Week succeeded week of clear
warm siiiiiincf wi'.ithci-. 'I'licrc was no snow in the iiioiiiitains and none
of the usual s])riii<;' freshets to increase the flow of water in the Eel
River sufificiently to jici-mit the breeding fish to ascend to the upper
reaches of the river. During Apiil tlio country in this section was as
dry as it generally is in September. Springs, which normally flow
throughout the entire year, dried up in April and May.
Only a very few fish succeeded in getting up as far as our station,
and only 750,000 eggs were obtained as a result of our entire season's
work. These were shipped to Ukiah Hatchery where they were
"eyed" and from there sent to Fort Seward Hatchery.
During the biennial period 375,000 steelhead trout fry were hatched
and reared at Snow Mountain Station and distributed in tributaries of
the Eel River.
BROOKDALE HATCHERY.
All of the steelhead trout eggs taken at Scott Creek Station are imme-
diately transported to Brookdale Hatchery where they are properly
"eyed" and whei'e all surplus eggs are packed and shipped to other sta-
tions. During the two years 1,559,000 steelhead trout were distributed
in the waters of Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties and a few also in
Monterey and San ilateo counties.
Brookdale Hatchery is the property of Santa Cruz County and is
operated by this Conunission under an agreement providing that a
half million steelhead trout fry be planted each year in the waters of
Santa Cruz County under the direction of the board of supervisors.
Owing to the steady decrease in the water supply at Brookdale
Hatchery during the last four years of drought and the increased
amount u.sed by the residents of Brookdale during the early summer,
when the hatchery shoidd have its maximum supply, we were greatly
embarrassed in carrying on our hatchery operations. There was not
sufficient water to keep the fish in good condition after the first of July,
and the fry had to be distributed too early to get the best results. We
are of the opinion that a new hatchery site should be selected in Santa
Cruz County, if conditions do not improve next season. It is very
doubtful if water conditions will improve at Brookdale Hatchery, as
the water has been getting less each season for the last five years.
40 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
SCOTT CREEK STATION.
During the past two years the Scott Creek Station has produced
3.900,000 steelhead trout eggs all of which, as above mentioned, have
been sent as soon as taken, to Brookdale Hatcher3^
During the spring of 1020. the same conditions prevailed in this
section as in other parts of the state, although there was a little heavier
rainfall than in the Snow Mountain section. During most of the
season the water levels in Scott Creek were considerably below the
normal, and the breeding fish were unable to enter the creek from tne
lagoon on account of the sand bars at the mouth of the stream. From
time to time, however, the spring storms were sufficient to raise the
waters to levels which permitted some of the fish to pass over the bars
and ascend the stream as far as our station. As a result of our efforts
1,060,000 eggs were taken. "While this number is only about half of our
usual take, we feel that in view of the adverse conditions for egg col-
lecting operations, we did very well to obtain this number. It insured
the adequate stocking of Santa Cruz and Santa Clara county streams,
as well as providing a limited number of eggs for ]\Iount Whitney
Hatchery. The steelhead fry hatched at the latter station will l)e dis-
tributed in streams of the southern counties from Santa Barbara to
San Diego.
ALMANOR HATCHERY.
Almanor Hatchery has been operated each season as an egg collecting
station. It produced 261,000 rainbow eggs in 1918, and 282,000 in 1919.
The water supply fails too early in the summer to permit the hatching
and rearing of fry at the station, and accordingly, the eggs are trans-
ferred to Clear Creek or Domingo Springs Hatchery as soon as they
are "eyed."
DOMINGO SPRINGS HATCHERY.
This station was established as an experimental hatchery in 1916.
Improvements were made during 1917, when the temporary plant was
moved to Rice Creek, one of the main branches of the North Fork of
the Feather River above Lake Almanor. A thorough test of the water
and an investigation of the run of fish resulted in the establishment of
a i)ermanent egg collecting station and hatchery at this place. Accord-
ingly, during the summer and fall of 1919, a permanent building was
erected and a substantial trap constructed, one-quarter of a mile below
the falls in Rice Creek. The site was procured from the United States
Forest Service and we now have a very desirable station at that place
which will furnish fry for the entire region surrounding the west side
of Lake Almanor, as well as the lakes and streams in the IMount Lassen
National Park and surrounding country.
REPORT OF THE PISir AND GAME COMMISSION. 41
During the two years 850,000 rainbow and steelhead trout fry were
(lisfrilmtcd in the streams ami lakes in lliis disti-ict from Domingo
Springs Hatchery. A total of 2,200,000 rainbow trout eggs was col-
lected at this station during the two seasons.
Each season a consignment of steelliead trout eggs is shipped to
Domingo Springs Hatchery and the resulting fry are planted in llic
high Sierran lakes of that region which are suitable for this variety.
The steelhead trout have thrived rcmarka1)ly well in the lakes of this
section and afford some of the finest fishing in the state.
I'lc. III. Kyoins house imd tank at Canyon Dam, Lake Alnianor, Plumas County,
April, 1919. Spawning operations must be begim under sucli conditions as these.
Pliotograph by S. Campbell.
CLEAR CREEK HATCHERY.
The Clear Creek Hatchery and Egg-collecting Station was established
in the fall of 1918, on the creek that bears its name, one and one-half
miles from the town of Wostwood, Lassen County. Clear Creek is a
tributary of the Hamilton Branch of the Feather River. Before the
construction of the dam forming Lake Almanor, it flowed into the val-
ley known as Big Meadows, and united its waters with those of the
North Fork of tlie Feather River, which entered the Big Meadows
l)asin from the north. Hamilton Branch flows into the basin from the
east. The TTnmilton Branch has a run of rainbow trout that ascend
the stream to spawn from Lake Almanor. Clear Creek being one of the
principal tributaries of the Hamilton Brancli a good portion of the
spawners enter this creek. The distance from tlic Clear Creek Station
to the Domingo Springs Station is approximately twenty miles. Clear
Creek has its source in a large spring and the water is pure and cold as
all the waters arc tliat rise in a lava formation.
42
REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
The Red River Lumber Company furnished the site and material
for the Clear Creek ITatehery and the Fish and Game Commission fur-
nished the labor for construction. We have operated there for the last
two seasons Avith good results.
Clear Creek Station was first operated during the summer of 1918,
189,000 rainbow trout eggs being shipped in from Almanor Hatchery
and tlie resulting fry reared to a good size and given a \\dde distribu-
tion in the waters in the vicinity of Westwood. During the season of
1919, 157,000 rainbow trout fry were reared and distributed from
Clear Creek Hatchery.
BEAR LAKE HATCHERY.
In our Biennial Report of 1918, we made mention of the necessity of
increasing the capacity of the Bear Lake Hatchery at Green Spot
Fig. 11. 'i'lie Old ana lu/w li.uclieiy at Green
Bernardino County, May 21, 1920.
."^iiLit .^iiriiigs, Big Bear Valley, San
Photograph by L. Philips.
Springs. We had been using the old buildings that had been erected
by tlie Southern California Trout Association, but it was poorly con-
structed and the arrangements of the troughs were not right to do good
work.
After procuring a permit from the Forest Service for a site adjacent
to the site leased to us by San Bernardino County, a new hatchery with
modern troughs was erected and fully equipped for the hatching and
rearing of trout fry. The site at Green Spot Springs is about twelve
miles from the egg collecting station at North Creek. This is the
only water available for hatchery purposes near Bear Lake. All the
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 43
creeks dry up as the siininici- advances, except some small springs used
for domestic purposes.
The Green Spot Springs rise near the foot of Sugar Loaf Mountain
and ^low througli a shallow ravine towards Baldwin Lake. The water
is used by tlie Shay Brothers, on their stock ranch after it leaves the
hatchery. There is approximately twenty inches of water in the spring.
It is cool and free of any organic substances and is excellent hatchery
water.
Dining the summer and fall of 1919, we planned to make general
improvements at North Creek Egg Collecting Station and to erect a new
l\atehery at Green Spot Springs, with a capacity of 1,500,000 fry. The
work was begun early in September, but owing to delays in getting
materials, was not finished until late in November. At the hatchery at
North Creek p]gg Collecting Station, a portion of the eggs are hatched
each season and the fry held until they are swimming well; then they
are distributed in the most favorable places in Bear Lake, where there
is an abundance of natural food. The fry can not be held in North
Creek Station later than the middle of July as the water in North Creek
fnils by that time. The remainder of the fry reared for Bear Lake are
h(>ld in the hatchery at Green Spot Springs until later in the season,
when they are distributed in the lake in the shallows and other favorable
spots. The condition of the water in Bear Lake has been very murkey
and discolored for the last three seasons. Owing to the growth of algae
and its decomposition during the period of low and warm water, the
fish are compelled to go to the deep water, where the effects of the de-
composing algae are not so great. The minnows and aquatic insects are
in a measure affected in the same way and consequently, they seek the
depth for the same reason that the trout do. The trout having an
abundance of feed do not bite well or take any kind of a lure to a great
extent during the warm weather. This condition will change when the
normal amount of rain and snow falls on the water shed surrounding
the lake, filling the streams running into the lake and thus carrying the
organic matter away by the flood waters.
During the spring of 1918 a total of 3,500,000 rainbow^ trout eggs
wove collected at the North Creek Station. Eight hundred thousand
eggs were transferred to the Bear Lake Hatchery at Green Spot Springs
and tlie resulting fry were liberated in Big Bear Lake and in streams of
San Bernardino County. The balance of the eggs were shipped to
'^^ount Shasta, Mount Whitney and IMount Tallac hatcherie.s.
Four million eight hnndicd thousand eggs were collected at North
Creek Station in 1919. Owing to the extreme di'ought and unfavorable
weather conditions generally, in the Big Bear Lake country during the
spring of 1920, our operations were practically a failure as far as egg
collecting work wa.s concerned. Despite all of our new equipment for
44
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
egg collecting operations and larger crews of spawn takers, we procured
only 1,500,000 rainbow trout eggs. All of the eggs taken were hatched
and reared at the North Creek Station and at the Bear Lake TIatchery,
from which .stations tliey will he given a wide distribution in the streams
and lakes of San Bernardino County.
NORTH CREEK EGG COLLECTING STATION.
The egg collecting station at the mouth of North Creek was operated
in a tent; the employees have also lived in tents since the spring of
Fig. 11'. State hatcheries as they appear wlieii spawning operations begin. In some
instances employees are able to reach the egg-collecting stations by means of pack
trains, but in other instances they must cover a considerable distance on snowshoes.
a, ta. Views of North Creek Station, San Bernardino County, March 25, 1920. Photo-
graphs by L. Phillips, c. Wawona Platchery, Mariposa County, April 15, 1920.
Photograph bv M. K. Spaulding. d. Cabins at Almanor Hatcliery, Plumas County,
April, 1919. Photograph by S. Campbell.
1*)15, when the Fish and Game Commission first began the work of
collecting eggs from Bear Lake.
Bear Lake is situated at an elevation of 6700 feet above sea level and
t]ic weather during March and April in this altitude is severe in any
locality, particularly so in the Bear Lake region. The winds sweep
unbroken over the deserts until the air currents strike the San Bernar-
dino Mountains, when they drive with relentless fury down on the lake
REPORT OF THE FISH AND (JAMLI COMMISSION. 45
?:n(l tlirough the open timber near the hike shore where our men are
canipod. Snow storms and s<inalls FoHow eat'h other in rapid succes-
sion, during the eai'ly spring'. Our men endure liardships that very few
api)reciate, unless they have spent tlir spring months in a tent on the
sliores of Bear Lake. During I'JID iilans were made to build suitable
quarters for the heli) at North Creek Egg-collecting Station, a cabin
a new trap on jNIetcalf Creek, and a cabin and trap on Grout Creek.
A new trap was built in North Creek and the egg collecting station and
hatchery was repaired and improved.
The principal streams entering Bear Lake, North Creek, Metealf
Creek, Butler Creek and Grout Creek were filled with sand from tlie
high water nuirk on the lake shore to the waters edge, averaging in
length from one-fourth to one-half mile. The creeks are all short, but
carry a large amount of granitic sand caused by the disintegrated
granite fornuition through which these streams flow. These creelcs had
been filling up for several years, until in the spring of 1919 it was
almost impossible for the breeding trout to enter them, as the water
was spread over such a wide area of sand deposits that the fish could
not find water of sufficient depth for them to swim in. We planned to
open these channels so that the fish could enter the streams and reach
our traps. Teams and scrapers were hired and the channels excavated
through the sand deposits so that the water would have sufficient depth
at the mouth of the creeks. The spawning area above the traps is so
small that it does not justify allowing an^- of the fish to spawn naturally.
The streams nearly all dr}^ up before the eggs are hatched, even if they
are allowed to ascend the streams and deposit their eggs. The majority
of the eggs deposited by the breeders below the traps do not hatch, as
they are covered over with the sand that packs so tight over the eggs
that they are smothered. Consequently, the stock of fish in Bear Lake
must be kept up by artificial propagation almost entirely.
Years ago when the lake was first stocked the sand deposits were not
so great, as the flood waters scoured the streams out each season, l)ut
during the last five or six years the sand has accumulated to such an
extent tliat the creeks must be kept open by removing the sand every
two or three years so that the fish can reach the traps.
Bear Lake has an abundance of natural feed for the trout. Besides
the minnows, there are a great many varieties of aquatic insects that
abound in the lake in great numbers. During the last three seasons
of drought, these insects have increased, so that it is safe to say that
there is not another body of water of equal size anywhere that has the
same amount of natural food for trout.
The excessive fisliing during the last five years on Bear Lake has no
doubt considerably reduced the number of fish in the lake, although
good fisliing can be had when conditions are right. But owing to the
46 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
great numbers of persons who fish in Bear Lake and the easy manner
in which the trout are taken when conditions are favorable, indicates in
our judgment the necessity for a longer closed season. We do not
believe any lake of the size of Bear Lake can stand the drain on its fish
supply for years, without there being a marked decrease in numbers of
adult fish. Bear Lake can easily be kept stocked by artificial propaga-
tion, but there is a limit to the area in which fish can thrive in Bear
Lake during periods of low water, and as a precautionary measure we
would recommend that the people who have the greatest interest in
Bear Lake assist us in asking the Legislature for a longer closed season.
YOSEMITE EXPERIMENTAL STATION.
With the intention of keeping the streams of the Yosemite Valley
adequately stocked with trout fry, the Commission, during the fall of
1917, made a survey of conditions obtaining in the Valley with refer-
ence to the establishment of a hatchery. A suitable site was obtained
for a fine hatchery near Happy Isles and application was made to the
Department of the Interior for a lease to the property required for our
operations. We were given every assurance by the Yosemite Park
officials that the Department would give us a suitable lease, and pend-
ing the outcome of negotiations for the same, we took advantage of a
temporary permit granted us to establish an experimental hatchery
on the site, in order that it might be definitely determined as to the
practicability of the location for the propagation of trout. Arrange-
ments were made with the State Department of Engineering for the
preparation of suitable plans for the permanent hatchery.
The experimental station was established during the fall and winter
of 1918 and was opened up for operations in the spring of 1919. Four
hundred thousand rainbow, black-spotted and steelhead trout eggs
were shipped to the station and the resulting fry were reared and
planted in the streams and lakes of the Yosemite Valley with the co-
operation of the Park officials. The fry were held in the hatchery until
the middle of October and it was thoroughly demonstrated that the
location was in every manner suitable for fishcultural purposes. The
fry produced were vigorous and healthy and attained an unusual size
in the few months that they were reared in the hatchery. Owing to
improvements and repairs being made at the other stations, the work
on the Yosemite Hatchery was deferred until such time as conditions
were more favorable.
WAWONA HATCHERY.
The Wawona Hatchery was operated during the last two years in
the building constructed in 1918, on the site of the old hatchery. All
of the old equipment was installed in the new building, as at that time,
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 47
it was not possible to put in new equipment. Five hundred and fifty
thousand trout fry were reared at the station during the two years, and
were distributed in the streams of the Yosemite Valley and the region
ucnv the Wawona Hatchery.
All of the equipment removed from the Yosemite Experimental
Station was taken to the Wawona Hatchery, where it was substituted
for the old equipment, which had been in use for many years. With the
new equipment from Yosemite Station, Wawona is much better equipped
for taking care of the fishery requirements of that section. When
it is possible to do so, it is planned to enlarge and properly equip this
liatchery so that a larger numljer of fry can be reared for that section.
On account of the limited number of trout eggs taken this season, it
was possible to ship only 300,000 rainbow trout eggs to Wawona Hatch-
ery but this number are being held in the hatchery longer than usual
and reared to a much larger size. This has been made possible by the
l)etter equipment.
KAWEAH HATCHERY.
Early in the spring of 1919, it was decided by the Commission, that
to adequately stock the streams of Fresno, Tulare and a portion of
Kern County, a hatchery should be located in the most favorable
situation in that district. Accordingly, the proper investigations were
made and the site located on the Kaweali River, near the town of
Hannnond. in Tulare County chosen as the most favorable for the
purpose.
The site is located on the property of the ]Mount Whitney Light and
Power Company, on the main highway to the General Grant and
Sequoia National Parks, and has a water supply which is most excellent
for hatchery purposes. It is the central distributing point for stocking
the streams in that entire section. The location being all that could
be asked for, an experimental station was established to determine the
suitability of the water supply for fisheultural purposes. Three hun-
dred thousand rainbow, 50,000 black-spotted and 100,000 steelhead trout
eggs were shipped to the station during the latter part of ^lay. The
resulting fry were reared to an advanced stage and were given a wide
distribution in the streams of the Sequoia and General Grant National
Parks, and the entire Kaweah River system during the months of
August and September. The fry were strong and vigorous and at the
time they were planted, had attained an unusual size. It was demon-
strated by the season's operations that the site selected is entirely satis-
factory for tlie establishment of a permanent hatchery.
Negotiations were entered into with the ]\Iount Whitney Light and
Power Company, the owners of the site, for a lease extending over a
4r-7857
48 REPORT OP THE PISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
period of thirty years to cover the land necessary for the establish-
ment of a permanent hatchery, together with a right to an adequate
supply of water. Considerable dififieulty in obtaining a lease which
would satisfactorily safeguard the interests of the Commission was
experienced and the matter dragged along until so late in the spring
of 1920 that there was not time to sufficiently complete a permanent
building in order to operate this season. The matter was therefore
held in abeyance and operations for this season were carried on in the
temporary quarters.
This hatchery received 300,000 rainbow eggs and the resulting fry
will be distributed in the waters of that section as soon as they have
attained the proper size. As soon as possible after the fry have been dis-
tributed, construction of the permanent hatchery will commence.
FISHWAYS AND SCREENS.
Fishways.
The work of our fishway inspection service, has been retarded some-
what by the prevailing drought of the last few years, but in spite of
this and other obstacles, remarkable progress has been made. As a
result of several improvements on the types of fishways made by our
surveyor, all the fishways installed under the plans made and ap-
proved by this Department have proved more efficient and practicable.
Some of the old fishways installed several years ago have been im-
})roved now, so that the fish have no trouble in passing them.
The fishway over the Folsom Dam that has been a source of trouble
for many years, because it was not built according to the plan de-
signed, has been remodeled, and is now in good order. The steelhead
trout that ascended the American River this spring had no trouble in
passing this dam. Several other important fishways have been im-
proved during the last two years in addition to surveys for eighty-two
fishways located as follows:
Date
1918 Xame of dam Stream County
Jan. 3 Samoza Rector Creek Sonoma
.Jan. 9 State Asylum, Napa Rector Creek .Napa
Jan. 18 Merced Falls Merced River Merced
Jan. 19 Crocker Hoffman Merced River Merced
Jan. 22 Crescent Weir Kings River Kings
Jan. 23 Peoples Weir Kings River Kings
Feb. 1 Lucerne Water Company Shasta River Siskiyou
Feb. 3 Wm. Rupert Bear Creek Shasta
Feb. 3 Sheridan .Bear Creek Sliasta
Feb. 14 Kittridge Merced River Mariposa
F'eb. 27 Playter Dam San Lorenzo River Santa Cruz
Feb. 27 Riverdale Dam San Lorenzo River Santa Cruz
Feb. 27 Wildwood No. 2 San Lorenzo River Santa Cruz
Feb. 27 San Jose Water Company Los Gatos Creek Santa Clara
Feb. 27 San Jose Water Company Cavanaugh Santa Clara
Mar. 5 Gilroy Water Company Uvas Creek Santa Clara
Mar. 5 Matteis Dam Uvas Creek Santa Clara
Mar. 5 Sepeda Dam Uvas Creek Santa Clara
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 49
Date
1918 Name of dam Stream County
Apr. 17 High School Dam San Luis Creek San Luis ObLspo
Apr. 17 Jackson Dam San Luis Creek San Luis Obispo
Apr. 17 City Dam San Luis Creek San Luis Obispo
Apr. 17 Banning Dam San Luis Creek San Luis Obispo
Apr. 18 P. Tognazini . Cayucos Creek San I..uis Obispo
Apr. 18 Ida Tognazini Cayucos Crock San Luis Obispo
Apr. 18 J. Gnesa Oi<is Creek Siin Luis Obispo
Apr. 18 A. Storni Olds Creek San Luis Obispo
May 2 Murphy Dam (Sloat) Long Valley Creek Plumas
May 6 Western Power Company Dam Estray Creek Plumas
June 17 Cello Dam Little Truckee El Dorado
June 17 Kent Dam Wards Creek Placer
June IS Hobart Dam Independence Nevada
June 18 Truckee Light and Power Dam Truckee River Nevada
June 18 Pacific Fruit Express Dam Donner Creek Nevada
June 18 H. G. May Cold Stream Placer
July 13 Sutter Butte Dam Feather River Butte
July 28 Barker Dam Kidder Creek Siskiyou
July 28 Wriglit Dam Kidder Creek Siskiyou
July 30 Mallow Dam Mofflt Creek Siskiyou
July 31 Grouse Creek Scott River Siskiyou
Aug. 10 Goodwin Dam Stanislaus River Calaveras
Aug. 11 Melones Dam Stanislaus River Calaveras
Aug. 17 F. W. Hickox Dam Uvas Creek Santa Clara
Aug. 17 Giles Bradley Uvas Creek Santa Clara
Aug. 17 Upper Gilroy Water Company Uvas Creek Santa Clara
Aug. 17 Lower Gilroy Water Company Uvas Creek Santa Clara
1919
Feb. 25 Pastorris Dam San Anselmo Marin
Feb. 26 Saint Helena Water Company Rock Creek — _ Napa
Mar. 6 Government Dam Merced River Mariposa
Mar. 12 Krobitsch Dam San Gregorlo San Mateo
Mar. 17 Filmore Irrigation Dam Sespe River Ventura
Apr. 2 Mendota Weir San Joaquin River Fresno
Apr. 8 Wm. Watt Dam Millican Creek Napa
Apr. 10 Intake Dam F'eather River Butte
Apr. 25 Neck Dam Hayward Creek Amador
Apr. 28 W^alters Dam Chorro Creek San Luis Obispo
Apr. 28 Biaggimi Dam Cayucos Creek San Luis Obispo
Apr. 29 J. Quintana Dam San Suitro Creek San Luis Obispo
Apr. 29 Griggs Dam Sea Canyon Creek San Luis Obispo
May 4 Ganby Dam Cachagua Creek San Luis Obispo
May 16 Pudding Creek Dam Pudding Creek Mendocino
May 17 Lower Greenwood Dam Greenwood Creek Mendocino
May 17 Upper Greenwood Dam Greenwood Creek Mendocino
May 25 Golden Dam Salmon River Siskiyou
May 26 Bonally Dam Salmon River Siskiyou
May 28 Beaudry Dam Scott River Siskiyou
May 31 Redding Dam Sacramento River Shasta
Aug. 2 Bablieu Mines Dam Rush Creek Trinity
Aug. 9 Little River Dam Little River Humboldt
Sept. 29 Western Canal Dam Butte Creek Butte
Sept. 29 State Land Settlement Butte Creek Butte
Oct. 4 Rowardeman Dam San Lorenzo Santa Cruz
Oct. 4 Knowles Dam Love Creek Santa Cruz
Oct. 4 Southern Lumber Company San Lorenzo Santa Cruz
Oct. 6 Loma Prieta Dam Aptos Creek Santa Cruz
Nov. 18 Kern River Dam Kern River Kern
Dec. 28 Hazel Creek Hazel Creek Shasta
Jan. 15 Stinson Weir By pass Fresno
Jan. 27 Folsom Dam American River El Dorado
Jan. 29 Truckee River Truckee River Nevada
May 12 Red River Lumber Company Hamilton Branch Lassen
July 6 Gray Eagle Dam Gray Eagle Creek Plumas
July 7 Slaot Dam Long Valley Creek Plumas
The work of maintaining efficient fishways over dams becomes more
important each season, as the number of dams being built liy the hydro-
electric plants and irrigationists are increasing very rapidly. Every
50 REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
time that a dam is constructed, the natural movements of the fish are
obstructed and the fish in that stream are affected by it.
The fish in the great majority of our streams ascend the streams dur-
ing the spawning season to reach their natural and most favorable
breeding places. They also move from one part of the stream to
another in search of food, as well as to adapt themselves to temperature
conditions. The fish descend to the lower reaches of the large rivers
that drain the Sacramento, San Joaquin, Kings, Kern, Kaweah, Tule,
Klamath, Eel and other river basins during the fall and winter, when
the water is cool, and ascend these streams when the temperature of the
water rises in early summer. If their movements are obstructed by
dams, the natural propagation is seriously interfered with as well
as their movements to the upper reaches of the streams when the tem-
perature rises. It is essential that proper fisliways be constructed
to allow of the free passageway of the fish as the law provides. The
amount of water necessary to allow fish to ascend the fishways and pass
above the dams is very small compared with the normal flow of any
stream. Spring and fall, the period of the year when the fish are
moving, is the period of the maxiinum flow in the majority of the
streams, and there is always sufficient water for the fishways, as well
as for the power plants and irrigationists.
There is a tendency on the part of some of the water-users to take
all the w^ater from the streams regardless of the fish life that is
destroyed. While we realize the importance of the water to generate
electricity and for irrigation purposes, there is always enough in our
streams to allows the migratory fishes to ascend the streams above the
dams at the time they are naturally inclined to do so. In a great many
instances where large dams are constructed, and lakes formed, the
fishing area is increased instead of diminished, if the owners of the
dams will allow the public the right to fish in the w^aters stored behind
their dams. The provision in Section 637, relative to the "right to fish"
in any of the waters impounded by dams should be rigidly enforced
as the owners of the dams deprive the public of valuable waters by
the construction of dams, even if enough water is allowed to pass the
dam, to maintain fish life.
The flows of the streams are generally reduced to such an extent
below the dams that the value of the stream for angling purposes is
greatly reduced, partieuhirly during the period of the minimum
flow in the late summer and fall. Therefore, the owners of dams should
be compelled to allow the public to flsh in all waters held in storage or
w^here it is dammed up for any purpose, as the right of the public to
fish in the waters of the state should not be denied. It is one of the
greatest sources of recreation known and is growing more popular with
all classes every season.
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 51
Screens.
During the last two seasons it has been very difficult to install screens,
owing to the droimht that has prevailed all ovcf tlic state for the past
three years, but in spite of the difficulties, we have managed to have
some important screens installed as well as to have others, which were
installed several years ago, nuiintaiiicd in ^'ood order.
The large pumping plants that take their water supply from the
Sacramento Kiver for the rice fields have been examined from time to
time and it has been found that the screens that have been installed are
very effective. Our screen inspector has made regular trips, examining
and reporting on the condition of all the pumping plants, ditches, and
canals in the different sections of the state. A large portion of his
time has been given to the district north of Sacramento, as this is the
most important field. Several types of screen are used, depending on
the location and general conditions.
