Bibliography Background About KRIS

Eel River Fisheries Articles and Excerpts 1903-1908

Compiled by Susie Van Kirk, 1996

Arcata Union (AU) Arcata, 1886-1995
Blue Lake Advocate (BLA) Blue Lake, 1888-1969
Daily Humboldt Times (DHT) Eureka, 1874-1967 [Times-Standard]
Daily Times-Telephone (DTT) Eureka [DHT during 1880s]
Ferndale Enterprise (FE) Ferndale, 1878-present
Humboldt Standard (HS) Eureka, 1876-1967
Humboldt Times (HT) Eureka, 1854-1967 [Times-Standard]
Weekly Humboldt Times (WHT) Eureka [HT after daily started]
Weekly Times-Telephone (WTT) Eureka [weekly HT during 1880s]

 

FE (2 Jan. 1903) The one million and [illegible] salmon eggs received a few weeks ago at the Price creek fish hatchery have all been hatched and in about thirty days will be turned loose to repopulate the waters of Eel river. Last Saturday evening another consignment of one million eggs reached the hatchery, having arrived on the Corona...The Price creek hatchery is doing good work, no mistake.

 

FE (6 Jan. 1903) Fish Commissioner Will Huestis tells us that from Eel river alone the salmon and steelhead shipments this season will aggregate a million and a half pounds and he says the average price received will not be less than three cents per pound, which means $45,000, not to mention the large amount of fish salted, etc.

 

BLA (17 Jan. 1903) Money Wanted for Fish Culture--Mr. Huestis, the very efficient Deputy Game and Fish Warden of this section, is unrelaxing in his efforts to further the propagation and protection of fish in our streams. The great need at present is more money and it is to be hoped that our legislature will see the matter in the proper light and make an ample appropriation. Mr. Huestis is quoted by the Standard as follows:

"There has been taken from Eel river this season by seine and net fishermen at least 11 million pounds of salmon from October 16th to December 31st, 1902. This is a large increase over last season's catch.

"As the greater part of the catch this season was Quinault [Quinnat] or King salmon--the identical fish that the Board of Fish Commissioners are hatching at the Price Creek station--it is conclusive evidence of the good work that the Commission is doing to keep up the supply of this, the very best of food fish.

"If the Commission had the necessary funds to do so, they could produce more eggs for the Price Creek station as well as the many other stations in the State, and it is to be for the best interest of all to assist the Commission in their praiseworthy efforts in supplying the market with this the best of food fish. Give them the money to work with and you will get fish, both with hook and line and with seine and net."

 

FE (20 Jan. 1903) Supt. Fassett tells us that visitors are very welcome at the Price creek fish hatchery, where over a million young salmon, recently hatched, can now be seen, and where another million or more of eggs are "in the process," so to speak. It is quite a sight, and Supt. Fassett will gladly explain the workings of the hatchery to those interested enough to call.

 

FE (20 Jan. 1903) The Price Creek Hatchery--The 17th Biennial Report of the State Board of Fish Commissioners is at hand, and it contains quite a reference to the workings of the Price creek fish hatchery, under the able direction of Supt. W.O. Fassett. During 1902 this hatchery liberated in Eel river 2,069,500 young salmon and 301,000 young steelheads and in 1903 expects to do, by far, more effective work. Steelhead egg-collecting stations will be operated at both Price creek and Howe creek by the same crew, and it is hoped to secure a large number of eggs, some of which will be shipped to Sisson and there hatched for distribution in the various coast streams.

 

FE (24 March 1903) Steelheads, for their eggs, are now being taken in the creeks adjacent to the Price creek fish hatchery, and providing the river is down sufficiently, seining will be started in Eel river the last of this week by the hatchery management for the purpose of catching a large number of steelheads expressly for their eggs for propagation purposes.

 

FE (7 April 1903) The creeks in this section were alive with school boys last Saturday, who put in the day after the festive trout.

 

FE (14 April 1903) "Everything for the Fisherman" is what the Francis Bros. of Ferndale advertise on page one of the Enterprise, and at their establishment on Main street is now displayed a very fine selection of fishing rods, lines, hooks, leaders, flies, fish baskets, etc., including the latest and the best. Call on them and fit yourself out for the trout season.

 

FE (2 June 1903) Supt. Fassett of the Price creek fish hatchery, having finished the season's work there, departs this week for the Sisson hatchery in Siskiyou county, and of course will be accompanied by his wife and the baby. We all expect him back to Price creek in due time. Mr. Fassett is a gentleman and has many friends.

 

FE (2 June 1903) Some steelheads are being caught in Eel river now, and they are just from salt water. They are in all probability some of the spring run of fish, which were turned loose in the river from the hatchery a few years ago, and are now returning to spawn.

 

FE (16 June 1903) Fly fishing is getting good in Eel river, though the trout are quite small yet. P.T. Early and Gus Wannrich caught 60 small ones Saturday.

 

FE (25 Aug. 1903) Seining for steelheads is the order on the river but the catches are not large. The fish have moved

up.--Advance.

 

FE (25 Aug. 1903) John Butler, the expert San Francisco angler, is expected to arrive in Ferndale about September 1st and will spend several weeks on Eel river in quest of anything that takes his hook.

 

FE (25 Aug. 1903) A few salmon have made their appearance in Eel river, and there are also quite a number of steelheads and salmon trout. But fishing will be better in a few weeks. The run of smelt is very large this year.

 

FE (8 Sept. 1903) Superintendent Fassett of the Price creek fish hatchery is expected up from below about the first of next month, when operations will again be resumed at that hatchery.

 

FE (18 Sept. 1903) Rainbow trout are reported plentiful in Eel river since the close season for steelheads commenced.

 

FE (18 Sept. 1903) Capt. Dunham, when he brought the Argo in Wednesday morning, ran through a school of nearly one hundred seals and sharks on Eel river bar and in the entrance, which indicates that the salmon are finding their way into Eel river in big numbers.

 

FE (18 Sept. 1903) Deputy Fish Commissioner Huestis wants two ordinances passed, one to prevent the hunting of deer with hounds and the other for the protection of salmon spawning grounds in this county. He appeared before the Supervisors last Monday and argued his cause.

 

FE (22 Sept. 1903) Hundreds of fishing boats could be seen on Eel river Sunday. Rainbow trout are said to be plentiful.

 

FE (29 Sept. 1903) Trout fishing still continues good on Eel river. The run this year is somewhat earlier than in past years and the fish are larger than those which usually enter the river at this time of the year.

 

FE (29 Sept. 1903) Fishermen are getting ready to seine and gill net on Eel river, preparatory to the beginning of the salmon fishing season, which opens on October 16th. Ed. Bauer of the Pioneer Fish Market, Eureka, is engaged in snagging his seining grounds below Singleys.

 

FE (29 Sept. 1903) At Weymouth's Resort--Editor Carr of the Enterprise, wife and son left Saturday evening for a visit to Weymouth's Price Creek Resort...He writes:

"It is a delightful spot, the weather perfect, and just the place to make one forget all his troubles. The table is A1, the accommodations very comfortable, the fishing tip top, and a spring of ice cold water that goes right to the spot especially on a warm day. The Resort is crowded with guests and on our arrival, Mrs. Weymouth, her sons Ed and Frank and her daughter, Mrs. Fassett, made us feel perfectly at home. The Weymouth Resort is all right, no mistake. Would we could tarry here for weeks to come."

 

FE (2 Oct. 1903) J.S. Benn, the noted expert fly maker, arrived on the Eureka Sunday and will try some of his own materials in attempting to lure the finny denizens of Eel river in the vicinity of Weymouth's.

 

FE (2 Oct. 1903) Supt. Fassett of the Price creek fish hatchery is expected back from Sisson today, and will put the Price creek hatchery in shape at once for operation. Mrs. Fassett and that beautiful big baby boy returned to Humboldt a few weeks ago.

 

FE (9 Oct. 1903) Trollers for rainbow trout continue to be very numerous on Eel river and some fine catches are being made daily.

 

FE (9 Oct. 1903) Seining for salmon in Eel river will commence October 16th. The indications are excellent for a profitable season. For the past few weeks the river has been literally alive with fish.

 

FE (9 Oct. 1903) Supt. Fassett tells us that it will be December before any eggs are received for hatching at the Price creek fish hatchery, but he will have everything in readiness for them when they do come. The Price creek hatchery has done good work for Eel river since its establishment.

 

FE (13 Oct. 1903) Eel river Sunday was lined with boats containing people who were out after rainbow trout. It was a fine day and the trout were hungry.

 

FE (16 Oct. 1903) The seiners on Eel river commenced work this a.m. and a profitable season of fishing is expected. The run of salmon so far has been unusually large.

 

FE (20 Oct. 1903) Several big salmon were landed by the Sunday trollers in Eel river. Maurice Neilsen caught a 35-pounder, C.T. Schriener brought home one weighing just 40 pounds, and Bert Matthews caught one weighing a few pounds over 40.

 

FE (20 Oct. 1903) The run of salmon in Eel river is very large and the seiners and gill netters are doing well so far. It promises to be a profitable season on the river, and a large number of fishermen are engaged there.

 

FE (20 Oct. 1903) Friday's Pomona carried away 12 tons of fresh salmon from Eel river, the first shipment of the season.

 

FE (23 Oct. 1903) Last Friday night Frank Legg and crew caught over five tons of salmon near the mouth of Eel river.

 

FE (27 Oct. 1903) Sunday was another great day for trollers on Eel river. Thos. Ferguson, Ed Henry and Mrs. F.Z. Boynton landed 19 salmon, one weighing about 40 lbs. R.D. Dunn caught three aggregating 120 pounds in weight and Landlord Hawkins and son had 9 to their credit, and they were beauties, every one of them weighing between 25 and 30 pounds.

 

FE (27 Oct. 1903) The Eureka fish buyers have gone into a "trust," says the Times, and have agreed to pay but one cent per pound for fresh salmon, tho they retail it for ten. As a result a number of Eel river fishermen have refused to sell to them and are peddling out their own fish at our county seat at 5 cents per pound, just half what the markets charge. The Times states that the last salmon shipped to San Francisco brought two cents, but the shippers were notified not to make any further shipments on commission. What Eel river wants is a cannery or two.

 

FE (30 Oct. 1903) The seiners are making big hauls of salmon of late--two or three tons to the drag.

 

FE (3 Nov. 1903) Eel river fishermen are not getting much for their salmon, about three-quarters of a cent a pound, and besides are having considerable difficulty getting them to Eureka, as the morning passenger train won't carry them and they have to be hauled to Eureka by wagon or shipped on the afternoon freight, which is very often too late to catch the outgoing steamer.

 

FE (3 Nov. 1903) Ward Long, the Eel river seineman, caught a salmon a few days ago that came from China sea. It was branded with the mark of a Chinese fish hatchery. Mr. Long dumped the fish in with the rest of his catch, not knowing that the Chinese government paid a reward for all the fish from its hatcheries caught in distant waters. The Chinese government fish department pays this reward for the purpose of ascertaining the habits of the fish to learn how far they travel, etc.

 

FE (3 Nov. 1903) Frank Legg's seine near the mouth of Eel river caught over four tons of salmon at one haul Sunday evening, and Wm. Wilson, who ran his gill net out around the seine, took in over 1,000 lbs.

 

FE (17 Nov. 1903) Thousands upon thousands of salmon went up Eel river with last week's freshet, and some mouth-of-the-river seiners have moved their camps further up stream.

 

HS (18 Nov. 1903) The past eighteen hours have witnessed the largest shipment of Eel river salmon for San Francisco ever made from this port. The total was something like 217,000 pounds or nearly 109 tons...Monday night, says the Fortuna Advance, the river banks were fairly lined with the output of the nets and fishermen complained only of a dearth of fish boxes. Teams were busily employed that night hauling salmon to the shipping points.

 

FE (20 Nov. 1903) Eel river was alive with salmon the first of the week, and on Monday the fishermen did not have boxes enough in which to put their catch.

 

FE (1 Dec. 1903) Eggs for Price Creek--Supt. Fassett tells us that Saturday's incoming Senator brought two million salmon eggs for the Price creek fish hatchery, of which he is in charge. The eggs came from the Battle Creek hatchery in Shasta county. The Price creek hatchery has proven a great thing for Eel river, no mistake. Let the good work go on.

 

FE (1 Dec. 1903) Too many Fish--Eel river has been alive with salmon of late, and last week the seiners and gill netters stopped work for several days, as the local as well as the S.F. markets were glutted. Ellis Robinson brought in over four tons at one haul Wednesday, and anyone could get a fish or two for the asking, as he had no way to dispose of them. Eel river needs a fish cannery to work up the surplus. The Price creek hatchery is doing great work in restocking the river and it's a pity to see such fine food fish go to waste.

 

FE (1 Dec. 1903) Fishermen Combine--The salmon fishermen of Eel river met at Loleta Saturday last and effected a combine for their mutual protection and interest. If we are correctly informed, they agree to limit the catch so as not to overstock the market and to hold the price at three cents per pound. Only a stated number of boxes will be shipped by each steamer, the idea being not to catch more fish than can be handled at a fair and reasonable profit.

 

FE (8 Dec. 1903) Frank Legg is President, Harry I. Gushaw Secretary, and Robt. Dickson Treasurer of the recently organized Eel River Fishermen's Union. In accordance with the decision of the Union to limit the catch of salmon, all the seines were idle last week, and the commission men of the city will have to pay three cents for fish now before they get any more salmon from Eel river. The fishermen wisely argue that it is better to get a fair price for a single box than to have carloads of fish thrown away because of a glutted market.

 

FE (8 Dec. 1903) The Eel river seinemen, after a number of days lay off, started fishing again Sunday evening, having now a number of orders for fresh salmon, and at a figure that is satisfactory and not less than three cents a pound. There have been plenty of fish in the river, but fishing was suspended as a result of the fishermen combining and agreeing to not overstock the market.

 

FE (8 Dec. 1903) Fish Cannery--The recently organized Fishermen's Association [has] wisely concluded that what the Humboldt fishing industry needs most now is a salmon cannery on Eel river, and the Association proposes to take up the matter and see if a company cannot be formed to build and operate such an institution. It is estimated that it will require $10,000 to make the thing a go, and the idea is to organize a joint stock company and sell stock to that amount. A meeting was called for last Saturday afternoon at Loleta to discuss the proposition and start the ball rolling. With a cannery and the Price creek hatchery in operation, Eel river fishermen would be in it, and we hope the venture will be carried through successfully.

 

FE (11 Dec. 1903) Joe Ferrari was paying four cents for salmon at his camp on Eel river this week. Fish have been scarce in the river of late, however, and the indications are that the price will elevate.

 

FE (18 Dec. 1903) A number of Eel river fishermen have taken their seines up the river and are now fishing on what has always been regarded as the spawning grounds. These fishermen are making good catches, and Mr. Huestis says that the fish are in the best of condition.

 

FE (22 Dec. 1903) Two of Bert Robinson's seines caught eight tons of salmon last Thursday night. Bert's eight seines have been moved to the Fortuna section from up the river.

 

FE (22 Dec. 1903) Too many Fish--There was another immense run of salmon in Eel river last Thursday, and Friday morning a special train of five car loads left Singleys for Eureka, but if we are correctly informed, telegrams came before the steamer sailed Friday night that the S.F. market was glutted again and that the fish wouldn't bring anything in the city.

 

AU (25 Dec. 1903) A spotted sturgeon weighing nearly 350 pounds was caught in a seine by some Eel river fishermen a few days ago.

 

FE (1 Jan. 1904) The Eel river fishermen are thinking strongly of keeping a representative in S.F. during the entire season to keep them informed as to the state of the market.

 

FE (1 Jan. 1904) Two million more salmon eggs, the third shipment this season, arrived on Dec. 24th at the Price creek hatchery. The first lot received are all hatched, and the second lot started hatching last week, so Supt. Fassett reports.

 

FE (5 Jan. 1904) The Eel river fishermen resumed seining Sunday, and hereafter A. Palladini, wholesaler of S.F., will handle the entire catch shipped to the city.

 

FE (5 Jan. 1904) When Judge Wilson fined Chas. Barney $250 the other day for dynamiting fish in the Van Duzen, he simply inflicted the minimum punishment under the law. This is a more serious offense than many people suppose, and under the California statute, which the Supreme Court has affirmed, a person convicted of the charge could be given a long term of imprisonment, in fact, there is no limit to the time. This fact should be kept in mind.

 

FE (8 Jan. 1904) The Eel River Fishermen's Union has about gone to pieces, so it is stated.

 

FE (8 Jan. 1904) At a late meeting of the Eel river fishermen, it was unanimously agreed, says Harry Gushaw, to accept the offer of Bert Robinson to buy all their catch at the different railway depots, paying three cents a pound on the spot. Bert will do this and take his chances on the market, and in accepting the proposition, the fishermen reasoned that it was the one solution so far as this season is concerned. Harry Gushaw is acting as paymaster. Under the new order of things, fishing was resumed on the river last Sunday night, but reports say that salmon are exceedingly scarce.--Advance.

 

FE (19 Jan. 1904) The Fish Industry--The fish industry, which has been rather poor this season, will see a much brighter finish and will be greatly benefitted by a new order of the Wells-Fargo Express Company, which will permit the catch of this season to be placed in the markets of the entire West at an advantage to all concerned. This will take in the market beyond the Rocky Mountains and reach the Mississippi Valley section, which at a glance shows that it is a big boon to the fish handlers of this county and tributary land. The previous glut, which has so quickly occurred under the present regime, where the only outlet was the San Francisco market, which was quickly overstocked, will be eliminated, and thus worked more as a handicap on fishing, since, when catches are good, there was no demand, so that it was an unprofitable line to follow. This order, which becomes effective at once, will insure the delivery of fish as far east as a market can be found, since it will go by express and will be carried on ice. The rate, it is understood, will be such as to allow a profit. There are different times for fishing in the counties, according to local conditions, which will be still of greater advantage. It is understood, for example, that the dates here and in other sections of Northern California vary so that the fishermen can be benefitted by the new schedule early in the season. It will increase the market facilities many fold, and virtually add another industry to this county. Eureka will be made the point of shipment for the Klamath river catches, as well as the Eel river, so at no late date, we may expect to see fishing boats at their work.--Herald.

 

FE (19 Jan. 1904) Steelheads were more numerous in Eel river last week than they have been for years, that is, at this time of the year.

 

FE (22 Jan. 1904) A big run of steelheads came into Eel river Wednesday and seiners and gill-netters did well, some of the boats catching as high as 60 fish...

 

FE (22 Jan. 1904) Bert Robinson last week was paying 5 cents per pound for fish. Only steelheads are now being caught in Eel river, and very few of them. Fishing is about over for this season.

 

FE (26 Jan. 1904) Set Net Arrests--Deputy Fish Commissioner W.P. Huestis last Sunday morning arrested Messrs. Will Davis and Peter Petersen of Ferndale, whom he charges with taking salmon or steelheads from a set net in Eel river. They appeared before Judge Smith later, and were released on their own recognizance ...The accused allege that the net was not their's and ran onto it while going down the river. The lightest fine for the offense is $100 and if held on the preliminary, the trial must take place in the Superior Court...

 

FE (29 Jan. 1904) Millions of Fish--A telephone from the Price creek fish hatchery yesterday stated that over 5,000,000 young salmon are hatched there, and that about one million of them will be ready to turn loose in the river in about a week.

 

FE (2 Feb. 1904) The fishermen who came from the lower part of the state to Eel river are departing by every steamer, as the season has closed. The business didn't pan out as well as last season.

 

FE (5 Feb. 1904) Will O. Davis and Peter Petersen, charged with taking fish from a set net in Eel river by Commissioner Huestis, appeared before Judge Wilson Tuesday, and having decided not to fight the accusation against them, waived time, etc. and the judge assessed Mr. Davis $100, the minimum fine...

 

FE (15 March 1904) Supt. Fassett of the Price creek hatchery has 2,000,000 more of young salmon ready to turn loose in Eel river.

 

FE (18 March 1904) After Steel Head Spawn--Ellis Robinson and Ray Davidson left Fortuna Tuesday with their gill nets for the mouth of the South Fork, where they will fish down stream for steel heads. They are after steel head spawn for Supt. Fassett of the Price creek fish hatchery.

 

FE (25 March 1904) G.E. Weymouth and W.O. Fassett, the latter the son-in-law of Mrs. G.W. Weymouth, are to be the proprietors of The Weymouth Inn at Price creek, one of the most popular summer resorts in the state...

 

FE (12 April 1904) The trout fishers of this valley are making some good catches in the several creeks around about.

 

FE (12 April 1904) Ellis Robinson and Ray Davidson of Fortuna, who undertook recently to catch steelheads for the Price creek hatchery, have given up the job for this year. Owing to the heavy and continuous rains of February and March, the stream was kept entirely too high for the enterprise until too late in the season, hence the idea of hatching out a few million steelheads this year has been abandoned.

 

FE (20 May 1904) Ellis Robinson of Fortuna was in Ferndale the other day in consultation with Judge Smith in reference to the prospect for a salmon cannery on Eel river this year. Mr. Smith states there is scarcely a doubt about the cannery being built, and that more than likely it will be located near the mouth of the river. A cannery is considered absolutely necessary for the well being of fishermen of this stream.

 

FE (24 June 1904) Fly fishing in the Van Duzen and Eel rivers is reported good at present. Several of our anglers have already made some fine catches.

 

FE (19 July 1904) A few steelheads have made their appearance in Eel river, and in consequence our local sports are shining their spoon hooks. One day last week Mr. Vanini of the Diamond Fruit Store landed a fine one, and the day following Mac Loveland (to keep in his class) brought another fine specimen into camp.

 

FE (12 Aug. 1904) Steelheads have made their appearance in Eel river, several fair catches having been made at the mouth of the river and at Weymouth's pool at Price creek.

 

FE (6 Sept. 1904) E.M. Heckman of San Francisco, who arrived in the county last week, has been trying his luck at salmon trolling in Eel river the past few days, and last Friday had great sport, six gamey steelheads being the result of his day's sport. The fish are not too plentiful at present, but indications point to a big run this season.

 

FE (16 Sept. 1904) Walter Bartlett, the Ferndale cigar maker, is taking his annual vacation and will put in his time on Eel river fishing for salmon trout.

 

FE (23 Sept. 1904) Lumber was being hauled the first of this week for a big salmon salting and packing establishment on the river below the Dungan ferry. The promoters of the enterprise are Peter Ferrari and A. Stevens, who are perfectly familiar with the work they have undertaken and who expect to be ready for business with the opening of salmon season. In an interview a few days ago, Mr. Ferrari stated that it was the intention to handle at least six hundred barrels of salmon during the coming season and that the firm would be prepared to buy whenever the markets below became glutted.--Fortuna Advance.

 

FE (23 Sept. 1904) Sports Afield, published in Chicago, contains a good likeness in the current issue of Mrs. C.H. Rumrill of Ferndale. The picture depicts Mrs. Rumrill, rod in hand, standing by the side of a 42-pound salmon, captured in Eel river last October with a 7-ounce split bamboo rod, 100 yards of enamel silk line and a Chapin spoon. The photo was taken by Archie W. Gunn, formerly of this place, but now a resident of the state of Michigan.

 

FE (23 Sept. 1904) Salmon are reported unusually plentiful in Eel river for this time of the year. However, it is unlawful to take these fish until the 15th of next month.

 

FE (23 Sept. 1904) Ad: White Front Store, Sporting Goods and Fishing Tackle, see window display and get the best to be had for trolling season. Our Stock Is Replete in every respect, comprising Rods, Reels, Linen Lines, Wire Leaders, Swivels, Couplings, La Forge Spoon Hooks, Wilson Spoon Hooks, all sizes and kinds, large line of sporting rubber boots and everything to delight the heart of a true sportsman. Yours to Please, Boynton & Hall.