The majority of the owners of pumping plants and canals have met
our requests to screen their intakes without opposition. A few have
been lax in their cooperation with this Department, but we are pleased
to state that they are in the minority.
Surveys and legal notices to install screens for the biennial period
ending July 1, 1920, in the different counties, numbered 171. They
were made as follows:
Alpiue 11
Butte 7
Calaveras 4
Colusa 2
El Dorado G
Glenn 5
Inyo 27
Kern 1
Lake 1
Lassen 1
Mono 28
Placer 1
Riverside 4
Sacramento 6
Sierra 2
San Bernardino 1
Shasta 3
Siskiyou 41
Stanislaus 5
Sutter 1
Tehama 4
Trinity : . 2
Tuolumne 2
Yolo . 4
171
The follow up work by the Legal Department has been very satis-
factory. Very few hearings were held as most of the owners of ditches
and canals realize the importance of conserving the fish and as a rule
do not resist efforts to have efficient screens installed.
There is one part of the present law regarding screens and fishways
that we would respectfully recommend the Legislature to repeal, and
52 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
that is that part of Section 629 and 637 relating to hearings. We
would suggest that whenever tliere is a difference of opinion between
this Department and the owners of a ditch, pumping plant, canal or
dam, regarding the advisability of installing either a fishway or a
screen, that the case be taken directly to the Superior Court, which is
the proper tribunal to determine whether the ditch, canal or intake
should be screened, or a fishway constructed.
In our judgment the liearings held by our Commission under the
present law are not satisfactory. Before ordering anyone to install a
screen or fishway, we make an investigation and satisfy ourselves of the
necessity of the expense. Therefore, we deem it a waste of time and
money to hold hearings before one of our employees to satisfy the
demand of some one for a hearing. If any of the owners of ditches,
canals or dams are not satisfied or question the necessity of installing a
screen or fishway on their particular property, they have their redress
in the courts, where all such cases will eventually end, if the persons on
whom legal notices have been served resist the orders to install screens
and fishways.
There never was a time in the history of our state when legislation,
to conserve our fish by the installation of proper screens and fishways
is needed more than at the present time, owing to the great amount of
water that is being diverted for agricultural and industrial purposes.
The fish can be saved without material injury or damage to the hydro-
electric plants and the irrigationists if proper and stringent laws are
passed and enforced, as all plans for fishways and screens are prac-
ticable and efficient.
In some instances we have found the district attorneys were not in
favor of prosecution for violations of these laws, but it was generally
found to be a matter of politics more than any just reason for not
standing by the rights of the people.
The fish of the inland waters, both food and game species, are one
of our most valuable assets and everyone concerned in the progress of
our state should assist in protecting and conserving them.
PLANTING FOOD FOR TROUT.
In some of the lakes of the southern High Sierra and in the Tahoe
Basin, attempts to introduce aquatic insects where the waters were
barren of certain species have been made. The large Corydalis, or
salmon fly, has been introduced into several streams running into Lake
Tahoe, during the last two seasons and our foreman reports that they
are thriving. In the lakes of the southern High Sierra where all kinds
of insect food is secured aquatic plants and the scuds or gammarus have
been planted. We have not received any reports regarding the success
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 53
of tliis work as yet. It may be that the aquatic plants will need to be
well established before the success of this work is assured.
It is the plan of this department to take up this work systematically
(luriny: the next season and stock witli insects and aquatic plants certain
lakes that need an added stock of luitural food. Examinations will
be made to determine the larva; of the different species that abound in
the lakes that seem to require an added amount of natural food and
new species will be inti-odiiccd wherever the conditions justify the
expense. This is an inqiortant woik and slioidd l)e carried on system-
atically each season so that the liest results luay be attaiiu'd.
COOPERATION WITH THE WATER COMMISSION.
We respectfully recommend that an act be i)assed by the coming
session of the Legislature that will arrange for the coordination and
cooperation of the Water Commission with the Fish and Game Commis-
sion in regard to appropriated waters. It should be understood and
agreed that the fish in certain streams of the state be allowed water
enough to survive during the mininmm flow of late summer and fall.
The State Water Connnission should be authorized to force all appli-
cants for water appropriations to comply with the law regarding fish-
ways before accepting any plans for diversion of the water. The
applicant for water rights should have the plan of the fishway made
and approved by the Fish and Game Commission strictly in conformity
with the law before granting applicants the right to appropriate water
from any river or stream.
The rights of the people should be safe-guarded as far as possible
when not detrimental to greater interests. No stream should be entirely
diverted without some effort being made to protect the rights of the peo-
ple. There are cases now where the entire flow of water has been taken
without any consideration for the fish life in the stream. The valuable
food and game fishes of California should be protected as well as all
other interests and it can be done without injury to the hydro-electric
plants or the irrigationists, if the Water Commission and the Fish and
Game Commission cooperate in the plans of allowing sufficient water
to pass the dams on the larger streams during the period of minimum
flow as well as to see that plans for efficient fishways are made by the
Fish and Game Commission before the appropriations are granted.
A great many other recommendations will be made during the session
of the Legislature regarding changes in the trout and salmon seasons,
and means of strengthening by amending some of our present laws
regarding other subjects.
Respectfully submitted.
(Signed) W. H. Shebley,
In Clmrge, Department of Fishcultvre.
S4 REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
REPORT OF DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES.
The Ilonorahlc Board of Fish and Game Commissioners of ihe State of
California.
Sirs: The growth of California's fisheries in the past few years has
been rapid and spectacular. So very recent has been this growth that
few in this state realize that we have gained first place in the list of
states both in the quantity and value of our fishery products. In 1919
California produced over 250,000,000 pounds of fish and about 8,000,000
pounds of shell fish. These fish had a wholesale value as fresh fish and
manufactured products of over $25,000,000.
If this great industry is to be fostered and the exhaustion of any
of the varieties of fish upon which it depends guarded against, and
if at the same time the fishery resources of the state are to be ade-
quately utilized and the industry expanded along proper lines, it is
necessar}^ to carry on a great deal of investigation work and to get
intelligent legislation and to see that the conservation laws are enforced.
The state, which has sole jurisdiction over its fisheries and is alone
responsible for their protection, has charged the Fish and Game Com-
mission with this conservation work. As the state laws defining the
duty of the Fish and Game Commission in regard to fisheries investi-
gation work were not very definite, the Legislature of 1919 passed the
following law :
It shall be the duty of the Fish and Game Commission to gather data of the
commercial fisheries and to prepare the data so as to show the real abundance of
the most important commercial fishes ; to make such investigations of the biology of
the various species of fish as will guide in the collection and preparation of the
statistical information necessary to determine evidence of overfishing ; to make
such investigations as will bring to light as soon as possible those evidences of over-
fishing as are shown by changes in the age groups of any variety of fish ; to deter-
mine what measures may be advisable to conserve any fishery, or to enlarge and
assist any fishery where that may be done' without danger to the supply.
This, together with laws which provide the means for gathering com-
plete and accurate statistics of the fisheries, as well as laws which pro-
vide a revenue from the fisheries, puts the fisheries conservation work
of the state on a firm and definite foundation, and assures the continu-
ation of investigation work which owes most of its value to the fact that
it is continuous.
To the Department of Commercial Fisheries falls the duty of carrying
out the commercial fisheries work of the Commission.
STATISTICS OF THE FISHERIES.
In the appendix to this report will be found statistical tables gathered
and compiled by this department which show in detail the magnitude
of California's fisheries. Complete recent statistics of most of the other
states are lacking but we believe none will contest California's claim to
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
55
first place in both quantity of catch and value of its fishery products.
Only six years ago slie lidd a place of insignificance among the states
in value of her fisheries.
1919 Pounds
Sardine lo.'S.SSo.uou
All Fish 2«a,2l>0,000
1918
Sardine 157.650.000
All Fish 259.100.000
1917
Sardine lOl.inn.nnn
All Fish 211.500,000
1916
Sardine 15.R50.00n
AU ITsh 93.530.000
Sardine
Salmon
Alhacore
and Tuna
E33
AU Others
^~
^^^^^^^HV-~. . .
J:^^
^-i
^^^I^^^^^^^^lr..",". '^
^o?5?>
^^■'
—
^^^■11-
m W-'-
i^yy
-
—
■
■ -------- ?§§§^
-
■
EJ
'"^
.^..iJLL.
1919 Pounds
Sulinoii 1."!. 150,000
Alb. & Tuna 31,140,000
All others.. 64,100,000
1918
.Salmon 13.030.000
All.. & Tuna 13.500.000
All others.. 71,U20,000
1917
Salmon 11,010.000
Alb. & Tuna 30.560.000
All others.. 65.830,000
1916
Salmon 10,840.000
Alb. & Tuna 22.900.000
All others.. 44,200,000
Fig. 13. The growth of the sardine fishery.
Quantities landed as compared to those for
other species.
MONTEREY
SAN PEDRO
SAN DIEGO
J
\
-' ■
..■<
^.
V _^
^
^
^^
,'
^
^
^
r^
■■•.»
/
r'
*
^
^
"^
\
/
'a
r^
x*'
y
X
^<'
^
1
r^
<^
....
• •••'
....(
\...
• • • •
.. ••
...^^
1
L
(
....
. ...
• *
C.S.f
.U
1916 Pounds
Monterey .10.459,029
San Pedro. 2,592,370
San Diego. 2,551.026
1917 Pounds
Monterey .41,621,150
San Pedro.52, 615,300
San Diego. 9.718,336
1918 Pounds
Monterey .64.915,002
San Pedro.78.077.612
San Dlego.l3.207,2G5
1919 Pounds
Monterey .81,447,280
San Pedro.54.G00,194
San Diego.11,183,539
Fig. 14, Sardines landed at Monterey, San Pedro and San Diego.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
1916
Southern .. 552.609
Northern — 196,104
1917
Southern ..1,538.122
Northern „ 480,111
1918 1919
Southern -.1,385,202 Southern ..1,166,435
Northern — 729,100 Northern .. 905,206
Fig. 15, Comparison of cases of fish of all kinds packed in northern
and southern California.
56
REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
The greatest growth has taken place in the tuna and sardine fisheries.
The accompanying graphic charts show the growtli of the principal
fisheries during the years from 1916 to 1919, inclusive.
1916 1917 1918 1919
ALL FISH CANNED IN
CALIFORNIA BY CASES
Northern SoutliL'rn
Ulii,104
480,111
72n,100
905,206
1111 1!
1917.
1918
1919
522, COV
1,538,122
1.385,202
1,166,435
VALUE OF FISH
PACKING
PLANTS
Northern
Southern
191G.. $860,590
$948,702
1917.- 786,197
2,573,453
1918-. 1,569,330
4,089,660
1919-- 2,272,514
5,436,357
SYSTEM FOR GATHERING FISHERIES STATISTICS.
As statistics must be the basis of all earnest fisheries conservation
work, this department early in its history began gathering data of
the catch. L a w .s were
passed requiring fish deal-
ers and packers to submit
monthly reports of the fish
catch by varieties. Later
it was realized that to be
of the greatest service to
tlie fisheries investigator
such data must be made
more complete and accur-
ate than is possible by that
method. Therefore, a sys-
tem was inaugurated which
lias w^orked out in an en-
tirely satisfactory manner.
At first the data under
this system was furnished
voluntarily by the indus-
try, but in order to make
it permanent a law was
enacted by the State Leg-
islature in 1919, which,
makes the giving of the
data compulsory. Every
effort is being exerted to
make this data as accurate
as possible, realizing that
accuracy is the main
requisite of the investiga-
tor. Such data increases
greatly in value with the passing years. As
this system of gathering the data of the catch
is unique and superior to that employed by
any government or state fisheries board, we
quote the law governing it :
Sec. 2. Every person, firm or corporation engaged
in tlie business of buying, canning, curing or preserv-
ing fish, or manufacturing fisli meal, fisli oil or fish
fertilizer, or dealing in fish, mollusks or crustaceans,
shall make a legible record in the form of a receipt,
said record to be in triplicate carbon copies and on forms to be furnished by the Fish
and Game Commission, which shall show the name of the fisherman and boat or the
dealer from which the fish, mollusks or crustaceans were received, together with the
date received, the weight of the fish, mollusks or crustaceans by species, the price
received by the fishermen and the name of the person receiving same.
It shall be stated in the record for what use the fish are intended, whether to be
sold fresh or whether they are to be canned, cured, made into fish meal or fertilizer,
or any other disposition to be made of them, or if a commercial distinction is made
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
IN fISH PACKING
PLANTS
Northern
SouUiern
1916._ 1.573
2.289
1917-. 3.090
3,261
IfllS-- 3.829
4.2in
1919_- 3,123
5.119
1916 1917 1918 1919
.......NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Fig. 16. Comparison of
number of cases canned,
value of packing plants and
number of employees.
REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 57 '
bptwoon (lifTin-ont sizes or (nialiti-s of any sijfcios or variety, it must be so stated
on said record or receipt, and the record shall also state if the fish wore taken in
foreign waters, or in the high seas off another state or foreign country. The names
used in the record for designating the variety or species of fish handled must 1)C the
luinie which is in common usage, and tlie Fish and Game Commission shall have
the power to deride whtit is the common usage name of any variety.
The original copy of this record shall he delivered to the fisherman at the time
of the purchase or receipt of the fish, the duplicate copy shall be kept by the dealer
or person receiving the fish and the triplicate copy shall be delivered to the Fish and
Game Commission or any duly authorized assistant thereof.
Where a fish dealer, canner or i)roserver catches liis own fish, he shall fill out
the above record as required when he purchases the fisii from fisherman or dealer,
or if it so desires the Fish and Game Commission may furnish a separate form for
such cases. It shall he the duty of the Fish and Game Commission to preserve all
such records of the fisheries as are obtained by it in places adequately safeguarded
from fire or other destructive^ agencies and such records are to be kept in such
manner as to render them accessible for reference or research, the intention being
to guard against the destruction or such neglect of the records as will detract from
their future value.
This system is now in use all over the state and from the records
gatliered can be obtained the daily catch of any variety of fish by any
boat, which, it will be realized, is of the greatest value in keeping track
of the trend of any fishery and in detecting any evidences of depletion.
Supplementing this data must be a record of the boats and the fishing
gear used, therefore a section of the same law recjuires that every boat
fishing in the state or out of any port in the state, must file with the
Fish and Game Commission a statement giving the dimensions of the
boat, the motive power, number in crew, equipment and description of
fishing gear.
A section of the law also provides that large fishing vessels, such as
otter or beam trawls or those operating paranzella nets can be required
to keep a record of their trips, number and place of hauls and quantities
of each variety of fish caught in each.
Fisheries data is being gathered and tabulated under these laws and
published in the Commission's quarterly magazine California Fish
AND Game. The permanent records in the form of the triplicate receipts
of the catch and the boat registration cards are being filed in such man-
ner that they may be of the greatest good to the fisheries investigator
when they may be needed. Tlie need of a building for the filing of these
records where thej" Avill be safeguarded from destruction by fire or
other causes as required by the law, as well as to provide a proper place
for investigators to work, is taken up elsewhere under the title, "A
State Fisheries Laboratory. ' '
During the principal fishing seasons the data of the catch of some of
the fisheries have been gathered and tabulated daily for the accommo-
dation of the fish packers. During the present year the catch of the
more important canning varieties have been tabulated four times a
month for the use of canners of the San Diego, San Pedro and ^Monterey
districts.
58 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
To gatlier the statistics of the catch, to register the boats and fishing
gear and to do the necessary tabulating, has necessitated putting on an
extra assistant in tlie branch offices of the Department of Commercial
Fisheries in San Diego, San Pedro and Monterey, as well as an extra
statistical assistant in the San Francisco office. It is difficult to estimate
the cost of this system of gathering the records of the catch as each
statistical assistant has other duties to perform which have little to do
with statistics and as assistants in other lines give some help
in gathering the records. But, as we have had several inquiries as
to the cost of the system, we have estimated it as near as we can. The
books of receipts which are furnished the dealers and packers are cost-
ing us approximately $485 a year. It will be fair to charge to the sys-
tem the services of one assistant at the four fishing centers, San Diego,
San Pedro, Monterey and San Francisco, which with traveling expenses
will amount to approximately $650 a month. Any state adopting the
system would require one assistant at each fishing center. Each should
have a suitable place to Avork upon the tabulations and should be pro-
vided with adding machines. This covers only the cost of gathering the
records and roughly tabulating them. To work out the boat catches
for conservation purposes is work for the investigator. A proper place
should be provided for storing the triplicate receipts in such a manner
that they may be readily accessible for future study and w^here they
will be safe from destruction or damage. On account of the large
number of small boats fishing, California uses more triplicate receipt
books than would be used where larger catches per boat are made.
INVESTIGATION.
Our statistical program is only a part of the work. While it is the
basis upon which much of the work of the investigator must rest, it
must be supplemented by a study of the biology of the species upon
which our principal fisheries depend. The investigations are not being
conducted merely through a scientific interest in the species dealt with;
they are conducted for the primary purpose of conservation and the
intelligent expansion of the fisheries. The investigations are all based
on the needs of the fisheries and in all there is a well defined program
which has been arrived at through the experiences of fisheries investiga-
tors of this and other countries. The object and method of the investi-
gation work has been stated very fully in the Fish and Game Commis-
sion's Fish Bulletin No. 2 by W. F. Thompson, entitled "The Scientific
Investigation of Marine Fisheries, as Related to the AVork of the Fish
and Game Commission in Southern California." We will not discuss
here the needs of scientific investigations or the methods of the work as
they are given full treatment in this Bulletin.
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 59
Albacore Investigations.
The investij^ation work on the albacore or longfinned tuna has pro-
o^ressod under ^\r. W. P. Thompson and his assistants until now very
definite i-esults have been ol)t;iiiie(l and are bciiiir prepai'ed for publica-
tion.
Very complete data liave hecii ir.ithered fi'om the very l)eginning of
the albacore indu.stry and lliis wealth of material, more extensive we
believe than that ever gathered from any one tisheiy, is in its final
analysis disclosing facts of great value to the fishery. As long ago as
1915, a paper was read l)efore tlie Western Division of the American
Association for Die Advancement of Science, at San Diego, by one of
the leading tuna packers, in which |)aper this packer stated tliat it was
feared the albacore even then might be undergoing depletion on account
of too intensive fishing. The denumd for canned tuna was so great
that the canneries were being enlarged at a reckless rate, the number of
albacore fishing boats was being rapidly increased mainly on capital
furnished by the canners. There was a growing belief that the schools
of albacore were not so extensive as a few years before and there was
a tendency to increase the price to the fishermen for the fish. The paper
voiced the sentiment of the packers at the time in a plea for a scientific
investigation of the albacore fishery for the purpose of determining its
limitations and to give the packers some idea of the permanency of the
industry and as to whether the expansion had reached the limit to which
it could be safely extended, or if it had already passed that limit.
These were practical and extremely important questions being asked
of the scientific investigator by an important industry, and the interest
created by the discussion which followed hastened the activity of the
state in its fisheries work, which until that time had not been taken up
by it in a serious manner.
It takes time and accurate data extending over a period of years to
determine if depletion of a fishery is taking place. The total yearly
catch does not give an indication unless we also know the number of
boats and the kind of fishing gear used in making the catches. This
data has to be obtained. Fish are also subject to fluctuations in abund-
ance due to natural causes and not to fishing, so it is necessary in such
an investigation to get the data which will enable us, by methods known
to the science of fisheries consei-vation, to determine if periods of scar-
city are due to overfishing or to natural causes.
Extensive data has now been gathered and will continue to be gath-
ered an analysis of which will show these very things which we wish
so much to know. While the data does not extend over a sufficient
number of seasons to enable us to be absolutely certain that depletion
of albacore in California waters has not taken place, it is sufficiently
extensive to enable us to say, with enough assurance to answer the
60 REPORT OF THE PISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
requirements oi' those in the industry, that the present fishing is not
causing depletion and that the fluctuations in abundance from season to
season are due to natural causes. The analysis of the relative abun-
dance of albacore during past years, as made by this connnission and
published in the Pacific Fisherman Year Book 1919, showed a steady
fall in the catch of the same unit of gear from year to year. Based on
that evidence alone this would indicate depletion, but from other facts,
mainly that th(> proportion of older fisli caught at the latter end of the
season, held up, we are led to believe that the fall in relative abundance
of albacore during these years was not due to depletion but to natural
causes. This conclusion is borne out l)y the fact that the catch for
1920 has shown a decided increase, which coupled with the reappearance
of younger classes of albacore are encouraging signs.
A necessary part of such a fisheries investigation is to work out a
method of determining the age and rate of growth of the fish. It is of
great importance to be able to determine the relative abundance of the
age classes of the fish under investigation, in order that depletion may
be distinguished from natural fluctuations in abundance and to furnish
information upon which to predict the abundance in the future seasons.
The work on the age and rate of growth of the albacore has pro-
gressed to where it is now ready for publication. The usual method
of determining age is by means of the marks or winter checks on the
scales. These marks proved to be extremely difficult to decipher by the
simple method of viewing them through the microscope. A special
technique was used to decipher them which entailed a great amount
of painstaking labor. The method is a distinct contribution to the
science of fisheries conservation for it proves by a strictly mechanical
method which is entirely free from the influence of the workers personal
judgment that the marks on the scales correspond absolutely with the
age of the fish. The importance of this contribution will be seen when
it is known that well known biologists have expressed their doubt if the
marks on scales do actually show age. This is the first direct knowl-
edge we have of the age of any of the fish belonging to the mackerel '
family.
The work on the age of albacore shows that it is a fast growing
fish, which is encouraging, for on that account the fishery can stand
heavier fishing than if it were a slow growing fish. The study of age has
also thrown light on the migration of these fish. These matters are
thoroughly discussed in Mr. Thomp.son\s paper.
Much work has been done on the migrations and fluctuations in the
run of albacore. A relationship between the catch and temperature,
or some factor allied with temperature, has been shown. A couple of
papers by Mr. Thompson have already pointed out this relationship.
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 61
But since their appearance a great deal of additional work has been
done and the whole subject of migrations and fluctuation of the catch
will be treated in a subsequent p;ipcr wtiirh is now hciiiij: prepared for
publication. It is sufficient to say that the results show that there are
no sudden and long migrations made within a season as lias been be-
lieved by many of the fishermen and caused them to make long trips up
and down the coast in the Ix-lid' tlic schools liad made an extensive
migration.
There is evidently a ini.u'i'iition to the northward thnju^h a period of
\oars but the migration of any one year class is comparatively limited.
During the short periods when they do not take the hook they are un-
doubtedly near at lumd. prohably deep in the water, but the conditions
which are allied with the temperature, are such that they do not feed
at the surface and therefore do not come within the range of the hooks
of the fishermen. This knowledge should pi-ove of economic importance
to the industry.
Sardine Investigation.
Although there is probably no immediate danger of depleting the
supi)ly of sardines in this state, the time to begin an investigation is
Mhile this industry is yet young and before depletion takes place. The
rapid growth together with the magnitude and importance of this
fishery has caused us to concentrate our efforts upon it. A considerable
amount of preliminary work was done by Mr. W. F. Thompson, as-
sisted by ]\Ir. Elmer Iliggins, iNIr. A. W. AVarnock and others. In this
work, begun two years ago, the breeding season was observed, a series
of scales and other data were collected for the study of age and rate of
growth. A set of careful observations were made on the difference
between sardines from San Diego, San Pedro and Monterey to deter-
mine the interdependence of the fisli in the different regions. This
point is of importance for it is vital to know if the sardines of each
fishing center constitute a local problem or if there is an interdepend-
ence between the different regions. A report on this part of the work
will soon be out. Very good supplies of very young sardines were
collected during the investigations carried on by the patrol boat
"Albacore, " which throw much light on the spawning habits of the
sardine.
About a year ago the sardine work was taken up in a thorough-
going manner and a well defined program laid down designed to meet
the needs of the fishery. This program was published in Vol. 6, No. 1,
pp. 10-12 of our ciuarterly magazine California Fish and Game. It
also follows the general plan as set forth in Fish Bulletin No. 2. The
program although scientific is extremely practical and meets well the
62 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
needs of the fishery. To quote California Fish and Game, Vol. 6.
No. 4 :
The propfram under wliieh the work has been done contemplates (1) the dis-
covery of depletion if it should occur, (2) the discovery of Kvoat natural fluctua-
tions in abundance or quality other than those due to over-fishing, (3) the fore-
telling of these fluctuations, which in other fisheries have at times caused great
damage, (4) the deci])hering of those habits of the species which are of importance
to the canner and fisherman, such as migrations, and (7>) knowledge of such facts
as will aid the legislator. The absolute completion of this program is without doubt
well removed, but contributions to it of great value will be made in the very
near future, enabling us to make at least provisional answei-s, a thing impossible now.
Among these we may list the age and rate of growth, the breeding season, and the
interdependence of the sardines in different regions. That the fore-telling of fluctu-
ations is not necessary may be seen from the work of the Norwegian fishery authori-
ties on the herring. The other elements of the outline given are dependent entirely
upon the records we obtain — and we are acquiring the very best possible.
The most valuable results to be expected from these investigations
will be the ability to detect the earliest evidence of depletion so that
we can permit the industry to expand without fear of greatly overrun-
ning the limit of safety for the future of the iudustry, to detect natural
fluctuations in abundance from depletion and to be able to foretell the
abundance of the different canning sizes in the next or subsequent
years.
Clam Investigation.
Since April, 1919, F. W. Weymouth has been devoting a portion of
his time to the completion of a survey of the shellfish of the California
coast commenced several years previously by AVill F. Thompson. A
report is now in the hands of the printer (Fish Bulletin No. 4) embody-
ing all the collected data. The primary purpose of the survey has been
to put on record the number and abundance of the species of commercial
importance and the location and condition of the beds at present being
utilized. The scope of the report has been extended by the inclusion
of descriptions and figures together with a key for ready identification
of some forty species of present or possible commercial value. Hereto-
fore no such key has been available, and it is hoped that by this publi-
cation campers and amateur clam diggers can be made acquainted with
the edible bivalves of the coast. Beside the description and range of
each species an account of its habits has been included. Though many
collections of attractive and interesting "shells" have been made there
are few observations on the varied habits of these mollusks and it is
hoped that those recorded in this report may lead to more study of the
remarkable ways in which the bivalves are adapted to the diverse con-
ditions of life under which they are found.
In connection with this survey certain important points have de-
veloped. One is the need for a more detailed study of the life history
of at least some of the more representative and important species. At
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION, G3
present, though several of the eastern species have been carefully in-
vestigated, no facts concerning the age or rate of growth of a single
native Pacific species are known.
In an attempt to remedy this lack, data have been collected through-
out the year on the Pisnio clam, one of the most important California
species, and these are now being carefully studied. The preliminary
work indicates the main features of the age' and as soon as it can be
completed it will be put in form for publication. It appears that the
growth is less rapid than has been supposed and that a considerable
age is reached by the larger specimens met with.
A careful survey of the coast has forced the conclusion that few of
the native species can be materially increased by artificial means, but
that ill certain suitable bays the "farming" of the introduced soft
shell or long clam miglit be made very profitable. Its culture has
passed the experimental state on the eastern coast and profiting by this
experience many acres of otherwise barren tide flats might be made to
yield as sure and valuable a crop as a wheat field. It is hoped that in
the future the question of the control of suitable tide lands may be put
on as secure a basis as is the management of existing oyster lands, thus
making such clam farming a practical possibility.
Oyster Investigations.
During the past year Dr. Harold Heath has been employed on in-
vestigations relative to the propagation of our native California oyster.
The larger Eastern oyster has never yielded to efforts to propagate it in
this state for the principal reason that our waters during its spawning
season are entirely too cold. It has been necessary, therefore, for the
growers of Eastern oysters to keep their beds stocked by bringing out
the spat or seed oysters from the Atlantic coast. After the oysters
have reached the size known as "spat" they will thrive in our waters
but the younger larval stage can live only within a narrow range of
temperature which is above that reached by the water in any of our
bays where oyster raising has been tried. Our smaller native oyster
on the other liand, propagates within a comparatively wide range of
temperature and breeds naturally from San Diego Bay to Alaska. It is
known in the far North as the "Canadian oyster," in Washington as
the "Olympia oyster" and in this state as the "California oyster."
In "Washington much progress has been made in raising this Pacific
Coast oyster and by means of expert advice the industiy has been
made quite profitable. Choice oyster bottoms on Puget Sound are
valued as high as $4,000 per acre.
The only place in this state wdiere it has been at all profitable iv.
gather the native oyster is on Tomales Bay, IMarin Countv. Altiiough
5-7857
64 REPORT OF THE PISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
these oysters are said by oyster men to be the equal of the better known
Olympia oyster, no very intelligent effort has been made to increase
the yield. Occasional trials have been made to obtain a better set by
placing out shells or other objects as collectors to which the young may
attach themselves. In these trials the collectors have mostly been put
out at the wrong time or in the wrong place. In response to requests
for aid, Dr. Heath was employed to conduct the present investiga-
tion. The work was mainly done on Tomales Bay for the reason that
assistance and co-operation could be had from the local oyster com-
panies. The knowledge gained, however, can be applied to any locality
where the conditions for oyster growing are favorable. Although the
work was in the nature of a preliminary investigation, and only a com-
paratively small amount of time was consumed, the work was done
with the immediate needs of the industry in view and resulted in
clearing up several points vital to the success of the industry. The
knowledge thus gained sliould result in the growing of California oys-
ters on a large commercial scale, not only on Tomales Bay but in several
of the other bays of the state.
A preliminary report will soon be published giving the progress of
this work so that we will give here only very briefly some of the results.
It was found that in the immediate vicinity of the natural oyster beds
remarkable "sets" can be obtained on oyster shell collectors if these
collectors are put out at the right time. Collectors placed in the water
too soon accumulate a coat of slime and sediment which permits only a
very few of the embryo oysters to become attached. It is necessary,
therefore, to put out experimental collectors at intervals or to observe
the relative abundance of free swimming oyster larvae, in order to de-
termine the proper time for putting out the collectors. This work must
be done by an experienced person for it is necessary by means of the
microscope to distinguish the oyster larvae from the larvae of clams and
other mollusks. If this information is supplied each spatting season, it
will be possible for the industry to expand greatly. It is now quite
certain that the young oysters can be collected on oyster shells or other
collectors and later transplanted to prepared beds in places where no
oysters grow naturally, just as has been done in Puget Sound. In this
way large areas which are now unproductive can l)e made to maintain
beds of oysters.
Work was carried on to determine the distribution of the free swim-
ming larvae in relation to water salinity, temperature and currents.
The rate of growth and character of food supply were also subjects of
study. Experiments were made in transplanting both young and
adults to different parts of the bay to determine how much of a change
in salinity or temperature they can withstand.
REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. bb
A STATE FISHERIES LABORATORY.
As stated toward tlie beginning of tliis n'i)ort, tin; ti.slu!rirs (-onserva-
tion work of any state or government, tn be adequate must be based
upon detailed and accurate data of the catch. These data gain in
value as the years progress and in oidn- that they may be properly
Itreserved and kept available for the in\'estigators, they should be kept
in a permanent depository where they will be safe from fire or other
destructive agencies. This depository should be in the building where
the fisheries work is being carried on. It is also necessary that the in-
vestigators have suitable quarters in which to carry on the work upon
the biology of the specias upon which the principal fisheries depend.
AVitliin these quarters there should be space for a working library
dealing with fisheries subjects. Space should also be provided for the
collection of specimens and ])iological material. Storage room is needed
for nets and other apparatus used in connection w itli the investigations
and finally it is very desirable that space be had to exhibit to those
interested the extent and methods of the fisheries and more especially
to show in graphic form the progress and achievements of the investi-
gation work.
So far we have rented quarters wherever we could find them and
this has proven to be very unsatisfactory. In fact, it has been impos-
sible to rent anything that even approaches our needs in the locality
where such a laboratory should be located. The laboratory quarters
have had to be moved frequently and the workers are now scattered
so that it is difficult to systematize or to supervise the work.
In order that the records of the fisheries may be safe from destruction
by fire we have had to store them where they can be referred to only
with great difficulty. There has been no room for the library which is
being accumulated nor is there space for the collections.
To meet this need for adequate and permanent quarters plans have
been made to build a state fisheries laboratory. We have secured from
the City of Los Angeles free of charge, a long term permit to occupy a
site at Fish Harbor, San Pedro, situated at the intersection of Seaside
avenue and Tuna street. This location is central to the canneries, mar-
kets and docks of the most important fisheries center in the state. Ten-
tative plans for a fire proof building have been approved and placed
in the hands of the State Architect for the final draft and specifiications.
The estimated cost of the building is $20,000. We quote in the follow-
ing from a statement of the aims of this institution by W. F. Thomp-
son and published in California Fish and Game for October, 1920 :
"It will be well to state now as clearly as possible those ideals to which the
Commission is planning to dedicate a unique institution. Such a statement may save
misunderstandiiiff and opposition, ond should give to those interested an appreciation
of the underlying purposes such as will enable them to comprehend the reasons for
the choice of site and for the plans adopted. The site was chosen because of its
66 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
proximity to the canneries and the fish wharves, making it possible to follow easily
the progress of the fishery. The plans adopted arc intended to give good working
room for a statistical and biological study of the fisheries for the purpose of conser-
vation and adequate utilization and at the same time to allow an exhibit to those
interested in the purposes of the work and its relation to the fisheries.
That the primary purposes of the investigations of tlie California Fish and Game
Commission are conservation and adequate utilization has been stated many times.
But such i)urposes have been i'ei)eatedly avowed by investigators, whose programs
when adopted have betrayed a primary interest in general natural history, and have
shown little relationship to the problems to be solved. The scientific program of the
Commission has, however, been planned very specifically to meet the problems which
are involved in governmental control of the fisheries, and are adapted to meet the
responsibilities of the state as legal guardian of those natural resources. The ma-
chinery for the execution of this program is, in fact, already operating in part, 'and
its purix)ses ai*e stated very clearly in the laws of the state as duties of the Com-
mission.
The law then goes on to make provisions for the statistical system now in use as
one of the bases for the scientific work. This system is to the best of our knowledge
one without parallel in any country, and it has already proved itself superior to any
statistical system we are acquainted with. It registers the catch of every boat,
leaving its record for subsequent study by scientists in conjunction with other
records by which changes in apparatus and economic conditions may be discounted,
in order that there may be obtained a measure of the fluctuations in abundance of
fish from year to year. It will be inevitable, in the future, that any scientific
program carried on by the possessors of such complete records as, by this law, we
shall eventually have, will be a program designed to discover the meaning of i>uch
records in terms of abundance and scarcity of fish. That there are faults in the
system must be granted, but the faults are infinitesimal compared to those of statis-
tical systems depending upon estimates' and hearsay. The laboratory will provide
for the filing and the study of these records.
But this statistical work is only a part of the program, and in formulating both
this and the biological, which is in a way the more important, the Commission has
had before it the several programs adopted during the last two decades in other
countries, notably in those bordering the North Sea and our North Pacific, and from
these programs and their results it has been possible to decide within somewhat
narrow limits what knowledge is necessary to competently legislate for our fisheries.
The failures and successes of others during the recent great advances in fishery
science have profited us. And in this fact is seen the reason why the program for
the proposed laboratory will be a really vital one, dealing with questions which
actually face the legislator and the men interested eommcrciaUy. It will lack the
vagueness of random natural history investigations, and it will avoid the limitation
in value of technological research. In the future we may justifiably hope that the
investigations carried on in the new laboratory will further define and clarify the
many problems to be met with.
And in thus reviewing the work in other fields perhaps the most obvious fact has
been the absolute necessity of access to the vast store of specimens and data to be
furnished by the commercial fisheries. No agency could afford to duplicate this store,
despite its vital importance to any investigations. And this has, in fact, determined
the location of the laboratory and dominated in the construction of its plans. An-
other obivous conclusion to be drawn from the work of others has been the necessity
of obtaining pop'ular support by exhibiting to those interested the purposes of the
work, and its achievements, as well as by showing graphically the necessity for it.
Because of this there has been planned an exhibit room.
The great scientific value of this work may not be immediately obvious to the
scientist who is interested in some of the more basic lawe of biology. It may appear
too practical. Yet this definition of aim, and practical trend actually heightens the
value of the work from the standpoint of general science. The problems faced by
the legislator are, in striking degree, the same as those in which the student of
geographical distribution, and of evolution is or should be interested, and the material
offered by the commercial fisheries far exceeds in extent that which can be obtained
through other sources. The degree of isolation of different races and the extent to
which it leaves its traces on the morphology or habits of the species is of great im-
portance to one pondering the value of protection to a species overfished in a par-
ticular locality, just as it is to the man interested in the formation of races and
I
REPORT OP THE FISH AM) GAME COMMISSION.
6-
species. The rapidity of srowdi, ilic disl lihulion <if pi'lagic ova or larvae by currents,
tlio rosponso of the species to clianjies in siirroirndini; conditions, all affect both the
conclusions of the naturalist and those to whom the apparent abundance of fish ia
vitally important. Above all, iiowever, our program will \ye most vital to the
progress of hydroKraphicnl science in its relation to the food supply of man, through
what is in reality the most essential i)urpos(> of our work — the measurement of the
actual abundance of lish in the ocean. The effect of liydrotjraphical conditions on
fish can not bo measured without a knowledge of the real abundance of fish, of the
rate of growth, and the habits. So, in addition to being dedicated to the .service
of comix>tent legislation for conservation ami utilization, the laboratory will be in a
very real way an essential part in tlu' |>rogrfss of more g<'neral scientific knowledge."
FISHERIES PATROL.
IMost of tlio fislicfics ('()iis('i'v;ition laws of tlie state JM^ply to the
Saeraineiik) and San -Joaciiiiii rivers and to tlie San Francisco Bay
region where intensive fishing has been longest carried on and where
more species of fish are in need of protection. For the enforcement
of these laws we have five patrol boats. San Francisco Bay and the
near outside waters are covered by ihc boats "Quinnat" and "Steel-
head", the river fishing districts by the boats "Rainbow," "Barracuda"
and "Shad." The first two boats are directly in charge of tliis depart-
ment. The otlicr three come imdor tlio lioad of general patrol as they
Fig. 17. Commercial Fisheries patrol boats, a. The "Albacore," June 3, 191S.
Photograph by E. M. Niel.sen. b. The "Steelhead" patrolling the lower Sacramento
0. The "Quinnat." Photograph by N. B. Scofield. d. The "Rainbow" at time of
launching in 1919. Photograph by A. M. Fairfield.
68 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
have much game patrol work as well, and are directed by the chiefs of
patrol of the San Francisco and Sacramento districts.
Patrol Boat "Quinnat."
Tlie patrol boat "Quinnat" is a cruiser or raised deck type of boat,
forty-six feet in length with a beam of eight feet and nine inches, and
draws three feet two inches of water. She is a well equipped boat with
a cabin wliifh furnishes sleeping accommodation.s for four persons, a
fully equipped galley, wardrobe, lockers and lavatory. She is finished
in Philippine mahogany and is electric liglited throughout. When built
in 1910 at a cost of $6,500 she was equipped with a forty horsepower
gasoline engine which enabled her to attain a speed of about twelve miles
per hour. In 1919 it was found necessary to replace this old engine
and a ninety horsepower Wisconsin engine was installed in its place.
With this new engine she can make a speed of thirteen miles per hour.
The boat has a fuel capacity of 240 gallons which gives it a fairly large
cruising radius. A small house has been recently built at the forward
end of the cockpit to protect the operator from the weather. This boat's
regular crew consists of a captain and engineer but can accommodate
two extra men when the emergency requires. Although in constant
service since being built this boat has been given good care and is in an
excellent state of preservation. She was designed for use on San Fran-
cisco Bay and for trips to the crab, rock cod and trawl fishing grounds
outside, and to the fishing grounds in Monterey Bay. While she is an
excellent boat and is doing the work for which she was built she is not
as seaworthy in bad weather outside the heads as had been expected.
With the growing importance of the outside fishing, more especially that
at Monterey and Fort Bragg, it may be necessary at some time to
replace her with a larger and more seaworthy boat.
Patrol Boat "Steelhead."
In 1920 the boat "Steelhead" was built to assist in the patrol work
of San Francisco Bay. The "Barracuda" which had been doing this
work was transferred to the river work to take the place of a boat which
was being rented for the purpose.-
Tlie "Steelhead" is the type of boat used in salmon trolling at Mon-
terey and Fort Bragg. She is thirty-one feet long, nine foot beam and
draws thirty-two inches of water. She has a twelve horsepower Hicks
two cylinder heavy duty engine and has a speed of nine miles per hour.
She is decked in and has a house shelter over the engine and cockpit.
The forward deck is slightly raised to give sleeping quarters for three
men. There are fuel tanks for 100 gallons and a 20 gallon water tank.
Her contract price was $2,545. She can be operated by one man but
can carry more when necessary.
REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 69
111 addition to work oil San Franci.sco liay it is intended to use tlie
"Steelhead" at Monterey and Fort Braj^jjj during the fishing seasons
at tliose plaees and to engage in experimental fishing to develop
methods of catching fish now little used.
Patrol Launch "Albacore."
For tile patrol of southern California waters we have the boat "Al-
bacore," built in 1918 and described in the last Biennial Report. She
is si.xty feet long, twelve foot l)caiii and has a draft of five feet. She
is equipped with a sixty-five horsepower Acme engine and has a speed
of eleven miles per hour. An ample cabin is provided with sleeping
neeommodations for six persons, a fully equipped galley, a lavatory and
lockers. She is built plainly on the model of a tuna fishing lioat and is
a good substantial seaworthy boat, well adapted to patrol and investiga-
tion work. "With a crew of three, captain^ engineer and deckhand, she
covers the coast from Santa Barbara to San Diego.
The "Albacore" has been used a great deal in experimental "long
line" fishing for albacore and has assisted in the fisheries investigation
work. For more than a year, however, practically all of her time has
been occupied with patrol work. With constant demands made upon
lier by the patrol work and with long distances to cover she has been put
through a lot of hard work. We doubt if the log of any boat of its size
on the coast will show as much work done.
Other Patrol Work.
lieside.s the fisheries patrol carried on l)y boat we employ a patrolman
in the vicinity of San Pedro who works about the piers, fishing docks
ond part of the time on the patrol boat. As occasion has demanded
extra men have been secured from the Los Angeles County sheriff's
office.
At San Diego we have a patrolman who devotes about all of his time
to the fisheries patrol work. At San Francisco one man gives this
branch of the w^ork all of his time. As already stated the three boats,
"Rainbow," "Barracuda" and "Shad," while doing some game patrol
work are largely employed on fisheries work. Game deputies wherever
-stationed in commercial fishing localities devote part of their time to
fisheries work and during fishing seasons may give all their time under
the direction of this department. In this way the fisheries patrol is well
cared for.
SALMON INVESTIGATIONS.
In the salmon investigations this department is cooperating with the
Department of Fishculture for each is equally concerned with the con-
servation of these fish. Investigations of California salmon which have
been mad(> in tlie past have in a large degree been superficial, but to
70 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
work out the important problems remaining unsolved requires well
organized and sustained effort.
The chief object here is to acquaint ourselves as much as possible
with the life and habits of the salmon, for intelligent attempts at con-
servation must depend largely on our knowledge of the natural history
of the species. The fact that rapid depletion and almost total destruc-
tion of the supply of salmon has occurred in certain localities to the
northward, is sufficient warning tliat the question of conservation must
be considered by us even more seriously than in the past. In addition
to a constantly increased effort to supply a growing demand for fish
food, we are faced with the rapid development of irrigation and power
construction, which in some instances completely closes or threatens to
close large tributaries of our rivers which liave served as natural breed-
ing grounds for salmon. The recent growth of sea fishing for salmon
also furnishes a problem for careful investigation. The main hope of
being able to combat these destructive agencies lies in intellgently
administered conservation and propagation.
Artificial propagation seems to have reached a high state of perfection,
but there are many questions relating to methods of liberation, distribu-
tion and breeding of young salmon that need immediate attention. It is
quite possible that some of our smaller coastal streams might be made
through artificial propagation to contribute largely to the demands of
sea fishing, and that with a little aid more or less permanent migrations
might be established in some of them.
The salmon investigation work has been placed in charge of Dr. J.
0. Snyder of Stanford University, who is exceptionally well qualified to
carry on this line of work.
During the past two seasons assistants, under his direction, have
been engaged in making observations at Monterey Bay, Fort Bragg.
Klamath, Trinity, Smith and Sacramento rivers, and elsewhere. There
have been assembled considerable data relating to sea fishing and river
migration, collections of scales from which something of the life history
of the fish may be obtained, collections of young salmon from different
localiti&s, etc. Laboratory studies of this material is now in progress.
Attention has been directed principally toward king salmon, but observa-
tions of value have been made on silver salmon, steelheads, sturgeon,
and other river fishes as well.
What is most urgently demanded now is some knowledge of the com-
position or source of origin of the schools of salmon upon which the sea
fishing draws, of the movements, source of food, and other facts relating
to the ocean life of salmon, of the location and extent of spawning
grounds, the migrations of adults and young, and methods of introduc-
REPORT OF THE PISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 71
tion and distributidn wliicli will hriiii^- tlie l)est results to iirtilicial pruj)-
a<?ation. Facts relating to these questions can only be gained through
patient oteervation and carefully planned experimentation.
FISH REDUCTION.
Wliei-evcr fisheries are carried on extensive waste usually results.
Many unmarketable fishes are unavoidably caught and frequently even
the desirable varieties are cau^ilt in such quantities they cannot be
nbsorbed by the markets before spoiling. As an illustrf^tion, the
mackerel boats fisliiiig out of a port in England recently brought in so
many mackerel in one day that the fresh markets and salteries would
not take all of them and 500,000 perfectly good mackerel were taken to
sea and dumped. Besides such losses resulting from occasional over-
catches there is a loss of at least fifty per cent in the cleaning of fish
which go to the markets, salteries or canneries. In many places this
waste is dumped at sea and no effort is made to convert it into useful
products such as fish meal and oil. It is evident that even in England
where fishing has been carried on for centuries fish waste and offal is
not being utilized as it should. lu the salmon fi.sheries of the north
Pacific, many millions of pounds of fish offal are annually dumped into
the sea. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research of Canada
estimates that in that country $12,000,000 worth of fish offal is wasted
each year.
In California the demand for fish meal for poultry or stock food or
as a fertilizer for fruit trees, and the demand for fish oil to be used in
the manufacture of fruits and other products has resulted in almost
every pound of fish waste being utilized. California easily surpasses all
other states in Ibe utilization of its fish waste. A few years ago when
our fisheries began to expand, reduction plants were established at the
principal fishing centers and the fish offal and waste \vas hauled to them
by barge or truck. There was a demand for small, compact and sani-
tary reduction plants which could be run in connection Avith the
cannery. After considerable experimenting these were finally perfected
and several different makes were placed on the market by manufactur-
ers in this state. Most of our fish canneries are now equipped with
these plants and in them the fish offal is handled quickly before putri-
fication sets in and tlie fish meal tluis iimnufactured is an excellent
poultry or stock food.
The independent reduction plants which depended on fish oft'al for
their supply of raw material have lost by this and some have had to
close. Fish meal and oil have sold at such good prices and sardines
can be caught so cheaply that there have been times when it was as pro-
fitable to convert the fish into meal and oil as into canned food. This
resulted in large quantities of sardines being used in the reduction
72 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
plants ill tlie spring of 1919 during the time when the fish were not
quite up to the standard of fatness to can. Although it is considered
proper to use the menhaden in vast quantities on our Atlantic coast for
obtaining fish oil and the herring to a less extent in Norway for oil and
meal, it was believed that the unrestricted use of sardines for this pur-
pose should not be permitted in California. Our canners themselves as
well as the public were opposed to the practice and the legislature, then
in session, enacted a law which placed the regulation of the use of fish
in reduction plants in the hands of the Fish and Game Commission.
The first idea of the legislative committee which passed upon the bill
was that the use of any edible fish in reduction plants should be pro-
hibited, but adopted the plan of placing the control of the matter in the
hands of the Fish and Game Commission when it was shown that fre-
quently over-catches cannot be avoided, that fish hoisting apparatus or
canning machinery will break and that consequently if the fish could
not be used in reduction plants there would be a useless waste.
The handling of this problem has not been an easy one. Sardine
canneries having reduction plants are making a profit out of their waste
and this gives them an advantage over the other canneries. Further
than this, they are able with profit to divert sardines for reduction pur-
poses which have become soft underneath the load in the boat, or fish
which are broken or do not otherwise come up to standard and by so
doing they make use only of the fine fish for canning. The tendency,
however, is for them to use more fish than they should for reduction
purposes. The canneries which are not equipped for converting fish
and offal into fish meal and oil have paid the fishermen more for their
fish than they can get from the reduction plant which buys their offal.
As a consequence, they are inclined to can some fish which might better
be discarded and with only a few exceptions they pack more cases
from a ton of fish than the canneries with reduction plants and they
accuse their opponents with using good fish for fish meal and of using
that profit to underbid them in the sale of the canned product.
It has been extremely difficult to regulate the percentage of fish that
is discarded in this way, even when an inspector is placed in the cannery.
Consequently a plan of cheeking a cannery's daily pack with the
amount of fish it receives has been adopted. Their receipts are obtained
accurately from the copies of the receipts issued to the fishermen and
the daily pack is secured from the memoranda of retort or comptometer
records from which the cannery makes up the record of its daily pack.
By this means we are able to hold their waste in discarded fish and
f-xcess catches within definite limits.
In the matter of controlling excess catches of sardines our task has
also been difficult for fishing conditions vary in one locality through a
season and the fishing conditions in southern California are very
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 73
(litiVrent from those at ^loiitrn-y. At jNIonterey sardines are found in
great numbers most of the season and are usually cau^'lit dose to the
eanneries and witliin a ('(niiparatively small ai'ca. TIh' boats most of
thr time arc ;iliK' to t^-ct their allotted limits and tlicfc is little incentive
to iiiakf an ovcr-cati'h with Ihr cxpct-tat ion that (itliri- boats will not get
their limit and on that aeeount they will be able to sell the excess
amount. Further than that, the boats are usually near enough together
so that eaeh knows what the eateh of the other boats is. In southern
California the boats (isli mostly far from the canneries and scattered
over a wide area so that they are not able to regulate the total catch. To
insure the eanneries ninning at capacity it is necessary that the limits
wliieh the eaiuieries place on their boats be slightly in excess of the
capacity of the canner\\ We liave found by experience that the excess
allowed nnist. ou account of the difference in fishing conditions, be
greater in southern California than at Monterey. The percentage of
leeway which is allowed therefore, is greater in southern California than
at Monterey. The canners, almost without exception, are cooperating
with us and are willingly pennitting us to inspect their plants and the
records of their pack.
The regulation of the use of fish in reduction plants we believe is
working out quite satisfactorily and in accordance with the wishes of
the legislature. Some of the eanners without reduction plants and
some of the plants not connected with canneries have not been wholly
satisfied. But, from force of circumstances they are at a slight dis-
advantage and it is not natural that they should be entirely satisfied.
On the other hand, some of the canners with reduction plants feel that
we have l)een too severe with our regulations. The direct fishing for
reduction purposes which caused the passage of the law has been en-
tirely stopped and over-eatches and waste has been reduced to a low
percentage.
PURSE SEINE FISHING.
About the most important development in the fisheries during the
past biennial period is the introduction of purse seine fishing in south-
ern California and the capture by this means of large quantities of
blue-fin tuna. The tuna canning iiulustry has been supported by the
fish known as the long-liiuu'd tuna or albaeore which is caught only
with hook and line. As already .stated in discussing the tuna investi-
gations, the catch of this species of fish until this year had been de-
creasing due, most likely, to a natural fluctuation in abundance and not
to over-fishing. A few purse seines introduced in 1918, demonstrated
that the other varieties of tuna may be caught witli nets. In 1919 the
number of purse seine boats increased, in the San Pedro district where
74 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
this manner of fishing is chiefly done, from nine to forty-one. These
boats liad a very profitable season, catching nearly eight million
pounds of blue-fin tuna, thus making up the partial failure of the
albaeore catch. Tliis resulted in a large tuna pack which the canners of
the district sorely needed. In 1920 the number of purse seine boats was
increased to 103. The purse seine fishermens' association demanded a
higher price than the canners believed they could pay. The canners
maintained that $125 per ton was the limit they could pay, and subse-
quent market conditions have shown that figure to be too high. "When
the fishermen finallj^ decided to accept this price they were unable to
find the blue-fin tuna in sufficient nvimbers to make their operations
profitable. The result of the season was that some of the boats did not
operate and scarcely a half dozen of them made their expenses. The
albaeore catch by the hook and line method, however, was very good and
the canners on that account did fairly well.
The presence of these purse seine boats, many of which have come
from the Puget Sound salmon fisheries, is a source of worry to us. They
have insisted on fishing within the prohibited area at Catalina Island
when tuna were to be found there and have had little respect for the
law which forbids their presence within that district with nets on their
boats. Our southern patrol boat has had to make numerous arrests. A
more serious result of the growth of purse seine fishing, however, is the
ill effect it may have on such varieties of fish as the barracuda and
white sea bass. These boats are engaged iu fishing for tuna for only
about three months, the rest of the year many of them fish for <-he
markets. One of these boats is able in one haul of their net to take more
barracuda or mackerel than they can carry on their boat. The markets
which are not prepared to freeze and hold over large catches until the
time when fish are not plentiful, are easily swamped, and it often
happens that large quantities of these fish, caught in good faith for the
markets, have to go to reduction plants. The fishermen have shown a
willingness to cooperate with the Commission and at our request have
at times put limits on the amount any boat shall bring in. The losses
come, however, on days when, instead of only a few boats making
catches, a large number of boats fishing over a wide area make good
catches simultaneously. Provision should be made by the markets to
freeze and hold these over-catches for there are times in the winter
when the markets are practically bare of fish.
The worst feature of purse seine fishing, which cannot very well be
remedied under existing laws, is the catching and killing of undersized
and young barracuda and white sea bass. It is possible the catching of
these two varieties of fish by means of purse nets should be prohibited.
REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 75
KELP POTASH INDUSTRY.
At the time of our last Biennial Report the kelp beds of California
were being taxed to their utniast to furni.sh pottush, the supply of
whieh was cut off from Europe by the war. When this source of supi)ly
was cut oft' potash manufactured from kelp sold readily for four times
the pre-war price. About -100,000 tons of kelp were being cut annually
and the government plant at Summerland and some of the larger com-
])anies were making every effort to develop and obtain a market for the
by-products in order that the business might be carried on profitably
even if the price of potash should fall to wliat it wa^ before the war.
"We ventured the opinion at that time that some of the companies would
be able to continue operations through the sale of tlic by -pioducts which
they were developing. But the end of the war came sooner than
expected and was accompanied by a decided drop in the price of potash.