 

FE (27 Sept. 1904) State Deputy Game Commissioner W.P. Huestis arrived in Ferndale Sunday. Saturday night he captured an offender using a gill net in Eel river and arrested him. It is probable that the District Attorney will dismiss the case.

 

FE (30 Sept. 1904) Salmon trout fishing is reported exceptionally good in upper Eel river near Bryan's Rest. Many fine catches have been taken lately.

 

FE (30 Sept. 1904) Gill netters will not be as numerous on Eel river this season as last year, the reason, as given us, being that the price of fish is not expected to be sufficiently high to warrant them in going to the necessary expense in preparing for the run. Last year the gill netters were compelled at times to almost give their fish away, and some of them do not care to experience a repetition. About the usual number of seiners will be on the river, however.

 

FE (30 Sept. 1904) Reports from Eel river state that an immense run of salmon is now making its way up the stream. Old timers tell us that there are more fish in the river at present at this time of year than they have noticed for many years. One remarkable thing in connection with the run is that the majority of the fish are big fellows, ranging in size from 25 to 40 pounds. Very few six and eight pounders are noticed.

 

FE (30 Sept. 1904) Ferrari & Stevens commenced work Tuesday on their new salmon salting station on the Frank Roper place on Seven-Mile Slough near Eel river and will be ready for business by the time the season opens, October 15th.

 

FE (4 Oct. 1904) Rumor states that a gentleman named Talent of Astoria, Oregon, is negotiating with the Russ Ice Plant in Eureka for the use of a portion of their factory in which to place salmon he intends to purchase from Eel river fishermen this season if the negotiations now pending are successfully consummated. Mr. Talent is figuring on bringing his crew of men from Astoria to this county, purchase and prepare a carload of salmon and ship the fish to Germany as an experiment as to whether or not Eel river salmon will meet with a ready sale in that country. It is to be hoped that the plan is successfully carried out, for it probably means that next year a cannery and cold storage plant will be built at some point on lower Eel river, thereby furnishing to the fishermen on that stream a ready sale of their fish at all times and avoiding the necessity of shipping their catch to San Francisco at times when the market is glutted and prices correspondingly ruinous.

 

FE (4 Oct. 1904) Many good catches of salmon trout are reported.

 

FE (7 Oct. 1904) Salmon trout are reported rather scarce at present in Eel river at Price creek and at Scotia.

 

FE (11 Oct. 1904) Several good catches of salmon trout have been made near Singleys the past few days, the fish rising to the fly and taking the bait quite readily. The fishing at the Weymouth pool at Price creek has also been very good the last few days, one gentleman having made a fine catch of big fellows last Saturday.

 

HS (13 Oct. 1904) The storm of this week raised Eel river about five feet and riled the water to such an extent that there will not be very good fishing again in the river until about Sunday, the day the season opens. The storm brought the fish into the river in myriads. Mr. Mercer who returned from Shively's this morning, says that he never saw so many fish as were working their way up the river at that point yesterday and the day before. The salmon have evidently got the better of the seine fishermen and have come into the river before it was lawful for them to begin fishing.

 

FE (14 Oct. 1904) The rains of the first of the week caused Eel river to raise between three and four feet at East's and put an end to fording that stream at Singleys for a few days...The little freshet has permitted the large numbers of salmon, which have been endeavoring to get over the riffles for the past few weeks, to continue their journey up the stream and has muddied the water to such an extent that fishermen will have to take a lay off for a few days.

 

FE (18 Oct. 1904) J.S. Benn of San Francisco has been rusticating at the Greig resort near Singleys for the last week or more. The gentleman is the maker of the famous Benn flies, well known to the anglers of this section.

 

FE (21 Oct. 1904) Eel river is fast becoming clear enough for trolling, and many fishermen will no doubt be at the mouth of this stream next Sunday in quest of the gamey salmon.

 

FE (21 Oct. 1904) Seiners and gillnetters have not been making very large hauls of salmon since the opening of the season the first of the week. The recent rains caused the river to rise sufficiently to permit the fish to get up the stream. Another run will have to come in before any large catches are made. Four cents a pound is being paid by the buyers on the river.

 

FE (25 Oct. 1904) Boats by the score were engaged in trolling at the mouth of Eel river last Sunday but the trollers met with rather indifferent success. Very few salmon are in lower Eel river at present and those that are being caught are rather small...

 

FE (25 Oct. 1904) Salmon trolling the past few days has been productive of much sport at both the mouth of Eel river and at Weymouth's pool at Price creek. At the former place last Saturday many good catches were made, one gentleman landing ten that day. At the pool the same day, Ray Rumrill succeeded in capturing fourteen of these fish, while another gentleman whose name we did not learn was even more successful.

 

FE (1 Nov. 1904) Eel river at Alton is said to be alive with steelhead and salmon.

 

FE (4 Nov. 1904) Many of our sportsmen and fishermen are deploring the fact that steelheads are becoming scarcer in Eel river with every succeeding season, and it is feared that this gamey fish, good for both food and sport, will soon be entirely extinct unless the matter is taken up by the proper authorities and measures taken to perpetuate the species. The State Commission is devoting its efforts to the propagation of small trout and salmon, and it is given out that there are not sufficient funds to permit the hatcheries to look after steelheads. These fish are certainly among the best fish that swim, and it would be a good plan for the legislators who are to represent this county in the next legislature to bestir themselves in the matter of securing an appropriation for their propagation. As stated above, lack of funds is said to be the reason why these fish have been allowed to become almost a rarity in Eel river, and there is no doubt that every effort would be made by the State Commission to replenish the stream if the money part of the affair could be arranged. One theory advanced by some to increase the number of steelheads is that seining and gillnetting in Eel river be suppressed for a number of years, but when it is known that the returns from the salmon and steelhead industry nets the county between $70,000 and $80,000 a year--

nearly all outside money, too--it is plain to be seen that such a move is entirely out of the question. A State appropriation is what we need and what we must have if steelheads are to be as plentiful in Eel river as in years gone by. Furnish the money and the Price creek hatchery will do the rest. Deputy Fish Commissioner Huestis, so well informed regarding the salmon fishing industry in this county, tells us that some means should

be found to prevent fishermen from taking these fish above the Schuler ferry at Rio Dell, he as well as others considering this one of the greatest detriments to the business. When the salmon reach this point in the stream, they are virtually on the spawning grounds and in consequence in no fit condition for food. The Board of Supervisors have the power to regulate this matter and it is undoubtedly a subject that should not only be closely investigated by them but acted upon at once. Poor fish have done as much and probably more toward keeping the price down in San Francisco than any other cause. When salmon are allowed to lay for a day or two after being caught and then placed in boxes and tramped down in order to make room for more, they are not exactly in the pink of condition by the time they reach the city and can hardly be expected to command a very high price.

 

FE (4 Nov. 1904) Gillnetters on lower Eel river were very successful one night this week, several boats making as high as $60 or $70 that night. Salmon, the big fellows, are not very plentiful at the mouth of the river, but the smaller ones, from six to ten pounds, are said to be quite numerous, some of our trollers having made very satisfactory catches the past week.

 

FE (8 Nov. 1904) The gillnetters of lower Eel river have been very successful the past week. They have been taking good catches, and at the present price for salmon, three cents per pound, have been making considerable money. The seiners, however, are not doing much, in fact, are not making expenses, we are told.

 

FE (11 Nov. 1904) Ellis Robinson, who is fishing on the river, sends word to the Advance that he caught a huge bass weighing 16 pounds last Saturday. Bass are a rare fish in Eel river.

 

FE (15 Nov. 1904) The gillnetters on lower Eel river shipped ten tons of salmon to S.F. on last week's Argo, and will probably make another good shipment on tomorrow's boat.

 

FE (18 Nov. 1904) A big run of salmon came into Eel river this week, and in consequence the seiners and gillnetters have been doing business, the gillnetters especially having made good catches.

 

FE (18 Nov. 1904) Trolling at the mouth of Eel river, or rather near Dago Bend, has been productive of much sport this week, though at the present writing the water is hardly clear enough to make this sport very successful. The biggest catch that has been brought to our notice so far the season was made by J.W. Miller and daughter, Mrs. St. Goble, of the Island, who last Sunday hooked and landed twenty-four fine fish.

 

FE (22 Nov. 1904) Salmon are now selling on the river for one cent per pound and the gillnetters are finding it rather difficult to dispose of their fish at even that low price, while a number of the buyers are compelled to salt their fish as the San Francisco markets seem to be overstocked just at present. Salmon have been quite plentiful in Eel river, but the price quoted above and a poor market is not much of an inducement for our fishermen to make very large catches.

 

FE (25 Nov. 1904) Salmon are said to be selling at one-half cent per pound on Eel river this week, and fish companies in San Francisco have telegraphed their buyers on the river to ship no more fish for a week or so.

 

FE (25 Nov. 1904) Peter Ferrari, the Eel river fish buyer, is to furnish the Tallant-Grant Packing Co. with 50 tons of salmon this season. The fish are shipped in casks weighing about 900 pounds.

 

FE (25 Nov. 1904) Frank Godfrey is circulating a petition among the people of this town and valley to be presented to the Board of Supervisors asking that body to restrict seining and gillnetting for salmon and steelheads above tide water in Eel river, which means, if the county fathers look with favor upon the petition and act accordingly, that it will be unlawful to take these fish, other than by hook or line, above the Robinson place, a short distance this side of Fortuna, on Eel river. This petition is not viewed with favor by some of our people, and will no doubt meet with opposition by the fishermen across the river, as an ordinance adopting this measure would cut them out. Many think that seiners and gillnetters should be allowed to ply their trade as far up the stream as the Schuler ferry which crosses the river between Scotia and Rio Dell, and which point is practically the commencement of the spawning ground. To take fish below this point would in no wise interfere with spawning. An amendment to the present petition allowing the use of seines and gillnets as far up the stream as the Schuler ferry would be more generally signed by the fishermen and residents across the river, who, as it now stands, are sure to feel that they are being discriminated against.

 

FE (25 Nov. 1904) Salmon Shipped North--The first shipment of Humboldt salmon ever made to the Columbia river was carried away by the steamer Redondo, which sailed for the north Monday. The consignment consisted of 40,000 lbs. and is packed in ice to insure keeping until it reaches its destination. It will then be placed in cold storage and after being kept there for a time will be smoked and shipped to Germany. The shipment was made up on Eel river by H. Witt, buyer for the canning establishment of J. Linderberger of Astoria, who has been busy buying the fish caught in the vicinity of Loleta and Singleys, which are cleaned and packed on ice for transportation. He stated that catches on the Columbia river are extremely small this year and that the firm he represents is desirous of experimenting with the Eel river salmon for canning for export. If the results are satisfactory it either means a large export of salmon from Humboldt Bay to the north or the erection of a large cannery in Humboldt. All the fish selected by Mr. Witt weighed not less than twenty-two pounds each and the shipment as a whole was the finest ever taken from the port. Whether or not the venture will be attended with success remains to be seen. Should the shipment reach its destination in good shape it is then probable that salmon shipments will be a regular thing to the north.--Herald.

 

FE (29 Nov. 1904) Our trollers have been enjoying great salmon fishing at Weymouth's pool in Eel river the last few days, in fact, such fine sport has never before been had by our local anglers. The fish range in size from the small chub salmon to thirty or forty pounders. Last Friday J.A. Shaw and D.A. Francis of this place caught 22 and the following day landed 20 more.

Saturday, Sam and Joe Kelly returned home in the evening with 26, while A.V. Chapin and Bert Inskip captured 21 that day. B.M. Stokes and wife of Price creek were also among the successful anglers Friday, having caught 28, many of which weighed 20 pounds and over.

 

FE (29 Nov. 1904) On yesterday's Corona Superintendent Fassett of the Price creek hatchery received a million salmon eggs from Battle Creek, this state, the first shipment this season. Mr. Fassett has been very successful since taking charge of the Price creek hatchery and it is undoubtedly due to his efforts that Eel river is now so well supplied with salmon each season.

 

FE (2 Dec. 1904) Another shipment of salmon eggs is expected to arrive at the Price creek hatchery in a short time from Battle Creek. The output of this hatchery is expected to reach 60,000,000 this year.

 

FE (2 Dec. 1904) There is some talk of forming a local company for the purpose of erecting a cannery and probably a cold storage plant at some point on lower Eel river, if the matter is not taken up and definitely settled by one of the several packing companies on this coast. Several prominent residents of this section have expressed their willingness to invest money in the proposition, and as one of them informs us, lower Eel river is destined to have a salmon cannery before the passing of many winters. If outside capital will not take hold of the project, then a home company will be organized.

 

FE (6 Dec. 1904) Trolling was being engaged in quite successfully at Weymouth's pool in Eel river yesterday. The stream is hardly clear enough for real good sport, but by tomorrow should be in fine condition. Salmon are there in great numbers and are to be seen jumping in every direction.

 

FE (10 Jan. 1905) Joe Ferrari, the famous fish king of lower Eel

river, has gone to San Francisco to remain until after the season closes. He will handle the catch of several camps along the river. Al Gordon is foreman of the Ferrari camp during the absence of Mr. F.

 

FE (10 Jan. 1905) The large drift pile at the mouth of Seven Mile Slough in the Cannibal section was blasted out on New Year's Day, it being necessary to remove the same so as to enable the fishermen to boat their fish up to the county road, from where their teamsters load and haul them to Loleta.

 

FE (10 Jan. 1905) A big run of steelheads in Eel river the past few days is reported and fishermen on the river have been very successful in seining them. The price is in the neighborhood of four cents per pound and in consequence the seiners have been making good money.

 

FE (24 Jan. 1905) Fishermen in the lower Eel river section report a scarcity of steelheads the last week or so, in fact, there has not been a big enough catch made to begin to pay expenses. The price being paid on the river is five cents per pound.

 

FE (31 Jan. 1905) Close of the Fishing Season--Tuesday, Jan. 31st, will mark the close of the fishing season on Eel river. As in seasons past, it finds the followers of this vocation, or the majority, with their pockets not overloaded with "filthy lucre." The price paid by the fish markets of the metropolis for Eel river salmon, since the closing down of the cannery near the mouth of the river some ten or twelve years ago, are such that after the expenses of shipping, boxing, etc., are deducted, there is a very small portion left for the Eel river fisherman. Since the establishment of the government hatchery at Price creek the variety of fish known as the King salmon, has been very plentiful. It is these fish that bring the lowest price in the San Francisco market--the price being governed by the number shipped. For many years they were canned on this river at a profit and the price paid fishermen was much better then than now. Since the closing down of the old cannery, Eel river salmon have had but one market, that of San Francisco, and so long as this continues, the fishermen can hope for but little from a class of foreigners who know just how to handle a "cinch" when they have one. What is needed is a cannery on Eel river and here is an opportunity for someone with capital to invest in a business that will give in return a fair profit for the outlay. During the past season an experiment was tried with the King salmon by a company engaged in shipping salmon to the European market. This company shipped the fish abroad in a semi-salted and frozen condition, a very firm fish being used. Those taken from Eel river compared very favorably with fish caught in streams farther north and the commencement of next season will find a representative of that company here for the purpose of preparing Eel river salmon for shipment to the European market. In conversation with a representative of the company, we were told the price paid would be far in advance of that paid by the San Francisco market and that the company would be in a position to handle the entire salmon catch of Eel river. With this prospect in view the future of our fishermen for the coming season is much brighter than for many years past.--Beacon.

 

FE (3 Feb. 1905) Peter Ferrari, the lower Eel river fisherman, has salted down over 200 barrels of salmon this season, from which he expects to realize a neat profit.

 

FE (7 Feb. 1905) Nearly nine million salmon eggs have been hatched at the Price creek hatchery this season. The young salmon are of the King variety.

 

FE (7 Feb. 1905) Hatchery at Price Creek--The eighteenth biennial report of the State Board of Fish Commissioners of California for the years 1903-04, contains among other interesting articles the

following relative to the salmon industry in Humboldt county, under the heading Eel River Station and Steelhead Propagation:

During the Legislature of 1901, the sum of $2,000 was appropriated to be expended in the work of steelhead propagation in Humboldt county. This money became available after January 1, 1902. In the spring of 1902 we liberated a fraction over 300,000 steelhead fry. We had hoped to increase the number in 1903 by establishing a new egg-collecting station on Howe creek, to be operated in conjunction with the one on Price creek. Untimely freshets, coming at the time our traps were in operation, twice carried away our racks on Howe creek; the last time the water continued at such a stage that it was impossible to replace the traps, and our total take of eggs was therefore about one-half that of the preceding year. We liberated about 120,000 young steelhead in Price creek and Eel river. On March 20, 1904, we again attempted to collect steelhead eggs. In addition to the traps operated on Howe and Price creeks, we engaged the service of a crew of fishermen to operate a seine in Eel river. Our work was again interfered with by high water and it was disappointing in the extreme to see schools of these fish passing up the river and creek at a time when we were utterly unable, owing to the volume and velocity of the water, to capture them and bring our take of steelhead eggs up to what we had expected. While we took quite a number of fish, they were late spawners; in fact, so green that they could not be retained with safety in live cars, so we were obliged to liberate them. We secured only 104,000 eggs, from which about 90,000 strong, healthy fry were liberated. These small plants have, however, materially improved the steelhead fishing in Eel river. At a normal stage of water, we could easily capture enough fish to take 2,000,000 eggs. Of the original appropriation of $2,000 there remains an unexpended balance of $625, which is sufficient to conduct our operations for another season. We consider the financial showing noteworthy, as we have been expending the modest sum of $625 per annum to carry on this work, which is extremely small when taking into consideration the unlooked-for expense caused by high water, which necessitated the replacing of traps, racks, and dams, besides paying for the services of the force engaged in operating the seine. The economical handling of this work and the results obtained under the peculiar disadvantages reflect credit upon the superintendent of the station, W.O. Fassett. In December, 1902, two shipments of salmon eggs aggregating 2,190,000 were received from Battle Creek station in Shasta county and from Mill creek station in Tehama county. These shipments produced about two million salmon fry that were successfully liberated in Price creek and Eel river. Beginning November 28, 1903, shipments of salmon eggs aggregating 5,520,000 coming from Battle Creek and Mill Creek stations were received at the Price creek hatchery, from which we consider we were able to liberate 5,257,000 swimming salmon fry, which we consider a creditable showing. We are pleased to say that our work is receiving unanimous endorsement and support from the people of Humboldt county, consequently violations of the fish laws are comparatively rare. Increased runs of both steelhead and salmon have brought forth most favorable comment and recognition of our work. The work of patrolling the principal fish streams and other waters of Humboldt county has been carried out during the last two years by W.P. Huestis, who combines the work of patrolling with that of collecting fishermen's licenses...The following table gives a summary of the distribution of fish from Price creek station for the years 1902, 1903, and 1904:

 

Year Salmon Steelhead

1902 2,069,500 -

1903 5,257,947 120,000

1904 - 90,000

 

Total 7,327,447 210,000

 

FE (14 March 1905) Eighteen million of young salmon have been turned loose at the Price creek hatchery this season by Superintendent Fassett and assistants. The hatchery at present has only about 24,000 steelhead eggs in course of propagation, but the Peugh Bros. of the Table Bluff section are now on upper Eel river, securing the eggs of these fish. It is hoped that nearly a million steelhead eggs will be secured by these gentlemen.

 

FE (21 March 1905) Cold Storage for Loleta Fish--Unless the present plans of Thomas S. Christenson of San Francisco miscarry, before the close of another season, Loleta will become the center of the fishing industry of Humboldt county. Mr. Christenson will best be remembered as the gentleman, who, in the latter part of last year, visited this county and shipped large quantities of Eel river salmon in cold storage to the north. It was Mr. Christenson's plan to buy the fish right on the bank as they were drawn from the water, then prepare them for shipment by packing them in ice, rushing them north by the faster craft. Several large shipments were made, the largest aggregating 40,000 lbs. After reaching the northern canneries, this fish was cured for shipment to Germany. This method opened up a new market for the Eel river salmon and also proved so successful a venture for Mr. Christenson and his associates that he has just returned to this county with a project which means much to its commercial life. In short, Mr. Christenson comes to the county at present with a view of erecting a cold storage fish plant at Loleta. He will investigate the situation thoroughly, in fact, is already in the valley for that purpose, and if the conditions are favorable, there is no question but that the plant will be erected, also a cannery and curing or smoking house...--Herald.

 

FE (28 March 1905) The open season for trout commences next Saturday, April 1st. It is hardly probable that many fish will be taken from our creeks on that day as the streams are now too roily for fishing.

 

FE (7 April 1905) Our local fishermen have been whipping the creeks the past week and several nice catches of trout are reported...

 

FE (25 April 1905) The Rosaia fish camp, at what is known as "Dago Bend" on Eel river, was totally destroyed by fire last Wednesday night. Twenty-six fish boats, stored in the building, were also consumed.

 

FE (5 May 1905) We learn that...Mr. Talant of the Talant-Grant Packing Co. of Astoria, Oregon was...en route to this section. Mr. Talant's visit to this valley is for the purpose of looking into the matter of a cold storage plant for the handling of Eel river salmon to be located at Port Kenyon or some other point in the county. A committee was appointed by the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce to interview our citizens regarding the proposition and soon after Mr. Talant's arrival here, the matter will probably be definitely settled.

 

FE (26 May 1905) The shipments of salmon made from the county during the past six years give an idea of the amount of money derived from this industry. The shipments by years are as follows: 1899, 305,800 lbs., value $18,750; 1900, 424,500 lbs., value $21,225; 1901, 851,000 lbs., value $42,555; 1902; 1,518,600 lbs., value $75,930; 1903, 2,507,600 lbs., value $63,130; 1904, 4,109,000 lbs., value $64,106. The years 1899 and 1900 do not include the salmon shipments direct by sea from Eel river...

 

FE (30 May 1905) Almost a Certainty--...the Tallant-Grant Co. will build a [cold storage] plant at Port Kenyon, and will begin the erection of the same at as early a date as possible. Should the proposition not miscarry, the business will incorporate under the laws of the State of Oregon, with the principal place of business at Astoria. Five directors will be elected--three from Astoria and two from this place. Upon the selection of the directors from this place the gentlemen will go to Astoria to inspect the cold storage plant there and become more fully informed as to the industry, and when they return to this valley, it is expected that little time will be lost in getting things in proper shape to handle the fall run of salmon in Eel river...For quite a number of years past salmon fishing on Eel river has been anything but paying work for the reason that no market for the catch has been available or else the price has been so low that the fish could not be marketed without a loss when any amount had been taken. The establishment of a cold storage plant here, however, would do away with this state of affairs, and would insure to our gill netters and seiners a ready sale for their salmon at a figure that would make the industry one of considerable profit. Our business men want the plant established at Port Kenyon and have made known this fact by the liberal manner in which they have subscribed for stock in the proposed institution.

 

FE (1 Aug. 1905) The Port Kenyon Cold Storage Plant--Work on the new cold storage plant at Port Kenyon was commenced last week...The new building occupies a site on the bank of Salt river on property practically donated by the S.F. and Eel River Transportation Co., and is admirably situated for the purpose for which it is intended. Already a new wharf has been erected...the erection of the building is expected to be in readiness to receive its machinery within the course of the next four or five weeks...About that time, Nat Tallant of Astoria, who is to have charge of the plant, will also arrive, and will be accompanied by five men who will serve in the capacity of salmon splitters, salters, etc...It is the intention to have the plant fully equipped and ready for the first run of salmon in Eel river after the season opens in October, and if the fish are anywhere near as plentiful as they have been the last few years, it is safe to say that the Port Kenyon plant will be a hive of industry for several months the coming winter. The erection of a cold storage plant at Port Kenyon means a great deal to the fishermen of Eel river, and for that matter, its benefits will be felt by all in this section.