8oon after the signing of the armistice nearly all kelp harvesting cea.sed
for as yet a sufficient market had not been found for the by-products.
At the immense, three million dollar plant of the Hercules Powder Com-
pany on San Diego Bay, where the fermentation proce.?.s was used to
break down the physical and chemical structure of the kelp, many by-
products were developed, several of them being chemicals which had
never before been produced in commercial cpiantities. It was hoped
that use for these materials would be found in the industrial arts, but
so far no good market has l)een found for them. The only plant which
has continued to operate is the government experimental plant located at
Summerland. Here they have continued to work on a small commercial
scale and researches have been continued to discover more economical
ways of extracting the potash and the different by-products. Here be-
sides the potash salts such by-products as kelp-oils, creosote, pitch, am-
monia, bleaching carbons, salt, and iodine have been obtained in com-
/nercial ciuantitias. To quote from their last report: "The results
obtained to date indicate that it will be possible to establish on kelp
as a basic raw material a new iVmerican chemical industry of consider-
able size and of importance and usefulness to the nation." From the
work wliich has been done we now know that the kelp beds of California
are capable of yielding 500,000 tons of raw kelp annually without injury
to the present stand. It is possible that this great industry may soon
be partially revived, but at the present time it is at a standstill.
Respectfully submitted.
(Signed) N. B. Scopield,
In Charge, Department of Commcrcml Fisheries.
76 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF EDUCATION, PUBLICITY
AND RESEARCH
The Honorable Board of Fisk and Game Commissioners of the State of
California.
Sirs: We have the honor to submit herewith a report ou the work
and accomplishments of the Bureau of Education, Publicity and Re-
search, covering the period from July 1, 1918, to June 30, 1920, this
being the third report since the inception of this department. Although
war conditions prevented an enlargement of tlie work, yet we believe
meritorious accomplishments in the field of education and publicity have
l)oen achieved.
EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY.
LECTURES.
The Bureau has continued to emphasize work in the schools, conse-
ciuently a large proportion of the lectures given during the past bien-
nium have been delivered to high school and grammar school students.
High school principals have been particularly sympathetic with the
work, and in many instances return lectures have been requested. In
some instances all the schools in a city have been concentrated for the
purpose of hearing a lecture and seeing wild life films. It has been sur-
prising to find how little definite information regarding the life history
and habits of game birds and mammals is had by the average high
school student. Furthermore, there is evident lack of information as to
the present status of fish and game and the need for its conservation.
As the lectures are often followed by a quiz, or the demand for a
written paper, by the biology teacher, the results should prove very
much worth while.
Early in 1920, the California Academy of Sciences was furnished
with a series of four popular science lectures by employees of the Com-
mission.
Another fruitful field which has been entered is that of the Boy
Scouts of America. Many lectures have been given to groups of scout-
masters and also to the boys themselves. In the summer of 1918 several
boy scout summer camp groups were visited and instruction given by
means of field trips and camp-fire talks.
The usual series of nine lectures on fi^sh and game were given to a
large class in general forestry at the University of California, in the
spring of 1919 and again in 1920. Short field trips designed to give
students a first hand acquaintance with the common birds on the
campus, and to stimulate their interest in natural history were also
given. The response of this group of students has been particularly
gratifying. A series of lectures and field trips were also given to a
group of prospective teachers in a course in advanced vertebrate zoology,
REPORT OP THE PISH AND GAME COMMISSION. ( (
in the spring of 1919. Wo believe tliat we have been fortunate in
h.aving this opportunity to '/iw a course of instruction to University
.students, for in such instruction, we are reaching many prospective
teachers and niatiy wlio will hold responsible positions in the state.
The lecture schedule would have been expanded had there not been
the need for curtailing ti-avoling expenses. Lectures have been dis-
tributed as follows :
TTigli schools 20
(_iranuuar schools 17
Normal schools 3
Thiiversities and colleges 21
I'arent.s' and teachers' tossociations 5
Civic clubs and public 59
Boy scouts 21
Churches 4
jMiseellanoous 12
Total 162
There is still a considerable demand for a collection of study skins of
common birds to be used as a loan collection for schools. Although such
a collection has slowly been accumulating, it is not sufficiently complete
to be available for this use. When completed this collection could be
Icept on the move with no expense to the Commission, each school pay-
ing the expressage. There is a continuous demand from teachers for
helpful conservation literature and new material needs to be prepared.
Nature study libraries furnished by the California Nature Study
League have been loaned to winter resorts and augmented libraries of
reference books have been used in connection with the summer resort
work.
MOTION PICTURES.
The set of Salisbury wild life films owned by the Commission have
l.ieen in almost constant use. The films formed the basis of many lec-
tures, and in addition have been displayed in many cities of the state.
Not only do these films depi<'it the home life of game birds and mai)iiiial>
but they also emphasize the need for fish and game conservation. Of
particular use has been the reel showing the hatchery operations. The
films have been furnished free of charge to schools or other organiza-
tions making application, providing that they furnished a lantern and
operator. All of the high schools have recently been circularized, with
the result that the films are being shown systematically in all of the high
schools possessing the proper projecting apparatus. Three worn dupli-
cate films have been given wide distribution through the state by the
University Extension Division.
78 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
One reel has been added to the six Salisbury films. This one was
secured by the Commission itself and shows the albacore and tuna
fisheries of southern California. The reel shows the fishing grounds,
the catfhing of tlie fish, shipment, and the processes of canning. An-
other reel showing the sardine industry is to be added in the near
future. Two hundred feet of film showing sea lions on Anno Nuevo
Island has also been secured.
A small collection of lantern slides of common birds and mammals
has been loaned to the schools on several occasions.
Fig. 18. Sacramento school children arriving from a nearby school to hear a
lecture on wild life conservation and to see motion pictures. Photograph by H. C.
Bryant.
PUBLICATIONS.
The continually increasing mailing list and the many letters received,
lead us to believe that our quarterly California Fish and Game is prov-
ing an educational force in the state. The magazine is now in its sixth
volume. A glance at its editorials and the type of articles which
appear should convince anyone that its aim is "conservation through
education." On many occasions California Fish and Game has been
mentioned as the best publication of its kind in the United States. Out-
standing among the numbers issued is that for July, 1919, which
appeared as a "Trout Number." An article on "California trout"
gave a description of the life history and habits of all the different
varieties of trout found in the state, and this was illustrated with four
beautifully colored plates. As was expected the demand far exceeded
the supply. Volume Five (1919) contained 222 pages and 70 illustra-
tions including 18 general articles and more than 220 shorter items.
REPORT OF THE PISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 79
IiiereHsed ac^tivity in the field of commercial fisheries is evidenced by
the publication of two new fish bulletins which have been given wide
circulation. A department in California Fish and Game entitled
"Notes from the State Fisheries Laboratory" has famished published
results of the activities of this laboratory.
A large part of the material appearing in the "Bird and Arbor Day
Manual" is.sued by the State Superintendent of Public; Instruction was
furnished by this Bureau. This manual reaches all of the teachers of
the state. «'
The 191G-1918 Biennial Report of the Commission, edited l)y tliis
Bureau, although reduced in size and attractiveness for economy, never-
theless, furnished a complete record of the activities and accomplish-
ments during the biennial period.
Mention should also be made of a work on the "Game Birds of Cali-
foi-uia" published by the University of California Press, in December
191S. in which this Bureau had a distinct part, your director being a
joint author. Tlie book contains 642 pages, 16 colored plates and 94
line drawings and according to reviewers is the best work of its kind,
f^ach of the 108 game birds of the state is described and introductory
chapters are devoted to such subjects as: Decrease of Game and Its
Cau.ses; Natural Enemies of Game Birds; The Gun Club in California;
History of Attempts to Introduce Nonnative Game Birds; The Propaga-
tion of Game Birds; Legislation Relating to Game Birds in California.
Our office is now equipped witli a inimeograpli and an addressograpii
and as a result a long series of newspaper items have been sent to all
the prominent newspapers of the state. At the top of the paper utilized
is a heading which points out that the item is part of the free news serv-
ice furnished by the California Fish and Game Commission, with a note
addressed to the editor suggesting the purpose and value of the news
service. It has been gratifying to note how regularly the newspapers
print these items. A particularly well conducted campaign regarding
the summer work was made possible by the California Nature Study
Ijeague. It was estimated that 40,000,000 people were reached liy this
publicity.
EXHIBITS.
In the fall of 1918 and again in 1919 in connection with exhibits at
the State Fair at Sacramento, the different publications of the Commis-
sion were exhibited, additions to the mailing list taken and a display
of films made. In connection with the summer resort work, a wall rack
displaying colored pictures of fish and game proved very useful. This
Bureau also cooperated in a bird display shown in connection with the
annual flower show given at the St. Francis Hotel, in San Francisco.
6—7857
80 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
SUMMER RESORT WORK.
The statement in our last report suggesting that the summer vaca-
tionist finds himself in close touch with nature, and is in a particularly-
susceptible mood to receive information on wild life, and that the vaca-
tion camps and mountain resorts of the state constitute a neglected
opportunity for additional work, has been clearly demonstrated during
the past two years. During the summer of 1919, the Tahoe resorts were
chosen as a field for the work. Each resort around the Lake was in-
vited to institute educational work relating to wild life. Five of the
larger resorts having accepted our proposition, a campaign plan was
outlined and extensive newspaper publicity given the project.
In order to avoid the appearance of a cut and dried education prop-
aganda it seemed best to first of all stimulate people's interest in the
out-of-doors and the wild things encountered on trips afield, and
secondly, to furnish information on the status and needs of fish and
game by means of illustrated lectures. There was offered, therefore, at
each resort a series of field excursions designed to bring to each partici-
pant the ability to recognize and name birds, mammals, trees and insects
encountered on the summer vacation. The classes were limited to
twenty and the instructor led them along the mountain trails, pointing
out the different kinds of plants and animals, and adding some item
of interest regarding their life history, status and the need for con-
serving them. Special excursions were offered for children.
Great interest was shown in these trips afield. At Fallen Leaf the
interest Avas so great that it was almost impossible to care for the
crowds. In many instances duplicate excursions had to be made in
order to limit the number of students. In all 42 separate field
trips were conducted. The total attendance of adults was 362 and that
in the children's classes, 157. The fact that many school teachers at-
tended these trips emphasized the value of the work; for invariably
these teachers will carry to their pupils the conservation messages given.
In the evenings a series of illustrated lectures was offered. The lec-
tures were designed not only to be entertaining, but to carry facts
valuable in developing public sentiment favorable to fish and game con-
servation. Among the subjects used were: The Fish and Fisheries of
California; Game and Fur-Bearing Mammals of California; The Eco-
nomic Value of Birds ; Bird IMigration ; Methods of Wild Life Conserva-
tion ; Wild Animal Life in California. Twenty-two lectures in all were
given and the total attendance was 2,240. It can be seen, therefore, that
the average attendance was more than 100. This is the more encourag-
ing in that a series of lectures was advertised and the attendance con-
tinued good throughout each series.
I
REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
81
The California Nature Study Leai^uc Ijccaiiie so inudi interested in
this new work that tliey furnished a eonii)ac't nature study library to be
placed in each of the summer resorts where the work was instituted.
Tiiis library was supplemented by colored pictures of fisli and game and
other illustrative material.
The work at Tahoe attracted the attention of the Superintendent of
National Parks, ]\Ir. Stephen T. INIatlu i-, and in U)20 he .suggested that
the Commission cooperate in similar work for Yosemite National Park.
A^' a consequence, there was installed in the summer of 1020 in
I"n;. 1!). A Yosemite aLiilicme listening to a conservation lecture, .^iminiir vaca-
ionists are in an unusually receptive mood for information on tisli and game. Photo-
urapli by Curry Camping Company.
Ycseinitc National Park what was called a "Free Nature (Juide Serv-
ice." Illustrated lectures dealing with wild life and wild life conserva-
tion were given in the evenings at the different resorts, and trips afield
were scheduled for morning and afternoon. Small nature study libraries
were made available at two different places in the Valley, and an office
hour gave visitors a chance to have questions relating to natural history
properly answered. Considering that the effort was practically new and
untried, the results were remarkable. During the month of June alone,
the only part of the season covered in this report, 10,815 persons were
reached through the medium of lectures, eighteen being given ; and the
attendance on the thirty-five scheduled trips afield was -483. Further
dd
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
information on wild life wa-s furnished by some "nature notes" which
were run regularly on the back of the menus at Yosemite Lodge and the
Sentinel Hotel.
On the field excursions it was not uncommon to come upon deer,
bandtailed pigeons and mountain quail, thus giving a splendid oppor-
tunity to furnish information on the status of the game and the means
whereby it may be conserved. Furthermore, it was possible to convince
everyone of the efficacy of a game refuge, for the park itself clearly
demonstrates the value of such a reserve.
It hardl}' seems necessary to emphasize that a larger number of per-
sons were reached, and at a time when they were most ready to learn,
Fig. Uii. I'lidtr llic uistiiu/tion di a nature sui'li' i-' Yosemite \'alley. Typical of
the Kisli and Game Commission'!s summei- resort woi-k. Although this particular
group wore not studying the deer shown in the upper left-hand corner, many oppor-
tunities for such H study were offered to similar groups. Photograph by H. C. Bryant.
than could have been reached in any other way. We are convinced
that this work has been the most profitable of any educational work out-
lined by the Commission, which has been undertaken up to the present
time. If we may .judge by the enthusiasm of those who came in contact
with the Nature Guide work in the Yosemite, there is every reason to
believe that it will not only be continued in the Yosemite National Park,
but that it will spread to the other national parks of our* country. If
tliis proves to be true, it will be to the everlasting credit of the Com-
mission that it was largely responsible for the beginning of so impor-
tiuit a project connected witli the recreation and education of the people.
REPORT OF THE FISH AXD GAME COMMISSION. 83
RESEARCH,
Ducks versus Rice.
There has been no iiioi'i' impoctnnt pcolilciii confronting the Com-
mission (luririL;' I lie past liictiiiiiiiu than tliat relating to ducks and the
I'iee grower. In tln' fall of 11)18 misleading news items led farmers
to believe the rice indnstry was threatened dne to the depredations of
diieks, and the sportsmen to believe that ducks were being slaughtered
by rice growers in the Sacramento Valley in order to save the crops. In
cooperation with tlie TTiiited States l^iological Survey, an investigation
wa.s made to detrrniinc tlie real damage caused t)\ ttn' ducks and to
determine also, some solution for the prolilem which had become an in-
tense one. Investigation showed :
(1) The consensus of opinion of rice growers obtained through in-
terviews was that owners should legally be allowed to protect crops but
the unre.stricted hunting wouhl cause more damage to the rice than the
ducks. Much of the agitation was started by townspeople who wanted
a chance to hunt before the season opened.
(2) Damage to rice caused by ducks is limited in extent, hundreds of
growers never having sustained hxss. The greatest damage in 1918
was found between Maxwell and Colusa, in Colusa County.
(3) Thin rice or rice with open water is most often attacked by ducks.
(4) The total acreage of growing rice destroyed in 1918 amounted
to not more than 300 acres out of 145,000 planted in the Sacramento
Valley.
(5) The pintail duck is the only duck causing appreciable damage.
(6) Such suggested methods as an earlier open season and market
hunting must be branded as impractical methods of solving the problem.
(7) Such control measures as herding and bombing have been proved
feasilile and should be depended upon. Intelligent growers can outwit
the ducks if they make the attempt.
The misuse of permits which were first granted led to a rescinding
of all permits and to concentration on the use of bombs and fireworks
for frightening birds from the fields.
As a consequence of the attitude taken by the government, agitation
has practically ceased, for those largely responsible for the disturbance
have become discouraged because they are unable to shoot before the
season is open, while those few rice growers in need of protection have
been able to successfully frighten the ducks from the fields by use of
bombs and more recently by use of a carbide automatic gun.
OTHER INVESTIGATIONS.
In December, 1919, an investigation was made of the fisheries and bird
life of Salton Sea, in Imperial County. Some valuable data on the
history and status of the mullet fishery, which has recently become im-
portant, was obtained as well as data on wintering wild fowl and dam-
age to winter grain crops by ducks.
84
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
Considerable progress has been made in the examination of duck
stomachs with the idea of publishing an article on the food habits of
ducks in California. ]\Iost of the material now on hand has been gont
over, and a full report is now in preparation,
A cursory study of the fur-bearing mammals of the state and esti-
mates of the annual take have been prepared. This data has now been
turned over to the Museum of Vertebrate Zoolog>% of the University of
California, where Mr. Joseph Dixon is undertaking the preparation of a
F'lo. 21. AVild pintail ducks being fed on ilie lawns surrounding Lake Merritt,
Oakland, California's first game refuge. Photograph by H. C. Bryant, January 6, 1919.
full report illustrated with colored plates by America 's foremost artists.
It is expected that at least three years work will be required before the
results of the investigation will be ready for publication.
A list of all of the publications of the Commission together with a
finding index has been prepared and is now ready for publication. A
history of the Fish and Game Commission is also being compiled.
In addition to the work outlined above there has been the routine
work of estimating the annual deer kill, and the study and filing of the
reports made to the Commission by forest officers. The latter contain
much valuable data relative to the status of fish and game.
The holders of scientific collectors' permits now number about 140,
nearly a third of whom are collecting for museums and schools. Each is
required to make a full report to the Commission of their activities for
the year. Permits are issued only to those competent to exercise the
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 85
privilege for the advancement of knowledge. Accordingly, much valu-
able ornithological and mammalogical work is being accomplished by
the scientific collector in this state.
CONCLUSION.
Tliat this Bureau is reaching the public with increasing success is
evident from the fact that the persons reached through the medium of
lectures total 36,555, through trips afield, 1,308 and through motion
picture displays 11,945, making a total of 49,808, in addition to the
thousands reached through the medium of the printed word.
Respectfully submitted.
(Signed) Harold C. Bryant,
In Charge, Education, Fiiblicity and Research.
REPORT OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
The Honorable Board of Fish and Game Commissioners of the State
of California.
Sirs: I herewith submit to you a report of the work performed by
the Legal Department for the two years ending June 30, 1920. ]\Iost
of the work of this department is in conjunction with the other depart-
ments wuth the exception of the prosecution of violators; therefore,
much detail is eliminated for the reason that it would simply be a repe-
tition of the statements found in the reports of the various departments.
During this biennial period 1891 arrests w^ere made of which number
1707 were convicted, 150 dismissed or acquitted and 34 cases still pend-
ing.
The amount collected in fines was $46,373 and the number of days
imprisonment imposed on violators was 324.
The number of arrests for this biennial period shows a slight increase
over the former report but the aggregate in fines imposed and collected
has increased almost 50 per cent, while the jail sentences imposed show a
marked decrease over the same period. This decrease in jail sentences
is no doubt due to the fact that probation law has had much to do with
the reluctance with which judges impose jail sentences on almost all
malefactors.
The district attorneys throughout the state, with but few exceptions,
have cooperated with the Commission and have rendered valuable
assistance in the prosecution of violators, and the justices of the peace,
as shown by the amount of fines collected, are imposing heavier sen-
tences for violations of the fish and game laws.
86 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION,
The past two years has shown a marked increase in the number of
convictions had where jury trials were demanded by defendants, par-
ticularly in the few counties where formerly a conviction could scarcely,
if ever, be had against a game violator.
In these sparsely settled counties the residents felt the game belonged
to them and they could kill it at all seasons of the year, but the work
of the Commission along educational lines and the vigorous prosecution
of violators has hcvn the means of teaching the people the value of the
game as a natural resource, as well as that all violators will be vigor-
ously prosecuted irrespective of the result of a trial ; as a consequence
there is scarcely a county in which a conviction cannot be had by jury
where the evidence warrants.
Much work has been done in the enforcement of the screen and ladder
law, and many of these devices have been installed. Surveys are being
made and hearings held where demanded. But the greatest difficulty is
in compelling ditch owners to maintain the screens after they are once
installed, for in many instances the ditch owners take the screens out to
clean the ditches and fail to return them until prosecution is threatened
or begun. I ! -s?'?!] ^1
The appropriation of the river waters of the State of California for
irrigation and power purposes and the erection of large dams for im-
pounding purposes has become a serious menace to the run of fish
unless laws are enacted or means can be adopted whereby the corpora-
tions taking the water from these rivers can be compelled to permit
sufficient water to pass down the natural channel of the rivers, in
question, at all times sufficient to sustain fish life, the run of fish will be
ultimately exterminated and that shortl,y.
The Anderson-Cottonwood Irrigation District has constructed a dam
on the Sacramento River above Eedding that prevents the free passage
of fish and is interfering with the salmon run. A notice was served on
the district to construct a fishway on the dam, but so far the order has
been ignored and proceedings are about to be begun to compel the dis-
trict to install the fishway. The District Attorney of Shasta County
has been requested by this Commission and the United States Bureau
of Fisheries to begin an action against the district to compel an installa-
tion of the fishway, for under the law as it now stands the District At-
torney is the officer whose duty it is to bring an action to abate this
nuisance and prevent the destruction of one of the most valuable run of
salmon in California.
A case was prosecuted against the Eed River Lumber Company at
Westwood, Lassen County, for the pollution by sawdust of Robbers
Creek, a tributary of the Feather River, and a conviction had in the
Superior Court of Lassen County. The creek ran through the mill
REPORT OF THE PISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 87
grounds. After the convietion, the coinpaiiy diverted the entire .stream
around the mill and away from the source of pollution.
In the month of Deeemhcr litll) tlie Kngels Copper .Milling,' Company
ill I'lumas County was tried and an inrmaiiat i(»ii liled against it for the
pollution of Ilights Creek by depositing the refuse from its mill into
the ereek. The ease was tried l)efore J. O. ^loiicur without a jury,
the evidence showed that tlie stream for a distance of over five miles
from the plant was polluted to the extent that practically all fish life
had been destroyed, yet notwithstanding the testimony the case was dis-
mi.ssed. Tins was one of the worst cases of pollution of public waters
of the state with \\hi('h this Conmiission has had to deal.
The most important decisions rendered on the subject of fish and
game during this biennial peri(Hl was in the case of Suttori vs. Peck-
ham et al. by the District Court of Appeal. Suttori was arrested for
using a net in Fish and Game District No. 20 in violation of Section
G36, Penal Code, and brought an action in conversion against Justice
of the Peace Peckham et al. for the fish seized by the officer in making
the arrest. The plaintiff contended that the law was unconstitutional
in that the state had no jurisdiction over the waters surrounding Santa
Catalina Island and the court in deciding the case held that the "state
has jurisdiction a marine league at sea in all directions from the shore
of the island in question." This decision determines the right of the
legislature to pass laws for the protection of fish not only within the
three mile limit of the state but also within the three mile limit of all
islands adjacent thereto.
Working under a written agreement, the United States Forest Service
has cooperated with the Fish and Game Commission in the enforcement
of fish and game laws in the forest reserves.
Since the last biennial report the Government of the United States
under a treaty with Great Britain for the protection of migrators^ birds
of United States and Canada has taken over the protection of migra-
tory birds and placed them under the Department of Agriculture. By
an act of congress, the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to make
regulations for seasons when such birds may be lawfully killed, taken
and possessed, and has conferred upon the several states the right to
pass laws not inconsistent with the regulations of the Department of
Agriculture and to enforce the same. Under the regulations of the
Department of Agriculture the sale of migratory birds is prohibited.
This regulation has done much to prevent the unlawful traffic in game
and has practically eliminated the market hunter wlio knew neither
bag limit nor season. \ '\'M.W
Respectfully submitted.
(Signed) Robert D. Duke,
Attorney.
88 REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER POLLUTION.
The Jlonorable Board of Fish and Game Commissioners of the State
of California.
Sirs : Tliere has been much less pollution of state waters during the
last two 3'ears than in like periods in the past. This is probably due to
the following reasons:
First — The larger firms and corporations have been convinced that
much, if not most, of the (so called) "waste" is of value either in its
original state or, at small cost, turned into a by-product. Thus the
Standard Oil Company of California recovers both acid and asphaltum
from the "sludge" from the lubricating stills (which was formerly
discarded as worthless), and makes a fair profit on the investment and
labor.
The Mason By-Products Company, (formerly the Mason Malt Whis-
key and Distilling Company), has found a greater profit in its "waste"
than in its alcohol.
The gas companies, realizing the immense value of lampblack and
tar as a fuel, would gladly recover the amount, which in past years
was dumped into the bay, if it were possible and thus effect a still
more material saving in their oil bill. It may be well to state, in this
connection, that the "Jones" generators (used in nearly all of the
Pacific Gas and Electric gas plants and in most of the other plants
manufacturing more than a million feet per day), produce the required
quality of gas with about one-third of the amount of lampblack for-
merly resulting.
Second — The enormously increased cost of petroleum, both in crude
and refined forms, has forced both manufacturers and consumers to
utilize every possible means to prevent leakage and recover all oil
which has escaped as the result of unavoidable accidents. Thus, firms
which installed separating boxes, filters and other means of retaining
oil "waste" at our request or to avoid prosecution, now find that these
improvements have more than paid for themselves in saving of oil.
Examples of the foregoing are the Doheney Pacific and Associated
Oil Companies at Casmalia, Santa Barbara County, against whom com-
plaints were filed charging pollution. They have expended about
thirty thousand dollars in the purchase and improvement of a tract
of land adjoining their property and it is now an enormous settling
basin with its own pumping plant, pipes, ditches and tanks. The pollu-
tion has ceased and the saving will soon pay for the work. The South-
ern Pacific Company has constructed a concrete wall, or dike, in the
Sacramento River at Dunsmuir, at a cost in excess of twenty thousand
dollars, which retains and permits the recovery of the oil which has
REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 89
been seeping out of the ^ards for several years past. I have been unable
to get figures on the actual amount of oil thus recovered but it must be
considerable.
There is still some complaint about "tankers" pumping ballast out-
side the entrance of San Luis Bay but this practice has evidently ceased
in the vicinity of the Farallones and San Francisco lightship.
A concrete separator has been constructed by the Union Oil Com-
pany at Avila to recover the oil leakage from the "topping" plant
and the Pacific Gas and Electric Company have done likewise at Vallejo
to retain lampblack.
Prohibition has, temporarily at least, aided the cause by eliminating
the winery and distillery, both of which were sources of pollution par-
ticularly deadly to fish.
There are treble the number of small concerns using fuel oil than
existed prior to 1918, all of which require frequent inspection. Small
leaks may amount to nothing individually but the aggregate may run
into barrels.
Respectfully submitted.
(Signed) A. M. Fairfield,
In Charge, Department of Water Pollution.
REPORT OF SAN FRANCISCO DISTRICT.
The Honorahle Board of Fish and Game Commissioners for the State
of California.
Sirs: We herewith submit a report for the San Francisco District
covering the period from July 1, 1918 to June 30, 1920.
PERSONNEL.
The Fish and Game Commission has been particularly fortunate in
retaining practically all of its employees during the strenuous times
of the past several years. Although many employees obeyed the call
to arms, they all returned safely at the close of the war. The higher
wages paid in other lines of work proved attractive to only a few. For
the most part their interest and loyalty held them even though it meant
financial loss.
GAME CONDITIONS.
On account of the dry season the duck and goose shooting has not
been as good as usual. The only part of the state where waterfowl were
found in normal numbers was the Sacramento Valley. In the San
Joaquin Valley there was practically no loafing water and for the most
90 REPORT OF THE PISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
part birds were scarce. In the Siiisun district shooting held up very
well on certain grounds, but was indifferent on others. In the Bay
region shooting was good in the 1918-19 season, but in the 1919-20
season there were far less birds.
It is probable that the early flights of birds on account of the scarcity
of open water went on through the state without stopping. With the
return of normal wiiiters good hunting should be had in all the duck
districts.
While the dry seasons have not been favorable for waterfowl they
have been excellent for quail. This with the late opening of the season,
the middle of November, has given the birds an opportunity to keep
ahead of the hunters and throughout the Coast district there has been
a notable increase. It is apparent that with favorable breeding seasons
and the continuance of the present law it will not be necessary to put
further restrictions in force in order to maintain a constant supply of
quail.
Doves have increased in all parts of the state on account of the fact
that the law protects them during the greater part of the nesting season.
In certain sections nesting birds are found even later than the first of
September, but in most parts of the state the young are out of the nest
and very well able to take care of themselves by that date. With the
present open season doves should increase as they are rather prolific
breeders and can stand a considerable drain.
Mountain quail have increased very well both in the coast and the
Sierra regions. The mountain quail is one of the most interesting birds
in our state. Its cousin, the valley quail, will breed from sea level to
an elevation of over 7,000 feet, but the mountain quail in most of the
state practically never breeds below 2,000 feet except in the north coast
district. Just why this is so is one of the mysteries of nature. From
the human point of view there is no reason why congenial conditions
could not be found at a lower elevation. Food is abundant and the
temperature is not altogether different.
The abundance of mountain quail depends more upon the mildness
of the winters than on hunting. A cold winter, with heavy snowfall,
sometimes wipes out entire coveys. The season for hunting mountain
quail in the Sierra districts, opens somewhat early. The young birds
have not fully developed by September 1st and should not be killed.
Grouse are still commonly found in the pine belt but are not abund-
ant. The chief factor in preventing them from becoming more com-
mon is the grazing of sheep in their breeding range. Many nests are
destroyed by the sheep.
Three species of game make California most attractive to the sports-
man—ducks, quail and deer. It is difficult to estimate the number of
REPORT 0** THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. Ol
liiiuU'i'.s that go after tleer during tlu! opvn .season, but it is safe to say
there are not less than 50,000. That there are deer for these men to
hunt is due to the fact that California is a natural deer state. There is
an abundance of wild brush-covered lands and we also have had laws
that gave protection and were enforced. In 1905, the present law allow-
ing the killing of two bucks per season was pas.sed. Previous to that
time the limit had been three. Since 1905, the population of the state
luis increased by approximately one million. Naturally the hunters have
increased and the facilities for getting into the deer country have in-
creased more than 100 per cent, with the development of the automobile.
J)uring this time the deer cover has been greatly reduced and the deer
are having more and more difficulty in keeping out of the way of the
hunters. It is extremely probable that within a very short time a one-
burk law will have to be put in force.
Tlicre is .still an impres.sion among sportsmen that it would be well
to allow the killing of deer of both sexes. The old story of too many
liarren does is the excuse. There are men who claim that they can tell a
barren dee by the color of the hair, and from other characteristics. We
have never met a man who on sight could tell a barren domestic animal,
animals with which we are most familiar. How anyone can claim ability
to tell from the tieeting glimpse that they may have of the deer that the
animal is barren, is beyond understanding. It is certain that any law
allowing the killing of does would be the one big step toward exter-
niinati<»ii. New York state recently had an experience from which every
state in the Union can take lesson. Under ex-treme pressure the legisla-
ture wa.s iiului'cd to change the law so as to allow' the killing of one
(leer of either sex. This law remained in effect for one .season and it has
been shown that out of an estimated number of 50,000 deer in that state,
more than 20,000 were killed, and 13,000 of these were does. Fully one-
half of the breeding stock wiped out in a single season. Think what
would happen in California during two seasons. It is certain that no
quicker way could be devised to exterminate the deer than by legalizing
the killing of doe-s.
ANGLING CONDITIONS.
The several dry seasons have raised havoc witli trout fishing through-
out the State. In the Coast region many streams that ordinarily carry
a heavy flow of water were reduced to a mere trickle. In others there
was no flow at all. The scant rainfall has also made it exceedingly
difficult to obtain the usual number of eggs. This has greatly reduced
the output of our hatcheries. With the return to normal rainfall it will
be necessary for the hatchery department to work overtime in order
92
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
i
Fig. 22. Mr. Jay Bruce, state lion hunter, and his dogs, Ely and Ranger, with a
male mountain lion killed six miles east of Zaca Lal^e, San Rafael Mountains, Santa
Barbara County, January, 1920. Photograph by Wm. A. Magee.
i
REPORT OP THE PISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 93
to make up the loss. The public can rest assured that every effort will
be made to bring back the streams to normal conditions.
On account of the greater niiinl)cr of fisliermen it will be necessary to
shorten the open season on trout so that the fry will have a better
chance to develop. Tlie season at present, 'when tlie great tnutibcr of
fishermen is considered, is entirely too long. The young fisli that are
planted from year to year are caught out almost as fast as tliey are put
in. Under such conditions it is impossible to build up a stream. The
only remedy is to shorten the season so that the j'oung fish will have
some chance to get by the first season at least.
]\rany years ago black l)ass were hi-ought from the East by the Com-
mission and planted in various parts of the State. Nearly 30 years ago
one o£ these plants was inad(> in Clear Lake, in Tjakc; County. Bass
have increased so that we now have good fishing practically throughout
the State. Nowhere, however, is fishing l)etter than in Clear Lake. As
yet it is not commonly known to tlic fishing fraternity that fish weigh-
ing nearly ten pounds are frequently taken. Baas fishing in Clear Lake
is better in the spring and early fall tlian at otlier seasons of the year
wh(Mi the fish are in deeper water.
Dui'ing the past two years trappers of fur-bearing animals have
secured excellent prices for their furs. The good prices have stimulated
trapping so that many more trappers have been working. This heavy
trapping has of course reduced the number of fur-bearing aniiii;il-; and
it is more essential than ever that those that are left be protected at the
season of the year when the fur is of small value. A statement made in
Bulletin No. 1165 of the United States Department of Agriculture is
very pertinent :
"American trappers receive yearly in the aggregate many millions
of dollars for their fur harvest whicli up to the moment they set out to
gather it. does not cost them a single effort. Recently, the supply of
peltries has been decreasing at an alarming rate. Raw-fur buyers
representing all parts of the country place the decrease at from 25 to
50 per cent during the last 10 years. There are no longer any virgin
trapping grounds. Even in Alaska the two most important fur-bearing
animals, the beaver and the marten, have become so nearly exterminated
that they are now being protected by a closed period.
"Laws protecting fur-bearing animals are dasigned to keep a steady
flow of peltries coming to market year after year, thereby bringing
trappers a reliable income and giving regular employment to thousands
of people engaged in dressing skins, manufacturing garments, and dis-
triimting them through tlic various avenues of trade.
"A general protest comes from raw-fur buj'crs against traffic in un-
prime skins. The losses caused by killing fur animals when their pelts
are not prime are enormous. An educational campaign is greatly
needed to prevent this waste and to perpetuate our fur-producing re-
sources."
94 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
It is commonly believed by hunters and others that the fur-bearing
animals feed primarily upon game and that these animals are re-
sponsible for the scarcity of game. Such, however, is not the case.
Years ago, when game was more abundant than today, all fur bearers
were also more abundant. 'The quail and other game knew how to hide
their nests and to protect their young and themselves from those ani-
mals with which they were familiar. As soon as the human equation
came in, then the game began to lose out. At first the muzzle loading
gun was used, then as game became scarcer and more difficult to secure,
the breech-loading gun, and at present the automatic, first with five
shells and now in the duck regions with nine. Why not put the blame
for the scarcity of game where it belongs and not hold the fur-bearing
animals responsible! The natural food of the fur animals consists of
small rodents, rats, mice, gophers, ground squirrels, etc. Of these we
have more than an abundance in California. Of native species and sub-
speei&s there are 7 moles, 17 shrews, 73 mice, 39 rats, 16 ground
squirrels, 19 gophers, besides the common domesticated rats and mice,
a total of 175 species. Mice and rats are most prolific breeders. Seaton,
in "Life History of Northern Animals", in referring to the breeding
capacity of the meadow mice, says :
' ' To breed like rabbits is an old measure of fecundity, but those who
established the standard were not fully acquainted with the IMicro-
tinae. These mice can marry, multii)ly and raise to independent age a
whole family before the rabbits get much beyond the period of gestation.
They begin in the early spring or even late w^inter, and seldom stop
before snowfall. Meanwhile the young of the first breeds are at work in
assisting the noble work of multiplying the race, supplying further
toilers for the task of converting a world of vegetable matter into a
world of sublimate flesh and blood, for the service and subsistence of
the vast tribe of mou>:e-parasites known as birds and beasts of prey
* * * "An animal which multiplies itself by six every six weeks
would in six years possess the earth and more than fill its possession if
something were not done about it. The voles (meadow mice) are very
near such rate of increase. Fortunately there are numberless able re-
ducers of the vole population eager to do their very excellent best but
these do not any more than strike a balance. If they relax their efforts
or fail in the least, the mouse millions break forth in devastating
hordes."
The fact that destructive rodents are held in control by the fur bear-
ers should not ])e lost sight of, as without doubt if mice and other
rodents should be allowed to multiply without check, California as an
agricultural and horticultural state would be a thing of the past.
Respectfully .submitted.
(Signed) J. S. Hunter,
Assistant Executive Officer.
REPORT OF THE IMSIf AND GAME COMMISSION.
95
REPORT OF THE SACRAMENTO DIS I'RICT.
TJie Honorable Board of I'^ish (iiul dame Commissioners of the State
of California.
SiKS: We siihiiiit herewith ;i lirief feport of Ihc \V()fl< imd ;i('('Oiiii>lish-
iiients of the Northern or Saerjuiieiito Distriet whicli has supervision
over a land area of anproxiinate].\- :5!),1()7 so.iiare miles, or only i;}78
s(|uare miles less than the area of the combined states of Massachusetts,
Delaware, New Jersey. Vermont and Maine. Fifteen of the state's
deputies work out dl' this office.
As much of the I)est shooting jjrounds for waterfowl ;nid the i)est
(leer counti'\' is found williiii this district, tlir cii rdrccinciit of l;iw
occupies an iiii|M)i1;int place in oui- duties.
MARKET HUNTING STOPPED,
^larket hunting in the Sacramento Valley has been reduced to a
mininiuiii. No doubt there is some traffic in ducks and other game, and
while there is game, always will be more or less. Several convictions in
the Federal Court for violations of the INIigratory Bird Treaty Act broke
the back of the "Colusa ground sluicers" with their double automatics.
These guns carry ten loads that can be shot in six seconds. It is the
l-iu. :;;;. Jjuiks CUU in ;iU) conlisLittL'd Irmn two maikot luiiUir.s near i 'oliisa,
Colusa County, in 1919. Market hunting in California is now u thing of the past.
7-7857
96 REPORT OF THE PISH AXD GAME COMMISSION.
custom for three or four of these hunters to sneak along on the ground
in approaehing ducks and geese and tln'ii turn loose the bombardment.
The difficulty of detecting sale transactions is evidenced by the fol-
lowing facts : One of the most notorious hunters maintained a joint in
Colusa where ducks were dispensed after the password had been given.
So notorious had the i)lace become for the distribution of ducks that
traveling men had no difficult\' in purchasing them at any time. It
was the custom of these men to keep a supply of ducks on hand in
order that they might guarantee the limit to so-called city "sportsmen"
Avlioiii these hunters took out at so much per day. The surplus ducks
were shipped to San Francisco and Sacramento under fictitious names
to be distributed by agents.
The proprietor of tliis joint, witli three othei- well-known market
hunters, was detected on October 15, 1918, the day previous to the open-
ing of the season, with 226 ducks and one snipe in his possession.
Information was tiled against these four defendants, Charles Guernsey,
J. T. Maley, Frank Chambers, and Joe P. Meyers. They were indicted
by the Federal Grand Jury and were tried by jury on February 4, 1919,
at Sacramento, Judge Van Fleet presiding. The jury returned a verdict
of guilty in eleven minutes, and the defendants were sentenced to pay
$100 each or in default serve 60 days in jail.
Much credit is due state and federal wardens Carpenter and Ludlum,
Deputy United States Game Warden E. S. Cattron and Assistant
United States Attorney Johnson for the manner in which the ease was
handled. As this was the first case in California under the ^Migratory
Bird Treaty Act, Judge Van Fleet did not impose a maximum fine, ])ut
warned all future offenders to beware.
The conviction of these men had a very beneficial effect. Should the
legislature put the ban on the possession of this murderous weapon it
will eradicate this class of market hunter, who is the twin of the "bull
hunter" and will not take a sporting cliancc with other weapons.
DUCKS VERSUS RICE.
The difficult problem confronting, the Fisii and Game Commission
regarding the alleged necessity of killing ducks in the rice fields, where
it was claimed they were destroying rice, is about solved. United States
Biological Survey has now assumed control and custody of the migra-
tory waterfowl, and in order to cooperate with the rice growers in
affording protection to their crops has appointed a resident United
States Game Warden, Mr. C. F. Ileuser. Stationed at Sacramento, Mr._
Heuser is in a position to investigate all complaints. When damage by
ducks is found efforts are made to frighten them from the fields by
means of the automatic flash gun or lantern, the use of bombs, and black
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 97
powder without shot. All of these protective methods are proving very
satisfactory if used intelliueiitly and with the riill jyiirposc of obtain-
ing relief. Because of tlie success attained the warden is receiving the
cooiieratioii dl' many i-iic growers in protecting both the rice and the
waterfowl until tlic open sea.sou e.stablistied by the government.
California could most effectively I'id herself of the rice antl duck
proldem l)y asking the I'nited States l)ei)artment of Agriculture, and
the California State Legislature to tix an open season to conform with
both Oregon and Nevada, where the season is October 1 to January 15.
Tills would permit the rice growers to h-gally protect their crops where
it might l)e found lu'cessary. It would also allnw the residents of the
extreme Northern California counties to kill some waterfowl before
these birds leave on tlieii- southei'u migrations. These residents claim,
and .justly so, that they are discriminated against, as by the tinu^ of our
existing open s(\Tson the Avatorfowl have nearly all left for the lower
valleys.
RIVER PATROL.
The launch patrol on the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers and
tributaries is most efficient. With the addition of the fast cruiser
''Rainbow," whose speed is twenty-six miles an hour, the patrol is able
to more than double its cruising radius. The phenomenal run of striped
I'ass in the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers during the closed
season for nets demonstrated that few, if any, nets have been used dur-
ing the closed season.
STATE FAIR EXHIBIT.
The Fish and Game Commission's exhibit at the State Fair at Sacra-
mento, August 30 to September 9, 1919, was the most pretentious yet
attempted and proved to be the biggest attraction at the fair. A capable
engineer was retained to draw the plans and ^Ir. AVm. F. Dabelstein, an
artist of San Francisco, executed them. The whole north end of the
new Agricultural Building was given over to the exhibit. The main
feature of the exhibit was a cyclorama of the Sierra with IMounts
Shasta, Lassen and AVhitney looming uj) in the background and in the
fore<'round the south end of Lake Taliue at one end and a miniature of
the ]\rount Whitney Hatchery at the other. Several miniature water-
falls tumbled down the rocks into an artificial lake filled with trout.
The whole scene was made still more attractive by a system of lighting
which successively showed the gray light of dawn, the rosy tints of
sunrise and the light of full day.
Arranged in front of the panorama were four large aquaria. Two of
them showed common introduced fish such as black and .striped ba.ss,
Iduegilled sunfish. crappie and catfish, a third showed different varieties
98 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
of trout and a fourth was filled with the famous golden trout of the
]\[ount Whitney reuion. Great interest was shown in the golden trout,
aiul no wonder, for their bright eoloi-s would attract anj'one. The hardi-
ness of this variety of trout was evideneetl 1)\- their vigorous good health
while in the aiiuarium. Not a fish was lost in transit, nor did one die
dui'ing the ten days duration of the fair.
The pubiieations of the Commission were on display and wild life
films were shown in the motion picture theater twice daily.
The exhibit was remodeled and improved for the lt)2() fair. The
observation platform was moved farther away, acblitional foothills were
added and a miniature electric train, with bridges and tunnels, was in-
stalled and better lighting efifects supplied. Of particular interest this
year were the added cloud effects. While changing colors which lighted
the mountains showed the change from day to night, clouds swept
across the sky and later the stars appeared. This was followed by the
rosy tints of morning.
Visitors to the fair unhesitatingly stated that this exhibit was not
only the finest exhibit on the fair grounds but the finest ever shown in
the "West, even exceeding any of those shown at the Panama-Pacific
Exposition.
As in previous years there was a splendid aquarium display of food
and game fishes, including a splendid exhibit of introduced fishes of
valley streams and the famous golden trout.
TAHOE FREE CAMP GROUND.
The Legi-^lature at its last session set aside the old hatchery grounds
at Taboe City, which were to be abandoned for a better site, as a
])ublic camp for vacationists. Under the direction of the Fish and
Game Commission the State Engineering Department installed a water
supply, sewer system and other sanitary conveniences. The camp was
opened to the public on July 4, 1919, with Mr. Arnold D. Patterson
as superintendent. On the first day over a liundi'cd campers were cared
for. The camp remained open until September 5. During the season
1289 persons registered, but tliis nuinl)i'i' docs not: represent the total
nund)er accommodated.
In the summer of 1920 the attendance was not as large as the pre-
vious season, considering the length of time the camp was open, which
was no doubt due to the shortage of gasoline.
Among the added attractions this season wa,s a profusion of beautiful
flowers bordering the drive ami walks. Camp closets, or cupboards,
were also installed in each camping spot, where campers could keep
their supplies.
There were visitors from every state in the United States, and every
countv in California. Every one of the 1396 guests voted that it was
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. D!)
tlu' best ctiiiippi'd ami iiiaiiau'i'd I'rrc ramp in the state and many It'ttfi's
of oommciidation of tlic inaiiasenient have beon recoivcd. Tlio expenses
of operation ol' the ramp are maintained liv tlii' Imnting and an<,din<;
iieense fnnd.
SUMMARY OF GAME CONDITIONS.
Game Fishes.
Tlie drouulit lias had a most del fimrntal elTnt (ui ti'ame fishes, espe-
cially tKtnt. -Many of the mountain streams went entirely dry in early
.Inly and .Vuo'iist, stn^ams that in the histoi'y ol' tin' state were nevei-
known to he absolutely dry. We believe the open season is entii'ely too
long. If the present ileniand upon our streams continnes to e.xpand and
no pi-ovision is made to meet that demand either by redueiti.f; the length
of the oi)en season oi- the baii' linut, it will be but a few years until our
smaller streams are entirely depleted e-xeept by the small fry annually
l)lanted. A large amount of fish reclamation will he necessary this fall,
both ill the valley and mountains.
The tishes introduced by our Comnnssion from other states, siieli as
striped and blacU bass, cr.ippie and suntishes, are now widely dis-
tributed and furnish an abundance of sport and food for the popula-
tion of the valleys and interior. The striped bass have penetrated into
the upper Sacramento and San Joaciuin rivers and their tributaries,
and in their seasonal runs furnish sport and food for many anglers on
week-end outings, who otherwise cannot take annual vacations else-
V. here.
Deer.
Every county in the district contains deer in some luunljers. i\lany
are killed within a few miles of the Capital City. There has been a most
jdienomenal increase in the last years of this spleiiditl game animal.
The Hayfork \'alley lookout from his ranger station counted 170 deer
on .lul\- ;)1. The Ually Mountain lookont reported having counted 1170
(U'i'y diiriuL;- the month of .Jidy. The relentless war waged by oui- Com-
mission on the mountain lion, and th(> increase in the warden service,
which has reduced the winter killing, is no doubt pai'tly responsible for
this wonderful increase. Especially is this true in connection with the
Lava P>ed cou7itry of ^Fcdoc County. wIkm-c mule deer abound.
Mountain Quail.
Mountain (|nail lia\(' al>o slmwu a wonderful increase since our last
repoi't. probably due to the vei'y liuuteil fall of snow in the last few
years in the areas in which these birds winter, and the vigilance of the
district wardens. In 1915 and 1916, this species was all but destroyed
bv freezing and starvation in the counties of Shasta. Tehama, La.s.sen,
100 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
Modoc and I'liimas. Tlie remnant whieli survived were fed by our war-
dens. Happily tliey have now increased in their former numbers.
Valley Quail.
L'erlaiuation is diminishing the area where quail find food and shelter
and consequently they are perhaps decreasing, except in lor-alities where
they are protected at all times by the vineyardist or orehardist, or where
they are not subjected to intensive hunting. However, this grand bird
is reported by our district wardens as being fairly numerous.
Doves.
After the United States Dei)ai'tnu'iit of Agriculture assumed control
of migratory birds and established an open season for shooting doves
commencing September 1, dove shooters predicted it would practically
bar them from shooting this bird. However, this has not proven true.
Doves were noticeably plentiful in the Northern District on Sep-
tember 1. IMany limit bags were made on fully grown, strong flying
birds. If this season prevails for a few years, allowing doves to rear
their full quota of young, they will be as abundant in September and
October as they are in July and August.
Grouse, Sage hens.
These birds likewdse have benefitted by the minimum of snowfall for
the last few years, and are reported fairly numerous in some districts.
In Lassen and Modoc Counties, sage hens are notably abundant. It is
to be regretted that the California law on these birds does not conform
with the Oregon and Nevada laws, which place the open season from
July 15 to August 15. By this date the birds become so strong with
sage, Avhich renders them not fit for table use, that California residents
feel they are disr-riminated against and consequently blame the Com-
mission.
Ducks, Geese.
The last three or four years of drought in California have been of in-
estimable benefit to wild waterfowl, inasnuu-li as the lack of water in
the usually overflowed areas of the great San Joaquin and Sacramento
valleys has driven these birds to the extreme southern portion of the
United States and Mexico, where water conditions were more favorable
and where these birds are immune from the great army of California
hunters.
Fur-bearing Mammals.
The business of trapping fur-bearing mammals has grown by leaps
and bounds in this district. The law protecting them until the furs are
I
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COJIMISSION.
101
I'li:. '-\. Al'X fv''i.iii'l. :i tl:ilii"r, w i i ! i !i,s l.iK.' iM luis i.nmlil In Tiiiiilx- l'i.iiiil>-.
in February. 19:^0. These furs sold for $1T.S. From left to right the furs are ring-
tailed cat, raccoon, fisher, rac.^;?on, river otter, raccoon, fislier, raccoon, ringtailed cat.
at their best is most strictly
oliserved and is vei-y popu-
lar with the man wiio 1i-a]).s
for profit.
Tlie Sacramento Division
makes grateful acknowl-
edgment of the splendid
service rendered by officers
of the several National For-
ests in this district. They
have capably and efficiently
assisted (nir wardens and
cooperated in enforcing the
fish and game laws. Grate-
ful acknowledgment is also
made of services of the dep-
uties of the Sacramento Di-
vision and of their loyalty,
efficiency and hearty coop-
eration so readily given to their office and to their fellow wardens. No
hardship is avoided, no day or night is too long, and no dangerous detail
is shirked in the performance of duty.
Respectfully submitteil.
(Signed) Geo. Neale,
Assistant in Charge.
Fig. 25. Fisli and Game Commission deputy
on patrol work in the mountains. Game laws
are enforced in the hidden fastnesses of the
mountains as weU as in the more populated
districts. Photograph by Euell Gray.
102 REPORT OF THE PISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
REPORT OF THE LOS ANGELES DISTRICT.
The Ilonorahlc Board of Fish and Game Commissioners of the State of
California.
Sirs: "We are pleased to present the following report of Southern
Division activities in tlie cause of fish and game conservation during the
l>iennial period closing June 80, 1920.
Our policy during the last two years has liccn one of steadily increas-
ing and ever more detailed frankness witli oui- masters, the public. It
has hecn diitatcd with particular reference to the sportsmen and com-
mercial fisheries interests, which jointly finance our work through their
contrihiiliou of licenses and other special forms of taxation. Never have
we lost sight of the peculiarly direct responsibility devolving upon us
for a fre(jueut and frank accounting to the general public, as well as to
these earlier, but no less certain, beneficiaries of this great trust that
has been placed under our charge.
PUBLICITY.
We have consistently sought through the ever charitable medium of
our generous southern California press, to advise the people, by
means of a continuous and systematic newspaper campaign, using
widely circulated articles of live news value, written from the view-
point of those specially interested, and distributed with all possible con-
sideration of newspaper ethics. We have sought to make this service
timely, by seeking to diversify it among competing journals and l)y
investing it with an individual flavor, giving due regard to style require-
ments where known. Such a course has unavoidably involved a very
considerable increase in the purely physical part of the work; but we
believe the general appreciation shown has more than justified it.
Today, we believe it can truly l)e said that the public of southern
California is not only virtually unanimously behind the conservation of
fish and game, but also that it has a better working idea of operating
problems and diriiciilties. and is in closer sympathy with our efforts
than ever heretofore.
LAW ENFORCEMENT.
In a work llie success of which nuist be measured by the degree of
cooperation attained on the part of the people who first must be
awakened fi'oiii llieii' normal apathetic view to the realization of the
value of ( onservation, the importance of such results is easier to under-
estimate or to ignore than to embody in cold figures. However, the
statistical proof is not lacking. It is to be found in the steadily increas-
ing percentage of convictions to prosecutions, aiul in the materially
mounting average penalty per conviction.
REPORT OF 'I'lIK FISH AND CAME COMMISSION. 103
Wlu'ii. from a [x'l'ct'iita.uc ol' 90.8, tlir (oiivid ions in one year ,iiini|) 1o
96.4; and tlie avcrajje fine ascends IVoiii .'ff.S^.o^ to i{^36.51 ; with llio
number of convictions I'isiii^ i'rom lo'.t in l!»l!) to ^'M^ in 1!)2(), supported
by fines of $3,252.50 in l!»l!t swclliii-;- in one year to $4,9()(). there appears
considcfahh' labiiliitcd food for thmiu-ht, II' these fi<;ures do not re-
flect a stitfcninj^ of [)ul>lic sentiment in I'aNor of sti-ict enfoi'cement
of the conservation laws, what then shall lie said at the almost doubled
totals of days of jail seidence imposed last year as compared with the
twelvemonth pi-eceding:' The figures were 245 days ajrainst 480 up
to June 30. 1920. fjikewise. the total luimlier of [H'oseeiit ions increased
from 120. ill IDlD. to 141. in 1!I2(), despite very satisfactory evidence
that the laws are l)eing respected more generally than ever before.
Had statistics been founded sutficiently early to show the increase in
popular cooperation as expressed in information written, telephoned or
frivi'U by personal call, the flurures would undoubtedly luive shown an
even more sensational gain. Establishing the rule that no such call
should ever fail to receive the promptest and most painstaking atten-
tion, it has become possible to build up a very considerable volunteer
intelligence service which is steadilv extending over the country, and
proving of tlie very greatest value in putting a practical point to patrol
work by focussing attention upon centers of violation. In a territory
so comprehensive as southern California, and one whose fishing waters
and game-fields are so widely separated, something of this sort is an
essential preliminary to effective accomplishment. With an area larger
than many states, yet containing seldom more than one regular ap-
pointee in any one county, nevertheless, the law-abiding sportsman
insists ur)on seeing the fish and game laws enforced far more exten-
sivdy — and intensively — than the orilinances of his own cit\- where a
hundred times as many specially trained patrolmen are inadequate to
prevent nearly every law on the statute books being broken repeatedly
every day. Nevertheless, there is but one course open, and that is to
briuu- up the service to the utmost efficiency possible under the controll-
ing conditions. This is being done, and nothing is overlooked that may
tend toward further enlisting that public confidence which manifests
itself most practically in the form of whole-souled volunteer coopera-
tion.