 

FE (11 Aug. 1905) Anglers of this valley announce that salmon trout are beginning to appear in Eel river, and several fair catches have been reported. The fish are not yet overly plentiful, but the indications at present lead our lovers of rod and reel to believe that in a short time the sport will be excellent.

 

FE (1 Sept. 1905) A number of the anglers of this valley have enjoyed great sport below Singleys this week fishing for salmon trout. Several of the best catches ever made in the river with fly and spoon were made.

 

FE (5 Sept. 1905) Many of the fishermen of the valley whipped Eel river from early morn until late in the evening last Sunday in their endeavor to lure the wily steelhead and trout from their haunts. The success met with by the anglers was of rather an indifferent nature, and by no means paid for the hard work of the day.

 

FE (26 Sept. 1905) The largest number of fishermen on Eel river this season in one day was noted last Sunday, and although the anglers worked faithfully from daylight until dark, but few of the finny tribe were taken. While the fish have made their appearance in the stream, the run this season is small compared with that of last year at this time.

 

FE (29 Sept. 1905) Another run of salmon trout was reported in Eel river this week. Anglers have been making some good catches with the fly and spoon near Singleys the last few days.

 

FE (17 Oct. 1905) W.E. Tallant, president of the Port Kenyon Cold Storage Co...arrived in Ferndale last Friday...Practically all the machinery of the plant has been placed in position and the firm is now ready for the fall and winter run of salmon, the season for which opened at twelve o'clock last Sunday night. The cold storage plant at the Port is a big affair and is prepared to handle a large amount of fish this season. Its operation means much to the fishermen on Eel river and to the valley at large.

 

FE (17 Oct. 1905) The open season for salmon commenced Sunday night at midnight and the lower river was well dotted with gillnetters and their boats. The catch was very satisfactory, and at the prices prevailing at present, the fishermen should do well this season, if the run is as large as has been the case of late years. The Port Kenyon cold storage plant was purchasing fish on the river yesterday and during the day secured about ten or twelve tons for which two cents per pound was paid. Some buyers, we are told, are paying as high as three and one half cents per pound at present, but there is little likelihood that this amount will be offered for any length of time. Two cents per pound right through the season is a good figure, and this is the price that has been set by the Port Kenyon cold storage people. The fish caught yesterday were as fine as have been taken from the stream in many years.

 

FE (20 Oct. 1905) Ferryman Will Davis of Singleys ferry on Eel river is the owner of a dog, which, to say the least, is an industrious sort of brute. The dog is kept quite busy these days in catching salmon as they pass over the riffles at Singleys, and few of the fish get away when the animal gets a good hold. It is quite a sight to see the dog go clear under water and come up with a big fish weighing 30 or 40 pounds, and his struggles in getting the fish to dry land.

 

FE (20 Oct. 1905) The salmon fishermen, both seiners and gillnetters, have been quite successful on Eel river this week and have disposed of a good many tons of fish to buyers along the river.

 

FE (24 Oct. 1905) James Madsen, representing the Sacramento River Packers' Association, is in Loleta. Mr. Madsen was there three years ago and put up some fish for his firm and is there now for the same purpose. He has secured packing quarters in the Cold Brook Creamery and will commence buying fish as soon as he gets things in shape...--Beacon.

 

FE (27 Oct. 1905) Doing Business--The Port Kenyon Cold Storage Co. has been handling a large amount of fish the past few days and is quite busily occupied in preparing the catch for the cold storage room. About fifteen or twenty men are employed about the plant, and the scene presented about this place of business is indeed a busy one. Tuesday of this week, nine tons of salmon were received and cared for, and from the rapid manner in which the fish were being handled, it would seem that double this amount a day would not overrush the employees of the concern. The plant is complete in every way and is equal, except in size, of any to be found on the Columbia river, where the finest plants in the world are said to be in operation. S. Starbuck and N. Tallant of Astoria are now in charge of the Port Kenyon Cold Storage plant...Everything about the plant is in running order with the exception of the ice machine, which will be ready for business as soon as the workmen can complete their labor. The cold storage room has been in readiness since the commencement of the season, and is already filled with big tanks of salmon undergoing the proper processes. It is certainly a revelation to the uninitiated to see the rapid manner in which a ton of fish is handled by the cleaners, splitters, and packers...From Mr. Starbuck we learn that his company has set the price of fish at two cents per pound. This is not the price for a few weeks only, but for the entire season, and is certainly sufficiently high as to make the fishing industry a paying one for the seiners and gillnetters...The Port Kenyon Cold Storage plant is a big concern, and must be inspected before it can be appreciated what this industry means to this valley. At present only the best and largest of the salmon catch is handled, but the erection of a cannery for the handling of the smaller fish is one of the possibilities of the future. When such an event materializes, the salmon industry will be one of the most important and flourishing of any in the valley.

 

FE (27 Oct. 1905) A big run of salmon entered Eel river last Monday night and the seiners and gillnetters reaped a rich harvest in consequence. The fish are mostly big fellows...

 

FE (27 Oct. 1905) Trollers for salmon on Eel river this week have been enjoying excellent sport. Tuesday was the banner day of the season, some of the boats taking as high as eighteen and twenty fish with the spoon. One troller, we are informed, disposed of his day's catch to the Port Kenyon Cold Storage Co., receiving a check for $6 for a few hours' fun.

 

FE (21 Nov. 1905) Owing to the scarcity of salmon in Eel river of late, buyers for the San Francisco market have been paying as high as seven cents per pound for fish. A run of fish in the river would soon cut this price down to the former rate.

 

FE (21 Nov. 1905) Trollers have been having fair luck the last few days in hooking salmon in Eel river, quite a number of small fish being in the stream at present. The big fellows have not made their appearance in any numbers yet, although a large run is expected within a few days. The cold storage plant at Port Kenyon has not been doing a great deal the last couple of weeks, but is prepared for business when salmon do enter Eel river in any quantities.

 

FE (24 Nov. 1905) Steelheads are reported to be running in Eel river this week but salmon are still a scarcity in the stream. Two or three tons a night seems to be a good catch by gillnetters at present, and in consequence the cold storage plant at Port Kenyon is not doing as large a business as could be desired. The crew at the plant has been cut down until the fish are more plentiful.

 

FE (28 Nov. 1905) Two striped bass, weighing fourteen and twenty-one pounds, respectively, were taken with a seine in Eel river last week. They are supposed to be the offspring of several put in the river a number of years ago.

 

FE (5 Dec. 1905) The rains of last week caused Eel river to rise between two and three feet, and was also the means of bringing quite a run of salmon into the stream. The seiners and gillnetters made some very good catches and found a ready market for their take. The Port Kenyon Cold Storage plant received about 12 tons of fish last Saturday and yesterday had their full force of men at work handling the catch...

 

FE (8 Dec. 1905) Pepperwood fishermen have been taking quite a number of salmon from Eel river since the late rains.

 

FE (8 Dec. 1905) Seiners and gillnetters on lower Eel river have not been catching any salmon to speak of this week, in fact, so scarce are the fish in the stream of the proper size that the Port Kenyon Cold Storage plant was compelled to lay off a number of its men the middle of the week. Smaller fish, from 5 to 10 pounders, have been quite plentiful, however, and in consequence trollers have been experiencing good sport. This seems to be an off year in Humboldt and the "offness" has struck the salmon industry with a vengence.

 

FE (22 Dec. 1905) The Eel River Fishermen's Association was organized at Loleta on Monday of this week by men engaged in fishing on the river. The principal purpose of the organization is to look after the fishing interests and assist in the upbuilding of the industry. It is also proposed to test the present law regarding steelheads, the fishermen claiming that the steelheads caught in the river at this time of the year should be called steelhead salmon instead of steelhead trout. It is said that this name has been adopted in the northern states and has been pronounced correct by experts...--Fortuna Advance.

 

FE (29 Dec. 1905) It is reported that Eel river at and above Scotia is at the present time well filled with sturgeon of gigantic size. These fish cause the fishermen a great deal of trouble as it is against the law to take them and they get in the seines at nearly every haul.

 

FE (9 Jan. 1906) Joe Ferrari, "salmon king," as he is known among the fishermen of Eel river, closed his fishing camp on that river Thursday after a most prosperous season. The closing down of the camp necessitated the paying off of the fishing crews and some idea of the importance to the county of the fishing industry may be gathered from the fact that this one camp paid out $9,233 in wages. The largest part of the fish caught by the Ferrari crews went to San Francisco markets direct as fresh salmon, only a few tons of the catch having been sold to the cold storage plants on the river.--Standard.

 

FE (12 Jan. 1906) Another shipment of about 1,500,000 salmon eggs arrived at the Price creek hatchery this week from the Sacramento river. The total amount of eggs received at the hatchery this season is 6,000,000.

 

FE (12 Jan. 1906) The Port Kenyon Cold Storage plant closed for the season last week...about 450 tierces of salmon were put up by the company this season, which is considered a good showing when all things are considered. The fish failed to enter Eel river in any great numbers until quite late in the season, and in consequence the output of the plant was not as large as might have been expected from the runs of former years.

 

FE (26 Jan. 1906) Lots of salmon are running in Eel river at Singleys at present and seiners have been landing many tons of the fish, which now bring five cents per pound. The fish are said to be in good condition, something unusual at this time of the season.

 

FE (30 Jan. 1906) Salmon are very plentiful in Eel river near Fortuna. The fish bring four and five cents per pound.

 

AU (3 Feb. 1906) Another shipment of about 2,000,000 salmon eggs has just been received at the Price creek hatchery by Supervisor Fassett. The hatchery has received so far this season between 7,000,000 and 8,000,000 eggs.

 

FE (9 Feb. 1906) Of Interest to Fishermen and Anglers--

Superintendent W.O. Fassett of the Price creek hatchery has just received the following letter from the Board of Fish Commissioners of this state which contains facts and figures that will prove of interest to the people of this section:

"Some interesting figures that will be of value to you were obtained in the past ten days. It is the best illustration that could be given of the value of artificial propagation and this strong object lesson is shown on Eel river. In 1899 the salmon shipments from Eureka were 471,606 pounds, which was about the average for many years. You will remember our salmon work did not begin until 1898 and there was one year skipped on account of the scarcity of eggs. No returns could be looked for before 1901 or 1902 from the first plant made. In 1904 the amount of salmon shipped from Eureka was 2,783,600 pounds, or five times as much as in 1899, or a gain of nearly two and one half million pounds. The value of our work should be apparent to everybody in Humboldt county.

"At the same time, the steelhead shipments for the five years show a marked decrease. In 1899 there were 113,600 pounds; in 1904 the amount was about 53,000, a decrease of more than 50 per cent. It is probable that this season is showing the first returns from the steelhead work we have done. At the same time, it emphasizes the fact that restricting their capture to hook and line came none too soon. These facts are mentioned for your information and you can use the figures as opportunity serves. They are absolutely authentic and should answer any criticism either about steelhead or the value of our work to Humboldt county, which is benefitted far more by salmon than it ever could by steelhead taken with nets. The claim, therefore, that that industry is being injured by the present law is absolutely without foundation." Chas. A. Vogelsang, Chief Deputy.

 

FE (27 March 1906) Superintendent W.O. Fassett of the Price creek hatchery has been quite successful of late in securing steelheads for propagation purposes. The fish are taken by means of a trap and Mr. Fassett expects to secure about 100,000 eggs this season.

 

FE (30 March 1906) Frank Legg, the Eel river fisherman who was convicted of catching salmon in that river several hours before the opening of the season last October, came up before Superior Court Judge Wilson this morning for sentence. With Ellis Robinson and Wm. Rolley, Legg was tried for making a haul of 18 tons of salmon, which he sold for $40 per ton, two hours before midnight on the last day of the close season, but the jury, while finding him guilty as charged, disagreed as to the guilt of the defendants Robinson and Rolley...The sentence imposed by the court this morning was $300 fine, or in default of that, imprisonment in the county jail at the rate of one day for each $2 of the fine...--Tuesday's Standard.

 

FE (6 April 1906) The local anglers have been out in force the last few days whipping the creeks for trout. Some very good strings have been captured.