There was a time when deserving volunteers, desirous of aiding di-
rectly the enforcenieni of fish and game conservation laws, could be
specially deputized: but all such unsalaried help has now become im-
possible owing to the Employers' Liability acts which are construed
as placing a fair charge against the conservation funds for any injury
that might befall even an unsalaried officer, if operating luider authority
conferred by this Commission. Since no man can waive the rights of
his heirs in liim. the numerous applii-ants for special l)adges have been
104 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
enlisted, so fai- as possible, as iiifoi'iiiaiits and L-ooperators in such otlier
lines as were possible, although a considerable part cannot understand
just why the state cannot take a sport iii<,f chance upon their services
toward the conservation of sport.
Likewise, were it possible to keep an accurate record of requests for
information coming along the various avenues of incpiiry — mails, tele-
phones, calls at the office — the percentage of increase would be found
to liave approximately doubled each year. While in great measure such
increases may be due to the establishment of a comprehensive and accu-
rate "Sportsman's Information Bureau'' as an ad.junct of its general
work, the explanation is in part found in the steady widening out of
the Fish and Game Commission's activities; and to a natural following
up of the very great annual increases in the numbers of hunters and
anglers licensed.
LICENSE SALES.
Most public service bodies are charged with the expenditure of
moneys turned over to them from the general tax funds on a pre-
arranged basis which admits of budgeting expenditures, and arranging
outlays in advance. The Fish and Game Commission happens to be
numbered among those which must support their own efforts by a direct
taxation of the more immediately benefited class; and for many years
past, conservation has in no sense been a charge upon the general tax
funds of the state. Surely, in a state whose phenomenal growth stands
as a monument to the pulling power of her manifold attractions, no
extended elaboration of the argument is necessary ; and it is needless,
for the sportsmen of southern California have most nobly proved, not
only that they can, but that they most heartily will, pay the costs of
propagating and protecting fish and game. Nor do they ask more than
that their moneys shall be expended as intelligently and as effectively
as a board of business men, backed by the ablest experts in their several
lines obtainable, shall direct. "With the collection of those moneys, the
average sportsman has little concern ; but since the financing of con-
servation work is its very foundation, the Fish and Game Commission
must needs give the utmost consideration to increasing its revenues by
greater placing of licenses, sin; e each brings in the single dollar income
that was established when a dollar did double duty as compared with
today.
■ To the end that the public might more easily procure licenses, and
revenues be increased by a larger volume of sales. Commissioner M. J.
Connell, who has charge of this Southern Division, recommended, and
after considerable effort, secured a law which permits the Commission
to issue — not to sell — any number of licenses to any selected agent, to
exact a bond, or cash-deposit equal in value to the amount of the licenses
I
REPORT OF THE FISH AND CAME COMMISSION. 105
SO i.«suecl, and to allow a<ji:t'iits so s('llin<j: lie-enscs, llic Iv'^ai coiuinis-ion
of ten per cent.
In conformity with this law, iiimiiiiri-alih' sudi ai^eneies have been
created, sport inf^-jrocds stores, hardware and uciu't-al merchandise
houses and post otfices amonu' others. In addition to this already com-
pnhensive (Iisti'iliu1i(.n. the Aiitoinoliilc (Mnh of Soutlirfn ('alifornia
has now placed onr licenses on sale to its 50, ()()() members throuj^di its
main oftiee in Los Anuvle.s, and its twenty hi-anehes in all the leading
cities of southern ( 'aliforiua. The Automobile club not oidy has co-
operated most ch(>erfully in evei-y way through dissennnation of infor-
uuition tlirough the wide and highly specialized s|)orting circulation
(d" its ''Touring- Topics" magazine; l)ut has with most commendable
publii- spirit, waived its lawful conuuission of ten per cent on the large
volume of licenses sold, thereby establishing a laudable precedent.
Today, the huiding and angling licenses are so easily obtainable in
southern California that nobody has the least excuse to be without.
The rc(iuirements of the law are so universally known, and so conven-
iently complied with that convictions for lack of licenses are now negli-
gible.
It is particularly gratifying that the gain in our revenues through
thus ( onveniencing the public, has been attained without the loss of a
dollar, or any dereliction in accounting, notwithstanding the broadcast
nature of the distribution. The system is now so organized that a loss
is viitually impos-ible, the Fish and Game Commission being entirely
safe-guarded in advance, placing the entire responsibility right where
it belongs — namely, upon those who are being paid ten per cent for
their services to tlie state. Nor can the very large number of firms
thus financially interested, be overlooked as a contributing factor in
stinudating the sale of sporting licenses. These merchants are not over-
paid for their time and trouble; but their profit comes in the very con-
siderable advertising value incidental to the i.ssuanee of licenses, which
bring people into their- places of business to leave many a dollar in trade
that otherwise would go elsewdiere. Today, a more loyal or conscien-
tious organization than these sales agents would be difficult to discover.
The story of conservation in southern California reads like a
ronuince ; nor has the last biennial period proved its least iidere>;ting
chapter. Rather, the reverse is true.
Confronted by a combination of conditions seemingly prohibitive fif-
teen years ago — with a population increasing beyond any known pre-
cedent and agriculture ever reaching out for all arable lands, as inten-
sive nuichine farnnng nui'thods increased human capacity for cultivation
— there seemed but a dismal future for the gentleman's field sports of
angling and shooting.
106 REPORT OF THE PISIT AXO GAME COMMISSION.
Handicapped by a scant\- Iciiislative ai)|)r()i)riatioii that \va.s hope-
lessly inadequate, no one (l;ii-i(l liDpc to ever tinanee conservation work
upon a scale adequate to hamUc the numiiitude of the job. that even
then had made itself manifest to tliose wiiose lives are devoted to tliis
public .'^ervice.
The hunting license was then a new, untried thin<>'; its po,s.sibilities
problematical, so much so that Senator 11. M. Willi.s, himself a southern
Californian. .'■ensing something of the local need proposed and indeed
(]id, i'oi" a time, succeed in limiting the use of revenues thereunder aris-
ing to the introduction and propagation of alien species of game. From
that early day to this, when conservation no longer asks support from
the general public, is indeed a far cry. But now that the sportsmen
have, througli an enlightened popular sentiment, come to consider their
hunting and angling licence investments as virtually a contribution to
the general good of game and fish, there has been a steady increase year
by year, not oidy from immigration, but internally as well.
GAME CONDITIONS.
Some years after the establishment of the hunting license the Fish
and Game Commission concluded, somewhat hastily, tliat propagation
of game birds and introduction of alien species did not pay. It was
then felt that careful conservation of indigenous species was more pro-
ductive tlinn experimenting with exotics. Whether that conclusion was
entirely sound has for some time appeared debatable. Increasing cul-
tivation involved changing conditions for game, development of water,
and different croijs. Hut of all developments questioning that conclu-
sion, nothing could have a more unsettling ett'ect than the phenomenal
success attendant upon the artificial propagation and introduction of
Chinese pheasants in the Owens Valley of Inyo County. This alone is
unquestionably worth every penny this state ever spent upon the prop-
agation of game; To such extended range and in such considerable
numbers have these traditional game birds of royalty increased that a
short open season with low bag limits is only a matter of time, meaning
thus the actual addition of these magnificent fowl to the alread.v lone;
list of California's game. Today, a hundred of them may be seen in
driving through the extent of their range in Owens Valley from the salt
lake to the foot of Long Valley, delighting the motor tourist with their
gorgeous display of coloring as they strut about the stubble fields
and run oi- fly across the road, quite tame, usually in pairs, but often
in considerable family parties.
At present, a pbin made eight years ago by Commissioner Connell
for sending a well equipped expedition into southern and southeast-
ern Mexico in quest of the Grayson liob-wbite is held in abeyance await-
REPORT OF THE PISII AND OAMK COMMISSION. 10?
iii<,' sufficient settlement nl' intri'iuil 1 [■mililcs in that fevolution-rent
republic'. It is jn-oposed to iiiakc the lin.il an-anyenients as soon as
such ofdci- is i-fstiifcd tliat siicli a mission will ridt iinpcfil those dch'-
fi'ated to so important a scf\irc. In the meantime, investigation of the
living conditions and hal)its of these (piail has pi-ogressed far eiifjU'^h to
give every reasonahh' assur'anc*' that they are desicahle tVom the spofts-
man's point of view, as well as pi'oinising to succei'd in southern ('ali-
fornia becatise of the siiidhirity in eliniatic conditions with their
present hal)itat. No less an autliority tliaii Ivlward \V. Xel-on, ('hi(d" of
the Biological Survey, has advised the CalifVu-nia l^'isli and <lame Com-
mission to that effect, whicli brings probably the abh'st judgmeid in
the world to this (piest ion.
Among the problems of those who seek to protect and increase game,
in sonthern California particularly, one of the foremost is the main-
tenance of suitable natural conditions that will encourage the residence,
and particularly the breeding of our indigenous game. Without this,
there is no foundation upon which to build in its l)ehalf. Settling up of
the countiy unavoidably means turning tillable land beneath the plow;
and the subdivision of the large land-holdings of but yesterday is
bound to bring a continuing menace to the maintenance of the game.
Smaller owners are almost certain to cultivate more intensively, where
the big proprietors left large ranges for stock, crops nowadays are going
in, often but not always to the deprivation of the sportsman of his most
desirable upUuul "hapi)y hunting grounds." There is some comfort
in the knowledge that nuiny crops add something to the food supply of
game; l)ut none can deny the curtailment in breeding u'rounds. notably
of (puiil. in the more thickly settled areas.
In various ways the conservation authorities have sought to met't this
issue in the south following the general state i)l:in. Previous legislatures
provided the necessary enaljling acts prelinunary to the setting aside
of suitable ai'cas for the natural propagation of game, in the aggregate,
millions of acres in the national forests have thus been reserved in the
form of game refuges. These, under the Districting Act, must eaidi l)e
created separately and in a definite numerical rotation even as the
larger Pish and Game Districts, which were dictated by the desii'e to
harmonize open seasons with the wide variance in breeding habits inci-
dental to California's continental climatic range.
The game refuges of southern California were altered somewhat
both as to l)oundarics and as to regulations by the last legislature, the
aim being to render them as efficient as possilile. Anti-vernun cam-
paigns were conducted in some of them, with very material results,
not only directly in the decrease of i)redatoi-y vermin but to the very
evident benefit of the game therein. While the area of the Ancreles
108 REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
Forest refuges in particular is so great as to be unwieldy aud virtually
impossible to pati'ol efficiently, the forest rangers have cooperated to-
ward this end more generally during the biennial period than ever be-
fore. As a result of a number of ratlier unusually favorable conditions,
it may now be .said that the witbdrawal of these vast areas from the
sportsmen appears to have gained them more game than it has cost.
Deer hunting has been more productive around the borders of these
refuges than elsewhere, due to increased game overflowing into the
adjacent country. 'I'lie very material stimulus given to trapping by the
unpreeedentedly high i)rices of furs cannot be overlooked as a con-
tributing factor. For years, sportsmen have urged energetic anti-ver-
min eam])aigiis upon the part of tlie state conservation forces. Prior to
rile last legislature, the Fish aud Game ('ounnission entered upon an
experiment to determine what could be expected from putting expert
hunters into the refuges to thin out species predatory upon game.
AVhile the experiment was entirely successful, and gave good reason to
believe that substantial results could be attained in that way, the "war
prices"' on furs relieved the conservation authorities of any greater
responsibility along this line than that involved in licensing trappers
and keeping a certain surveillance upon them. There are always a few
who need watching, but in this matter, so far as the south is concerned,
the exception appears to have proved the rule. One gang of trappers in
the southern Sierra of Tulare County, after a systematic campaign
wherein the southern patrol force united to collect and link up the
evidence necessary to prove up the offense, paid some of the biggest
fines ever collected in fish and game annals, for winter slaughter of
deer. The job was successful in securing pleas of guilty, and a thor-
oughly outraged public sentiment still awaits the chief offender for
furthei' ])unishment, despite the large fine he paid.
No bounties within the state's power could possibly have so stimu-
lated warfare upon predatory animals as the high prices of furs. Since
virtually all the fur-bearing species are predaceous upon game, several
being in fact so classed, the aggregate benefit to the mountain game
suppl\' of tlic state is enormous, (iixxl figures for skunks and other
small pelts have caused many a farmer's boy to turn his spare time
into good service for the sportsman as well. While fur prices are on the
decline now they are still high, and so many have formed the "trapping
habit," so to si)eak, that there is good reason to hope for a continuance
of this general campaign against the so-called "varmints" of the old
time Nimrod. Remembering that these vermin work day and night the
year through, without respect for season or bag limit, one cannot but
feel considerably encouraged over the game outlook. Obviously, the
logical way to meet the situation is to substitute man for the vermin-
1
REPORT OF TIIK FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 100
Oils fiU'tor ill tlu' iiatui'iil iMiuatioii. Nature strikes her l)alances inex-
orably, hut hy reduction of animal enemies more remains for the
hunter.
COMMERCIAL FISHERIES.
Development of thf ("oinnicrcial Fisheries of southern California has
enforeed paying of part inilai- attention to problems of the industry
in this end of the state, the Fish and (lame Commission being forced to
establish two branch offices in the great centers of the fishing and pack-
ing business at San Pedro and San Diego. ]\Iean\vhile, a steadily wid-
ening scale of scientific investigation has been carried on, financed by
collections of class-taxes levied upon various ])hases of the fisheries.
While always the major part of the revenue will come from licensing
of niarket-lishennen at ^10 each, the pi'ivilege and i)ouiidage taxes upon
preserving of fish atld considerably; and the extensive patrol activities
of the state's patrol launch suffice in considerable degree to finance
themselves through fines collected. The inclusion of Santa Catalina
Island in two districts one of which is rather narrowly limited to cer-
tain classes of net fishing, and the other and nearer entirely closed to
commercial exploitation, has of course proved a most fruitful field
for the state's patrol activities at sea. Unavoidably, during the busy
summer canning season, when high prices for tuna and albacore place
every possible premium upon getting the fish wherever they are to be
found, the covirts have been kept congested with the over-ambitious
netmen. Encouraging prices have stinuilated a large migration of
purse seiners from the virtually depleted waters of the northern salmon
ranges to southern California ; and a long association with the uncer-
tainties of the International Boundary in the Straits of Juan de Fuca
ai)peared to have inspired a considerable percentage of these new-
comers with a general contempt for all fish and game law.
Due to the carefiill\' lu-ogramined methods devised t'oi- li.imlliiiu- the
always serious i)roIilem of i e<_;ulat ing alien lisliernieu upon the sea,
it ha.s been i)ossible durinu- the lat summer to im-iilcate a ilue and
proper resi)ect for the written law anions these visitants, and whether
they remain or return, the conservation authorities feel that there will
be very much less trouble with them in the future. AVhile some stiff
fines were imposed, and a few verbal clashes were unavoidable, the
ends of justice have been served without any violence upon either
side. A polic,y of dignified firmness was outlined by the Commissioners
in the attempt to do no one any injustice. On the one hand were the
large packing interests clamoring for fish and ever more fish to pack
who are backed by the enormously increased fleet of largest sized fish-
ing boats equipped with the most extensive gear known. On the other
no REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
side stood the law bitterly attacked by able eunnsel as essentially "class
legislation" in favor of wealthy sportsmen. With these differences of
opinion, the conservation authorities steadfastly refused to have any-
thing to do. Once a fish and game law is enacted in California, that
removes the Fish and Game Connnission from any duty or responsi-
l)ility other than its enforcement. Bitterly criticised by both parties
to this conflict piscatorial, blamed by the fishermen for its zeal, criticised
by anglers for its alleged apathy, the fact remains that persistent prose-
cutions have been met by suspended sentences of late in the very
strongholds of this latter criticism so the only logical conclusion
must be that on the whole the situation has been fairly well met.
Today, with the constitutionality of the disputed law upheld, its
enforcement must rest with those justices whose sworn duty it is to
proi)erly penalize violators whom the state's patrolmen l)i-ing before
them.
It has required no small amount of consideration to enable the conser-
vation authorities to keep in touch with so rapidly changing a situation
as the regulation of fisheries on the southern California coast alone dur-
ing the past biennial period. Without discretionary power there has
been no adequate manner of meeting emergencies of supply and demand,
so the only possible course has been a policy of enforcement until neces-
sary alterations in the laws could be made by the forthcoming legisla-
ture. Many measures initiated two years ago have completely vindi-
cated tliemselves, others in the nature of things have unavoidably
proved inadequate. So long as no arrangement exists to adjust regula-
tion to immediate reciuirements, even in matters so transient and ever-
changing as fish and game conditions, the conservation authorities will
be comiX'Hed to attempt to fortell the developiiu'iits of many months
ahead.
This uncertainty has encouraged the Fish and Game Connnission to
enter upon what probalily is the most extensive program of scientific
research along fishery lines ever undertaken by any of tlie states.
While the need is state-wide and the work has not been limited section-
ally the phenomenal growth of the tish-packing industry has naturally
focussed attention first upon southern problems, although these in a
great measure liave a relation and bearing ujxjm the situation elsewhere.
The time already has arrived when the oiit' boat charged with patrol
and scientific research is hopelessly inadequate, there being enough
demand in eitlier line to occupy her entire available time. It is probable
that eventually the excellent and seaworthy patrol-cruiser "Albacore"
will be detailed to scientific work, and replaced with a faster, bigger
craft for the regulation of fishermen. When built, the "Albacore"
was superior to any, l)ut the growth of the fisheries industry has been
REPORT OP THE PISH AND GAME COMMISSION. Ill
by such leaps and hounds that today she is no more than al)reast of the
demands made upon lin- and within anothci' hicnnial period, wiicn
swift refrigeratintif carrici-s arc operating' hctwccn tlic h)i'al distrihutin<?
l)oints and the soni'cr nf |)rohahlc FiitniT fresh lish sufiply in \'i\v south-
ern waters, ohviously sonicthiug mure will be essentia L In scawcji'thi-
ness, (omfort. eiononiy. cudnraiicc, the " Albacorc" has done all that
was expected of her, and couhl not be duplicated t(Klay at her original
cost.
Numerous complications arc injected into the regulation of California
fisheries by the lu'oxiinity of the vii'tualiy virgin west Mexican banks
off the coast of Lowei* California. Political uncertainties Ijelow the
line have rendered the (isliing business in south( fii waters a species of
"get there fii-st" game, rather preventing the effective and intelligent
exploitation of these ciiot'iniuis, perhaps inexhaustibh^ fishery resources,
which so well might be eui[)h)yed to allow certain of tlie lo. 'alls' dci)leted
species to recuperate. Until something definite evolves out of the south-
ern situation, Mexican fish will merely continue to be an indefinite,
nns( tiling factoi- in the fresh fish business, occasionally glutting the
uuirket, again falling into monopolistic control, yielding but a small part
of their potential possibilities. Comi)etent observers consider the south-
I'ln supply of fish as far in excess of what California's colder waters
ever could show and general ob.servations by the state's research experts
go far to confirm that ccnjecture. Eventually this supply will certainly
become available to California under modern and efficient refrigeration.
No section of the state has been so clamorous and exacting in its
demands upon our fishcultural facilities as southern California. With
her populatii n n:ounting by unprecedented figures, it seems as if an
abnormal proportion of the increase were anglers. While in measure
such a conditicn might Ije construed as a testimonial to the efficacy of
the h'ish an.l Game Commission's consistent campaigns in advertising
the south "s sporting attractions, which find a ready ear with th(^ large
ItMsure class attracted here by climatic opportunities for yv'ar-round
( n.joynient of outdoor sports. Certainly the fact remains tliat fishing
nevei- was more popular anywhere than here.
ANGLING CONDITIONS.
Favored none too bountifully by Nature in the way of natural waters,
the very scarcity of streams and lakts has brought by artificial means
its own remrd.v. Orowth of i)opulation and cultivation has enforced
the (onservation of water and its devclo[)ment wherever possible. The
situation was api)reciatcd in advance by tho.se whose thoughts are
shaped along the line of providing the people w ith healthful sport afield.
From I he \-cry Hi'st. lish wei'e idanteil in the reservoir lak'cs generally
8—7857
112 REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
with encouraging success. As a result^ the angling attraction proves
potent enough to finance further efforts.
The scanty streams of southern, steep gorge watersheds do not lend
themselves to the natural maintenance of trout. Too much water, or
too littk\ is the ever present menace. ^lany a stream is planted annu-
ally in the certainty that there can be but little natural propagation
therein. The best trout lake in the extreme south, Big Bear, in the
San Bernardino watershed, is now, and for some years past has been on
an essentiall\ ;ii't iticially inaiiilained basis. The natural spawning
facilities in its sliort, steep creeks are under ordinary conditions virtu-
ally nil. At considerable expense, the Fishcultural Department has
installed two hatcheries, with spawn-taking racks and has sent a crew
of its most skilled men into Bear Valley every spring to gather such
eggs as Nature olfered, these were hatched in the local plants for distri-
bution in the lake and streams of the range. Last spring, although
facilities had been almost doubled the fall before, the egg-take followed
the general rule in the state and fell off until not enough eggs were
available to operate to full capacity, even though the turnoft' was about
that of the year before.
In measure. Big Bear Lake's great popularity as the "Tahoe of the
south," so-called, has proved its undoing for mid-summer sport at the
height of the season and the concentration of tlie water through several
dry seasons has played a part. The number of adult fish seen every
spring at the spawn-taking stations and out in the bays at the creek
mouths has indicated an abundant supply. Fishing is always good
enough to satisfy the most ardent fishermen both early and late in the
season. The state's students of such conditions are of the opinion that a
normal winter will restore the fishing to its former sustained excellence,
its consistency lieing one of the most remarka])le things about it in past
years.
Realizing several years ago tliat southern California's demands could
no longer be met by long sliii)ments from the mother hatcliery under
Mount Shasta, Fisli and (ianic Conuuissioner Connell set about search-
ing for a site combining the necessary conditions of cold, pure water
in certainty of supply, with accessibility to transportation and after
long consideration, the eastern Sierra was selected as a site for the
splendid IMount Whitney Hatchery, which today supplies the lower end
of the state, as well as the enormous aggregate area of fishing waters
within motor-truck and pack-train reach of its troughs.
Had it accomplished nothing remarkable beyond the successful rear-
ing of the rare and delicate goblm trout, the Mount Whitney Hatch-
ery would have successfully established itself among the great fish-
cultural institutions of the world. But in addition to this hitherto
REPORT OP THE PISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
113
unprecedented arf()iri[)lislmii'iit, llic I'ciuafk.-ilily ravoraljlc; waters ot"
Oak Creek upon which this hitest of trout liatcheries is situated, have
set new records for tlic <iT()\\ iiil; of all kinds of \'vy. Its site was eliosen
with the same realization of inereasinL; t'ntiife deiii.-nids that has actu-
ated the b'isli and (Janie ( 'oniniission in all its recent enterprises. With
not a nniiute's prematui-ity in its foretliou<ilit. tin' ( 'onnnissiori set about
huihlinii' up the l)arren lakes of tlie Sierra as soon as tlie .Mount Whitney
Hatchery hejjan to operate. ("onse((uently, sportsmen have found fish
teemiuu' in numy a hdce that three years a<;o was barren. They have
enjoyed tlie keenest of the tly-easter's sensations in battling with the
wonderful golden ti'ont in those hij2:h. crystal-elear lakes. To such an
extent did the needs of the situation impress Commi.ssioner .M. d. ( 'on-
nell that he personally tnok charge of the dist filnd ion of the 6U0,(JU()
odd golden trout reared in the .Alount Whitney Hatchery from the
"take" of eggs at Cottonwood Lakes this year, limiting the planting
to sjK'eially selected and barren waters which henceforth are to be
golden trout lakes and streams, thus providing an infinitely i)leasing
variety to the summer Sierran camper. Large federal motor-trucks
lend a most businesslike air to the distribution of trout from the ^Mount
AVhitney Hatchery, but of i our e the actual i)lanting is a laborious
pack-train proposition, tedious and expensive at best.
Fl«. J6. -Mount W'hitn.-y I l;it> d. i., , .-li. i\\ in- n.\vl\- i;i.j.
by J. L,. \'iMi HIdii.
. , ■ >\ ,L;i"iinil.-
114
REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
Extensive inipruveuieiits iii the gfoiuuls at the Blount Whitney Hatch-
ery liave matle it such a sliow-nhiee that many visit it every week, mak-
ing the short drive from the main Eastern Sierra Highway, and feel
well I'cpaid for the trip. Thanks to the eooperation of Park Superin-
tendent John ]\IaeLaren of San Pranidsco, a {)artieularly harmonious
bit of landscaping has been consummated. The general effect is a
natural park, the typical trees and plants of the region having been
used. As one approac lies through the great rough-stone gate, the view
is entirely conunensurate witli the nobility and dignity of California,
Fig.
27. Fish i-ond and gardens ;it llu- Mount Wiiilmx llalilui.v.
J. L,. Von Blon.
Fliotogiaph by
and in perfect keeping with the enduring character of the primeval
Sierrau surrcundings. To have neglected this "finishing touch" upon
a work so eminently successful in all its practical features would
have been to stop short of attaining an aci;essible ideal. The sportsmen
of southern California can well take a lasting pride in this, their most
substantial and most tangible accomplishment.
A most encouraging measure of cooperation in all lines of conserva-
tion woi-k has not failed to extend it ^ iuHuence to the actual physical
work of planting the fish reared in the southern hatcheries, particularly
over the past biennial period. Without such public interest and assist-
ance, it would be impossible to distribute the output of the hatcheries
I
REPORT OF TIIK FISH AND OAMH COMMISSION.
11.')
under oxistint,' tinanci.il coiulitions. (iradually, the FislK'nllural
l)('j>artiii('iit lias hiiilt up an elahoratr system of employing and organ-
izing tills popular eutliiisiasin by turning it to a definite service. ^lany
men are planling fish now wh.o have hcen doing it in llie same waters
for many years. In San I'.iMiiardiiio Coniily. the l)oai'(l of supervisors
undertake the entire distril)iiti(in. the resident deputy is in charge,
and the work occupies the better \y,\v\ of two months, being done in an
intensive manner. It has maintained sport at an attractive level despite
what doiditless are the greatest demands which have ever been made by
anglers upon an\' similar lak'es and streams.
i
-» '^-Siyscr.'
H ic. I's. .NuvViy iiiusnea risiiway built hy 8oiilliein Culnunua ii,ais.jii Coiiiijany at
Kern River plant No. .";. Built according to plans furnished by the Fish and Game
Commission.
No consideration of fish cultural work in the south would be complete
without a reference to the "people's fish" — the large-mouthed black-
bass. Introduced into the north years ago, the lusty "bronze-back"
thrived amazingly in the wai-m waters and congenial environment of
the artificially established southern reservoirs. Today, business men
can, and do. take nice catches of good sized bass right in the city
limits of Los Angeles, enjoying sport in all the celebrated methods,
casting the fly, using the short "plug-bait" rod or various natural
baits. When it is considered that only a few years ago there were no
bass in the south, and no prospect of any, their introduction identifies
itself as something of an achievement in behalf of the sportsman-angler
116 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
Such ready acoossihility is by no means tlie least of its charms and it
liolds a hriuht future as further flood control and reservoir projects
materialize.
Such success has attended the introduction of bass in certain of the
San Diego city water service reservoirs that a well warranted plea for
an entire removal of the -\nnter closed season upon these fish is being
made to the present leii'islatur(> liy those who argue correctly that the
fish are best for the table in winter ami have so increased that in the
present open season the anglers cannot hold their numbers within the
limits of desirability.
The efi^orts witli game have not been relaxed during the biennial
period. By stricter legislation and by steadily increasing the measures
toward enforcement of law, the state has ])een Imilding its best against
the certainty of increases in demand each year. Propagation of game
is to be reinforced by wholesale importation as soon as the experimental
work has demonstrated the right si)ecies with which to win.
Nor have the activities of the California conservation commissioners
been comprised entirely by limitations of sportsmen. Rather, the aim
has been to stimulate field-sports, to encourage a wider use of our wild
life resources by a greater number of outdoor exploiters every succeed-
ing season. In every practical way, this object has been advanced.
Information has been distributed broadcast through all available chan-
nels, and always hand in hand with the most direct aims of conservation
that there may be more fish for which to angle and more game to hunt.
Last summer, after several conferences with leading sportsmen and
business men of the Owens Valley, where the attraction value of fish
and game are appreciated at par. Commissioner Connell succeeded in
organizing a movement for the building of a trail into the now virtu-
ally inaccessible "Sixty Lake Basin" above Mount Whitney Hatchery,
in which wonderful wealth of previously barren waters, the Fish and
Game Commission has {)lanted and built up such a stock of trout, two
miles above the sea, that until additional feed was introduced, the fish
had increased beyond the capacity of those high lakes to fatten them.
This last year, exploration parties found tlieiii in prime condition
awaiting the flies of the sportsman. As a result — partly of the success-
ful acclimatization of the fish, partly of the organization of local senti-
ment in favor of making this entirely new vacation ground easy of
access another summer — an excellent trail is being surveyed. Thus, the
present top-heavy demand of southern California sportsmen upon
the Mono Sierra will be diversified by this virtually virgin counter
attraction one hundred miles nearer the center of population.
Such linking up of all the otherwise diverging lines in behalf of a
direct, straight-from-the-shoulder policy of encouraging, regulating and
REPORT OF THE PISII AND GAME COMMISSION. 117
controlling sporting onthusiasm along the course of greatest general
benefit to the entire pul)li(', never h)sing siyht of the main uses of fish
and game as iiKhicciiictits towjifd I lie liciltlit'iil, recreative outdoors is
characteristic of the California policy ol' coiisci-sat ioii. nowhere better
or more earnestly exemplified or ajipreciated tiiaii in 1his Southern
Division. It remains oni' liope. as i1 certainly is our object, that these
etfoT'ts shall iie\cr he ciirl.iijed or narrowed in their striving for that
goal. Always the idea ol' iindeviating public service along the lines of.
the greatest general good to the people must remain the aim.
Respectfully submittetl,
(Signed; Edwin L. IIeddkkly,
Assistant.
118
REPORT OF THE FISn AND GAME COMMISSION.
FISH DISTRIBUTION BY COUNTIES, SEASON 1918.
Mount Shasta Hatchery.
County
Alpine
Amador
Butte
Calaveras
Colusa
Contra Costa
DpI Norte
Kl Dorado
F'rcsno :
Lake
Madera
Mariposa
Modoc
Monterey
Napa
Nevada
Placer
Plumas
San Benito
San Luis Obispo
Santa Barbara
Shasta
Sierra
Siskiyou
Sonoma
Tehama .
lYinity
Tuolumne
Ventura
Yuba
Ponds Mount Shista Hatchery.
Totals
Kaiuliow
12,00(0
85,000
127,000
190,000
80,0^0
4,{XjO
166,000
133,000
15,CC0
201,000
136,000
22,000
i2r>,roo
10,000
aj8,oco
112,000
110,000
3,500
248,600
60,000
165,000
20,0S0
144,000
815,000
ISO.O'jO
42,000
25,000
Kastem
brook
94, -500
43,000
10,000
108,000
95,000
37,000
48,000
91,000
62,000
6,CC0
e,ooo
139,500
30,COO
130,000
2,528,500
6,flOO
42,000
63,000
16,000
1,033,000
I.och
l.eveu
75,000
92,000
146,000
110,000
117,000
34,000
154,000
48,000
150,000
15,000
10,000
190,000
9,000
169,000
3B,0CO
50,000
108,000
16,000
28,C0'3
1,559,000
Ulack-
sBotted
1,000*
24,000
6,000
50,000
60,000
10,000
80,000
231,000
St€£lhead
4,000
46,0O0'
40,000
4,030
150,000
40,000
30,000
84,000
12,000
1CO,000
3,000
l,4&4,0OO
Salmon
100,000
120,000
110,000
34,000
40,000
18,000
314,000
125,000
70,000
30,000
100,000
20,000
25,000
13,195,000
25,000
13,345,000
•Cutthroat.
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
119
Mount Whitney Ha
tchery.
County
Rainbow
28,000
136,000
]SO,iX)0
17?,000
4,000
£6,000
Eastern
broolt
C5;.«)
•JO COO
0,000
20,000
8,000
Loch
IjOVOII
Ul.OOO
Blaclt-
9!)iitted
Steclhead
trout
(iiilili-ii
Fresno
10,000
17,C0<>
WJ.OJO
20,000
12,000
30,000
Inyo
35,000
T t\<i \ tutpIpq
14,000
8,000
44,000
2J,000
32,500
8-.O0O
10,000
18,00"
6,000
100,000
Placer
165,000
Hivor.^ide
San Horiiardino
32,0CO
lO.COO
'vS.OOO
45,000
— ■
ai,oco
Sail I>i(*po
4,000
2,500
»^0CO
:.ii:ooo
36.000
20,000
Sierra
1\ilare
328,000
50,000
20,000
S.COO
110,000
4,00.1
110,000
Ponds Mount Whitney Hatehery..
60,000
Totals
1,073,000
128,500
74,000
314,500
245,000
384,000
Fort Seward Hatchery.
County
Rainbow
Steelliead
Salmon
Humboldt - --
80,000
760,000
50,000
20,003
1,094,000
Trinity — -- -
58,000
Totals
147,C«0
830,0Cf,
1,004,000
Tahoe Hatchery.
County
Rainbow
Black-
spotted
KI Dorado - -- - - --
To.OOfl
4v,C03
Placer _ --
15,CO0
205,000
Sierra -- -
75,000
Totals
15,000
b95,000
Mount Tallac
Hatchery.
County
Rdi.nbow
Eastern
brook
Steelhead
Alpine
60,000
80,000
10,000
1,133,000
10,001
Ei Dorado -
245,000
Placer _ _ . . .
100,000
Totals
149,000
1,1S3,0C0
355,000
Almanor Hatchery.
County
Ralntjow
Lassen ..
Plumas --
Total
61,00C
85,000
143,000
120
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
Ukiah Hatchery.
County
Steclhead
Mendocino
Sonoma ..
Total
305,000
123,000
430,000
Bear Lake Hatchery.
County
Rainl)Ow
San Bernardino
783,000
Domingo Springs Hatchery.
County
Rainbow
Steelheail
Lassen _- .- -
120,000
193,000
4,000
4,000
Plumas -- -- -- - -- -- --
94.0JO
•
Totals
31'7,00O
96,0C0
Wawona Hatchery.
County
Rainbow Steelhead
MariDosa --- -
98,000
196.000
Snow IVlountain Station.
Mendocino
County
steelhead
125,000
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
Total
Brookdale Hatchery.
County
Steelhead
210,000
500,000
710,000
Feather River Hatchery.
County
Rainbow
Plumas - - - 124,000
Black-
spotted
119,000
North Creek Hatchery.
County
San Bernardino
Rainbow
300,000
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
121
Fish Transplantation.
Counties Heirlng
Pike
Cnrp
niack
Iias9
Tat-
flsh
Blue-
gllU
Perch
'
1,005
229
16
53,787
140
57
12
12
15
2
5,000
Totals -
12
12
15
1,^0
53,927
2
5,057
Summary of Fish
Distribution, Season 1918.
Hatcheries
Rainbow
Eastern
brook
Loch
l.even
Black-
srotted
Steel-
head
Oolden
trout
Salmon
146,000
783,000
•
710,000
98,000
'
T><)iiiingo Springs
317,000
124,000
147,000
2,528,500
1,073,000
300,000
119,000
Vt Kt^wnrfl
830,000
1,494,000
245,000
348,000
1,094,000
Mt Shasta
1,033,000 1 1,559,000
128,500 ] 74,000
231,000
314,500
13,345,000
125,000
15,000
149,000
1
395,000
TMlhtf
1,133,000
355,000
430,000
196,000
— —
T'lrijih
98,000
Totals --
5,680,500
2,294.500
1.633.0OO 1,059,500
4,483,000
348,000
14,439,000
15,534,500
T'ntnl milnmn -
14,439,000
29,973,500
122
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
Mount Shasta Hatchery Fish Distribution, by Counties, Season 1919.
Counties
Raluhow
Eastern
brook
Loch
I>even
Black-
spotted
Steel-
bead
Brown
trout
Salmon
Alameda _
73,000
22,500
85,000
130,000
137,500
60,000
9,000
150,000
144,000
15,000
43,000
22,500
100,000
191,000
132,500
122,000
Alpine
Amador
70,000
44,000
50,000
75,000
80,000
Butte
30,000
9,000
60,000
20,000
9,000
250,000
20,000
4,000
200,000
Calaveras
Colusa - - -
Contra Costa - ---
El Dorado
6S,000
80,000
261,000
208,000
15,000
Fresno
Lake
Lassen - .
12,000
4,000
"
Marin _-
Mariposa
15,000
20,000
28,000
15,000
2,000
Modoc
83,500
|.
Mono _ -
'!
Monterey --
100,000
25,000
147,000
187,000
145,000
51,000
.- _. .
Napa
197,500
50,000
4,000
26,000
250,000
Nevada
94,000
52,000
61,000
_
220,000
220,500
114,000
31,000
20,000
30,000
50,000
Placer
Plumas -- .
12,000
10,000
San Luis Obispo--
2,500
6,000
22,500
Santa Clara . _ -
5,000
251,000
68.-r<:o
160,000
Shasta --
60,000
74.(0'*
226.000
210,000
1 f>."(»"-
488,000
20,000
40,000
40,000
Si"rTa - --
Siskivou -- _ -
15,000
- -
Siskiyou
*17S 000
Siskiyou
tl0,018,000
30,000
56,000
61,000
225,000
25,000
23,000
10,000
32,000
108,000
4,000
10,000
20,000
76,000
147,000
30,000
Tehama
Trinity
Tuolumne --
100,000
25,000
Yuba -- —
48,000
Totals
2,468,500
1,070,000
2,746,000
87,000
1,411,500
320,000
50,000
'Silver salmon.
tQuinnat salmon.
Mount Whitney Hatchery.
Counties
Fresno
Inyo —
Kern
Los Angeles
Madera
Mariposa .„
Mono
Riverside
San Diego
San Luis Obispo.
Santa Barbara ..-
Tulare
Ventura
Rainbow
200,000
180,000
120,000
40,000
18 000
14,000
56,000
56,000
8,000
21,000
178,000
132,000
Totals -! 1,023,000
Eastern
brooli
20,000
20,000
10,000
10,000
8,000
4,000
11,000
10,000
93,000
Loch
Leven
70,000
30,000
10,000
10,000
3,000
8,000
136,000
Steel-
head
8,000
30,000
90,000
10,000
49,000
121,000
63,000
104,000
474,000
Black-
spotted
71,000
121,000
90,000
Golden
trout
31,000
180,000
52,000
4,000
239,000
64,000
402,000
450,000
REPORT OP THE FISIf AM) GAME COMMISSION.
Tahoe Hatchery.
123
Counties
Rainbow
Black-
spotted
Golden
trout
EI Doraiio
6,000
45,000
Mariposa
24,6lO
Nevada -- — — -
25,000
40,000
25,000
70,000
176.000
60,000
Placer -- __ ._ . _ __
210,000
Sierra
Totals _
96,000
851.000
234,650
Mount Tallac Hatctiery.
Counties
Rainlxjw
Black-
spotted
•Steel-
head
Kl Dorado
Placer .. . ....
28,000
630,0C0
143,000
17,000
Totals
51,000
25,000
6S5,00O
25,000
185,000
25,OrO
Alpine
Fort Seward Hatchery.
Counties
Rainbow
Eastern
brool;
Steel -
head
Salmon
Humboldt -. -. ..
186,000
8,0CO
40,000
8,500
538,000 '
932,000
M'ndoiino
Trinity -. . .
1
Totals
234,000
8,500
538,000
932,000
Ukiah Hatchery.
Mendocino
Sonoma -_
'I'otaL
Counties
Steel -
bead
270 000
330,000
600,COO
Lake
Mendocino
Snow IVIountaIn Station.
Counties
Steel-
head
27,000
223,000
Total-
2o0,00O
Brookdale Hatchery.
Counties
Steel -
head
Monterey
San Mateo ..
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz .
6,000
100,000
208,000
535,000
TotaL
849,000
124
REt^ORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
Clear Creek Hatchery.
Counties
Rainbow
Lassen
Plumas -
152,000
5,0CO
Total
157,000
Domingo Springs Hatchery.
Counties
Rainbow
Steel-
bead
Lassen - — -
Plumas -
28,000
112,000
80,000
30,000
40,000
46,000
Totals
220,000
116,000
Bear Lake Hatchery.
San Bernardino
County
Rainbow
748,0C0
Wawona Hatchery.
Counties
Rainbow
Steel-
liead
Madera -- --
9,000
UdflOO
9,000
91,000
Mariposa -- -
Totals-
155.0CO
100,000
North Creek Hatchery.
County
Rainbow
San Bernardino
810,000
Yosemite
Hatchery.
Counties
Rainbow
Black-
spotted
Steel -
head
186,500
5,000
89,200
10,500
81,600
15,000
Tuoluiiiiie
Totals
191,500
99,700
96,600
Fall Creek Hatchery.
Siskiyou
County
Rainbow
670,000
Quinnat
salmon
1,14S,-J<J0
i
REPORT OF 'I'HK KISII WD GAME COMMISSION.
I2r
Kaweah Hatchery
Counties
Fresno —
Tulare -—
Totals _
ItalMl)ow
9.500
230,000
239,500
niark-
spotted
1,000
45,000
46,000
St eel -
head
3,C00
95,000
98,000
Fish Transplantation.
Counties
BInck
liass
Sun-
flsh
Crapple
Calico
bass
Striped
bass
Cat-
flsh
Blue-
glU
AlHtllO(]ft
22
9
16
18
13
60
180
12
135
14
Frpsno
i
1
Napa
Plai'iT
75
32
San T iiis Ohisno
S^'iOO
38
Snn Afjiton
32
6
50
24
32
30
25
50
SonoiTlA
550
44
Yi bft ' T7
Tctals —
183
210
210
733
3,500
38
SO
Summary Fish Di
stributior
, Season
1919.
Hatcheries
Rainbow
Eastern
brook
Loch
Leven
Black-
spotted
Steel-
head
Golden
trout
Brown
trout
Bear T ak<>
748,000
Brookilal"
849,000
f ^Ic jii* ( ^rcplc
157,000
920 000
Domingo Springs
Fall Cr9?k
—
116,000
I
670 000 1
234 OCO « sno
538,000
98,000
1,411,.500
185,000
474,000
"~250,000'
K Ji\v"iih
239 000
2,468,500
51,000
1 023 000
46,000
87,000
6S5.O0O
402,000
1,070,000
2,746,000
320,000
Mount Tallao
Mount Whitney
North Cn'ek --
QS nnn
136,000
450,000
810,000 ]
rahoe _— -
Ukiah
96,000
351,000
234,650
600,000
100,000
96,(«10
VVn wnnn.
155,000
191,500
1
99,700
Totals -
7,063,500 \ 1,171,500
2.882.700
1. 670.700
4.718.100
684.650
320,000
Grand IoImI trout _ — 18,510,450
(iraml total .-lalnion 12,326.200
Fish tran.«plantation '■ '1,984
Total of grand totals - ' 30,841,034
00
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Totals-
Imperial.
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Orange.
Los
Angeles-
San Luis
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Sanla
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Santa
Cruz.
Sau Fran-
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San
Mateo
Alameda,
Contra
Costa
Sutter,
Tehama
(ilenn.
Colusa.
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mento.
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■Toaquin
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Marin-
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c'ino.
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Lake
Del Norte,
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130
REPORT OF THE PISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
CANNED, CURED AND MANUFACTURED FISHERY PRODUCTS OF CALL
FORNIA FOR THE YEAR 1918.
Compiled by Department of Commercial Fisheries.
Canned.
Abalone —
l-pound
Albacore—
l-pound
J-poiind
J-pound
Anthovy —
5-pound
4-pound
?,-pound
Barracuda—
^-pound
Benito and
l-pound
J-pound
J-pound
Herring —
l-pound
J-pound
Maekerel—
l-pound
i-pound
SaWefish—
l-pound
Salmon —
l-pound
l-pound
l-pound
J-poand
Sardines—
l-pound
J-pound
l-pound
J-pound
4-pound
l-pound
J-pound
l-pound
3-pound
i-pound
Shad—
l-pound
Shad roe—
J-pound
Skipjack—
l-pound
Tuna*—
l-pound
l-pound
J-pound
■IVpotmd
Turtle—
l-pound
l-pound
Yellowtail—
l-pound
l-pound
5-pound
skipjack-
(oval)
(tall) ..
(flat) .
(oval)
(flat) .
(oval) .-
(oval) ...
(round) ..
(round) .
(round) .
(square) .
(square),
(square),
(square) .
(square) .
tomato,
oil
San Diego,
cases
San Pedro,
cases
300
24
765
9,527
12,310
17,790
174
1,101
19,563
67,785
42
5,788
41,6i2
2,647
300
100
8,328
31,737
405
17,392
56,214
9,195
Northern
California,
cases
2,012
48.342
5,3)5
3,450
4,n6S
138.532
3,7SS
138,879
228,139
51,841
F)0,076
70,850
78,756
33,825
16J,744
29,404
288
199
29
2,824
28,537
1,42.T
1,522
227
450
58,320
5,817
25
8,395
3,304
197
22,540
593,315
13,244
945
3,716
4,249
133
3,997
5,056
2,213
♦Includes some albacore.
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
131
CANNED, CURED AND MANUFACTURED FISHERY PRODUCTS OF CALI-
FORNIA FOR THE YEAR 1918— Continued.
Compiled by Department of Commercial Fisheries.
Salted Fish.
\. San Dleso i San Pedro
Northern
f'allfi)rnla
Tot-ils
Anchovy —
Barrels -— -
i5-poiind cans
5-poiinds cans
Barracuda^
Barrels
Black sea bass-
Barrels
Bonito —
Barrels
Mackerel-
Barrels
18-pound kits
Rock bass-
Barrels
Kock cod-
Barrels
Sableflsh—
Barrels
Salachini —
100-pound tubs
63-pound tubs
50-pound tubs
Salmon-
Casks (mild cured).
Sardines —
Barrels
40-pound barrels ..--
25-pound cans
IS-pound kits
Sea bass-
Barrels
Shad-
Casks (mild cured).
Tellowfln —
Barrels
Yellowtail—
Barrels
450
63
12
110
29
425
20
310
2,600
1,0CO
17
380
1,521
S
42
852
72
5,955
10,899
12,329
2,798
107
1,252
1,200
6
35
76
2S7
330
2,600
1,000
455
53
29
2,011
6
51
11
72
5,055
10,899
12,329
2,796
961-
1,252
1,200
6
29
2S7
35
501
Note.— Casks contain 800 pounds net; barrels, 20O pounds net.
132
REPORT OF Tlip: FISII AND GAME COMMISSION.
CANNED, CURED AND MANUFACTURED FISHERY PRODUCTS OF CALL
FORNIA FOR THE YEAR 1918— Continued.
Compiled by Department of Commercial Fisheries.
MisccUaneoxis Pack and General Information.
. San Diego
San Pedro
Northern
California
Totals
Albacore—
Smoked, pounds
Kingfish —
Dried, pounds
Sardines-
Dried, pounds
Scotch, cured, pounds.
Yellowtail—
Smoked, pounds
Fertilizer, tons
Fish meal, tons
Fish oil, gallons
Number of plants
Number of employees
Value of plants
1,123
17,400
13
1,427
$1,316,000
31,420
19,000
37,000
4,630
1,000
1,521
3,216
67,858
34
2,783
$2,773,660
I
2,874
251,468
40
3,829
$1,569,330
31,420
19,000
S7,000
4,620
1,000
1,521
7,213
346,724
87
8,039
$5,658,990
REPORT OF THE FISH AM) (JAME COMMISSION.
133
CANNED, CURED AND MANUFACTURED FISHERY PRODUCTS OF CALL
FORNIA FOR THE YEAR 1919.
Compiled by Department of Commercial Fisheries.
I'ifili (.'unncil.
Spocles of flsh
SI/.0 of cniis
San
I >leK()
district.
fU.SCS
Sail
Pedro
di^lrlrt.
ca.sfs
.Muiilerey
Mny
dlstrii't.
CU.SC3
Northern
Calironila
district.
canes
Total
cates
Mb
lOo
21,236
107,822
2,S73
'' 978
l-lb
5,862
37,855
4,1.52
184
27,098
145 677
J-lb
i-lb
J-11)
15,325
32
8
2,177
34,634
17,10-*
395
374
19,477
216
g
Anchovy
Barraciuln
Mb
Uoiiiti)
Mb
12
4963
2S7
2,188
30.509
IT,. 395
i-lb
i-lb
Vlb
Caviar .- '
305
374
i'8,236
l,.5)-9
2,051
6 301
Herring —
3-oz
l-lb oval
28 238
1,589
.Vlb. oval...
Maikorel - —
l-lb
63
17
1,995
6.344
!)S8
10
J-lb ..
~~""~"~~~~
i-lb..
0^
Kotk bass ..
'-lb
10
X
l-lb. oval
102
725
1,341
9,086
1S63r
7,842
l-lb. tall
1,941
0 CS6
l-lb. flat
^-Ib. flat....
] < 'J ;7
Sartlines
1-lh. oval—
l-lb. round .
Mb. tall-.-.
33,594
113,909
11,875-
790,724
945,06')
11 S75
7,318
7 318
i-lb. oval...
|-lb. square.
5-lb. round .
J-lb. rotnid .
I-Ib. sQuare.
Mb
3,878
9,-543
405
10
39,603
27,713
17,510
25,742
3.21J;
31,553
n,9G0
7,207
128
43,551
,34 260
26 275
3.223
7,789
78,945
Shad --
4,350
1,131
Shad ro"-'
?.-Ib. oval...
1
1,131
Skipjack (striped tuna) - ..
l-lb
Vlb.
3,199
38,229
2,460
750
28,849
11,351
3,869
67,078
Mb
l-lb
13.811
Snuid
3,.538
Tuna --
4-Ib.
1,905
33,524
291,453
119,980
3!;0
8.739
Mb
J-lb
1,170
14,5,55
2,785
7,407
12
19,291
5
34, 6M
0O6.OOS
J-lb..
12'',765
Turtle —
7 407
rellowtail
l-lh
362
28,030
S-lb
Mb —
—
5
Total cases canned ...
229,463
933 939
821,448
83,758
2,071,641
134
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
Dried, Salted, Smokr:l <n}il Miscellaneous.
Species of fish, size or quantity
Siin nicgo San Pedro
district district
Monterey
district
Nortliern
California
district
Albacore bellies, smoked, lbs..>.
Anchovy, salted, lbs
Anchovy, salted, 5-lb. cans, 24 cans to case-
Anchovy, salted, 5-lb. cans, 12 cans to case.
iUichovy, salted, 24-lb. cans, 6 cans to case.
Anchovy, salted, 12-lb. cans, S cans to case.
Anchovy, salted, li-lb. cans, 24 cans to case.
Anchovy, salted, 2i-lb. cans, 12 cans to case.
Barraciidii, dried, lbs
Barracuda, smoked, lbs
Bonito, salted, lbs
Bonito, smoked, lbs
Cuttle lisli, pickled, lbs
Herring, t^rnoked, lbs
Herring, sugar cured, lbs
Mackerel, salted, lbs
Miscellaneous flsli, dried, lbs
Miscellaneous fish, salted, lbs
Rollmops, 10-lb. pails
Sablefish, salted, lbs
Sablcfish, smoked, lbs
Salaehini, 100-lb. tubs
Salachini, G3-lb. tubs
Salaehini, 45-lb. tubs
Salachini, 30-lb. tubs—
Salmon, mild cured, casks*
Salmon, hard salted, casks*
Sardines, dried, lbs
Sardines, salted, lbs
Sardines, smoked lbs
Sardines, salted, 2J-lb. cans, 12 cans to case.
Sardines, salted, 3-lb. cans, 24 cans to case.
Sardines, salted, 5-lb. cans, 24 cans to case-
Sardines, salted, 12-lb. cans, 8 cans to case.
Sardines, salted, 24-lb. cans, 4 cans to case.
Sardines, salted, 34-lb. kegs
Sea bass (black), dried, lbs ..
Skip.1ack, smoked, lbs
Squid, dried, lbs
Tuna, smoked, lbs
Yellowtail, smoked, lbs
Fish meal, tons
Fish, oil, gallons
Number of plants
Number of employees
Estimated value of pack
Value of plants
4.3SS
63,150
242.576
243
367
119
216
■ 200
67,102
1.800
2,000
63.760
31.003
3.800
51,037
20.000
24,842
46,479
59.079
15.000
740
100
14 ,.370
987
4,020
1,044
43,962
15,000
260,500
4,000
6,007
26,830
1,674
26,791
15
1,191
f2,599,852
1,100,700
200
573
739
450
1,600
2,601
10,180
45,933
5,637
146,298
35
3,928
$9,694,482
4,335,657
688,159
3,331
300,833
28
2,218
$5,990,568
1,368,189
24,448
1,000
1.450
1,142
7.519
5.400
1.362
358
4,153
30
2,200
481
40,340
21
905
;,132,843
906,325
Total
4,358
330,174
243
367
119
216
200
1.800
67.102
2,000
6«,760
31,003
3.800
1,000
1,450
24,842
112,516
79,079
1,142
7,519
5,400
ino
16,472
1,345
4,020
5,197
30
15,000
304,482
2,200
4.0C0
6.207
573
739
450
1 ,600
26,830
2,61)1
6S6,159
10,180
45,933
11,153
514,262
99
8,242
$21,417,743
7,708,871
*Caskg contain 800 pounds net.
REPORT OP THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
135
SEIZURES OF FISH, GAME AND ILLEGALLY USED FISHING APPARATUS.
July 1, 1918, to June 30, 1920.
Uahbits (cottontail and brush) 14'.)
iinail — 19-1
I »()V('s 37
Wild pigeon 1^
1 )ucks 2,8^(1
(Jniv goese IT
Siijii- lions 14
Pheasants -
Shori" hirds 71
Nou-iramo birds l-J
Mist'i'llancous game l-">~
Deer meat 4,(X')!)i pounds
Deer hides and heads 30
lieaver skins 4
Mink skins 3
Aii;rettes 5!)
*Illci;allv used fishing apparatus, nets, lines, etc 73
Salmon 17,3::i8j pounds
'l^i-out 2,208 pounds
Striped bass 9,008 pounds
lUack bass -^Gj pounds
Halibut 22,8l2i i)Ounds
Harracuda 8,13G pounds
Catfish 278 poun(*s
Yellow fin croaker 23,600 pounds
Sturgeon 2491 pounds
Miscellaneous fish 03 pounds
Abalones 2,727
Abalones (dried) 1,1.">7 pounds
Abalones (canned) 150 cases
Crabs ; : 4,884
Lobsters 7,153
Lobsters (driedt 131 pounds
Clams (Pismo) 4,811
''lams f cockle) 3.092 pounds--
Dried shrimps and shells 5,700 pounds
*73 nets, lines, etc., represent about 3,097 fathoms or 22,182 feet.