 

FE (18 May 1906) Improvements are being made to the Ellis Robinson residence on Eel river above Singleys which has been engaged as a fishing resort by a Eureka club of sportsmen.

 

FE (19 June 1906) There seems to be a fair chance of a cannery being established at Port Kenyon this fall to be run in connection with the cold storage plant there and to handle the smaller salmon that cannot be used in any way by the cold storage plant. Should the cannery be established, it will fully double the money received from the fishing industry on Eel river as a result.

 

FE (22 June 1906) Chamber of Commerce--A special meeting of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce was called last Monday evening to consider the contents of a telegram received that day from W.E. Tallant of Astoria, a member of the Port Kenyon Cold Storage Co. Mr. Tallant wired to ask for information concerning the outlook for a cannery at Port Kenyon, the same to be operated by Chinese labor, without which, it is claimed to have been demonstrated such a plant cannot be successfully conducted. After a discussion of some length, the matter was disposed of by the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas, a telegram has been received in Ferndale asking whether any objection would result by establishing a salmon cannery at Port Kenyon, the cannery labor to be performed by Chinese.

Now, therefore, be it.

Resolved...that there will be no objection emanating from this body for said cannery...providing the following conditions are complied with.

1st.--That such labor shall be used in the canning of fish only.

2nd.--That party or parties so conducting said cannery assure our people that said Chinese laborers shall come direct to Port Kenyon on or about the beginning of the fishing season, namely October 16th of each year, and remaining while the cannery is being conducted during each fishing season only, and at the expiration of each season, the Chinese to be sent out of Humboldt county direct from Port Kenyon.

3d.--That the Chinese be not permitted at any time during their stay to leave the vicinity of the cannery in Port Kenyon.

A copy of this resolution will be forwarded to Mr. Tallant, and as the same will no doubt meet with his entire approval, it is more than likely that the coming fall will see a canning establishment in operation at the point named.

 

FE (26 June 1906) The Chinese Matter--The matter of bringing a few Chinese into Port Kenyon for the purpose of operating a fish cannery seems to be causing considerable stir throughout the county, as will be seen by the following article taken from Sunday morning's Times:

This morning the Federated Trades Council will hold its monthly Sunday morning session, and one important matter to be considered will be in reference to the action of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce countenancing the importing of Chinese labor to Port Kenyon for work in a proposed fish cannery at that point.

The Trades Council will, it is reported, pass a resolution condemning the toleration of any Mongolian in the county whatever, whether he be kept within the confines of a cannery for a stated season and then deported, or not. It is argued that to permit a crew of Chinese to touch foot upon Humboldt soil again would be merely the beginning of an end no one can foretell.

From the above, one would be led to believe that in the event Chinese laborers were brought into Port Kenyon and put to work in a cannery there, they would be coming into conflict with the members of the Federated Trades. Such is not the case, for it is a well known fact, demonstrated by years of experience, that white men will not perform the labor which is necessary in a cannery, and the matter resolves itself into the plain question of Chinese help or no canning establishment. When is considered the large amount of money such a plant would put into circulation in this vicinity, we cannot believe the importation of the Mongolians can in any way prove detrimental to the best interests of Ferndale. As to Eureka, which will probably derive neither benefit or injury from the proposition, the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce did not consider when they adopted the resolutions which have caused the present stir. The members of our Chamber of Commerce are level headed business men, and are probably capable of defending their action in a convincing manner. They do not favor the importation of Chinamen to compete with white labor, as is evidenced by the items in their resolutions relative to keeping them on the grounds of the cannery company and taking them away immediately after the close of the fishing season. We do not wish to be drawn into any controversy in this matter, but cannot refrain from saying a word in defense of the rights of the citizens and business men of Ferndale and vicinity to take any action they consider to be to the best interests of the community, especially when the said move can in no wise prove detrimental to the interests of any person or body of men.

 

FE (26 June 1906) J.A. Shaw and S.C. Hart completed the work last Saturday of surveying the fishing grounds of the Cutting Packing Co., extending from Dungan's ferry nearly to the mouth of the river.

 

FE (27 July 1906) Fly fishing in Eel river near the mouth of the Van Duzen is reported very good this week, and local sportsmen have been making some fine catches.

 

FE (3 Aug. 1906) T.A. Varian, the valley veterinary who has charge of the Pacific Packing Co.'s fishing interest on lower Eel river, informs us that his company will operate three large seines on the river during the salmon fishing season this fall. Mr. Varian also tells us that his company has contracted the season's catch of salmon to the Port Kenyon Cold Storage Co. The Pacific Packing Co.'s grounds on the river were recently surveyed by Surveyor Shaw and assistants and embrace practically all the seining grounds on the lower river with the exception of the Heckman grounds.

 

FE (24 Aug. 1906) Preparing for the Season--From T.A. Varian, the valley veterinary, we learn that a crew of men is now engaged in snagging and preparing the fishing grounds on Eel river, belonging to the Pacific Packing Co. which have been leased for the season to the Sanborn Cutting Co. of Astoria, Oregon. Matt Fredericksen, foreman of the last named company, is in charge of the work and is rapidly getting the grounds in shape for the season's run of salmon. On the next Roanoke arriving at Eureka will arrive Mr. Fred Kendall, the company's superintendent, who will be accompanied by an additional number of men who will be put to work on the river. It is the intention of the Sanborn Company to use a gasoline launch and about ten or twelve horses in handling the seines on the river this fall.

 

FE (4 Sept. 1906) W.E. Tallant of the Tallant-Grant Packing Co. of Astoria, Oregon reached Ferndale Saturday evening for a week's stay in this section. The gentleman is interested in the Port Kenyon Cold Storage Co. and his visit here is to prepare for the erection of an addition to the building, 110x50 feet in size, which will be used as a cannery. This will enable the company to handle the smaller salmon caught by Eel river fishermen and will add many thousands of dollars to the industry each year. The plans for the new addition are now being prepared by T.J. Frost and the erection of the same will be under the supervision of Joseph Steeves.

 

FE (4 Sept. 1906) Quite a number of our residents who enjoy salmon fishing have equipped their small launches and skiffs with Sage gasoline engines and next Sunday several expect to place their boats in the water for a trial trip...The owners intend to get a great deal of pleasure out of their boats this fall and also expect to do their salmon trolling with less hard work than has been their experience in the past.

 

FE (25 Sept. 1906) Lumber is being hauled to Eel river near the Dungan ferry where a cold storage plant will be erected before the fishing season opens.

 

FE (25 Sept. 1906) Thad Sweet of the Lindenburg Brothers Packing Co. of Astoria has arrived to get his company's packing plant at Loleta in readiness for the salmon fishing in Eel river this season.

 

FE (28 Sept. 1906) Fishermen in the Loleta section are busily engaged in preparing for the salmon run in Eel river this fall. It is hoped that the run this year will be heavier than last.

 

FE (28 Sept. 1906) One hundred and fifty tons of machinery arrived at Port Kenyon Tuesday by the gasoline launch President for use in the salmon cannery that is now being rushed to completion. Contractors Steeves and Flowers and their assistants are erecting the addition.

 

FE (2 Oct. 1906) Have Arrived--Last Saturday evening there arrived in the valley twenty Chinamen, a number of Japs and several Russian girls, who were brought here from Astoria to assist in the operation of the salmon cannery to be run in connection with the Port Kenyon Cold Storage plant this fall, which the Tallants affirm cannot be operated without Chinamen, for this season at least. These Chinamen are not what could be termed "cheap labor," as their wages will average, we are informed, from $2 to $4.50 per day. The Celestials are now at Port Kenyon where they are to be kept until the close of the season, and at that time taken away. The cold storage plant at the Port will not be operated to its fullest capacity this season, only about 200 tierces of the choicest and largest of the fish to be put up, the balance of the fish to be canned. The directors of the plant, from their experience of last year, have learned that to operate the cold storage department alone will not be a paying proposition, hence their decision to run a cannery in connection, thus enabling the company to handle all the salmon brought to them. This means a matter of a good many dollars to the fishermen on lower Eel river, who in past years have been compelled to sell their catch of fish at prices, during the heaviest run, ranging from a half cent to as low as a quarter cent per pound, and in many instances where fish have been sent below the returns would not pay the freight. Such a state of affairs existed until last year when the Port Kenyon plant established a price of two cents per pound for the entire season, thus enabling the seiners and gill netters to realize something for their work. Unfortunately all the salmon caught in Eel river are not of the size or grade most desirable for cold storage purposes, and in order to handle this surplus of fish it has been found necessary to establish a cannery or operate the cold storage plant at a loss. The Port Kenyon cold storage plant is jointly owned by the Tallant-Grant Co. of Astoria, Oregon, and by a large number of people of this valley. They have many thousands of dollars invested in their venture, and it is hardly to be expected that they will not use every endeavor to make the business a paying one. To gain this end they claim that Chinamen are a necessity for this season at least. They are looking out for their own interests, as well as what they consider the interests of their community, the same as would any other corporation in another part of the county. The matter of bringing Chinamen to this valley was brought before the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce, and after consideration, that body adopted a resolution favoring the importation of the Chinamen for the season's business only, the Chinamen to be taken away at the season's end. The members of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce and the residents of this section are not in favor nor do they wish to see them permanent residents of this valley, or the county. The Chamber believes at this time, however, that a cannery cannot be operated other than by Chinese help, and as the successful operation of the establishment means no little money to the valley at large, the organization has sanctioned the arrival of the Chinese. Eureka and Fortuna are especially worked up over the arrival of the Celestials. A meeting was held at the latter place Sunday evening, the result of the meeting being that a committee, composed of Dr. John Lane, John Roberts and Ellis Robinson, accompanied by Allen Joy of Loleta, was in Ferndale yesterday afternoon and entered a protest to several of the officials of the cold storage plant. The gentlemen aver that if Chinamen are allowed to remain in this valley it will be but a matter of a short time before they will gain a footing in the county, to the detriment of white labor. The committee also wished a statement from the officials interviewed as to what the corporation intended to do regarding the importation of Chinese next year, but were not answered as the matter will be fully determined at a meeting of the stockholders of the cold storage plant to be held in Ferndale this morning at l0 o'clock. Last evening a meeting was held in Eureka to discuss the Chinese proposition. A couple of gentlemen, representing Eureka labor, were also in the Cream City last evening to look into the matter.

 

FE (5 Oct. 1906) A meeting of the Fishermen's Association of Eel river valley will be held in Dickson's hall, Loleta, this Friday evening for the purpose of discussing legislation favorable to the fishing industry of this county. A special invitation to attend this meeting is extended to the fishermen of Port Kenyon and the lower river.

 

FE (5 Oct. 1906) The Chinese have gone--The last few days have been exciting ones in Ferndale and Fortuna especially, and also in other parts of the county. The excitement has been caused by the importation of some twenty Chinamen from Astoria to Port Kenyon to work in the salmon cannery now in course of construction there. Mass meetings have been held at Eureka and Fortuna condemning the importation of the Chinese and also demanding their immediate expulsion from the county.

Tuesday afternoon a committee, composed of W.E. Tallant, F.G. Williams, D.A. Francis and Harry Caltoft, officers and stockholders of the Port Kenyon plant, went to Fortuna to consult with a committee of that town and endeavor to adjust the bitter feeling that existed in that place over the unfortunate matter. The Ferndale committee did not stay [for] the Fortuna meeting Tuesday evening as they were advised not to do so by residents of Fortuna, the fear being expressed that the excitement might reach a pitch that the Ferndalers might suffer insult. Their proposition--that of removing the Chinamen from the county at the conclusion of the season's business, with the assurance that the Mongolians would not be brought to this valley again by the company, as well as others--[was] presented to the meeting and quickly rejected by the assemblage, the only proposition that would be entertained being that the Celestials must immediately be shipped out of the county.

Fortuna last Tuesday and Wednesday was full of people, several hundred workmen from the different mills and camps in the county going to the town to attend the meetings, showing by their presence their hostility to the Mongolians, and expressing their determination to force the Chinese to depart even at the cost of bloodshed, if no other method could be found. That they would have resorted to force if their demand had not been complied with is believed by all, the excitement reaching such fever heat that a refusal to comply with their demand would have surely precipitated a riot.

Monday evening a largely attended mass meeting was held in Eureka at which speeches were made by many present, the addresses all condemning the importation of Chinamen into the county and demanding their removal at once. One of the speakers of the evening mentioned the girls brought here by the company in connection with the Chinese in such a way that his remarks should be and are condemned by all. A speaker at one of the Fortuna meetings this week is said to have taken the same view of the matter, and, we are told, the insinuations will be retracted.

Wednesday afternoon another committee from the Cold Storage Company was in Fortuna to again make an effort to compromise the matter, but soon saw that their work was in vain and that the

representatives of different parts of the county would be satisfied with nothing short of the exportation of the Chinese. Such was the report made by the committee to the stockholders of the Cold Storage company at a session held Wednesday, it being decided that before loss of life should occur the stockholders were willing to advise the Chinamen to depart and were ready to stand the heavy expense that had been incurred. Such was the word conveyed late Wednesday night to the boss Chinaman at Port Kenyon, who was told of the peril he and his crew would encounter should he refuse to go, and who finally consented to depart, providing he and his workmen were paid the contract price under which they came to this valley. They packed their belongings yesterday morning and went to Singleys under the protection of Sheriff Lindsay and his deputies and were taken to Eureka on the afternoon train to be quartered on Gunther's Island in Humboldt bay until their departure for Astoria by Sunday's Roanoke. They are under the protection of the city of Eureka and it is not expected they will be molested.

The loss to the Cold Storage Co. will amount to several thousand dollars, but, as one of the members of the Tallant-Grant Co. informed us, they are very thankful that the matter adjusted itself without the shedding of blood. The company would never have brought Chinamen to this county had it realized the great animosity here against the Mongolians. The matter of operating the cannery at Port Kenyon with Chinese help was talked of in this town last spring and the question was taken up by the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce on several occasions before that body passed resolutions some months ago in which it was decided by the members that no objections would be raised by them if Chinese were brought to Port Kenyon to operate the salmon cannery there, always providing that the Tallant-Grant Co. kept its agreement of removing the Mongolians at the end of the season, an agreement we have not a doubt the Tallant-Grant people would have lived up to, to the very letter, had not the matter been taken out of their hands.

The Ferndale Chamber of Commerce stands for the town of Ferndale and the valley, and is always willing to foster any enterprise that would be a benefit to our people. It was certainly not realized by that body that an error of judgment was being made in adopting the resolutions it did, or it is positive that the business men of our town and surrounding country would not have voted as they did. The one object in view was the establishment of an industry in our midst that would prove of benefit, not only to a few of our residents, but to the people in general of this section. Every locality is anxious for the establishment of legitimate and paying business, but it has been demonstrated that when an industry conflicts with the wishes and desires of the majority, all that is possible is to submit to the inevitable, or force upon our community a delegation of whom to resist would but increase their fury. To prevent such a deplorable condition was the reason the stockholders of the Port Kenyon Cold Storage Co. decided to advise the Chinamen to depart, they considering the loss of even one life too great a price to pay for the monetary gain that would result to them and our people.

District Attorney Gregor and Sheriff Lindsay were with us for several days this week and took a part in trying to avert trouble in this place and at Fortuna. In this valley there is no gainsaying the fact that a strong sentiment exists in opposition to the Chinese, many believing that the gain that might result from their residence among us should not be considered. It is equally true that many believe that the Mongolians should have been permitted to remain this season and then sent to the north. Both classes are opposed to Chinese labor, one believing that once the Mongolians gain the slightest footing in Humboldt they will soon be followed by a large influx; the other class, it may be said, being not wholly in accord with this view. The whole unfortunate matter, begun with the best of business intentions, must be regretted, but the county has much to be thankful for in that the affair was settled without the loss of life or property. The greatest credit is due the stockholders of the Port Kenyon corporation, who by their action in submitting to the will of the majority, showed their good citizenship and the fact that they are law abiding citizens. We are informed that the cold storage plant and cannery will be operated this fall and that an effort will be made to secure labor satisfactory to all. We are also told that the management has been offered the service of a couple of solderers, employed at the Cold Brook creamery, and a machine man from the Klamath. A subscription list has been started in Eureka to secure funds to aid in paying the expenses of the Mongolians during their stay in Eureka and also their fare north. At a meeting in Eureka Wednesday night, H.L. Ricks, the chairman of the assembly, asked the citizens to protect the Chinamen during their short stay at the county seat. Resolutions were also adopted stating that the meeting was as strongly opposed to the introduction of Japanese as Chinamen in any industry of the county.

 

FE (5 Oct. 1906) What the Advance Says:

Last Saturday there arrived from the north a number of Chinamen under contract to the Tallant-Grant Packing Co., who expect to operate a new salmon cannery on lower Eel river during the coming season. These Chinamen arrived at Eureka and were at once taken to their new quarters at Port Kenyon, where they have remained up to the present time. With the arrival in Humboldt of these Chinese a wave of indignation was at once aroused and meetings have been held all over the county since that time. On Sunday evening many citizens of Fortuna assembled in response to a call at Diamond hall and after discussing the situation appointed a committee consisting of Dr. J.A. Lane, John Roberts, and Ellis Robinson to confer with the Loleta Board of Trade, the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce and the stockholders of the cannery and report back at the meeting to be held last evening. In the meantime the matter had been taken up by the woodsmen all over the county and a second meeting was held in Fortuna Monday evening without anything definite being done, the men preferring to await the result of the citizens' meeting of last evening.

Word was received in Fortuna yesterday afternoon that men from all of the camps of the county would be ready to assemble to drive the Chinamen from the county but all were asked to keep cool and see what could be done by peaceable means. With the closing down of the Newburg wood yesterday evening the men began to assemble in Fortuna from that camp. The town trustees had taken precaution early in the day to request the saloon keepers to keep their places closed and the request was willingly granted. It was a quiet and orderly crowd throughout the evening, but the determined spirit of the men could be easily seen. A committee of stockholders of the cannery consisting of Messrs. Tallant, Francis, Williams and Caltoft drove to Fortuna from Ferndale in the early evening and explained a proposition which had been put in writing by the cannery company at their forenoon meeting. This proposition consisted of a promise that if the Chinamen were allowed to remain during the present fishing season that the company would enter into a contract to remove them at that time from the county and in future seasons employ only white labor.

The meeting last night was called to order by Dr. Lane and the report of the committee was read as was also the proposition offered by the cannery company. The question as to whether or not the Chinamen might remain in the county was brought before the meeting in the shape of a vote on the company's proposition. Speeches condemning the action of the company in bringing the Chinamen to the county were made by Messrs. Keeling, Crooks and others and the vote against permitting the Chinamen to remain was practically unanimous. As word had been received that a large number of men would start for Fortuna early this morning unless otherwise requested, a committee consisting of Messrs. Lane, Schillington, Jasper, Keeling and Smith was appointed to communicate at once with the various points where the men are to start from and tell them that in place of whole crowds coming to simply send representative committees to meet in this town at 10:30 o'clock this forenoon. The situation opens this morning with everything quiet, but with very few of the men in this vicinity at work and all awaiting the action of the general assembly at 10:30 o'clock. It is not believed that any violence will be done, although the temper of some of the men is not of the best. All now seem inclined to act with moderation as far as possible and it is thought that no hasty action will be taken at the meeting to be held now in a few hours. The chances seem favorable for District Attorney Gregor to be present this morning and add a word of official advice to the council.

 

FE (9 Oct. 1906) Chinamen Would have been Protected--The Tallant Co. of Astoria, to operate the salmon cannery at Port Kenyon the coming season, which brought some twenty odd Chinamen from the north to aid in the work, received a telegram last night which may be of interest, as it fully demonstrates the legal right of the Tallant people and the stockholders of the Port Kenyon cold storage plant to have kept the Celestials in this locality had they not desired to avoid bringing trouble on the county, trouble as the telegram indicates, that might have ended in an international affair had any of the Chinamen been injured or killed.

The wire was from the Chinese Consul at Oakland, Sun See Yee, wanting to know if the local authorities would protect the Chinese working in the cannery, and also asking if government troops should be sent to this place for their protection. An answer to the telegram is unnecessary, as the Chinese were outgoing passengers for the north on the Roanoke, advertised to sail from the county seat yesterday afternoon, and with their going the sentiment against them, so strongly manifested at the mass meetings of last week in Fortuna and in Eureka, has been satisfied.

Much has been said regarding the importation of Chinese into this section that was uncalled for, and acts and innuendo have been committed since and before the withdrawal of the Chinese from among us that are as little as they were unwarranted. To enter into the matters in question at this time we consider unwise, as it would go far toward keeping alive a misunder-

standing that has created enough discord as it is. It should be a matter of congratulations to every resident of Humboldt that the Tallant Co. are of such good citizenship that they were willing to submit to the wishes of the many, even though every legal law of the government was upon their side.

 

FE (9 Oct. 1906) The carpenter work on the cannery plant was completed last Saturday by Contractors Steeves & Flowers and their assistants. The installation of the machinery at the cannery is being rushed as rapidly as possible in order to have the plant in readiness for the salmon season, which opens the 16th of the present month.

 

FE (9 Oct. 1906) The gasoline schooner President has made several trips the last few days between Humboldt bay and Port Kenyon delivering tierces and other materials for the salmon cannery plant at Port Kenyon.

 

FE (16 Oct. 1906) On Sunday's Roanoke, arriving at Eureka from the north, were nine men from Astoria who will be employed during the fishing season by the Sanborn Cutting Co. which will carry on extensively the business of fishing on lower Eel river this fall and winter. In all, the Sanborn Co. will employ twenty-four men, work eight horses, and will also use a gasoline launch for laying out the seines on the river. The men will make their home in large tents that have already been pitched opposite the Dago Bend grounds. Five large seine boats have also been completed, and everything is now in readiness for the season's run, says Foreman T.A. Varian.

 

FE (19 Oct. 1906) The open season for salmon commenced at twelve o'clock last Monday night, and the following day the Port Kenyon Cold Storage plant received nine tons of fish, which is reported to have been as fine a lot of salmon as were ever taken from the river. Seiners and gillnetters state that the fish are not overly plentiful just at present but hope and expect that a heavier run will soon enter the river. Tuesday afternoon last, fishing was somewhat interfered with by one of the largest tides ever recorded on the lower river, the high water placing considerable drift on the seining grounds and causing some trouble in its removal...

 

FE (23 Oct. 1906) Lower Eel river was well dotted with trolling boats last Sunday, but the catch of salmon was very light. Not many fish are in the river at present...Seiners and gillnetters on lower Eel river have not been very successful in catching salmon the last week, the run of fish in the river so far this season being very light. Fishermen are of the opinion that salmon will be very scarce until a rain puts a little fresh water in the river.

 

FE (23 Oct. 1906) Work will soon commence on an addition to the salmon cannery at Port Kenyon. The cannery was recently completed but the managers of the new industry have found that more room is needed to successfully carry on the business.

 

FE (30 Oct. 1906) Seiners and gillnetters have been a little more successful in salmon fishing on lower Eel river the last few days, and as a result the Port Kenyon Cold Storage and Cannery plants have been receiving more fish than before. Salmon are by no means over-abundant in the river just at present, but a good sized run is expected at any time now.

 

FE (2 Nov. 1906) A purse net, something new on Eel river, was operated on the lower river the first of the week by the Tallant people but with little success, owing to the scarcity of salmon in the stream. The net is square, or nearly so, in shape and is operated by the aid of boats in the river, it not being necessary to haul from the land.

 

FE (6 Nov. 1906) That salmon are still rather scarce in Eel river is the report received yesterday from gillnetters and seiners on the lower stretch of the stream. It is expected, however, that the recent rains will cause the fish to enter the river in greater numbers.