Illegally used fishing apparatus, after condemnation in superior courts, is destroyed
or sold by the lioard in accordance with law. All wholesome fish and game is donated
to public and charitable institutions, from whom many grateful letters of acknowl-
edgment have been received.
During the period from July 1, 1918, to June 30, 1920, 67 searches for illegal fish
and game were made by deputies.
13(3
RF.roiJT OF TlIK FISH AND (!.\-ME COMMISSION.
LION BOUNTIES.
Statement of Lion Bounties paid by the Fish and Game Commission from
January 1, 1918, to December 1, 1919.
County
Alameda ..
Alpine
Amador —
Butto
Calaveras
Colusa
Del Norte
Kl Dorado
Fresno .—
Glenn
Humboldt
Imperial -.
Inyo
Kern
King
Lake
Lassen
Los Angeles
afadera
Mariposa --
Mendocino -.
Merced
Modoc
Monterey __.
Mono
Napa
Nevada
Orange
Placer
Plumas
Riverside
Sacramento
San Benito
San Bernardino .
San Diego
San Jcaquin
San Luis Obispo
San Mateo
Santa Barbara .
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
Shasta
Sierra
Siskiyou
Sonoma
Stanii-laus
Sutter
Tehama
Trinity
Ttilaro
'I\iolumne
Ventura
Tuba -
Totals
1918
3
2
1
3
3
22
1919
10
11
8
5
12
18
1
12
26
1
2
1
12
11
9
2
214
Total from
Oct. luur.
1
15
9
1
9
1
5
19
19
2
1
30
1
1
1
3
14
17
12
2
1
243
1
1
9
33
13
17
97
48
22
43
S64
1
7
134
1
106
7
49
39
77
219
1
4
105
7
3
7
9
.37
9
29
1
33
23
41
2
76
1
99
19
2
261
6
241
22
9
2
1H9
260
95
75
40
4
3,17b
RElMtKT (IK TlIK KISII AND (JAMIO ('(i.M M FSSION.
]■>
) I
SUMMARY OF PROSECUTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF STATE FISH LAWS.
July 1, 1918. to June 30, 1920.
OlYciise
Fi.sliing (inarki't) witliout licoiise.
Fi>:hins (iinpliiig) without Hcodsp
Illegal flshiiif? apparatus (nets, lines,
spi'iirs, etc.)
Salmon— takinpr and possession; closed sea-
son: e.\c'e.«s limit. Sat., Sun.— fishing
Striped bass— closed season, buying and
selling: underweight: excess limit
Black bass— taking and po.sscssion; closed
.'ipason: undersized; excess limit
Tiout— closed season; excess limit; taking
other than by hook and line; offering
for sale; shipping parcel post
Catfish— undersized; ofl'ering for sale,
closed season ..
Sturgeon— taking or possession
Sunri.tli— taking or possession, closed sea-
son ..
Perch— Sacramento and Salt Water, pos-
session; sale, shipment; closed season;
excess limit
Halibut — underweight, possession and sale.
Barracuda — underweight, possession and
sale
Salt Water Eels— taking undersized
Taking fish from pond
Using explosives to take fish
Polluting waters— oil, sawdust, etc
Fishing with nets in restricted districts
Selling young fish for bait
Failing to maintain screen
Crabs— closed season, undersized, female
Clam.s— excess limit, undersized
Abalones — closed season, undersized, excess
limit, drying
Crawfl.sh— closed season, under or oversize..
California dried shrimp and shells
*Seining within 1 mile of Los Angeles City
sewer
Total fish cases
72
102
9
20
49
12
S
14
1
2
2
4
5
44
1
1
31
45
163
43
20
3
716
(A C
3 5
72
92
6
17
43
12
0 9
.!_
=.?
61 50
3
13
2
2
3
3
33
1
1
27
45
153
39
18
3
647
10
3
2
6
57
12
I
3 ' 100
I
8
4
a.
$870 DC I
2,030 00
i
300 00
1,200 00 '
1,150 00
400 00
13
1
3
2
59
52
15
80 00
40 00 ;
50 00
405 00
120 00
40 00
400 00
400 00
3,860 00
20 00
20 00
245 00
1,155 00
3,460 00
871 00
280 00
300 00
199 $19,818 00
$860 00
1,880 00
300 00
9£C to
1,150 CO
400 CO
1,485 00 I 1,460 00
SO 00
40 00
50 CO
305 00
120 OO
40 00
92 50
400 00
3,506 00
20 00
20 00
245 00
1,109 00
3,0-25 00
661 00
2S0 00
300 00
$17,323 50
•Paid into Los Angeles County treasury.
138
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
SUMMARY OF PROSECUTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF STATE GAME LAWS.
July 1, 1918, to June 30, 1920.
Offense
Violations— hunting license law
Deer— killing, pursuing, posses.sion, closed
season; excess bag limit. Hides— female;
evidence of sex removed; not properly
tagged: failure to retain portion of head
bearing horns
Female deer and fawns— killing and pos-
session
Spike bucks— killing and possession
Ducks— kiUing and possession, closed season
Ducks — excess; bag limit
Ducks— night shooting; shooting from
power boat in motion
Quail— killing and possession, closed sea-
son; excess bag limit
Quail— trapping or holding in captivity
without permit
Doves— killing or possession; closed season;
excess bag limit
Snipe, curlew, rail, plover and other shore
birds — killing and possession
Pheasants— killing and possession
Grouse, sage-hen— killing and possession,
closed season; excess bag limit
Wild pigeons— killing and possesion, closed
season
Non-game birds— kilhng and possession
Cottontail and brush rabbits— killing and
possession, closed season; excess bag limit.
Tree squirrels— killing and possession, closed
season; excess bag limit
Wild geese— killing and possession, closed
season; excess bag limit
Mountain sheep- killing and possession
Swan— killing and possession
Beaver — killing and possession
Trapping license law violations
Trespassing in game refuge
Total game cases.
2V2
187
73
42
41
101
94
44
58
7
13
107
49
1
2
18
2
20
18
ad
M Q.
■ B
o.
1,175
255
149
51
37
38
8
88
93
4
40
57
6
13
104
47
5
1
1
17
2
18
18
17
30
20
5
2
1,060
= 5.
— c
33
B c.
93
22
7 78
1 5
2
1 20
8
i
7 '
12
10
125
$4,497 00
ft,510 00
3,592 00
1.870 00 !
1,140 00 i
600 00
2,330 00
2,705 00
160 00 !
825 00
1,270 00
220 00
215 00 I
205 OD
1,741 00
1,025 00
50 00
25 00
30 00
510 00
125 00
145 OO
365 00
$30,245 00
$4,472 00
5,982 00
3,202 00
1,870 00
1,120 00
60O 00
2,305 00
2,602 50
160 00
805 00
1,245 00
220 00
215 00
295 00 i
1,741 00
975 00
50 00
25 00
30 00
510 00
125 00
1,35 00
36i 00
$29,049 50
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 1:}*J
TOTAL ARRESTS FOR A PERIOD OF EIGHTEEN YEARS.
1002-lf>(>4 5.-0
1!>(>i-l!)0G 774
1!)0(!-in08 l.T.t.'
r.tOS-IDlO . 1.771
ll>ltl-l!)12 --'.M'-,:;
ini2-ir)i4 i.itii::
i;ti i-i!»i(; ii,os7
i;>i(;-i!)]S 1.707.
1918-1020 i.sm
Total ]4.n^
RECAPITULATION.
Arrests :
Fish cas?s 710
Game cases 1,175
Total 1,S01
Convictions :
Fish ca.>-es (!47
Game cases 1,000
— 1.707
Acquittals and dismissals :
Fi.sh cases 57
Gamo casps 93
150
Tend ins cases :
Fish cases 12
Game cases 22
34
Total 1,891
Fines Imposed :
Fish cases $19,181 00
Game cases 30,245 GO
Total $49,426 0!)
Fines collected :
Fish cases $17,323 50
Game cases 29,049 50
Total $40,37.". 00
Nuinhor of days imprisonment:
Fish cases IJJO
Game cases 125
Total 324
140
REPORT OF THE FISH Axo GAME ro^r:\rrssTox.
HUNTERS' LICENSE SALES.
County
Fiscal year
1919
Fiscal yes
1!120
AlaiiKHla
Alpine
Amador
Butte
Calaveras
Colusa
Contra Costa
Del Norte
El Dorado
Fresno
Glenn
Humboldt
Imp'jn'al
Inyo
Kern
Kings
Lake
Lassen
Los Angeles
Madera
Mariposa
Mendocino
Merced
Mono
Monterey
Napa
Nevada
Orange
Placer
Plumas
Riverside
Sacramento
San Benito
San Bernardino
San Diego
San Joaquin
San Luis Obispo
San Mateo
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
Shasta
Sierra
Siskiyou
Solano
Sonoma
Stanislaus
Sutter
Tehama
Trinity
Tulare
Tuolumne
Ventura
Yolo
Yuba
Los Angeles offlce.—
Sacramento office
San Francisco offlce
Total sales
>i,737 OO
$10,588 GO
tiT 00
108 00
1,078 01)
1,216 00
2,847 00
4,343 00
1,220 (XI
1,308 00
1,S2S 00
2,515 00
2,147 00
1,288 00
276 00
340 00
698 00
56S OO
8,856 00
10,18S 00
788 OO
1,023 CO
3,9&4 00
5,023 CO
570 CO
532 CO
1,062 00
1,300 00
2,65,S 00
3.180 CO
1,742 00
1,836 00
631 00
919 00
1,219 00
1,005 00
2,694 00
37 00
948 00
1,217 00
20) 00
221 0(»
2,799 OO
4,117 00
2,314 00
2,725 00
143 OC
158 00
1 218 01
1,701 CO
2,418 0(
2,967 00
980 0(
1,112 00
1,854 0
1,633 00
1,732 0
2,479 CO
944 0
1,270 00
886 00
1,017 00
780 OI'
S29 00
933 00
1,145 00
481 00
4,")0 CO
4,934 00
4,445 00
803 OO
889 00
1,324 OO
1,559 00
1,908 00
120 00
5,186 00
6,482 00
380 00
6"i2 CO
1,870 00
2,343 OO
173 00
247 00
3,S5S OO
4,934 CO
3.026 00
3 813 00
5,719 00
7,3'0 00
3,041 00
3,6'')6 00
633 00
808 00
1,341 00
546 00
649 00
975 00
3,808 00
4,962 00
1,010 00
1,762 OO
738 00
2,580 00
1,973 00
2,350 00
1,441 00
1,885 00
$105,587 00
38,417 00
5,388 00
31,545 CO
$123,253 00
45,650 00
7,421 00
45,099 00
78,937 00 $221,433 00
Fiscal year ends June 30. Residents, $1; nonresidents, $10; aliens,
HKI'OHT OK 'IMIK I'ISII WD (lAMK COMMISSION.
141
ANGLERS' LICENSE SALES.
County
.4lani?da .
A'pino ...
Amnrior .
Hiitt"
Calaveras
Colii.sa ---
Contra Costa
Fh'l .Nortp
Kl I>ora(1o ...
Fri'.xiio
<;U'iin - -
Hiiiiil)nldt
Iriip 'rial
Iiivo
K'TIl
Kiiifis
Lak?
l.a.'^s^n
I. OS .Angeles
Madsra
Maripo-'^a
Mendoeino
Merced
Mono
Monterey _
Napa
Nevada
Orange
Placer
Pliiina.*
Riverside
SacraiiiTito
San Benito
San Uornardino .
San r)i°Ko
San Joaquin
San Lui.s Obispo.
San Mateo
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
Shasta
Sierra
Siskiyou
Solano
Sonoma
Stanislau.s
SnttT
Tehama
Trinity
Tulare
Tuolumne
Ventura
Volo
Yuba
Los Angeles office
Sacramento office
San Francisco office.
Total sales
$4,135 Of)
I OS (10
673 00
2,253 0()
108 00
403 GO
S31 00
140 00
670 00
7,372 00
210 00
4,038 00
305 00
1,749 00
486 OO
879 00
426 00
1,250 00
2,«S6 00
561 00
12!7 00
2,M6 00
977 00
509 00
705 00
695 00
952 00
780 00
1,180 00
1,719 00
325 00
456 00
265 00
374 00
1,965 00
623 00
1,057 00
605 00
2,226 00
329 on
1,831 00
383 00
3,306 00
1,603 00
2,985 00
1,737 00
260 00
9O0 00
313 00
3,321 00
1,196 03
589 00
575 00
651 00
$67,735 00
26,556 00
5.263 00
23,526 00
$123,080 00
$">.r/J4 00
214 Oi.
770 00
3,105 00
875 00
730 00
351 CO
185 OO
578 00
8,0(5Z 00
351 00
4,601 00
313 00
1,783 00
707 00
981 00
394 00
1,420 00
791 00
102 00
2,3-20 00
86^ 00
587 00
608 00
1.531 00
1,087 00
811 00
1,739 00
2,053 00
400 OO
698 00
297 00
515 00
2,119 00
582 00
860 00
52 00
3,722 00
351 OO
2,119 00
373 00
3,825 00
2,3-29 00
3.477 OO
2,3S- 00
310 00
303 00
496 00
4 O.-jO 00
1,315 00
2,196 00
738 00
784 00
$78,209 00
30,963 00
7,171 00
30,381 00
$146,724 00
Fiscal year ends December 31. Residents, $1; nonresidents and aliens, $3.
142
REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
COMMERCIAL FISHERIES' LICENSE SALES, BY DISTRICTS.
1918-1919
1919-1920
1
1
Del Norto and Humboldt.. -
Mendocino, Sonoma, Lake.
Marin
Solano and Yolo
Sacramento and San Joaquin
Glenn, Tehama and Colusa
Contra Costa and Alameda --
San Francisco
Santa Cruz
Monterey
San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara-
Los Angeles
Orange
San Diego
Miscellaneous
307
114
72
245
229
Totals
291
459
72
528
120
1,382
46
486
171
4,522
$3,070 00
1,140 00
720 00
2,450 00
2,290 00
2,910 00
4,590 00
720 00
5,280 OO
1,200 00
13,820 00
460 00
4,860 00
1,710 00
322
155
«7
269
207
6S
381
393
87
607
113
1,^9
44
581
134
$3,220
1,550
670
2,690
2,070
680
3,810
3,930
870
6,070
1,130
16,590
440
5,810
1,340
00
00
00
00
00
OO
00
OO
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
$15,220 00 ; 5,087 l $50,870 00
Fiscal year ends March 31. Residents, nonresidents and aliens, $10.
TRAPPERS' LICENSE SALES.
'I'otal .sales for fiscal year ending June 30, 1920 -.-
$4,971 00
4
I
nKi'oirr op tifk kistt axd game commission. 143
STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1918-1919.
General Administration.
('((MiiiiiHsioiiii's' tniM'liiix iuul oilier cxpense.s $920 85
Salaries of adiuiiiistnitive assistants _ li;,84.S 13
Traveling; expenses of administrative assistants 1,471 ."53
(leiieral expenses and supplies 4,03<j 42
Ivinipineiit 83 03
ii;23,:{r)0 70
Research, Publicity and Education.
Salaries ."f^.r.lK r.(t
Traveling expenses 208 00.
(Jeiieral exi)enses and sup'plies 621 04
Ennipment 21 30
3,458 84
Subtotal -, .1:20.818 60
General Fish and Game Patrol.
San Francisco Division.
Salaries $47,642 80
Traveling: expenses 23,630 2!)
(Jeneral expenses and supplies 2,193 44
Equipment 146 50
$73,622 03
Sacramento Division.
Salaries $32,225 05
Traveling expenses 15,724 30
General expenses and supplies 1,670 25
Equipment 86 53
— 49,706 13
Los Angeles Division.
Salaries $17,966 64
Traveling expenses 8,861 39
General expenses and supplies 2,086 23
28,914 26
Miscellaneous Fish and Game Fxpcnditurcs.
Printing $2,821 08
Afcident and death claims 1,711 02
4.532 10
Subtotal 150.774 52
$183,593 12
.apportionment to game expenditures $110,155 87
Apportionment to fish expenditures 73,437 25
■ $183,593 12
Special Fishery Expenditures.
I-'isiK ri.TiKi;.
. 1 (liuinixtrdtion- — 1>( fiin lim )il (ij Fifihi'iiltiirr.
Salaries $7,847 07
Traveling expenses 2.674 14
General exjienses and supplies 1.349 10
Equipment 134 25
. $12,005 k;
ifr-TS";?
144 REPORT OF THE FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
Mount Shasta Hatchery.
General operating expenses — trout $27,657 77
General operating expenses — salmon 4,05G 3G
Upkeeii- and repairs 1,507 OG j
Constriietion and improvement _ 19 28 «
Equipment 8,617 94
41,918 41
Klamath tsiatioii.
General operating expenses — trout .$3(>0 21
General operatinsj expenses — salmon, .. 4,221 36
Upkeep and repairs _
Construction and improvement 517 30
Equipment 125 95
5,221 S2
Fall Creek Station.
General operating expenses — trout $2,909 72
General operating expenses — salmon 591 92
Upkeep and repairs
Construction and improvement _. 895 02
Equipment 94 01
4,490 67
Mount Whitney Hatchet!/.
General operating expenses — trout $12.2Ji 04
Up'keep and repairs . 74 85
Construction and improvement 6,824 67
Equipment 497 22
19,640 78 ^
Cottonwood Creek Station.
General operating expenses — trout $G25 88
Upkeep and repairs — _"
Construction and improvement "
Equipment
625 88
Cottontcood Lakes Station,
General operating expenses— trout — 1 $436 03
Upkeep and repairs
Construction and impa-ovement 24 19
Equipment
460 22
Tahoe Hatchery.
General operating expenses — trout $1,106 19
Upkeep and repairs
Construction and improvement
Equipment --' .'- _
— — 1.106 19
Tullac Hatchery.
General operating expenses — trout $2,370 73
Upkeep and repairs . 54 04
Construction and improvement .. 16.5 81 J
Equipm(uit 703 64 1
3,294 22
Chico Experimental Station.
General operating expenses — trout
Upkeep and repairs
Construction and improvement 250 OO
Equipment
. 250 00
i
REPORT OF THE FISH AND UAMP: COMMISSION. 145
Fort Scivatd lltitcJK ii/.
General operating expenses — trout $1,303 73
General operating expenses — salmon 1,523 81
Upkeep and repairs -56 55
fonstructiou and iiiipri)voniont _. !) 50
iMluipment
Eel River Station.
General operating expenses — trout $30 00
General operating expenses — salmon 2,012 12
T'pki'cp and repairs
Coustruction and improvement
Equipment
TJkiah Hatchery.
(Jeneral operating expenses — trout $1,445 GO
I^pkeep and repairs 23 70
Construction and improvement
Kqiripment .
Snow Mountain Station.
General operating expenses — trout $1,4S1 10
t'lik-^ep and repairs 38 02
Construction and improvement
Equipment
Brookdalc Hatchery.
Gf>neral operating expenses-trout $2,622 71
Upkeep and repairs 698 53
Construction and improvement 28 15
Equipment ., 5 90
ScDit Creek Station.
General operating expenses — trout $783 22
T^pkeep and repairs
Construction and improvement _^
Equipment
Feather River Hatchery.
General operating expenses — trout $171 24
Upkeep aud repairs ^. _. __^^_^ _-^._ ,4 8a
C'.iustruction and improvement ^__^,^^,__^_____^.^,_____ ,3 32
I'quipmont ^. -. ,
Almanor Hatchery.
General operating exp-enses — trout $1,548 56
Upkeep and repairs __. :— .— . ._-__--____--_--__-__ .
Construction and imp.rovement______________.________
Kqi'.ipmont ---- --■ -— -— 1- -
Domingo Springs Hatchery.
General operating expenses — trout : -. $1,530 43
T'pkeep and I'epairs 16.3 22
Const motion and improvement-^ -1 ^__. !__!_ 266 77
E(iuipment '. . '. I_lll_ 8 (K)
2,963 59
2,042 12
1,469 36
1,519 12
3,355 2;>
783 22
179 41
1,548 56
1,977 42
146 REPORT OF THE FTSII AXD GAME COM^rrSS:IO^'.
Clear Creek Hatchery.
CJeiu'ial operating expenses — trout $220 32
I'pki't'i) and repairs
Construction and improvement 525 45
Equipment
745 77
Bear Lake Hatchery.
General operatiuj; expenses — trout $1,291 75
T'pkeep and repairs 76 15 '
< 'oMstruetiou and improvement 369 50
I^quipiniMit 214 45
1,951 85
North Creek Station.
General operating expenses — trout $2,206 52
Upkeep and repairs
Construction and improvement 900 70
Equipment 200 00
3,367 22
Waicoiia Hatchery.
General operatinji' expenses — trout $313 99
Upkeep and repairs 35 00
Construction and improvement 40 00
Equipment 3 76
392 75
Yosemite Hatchery.
General operating expenses — trout $230 99
Upkeep and repairs
Construction and improvement 759 89
E(iuipnient 7 48
Constriiftion (permanent) . 281 31
Construction (l>eiir. of P]nKineering- — not included in total)- .127 27
• 1,279 (M
Kaweah Hatchery.
General operating expenses — trout $247 81
T'pkeei> and rep'airs 142 38
Construction and improvement
Equipment
390 19
Fish Transplanting.
Salaries
Traveling expenses
General expenses and supplies $37 56
Equipment
37 56
Screens, Fishvcays and Water Pollution.
Salaries $4,305 32
Traveling expenses 1,'813 94
(Jeneral expenses and supplies 318 89
Equipment
. 6,438 15
Special Field Investigation.
Salaries $150 00
Traveling expenses 115 50
General expenses and supplies
Equipment and repairs
265 50
Total expenditures — Deparlmeni dC Fisliculture $119,723 10
RETORT OF THE FISH AND (JAME COMMISSION". 147
Commercial Fishery Expenditures.
Administration.
Salaries ^M'-nn -?
Travclinj;- expenses 7,'"' .^ \\
(Jont'i-al expenses and supplies "^"'^'l- i}
Equipment «t^^ ^^g^^^^ ^.,
Northern California District.
Salaries '^-1} *}],
Tiavcliu« expenses ^'^'•} J'~
Ci'iicral expenses and supplies -^ ^>^
iMluipment .ZHHZZZl 390 3;,
l<ini I' Id IK i.sra Disfliil.
Salaries $2,530 00
Tniv(>Iins expenses 1 '|' 'J''
(Jeiieral expenses and supplies I-' -^
Iviuipinent ^^ °" ^q^O 3'»
Monterey District.
Salaries $2,021 00
Traveling expenses SSIj 1(^
(Joneral expenses and supplies 514 !._>
Equipment 8.J o ^-...,.
<i,ol4 0.>
»S^ffH Pedro District.
Salaries ?4,173 33
Traveling expenses ^]>2 -*-2
(Jeneral expenses and supplies G2i bo
Eouimnent ^'*1 ^
l.quipmeni — ^^30 63
San Diego District.
Salaries ?1,^20 10
Traveling expenses -^--^ "Jj
General expenses and supplies 040 tb
Equipment 0100 „,.._.
2,444 oO
$33,618 O."
LaLrch Patrol.
Launch "Quintiat."'
Salaries $3.<X>3 00
Traveling expenses and mess allowance 941 00
Repairs 2.631 39
General expenses and supplies ~1'' !•>
Equipment ~ ••f* „_ ^, „
$7,290 09
Launch "Aliacore."
Salaries $3,235 25
Traveling expenses and mess allowance 946 41
llepairs 1J»>0 1)9
General expenses and supplies •'V- I'*~
Equipment ■^2;' 24
9,508 51;
Launch "Shad."
Salaries
Traveling expanses and mess allowance
Repairs ;*2n 40
General expenses and supplies 301 91
Equipment ~ 50
338 81
148 REPORT OP Tin-: FISJJ and came COM^riRSION. .
Launch "Barracuda."
Salaries
Traveling; expenses and mess allowance
Repairs - -_.__.-..—_. $178 20
General expenses and supplies .-.-_ — ■--. — -. — .- 212 59
Equipment ^ ^_,^______ — __- — ,
390 79
Launch "Snhno:'
Salaries ■.^^-__-^_ .^^ — ^^__
Traveling expenses and mess allowance
Repairs ^ — -
General expenses and supplies _ '^~* ir»
Equipment 2,300 00
2,305 15
Miscellaneous Launch Patrol.
Salaries . ■ -■
Traveling expenses and mess allowance $20 00
Repairs 86 45
General expenses and supplies 176 30
Equipment ^„„ „..
282 75-
$20,125 14
Miscellaneous Fishery Expenditures.
Printing — — $1-090 54
Prosecutions and allowances (fish cases) . 690 69
Lithosraphing fishing licenses , i^-^O ^^
Angling license commissions and refunds :- 13.278 .M)
Market ii'^liing license commissions 815 00
Crawfish inspection 1,706 4.)
Subtotal fishery expenditures $191,998 77
SpeciaJ Game Expenditures.
■ Ilayicard Game Farm.
Salaries — $631 19
Traveling expenses
Rent 150 00
General expenses and supplies 1^ 06
Food for birds 252 74
Construction and improvement
Equipment " --";""" $1,157 91)
Miscellaneous Game Expenditures.
Printing — $476 69
Prosecutions and allowances (game) ^>Y4 ob
Lithographing hunting licenses -,-ipn «n
Hunting license commissions and refunds A 'Inn nl!
Mountain lion bounties 6,100 01)
Winter game feeding ; —
Subtotal game expenditures $26,110 31^
Segregation: a-o^- ^o^ no
Total of all fish expenditures ^Tqp'wp V.
Total of all game expenditures — ____ 136,266 1.'
Grand total of all expenditures — — $401,702 21
REPORT OF Tin: FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 149
FISH AND GAME COMMISSION.
Statement of Expenditures for the Period From July 1, 1919, to June 30, 1920.
Administration :
('oiniiiissionors $1,672 70
Kxt'ciilivc offices 20,217 07
I'rinliiiK Ji.^-4 84
U. siMicli aud publicity ^'^"^^ '^'^
Accident ;iiid dciitli claims 2,705 I'J
$39,510 .S4
Commercial fishcultiire and conservation :
Siii'erinlcudence $1:5,039 99
Inspection and patrol 29,(U)3 ."m
Kesfarch 1<S,122 OS
Statislics 9,002 74
Market fishing license commissions 705 00
Propairation and distribution of salmon 22,703 34
$94,587 ;;:»
Sporting fishoulture and conservation :
Supoi-intendence $14,510 34
rrinting 1,909 94
rroseciitions aud allowances _ <'i50 05
Angling license commissions 15.. "124 20
Special field investigation 252 '.\~>
Fish exhibits 7,20S 91
General patrol (pro rata share) :
San Francisco District (40 per cent) 34, .545 05
Los Angeles District (40 per cent) 14.148 00
Sacrameuto District (40 per cent) 27.30! 70
Propagation and distribution of trout 121,102 29
$236,900 SO
Game conservation :
Printing $.3.S79 17
Prosecutions and allowances 1,225 3S
Hunting license commission.s 21.1.31 21)
Mountain lion hunting (and bounties) 6,950 23
General patrol (pro rata share) :
San Francisco District (00 per cent) 51.580 75
rx)s Angeles District (60 per cent) 21,222 05
Sacramento District (60 per cent) 40.956 OS
$146,945 .V.\
Tahoe camping ground 3.152 9S
Total expenditures $521,157 47
7?o7 T2-20 i\c>.'
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