 

FE (9 Nov. 1906) The late rain has been the cause of a greater number of salmon entering Eel river than has been the case since the opening of the season. The cold storage and cannery plant at Port Kenyon has been receiving between four and eight tons of fish daily this week, the greater amount of the salmon being caught by the gillnetters the fore part of the week as the rains caused Eel river to rise several feet, thus creating too strong a current in the stream for the seiners to operate with the greatest success. The fish, though in fair condition, are not all as good quality for cold storage purposes as might be expected. The cannery is now running smoothly and is turning out a large amount of canned salmon each day. Some 15 or 20 men and girls are employed there, about a third of whom are residents of this section.

 

FE (16 Nov. 1906) Salmon in Eel river have been conspicuous by their absence this week. There is but little danger of the seiners or gillnetters becoming capitalists this season if the fish continue to "cut out" the river.

 

FE (16 Nov. 1906) Salmon trolling has been good at the pool at Price creek this week, is the report reaching this office. Wednesday last George W. Cousins, county clerk-elect and a young gentleman named Nichols, were successful in hooking and landing nineteen fine fish.

 

FE (27 Nov. 1906) Trolling for salmon in lower Salt river has been very good the last few days, although the fish are small, ranging in weight from four to ten pounds. Several of the anglers hooked and landed as many as fifteen or more of the fish.

 

FE (7 Dec. 1906) Andrew V. Chapin and Chris Ericksen and Thomas Hansen were among the most successful trollers for salmon on lower Salt river last Wednesday. Each boat was successful in killing 17 fish. The salmon ranged in weight from four to ten pounds.

 

FE (11 Dec. 1906) Fish Galore--Reports reached us yesterday that salmon in large numbers were running in Eel river at Singleys Sunday evening and night, the recent rains having probably caused the fish to at last enter the stream. It is stated that three seines, operated by Ed Bauer and crew and others took 40 tons of fish Sunday evening.

 

FE (11 Dec. 1906) Poor Season--The Times says:

According to the statement of H. Witte, a representative of the fishing firm of H. Linderman & Co. of Astoria, the past fishing season on Eel river has been a complete failure, and the men that have been employed by the company with their outfits, will leave next Thursday for the north. The cause of the poor season is said to be because of the condition of the salmon, which has been white, and unfit for packing purposes. Within the last week, Eel river has risen five feet and a continual rise is still on. All the salt which has been brought from the north by the Linderman company will also be shipped to Astoria, arrangements having been made for the shipments. According to local shipping men who have handled the salmon output of past seasons for the Linderman company, not one-half of the former season's shipments has gone north during this season.

 

FE (14 Dec. 1906) The heaviest run of salmon in Eel river this season has been this week, the fish having at last entered the stream in large numbers. On the lower river, the seines have not been in operation, owing to the high water and the large amount of drift running. The gillnetters have been busily occupied, however, and have made some good catches. Seines are being used in the river at Singleys, the greater portion of the catch being hauled to the Port Kenyon cold storage and cannery plant.

 

FE (14 Dec. 1906) The Sanborn Cutting and Packing Co. of Astoria, Oregon, which has operated a number of seines on lower Eel river since the beginning of the salmon season last October, discontinued work for the season last Tuesday. Several of the fishermen employed by the company will remain in this valley and will gillnet in Eel river, but the greater number will return to their homes at Astoria.

 

FE (1 Jan. 1907) Salmon have been very scarce in Eel river the last week, and as a result things have not been greatly rushed at the Port Kenyon cold storage plant and cannery. It is probable that if a run of fish does not enter the river within the next few days the plant will be closed for the season and the Messrs. Tallant and their families, as well as their employees, will return by Sunday's streamer to Astoria, Oregon.

 

FE (4 Jan. 1907) T.A. Varian of the Island tells us that quite a run of salmon is reported to have entered Eel river Sunday night. It is also said that fishermen are not taking many of the fish as but few buyers are operating on the river.

 

FE (8 Jan. 1907) The Port Kenyon cold storage plant and cannery suspended operations for the season the latter part of last week, and by yesterday's north bound Elder, W.E. Tallant and wife, N. Tallant and wife, Miss H. Tallant, and the majority of the employees of the storage plant and cannery returned to their homes at Astoria. The season has been an "off" one, the runs of salmon in the river being few and far between. Just what has caused the scarcity the last two years is not known, but there are a number of fishermen who are firm in the belief that if a law were passed prohibiting the taking of salmon with nets above tide water, or at least above East's ferry, it would not be long before the fish would be as plentiful in the stream as in past years. Every year, after the first rises worth mention occur, tons of salmon are taken in the upper stretches of the river as they are on their way to the spawning grounds. If we are correctly informed, these fish are of very poor quality, and in many instances practically worthless. Were they allowed to spawn, a large increase of fish in the river would soon be noticed and the results of lasting benefit to the fishermen, say those who should be in a position to know. The passing of a law of this kind, while it might work a hardship upon some, would certainly be of great benefit to many. The question is one in which a majority of the fishermen on Eel river should be sufficiently interested as to give it at least more than a passing thought. By a union of the forces of those engaged in the fishing industry, results could be obtained that would be very gratifying.

 

FE (15 Jan. 1907) Deputy Game and Fish Commissioner W.P. Huestis was in Ferndale since our last issue. The gentleman, who has been sojourning in the lower Eel river section for several days, reports quite a number of steelheads in the stream.

 

FE (15 Jan. 1907) Chamber of Commerce--...F.G. Williams, J.H. Ring and Harry Caltoft were named as a committee to draft resolutions to be sent to Governor Gillett and the Humboldt representatives at Sacramento announcing the belief of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce that seining for salmon above East's ferry on Eel river should be prohibited by law. The Governor and Humboldt's State Senator and Assembly[man] will also be asked to use their influence in aiding the proposed restriction. Secretary P.R. Burris was also instructed to communicate with the Fortuna Board of Trade informing that body of the action taken and asking its support...

 

FE (18 Jan. 1907) At the meeting of the Eureka Chamber of Commerce Wednesday night, the body decided to comply with the request of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce to ask Humboldt's representatives in the Legislature to have a law passed prohibiting seining and gillnetting above tide water in Eel river for the protection of the spawning grounds above East's ferry.

 

FE (22 Jan. 1907) More Salmon Eggs--Sunday last, another shipment of about two million salmon eggs was received from below by Superintendent Fassett of the Price creek hatchery. Between five and six million eggs have been received at the hatchery this season.

 

FE (22 Jan. 1907) Steelhead Legislation--Hon. J.W. McClellan of the Third Assembly District of Humboldt, has introduced the following bill in the Legislature, which affects the fishing industry of the county but more especially that of Eel river:

An Act to amend Section 632 of the Penal Code of the State of California relating to buying, selling, or taking of steelheads...Section 1--Section 632. Every person who, between the first day of November in any year and the first day of April of the year following, buys, sells, takes, catches, kills, or has in his possession any variety of trout, except steelhead trout (Salmo gairdneri); or who at any time, buys, sells or offers for sale any trout of less than one pound in weight; or who, at any time, takes, catches, or kills any trout other than steelhead trout except with hook and line; or who, at any time, takes, catches, kills, or has in his possession, during any one calendar day, more than fifty trout, other than steelhead trout, the total weight of which exceeds twenty-five pounds, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Every person found guilty of any violation of any of the provisions of this section must be fined in a sum not less than twenty dollars or by imprisonment in the county jail...not less than ten days...

 

FE (25 Jan. 1907) During the past season, the U.S. Fish Commission has taken eighty-seven million salmon eggs from the Battle Creek, Mill Creek and Baird Creek sections and of this number the hatchery on Price creek, near Weymouth's resort, has received six million.

 

FE (8 March 1907) It is understood that the State Commission is investigating a proposition to place men along the Mattole river for the purpose of taking steelhead eggs from the fish which annually congregate there for the purpose of spawning. It is the opinion of the members of the Fish Commission that Eel river does not afford a good chance for the taking of steelheads during the spawn season, but that with proper precaution the shoal waters of the Mattole and its tributaries may be utilized to advantage. Afterward the eggs are to be shipped to the hatchery at Weymouth's.

 

FE (19 March 1907) W.O. Fassett, who has acted as superintendent of the Price creek hatchery for a number of years, at the end of the present season, will be transferred to another location--probably Sisson.

 

FE (12 April 1907) Concerning the Steelhead Law--...steelhead cannot be taken in any way at any time, but with hook and line. It is also made an offense for any person, fish dealer, transportation company or steamship company to have steelhead in possession that were taken with a net.

 

FE (19 April 1907) About the Game Laws--Salmon: Close season Sept. 17th to Oct. 23d; Oct. 23d to Nov. 15th above tide water, between sunrise of each Saturday and sunset of the following Sunday. Unlawful to use less than 7 1\2 inch mesh net; to take fish less than 5 inches in length. Trout: Open season May 1st to Nov. 15th; unlawful to buy or sell less than one pound in weight; to take, except with hook and line; to take less than five inches in length; to have more than twenty-five pounds, or more than fifty fish in one day. Steelhead Trout: Close season Feb. 1st to April 1st; Sept. 17th to Oct. 23d; April is an open month in tide water only. Unlawful to take, except with hook and line; to take, kill, or have in possession more than 50 per day; to ship out of state; to take or have in possession fish under 5 inches in length. Sturgeon: No open season. Unlawful to take or have in possession.

 

FE (21 May 1907) Steelheads are reported quite plentiful in Eel river at present. A number of the fish have been caught by local anglers the last week.

 

FE (12 July 1907) W.O. Fassett, Superintendent of the Price creek hatchery, has been transferred to Sisson and will depart today for his new location. He will be accompanied by his wife and son, Weymouth, who will visit with Berkeley friends before going to Sisson.

 

FE (16 July 1907) Fishermen lined the banks of Eel river from East's to Dungan's last Sunday and some good catches are reported.

 

FE (19 July 1907) J.H. Ring and son Meredith spent Wednesday fishing for steelhead at the Pollard pool with good success. They caught two nice ones, but lost some through the breaking of tackle. One of the fish took Mr. Ring's pole and line overboard and he did not recover it for two hours. When found, however, the fish was still on the end of the line and the gentleman succeeded in landing him.

 

FE (30 July 1907) Steelhead fishing in Eel river has been quite good the last week. Friday last Postmaster L.H. Miner, accompanied by Dr. L. Michael and M. Sullivan of Ferndale, fished at Weymouth's with the result that Mr. Miner landed three fine fish, one of which weighed over ten pounds. In the Lytle pool near Singleys, J.J. Sage of the Island landed several fine steelhead a few days ago.

 

FE (6 Aug. 1907) Tells of our Fishing--In the California Promotion Co.'s Magazine for August appears an article on the fishing streams of Humboldt from the pen of George Kellogg of Eureka. From the article, we take the following excerpt:

South of Humboldt Bay the county is equally as well provided with trout streams. Bear river and the Mattole along the coast, and the Van Duzen, Lawrence creek, Laribee creek, the South Fork of Eel river, and its various branches, all offer the finest of early season sport, while most of them continue to yield fine fish throughout the open season.

But chiefest of all the piscatorial sport in Humboldt is fly fishing for steelhead trout in Eel river, beginning usually in July and extending on throughout the season, the month of September being accounted the best of the season. All things combine to make this the acme of the real sportsman's season. The river is broad and contains long reaches and pools where these finny beauties swarm. The river is open, the background of the finest, the gentle sea breezes give just the right amount of ripple, no better opportunity exists on earth for prime sport in fishing. The steelheads fresh from the ocean are strong and vigorous and the fight they put up before yielding to the angler's wiles is worth a long journey to experience. These fish run all the way from one-half pound to twenty-pound in weight, the smaller being denominated "half pounders," the larger "steeheads." Fly fishermen have been known to catch in a day's sport from eight to ten steelhead and twenty to sixty half-pounders, the latter varying from one-half pound to one and one-half pounds. Many other varieties of fish are also caught during the season especially by those using trolls or bait. Ordinary trout, salmon trout, chub salmon, king salmon, all of these add to the variety of the sport.

A government hatchery at Price creek, near Weymouth's, yearly hatches millions of salmon eggs, the fry being mostly deposited in Eel river, near its mouth. A station for gathering steelhead spawn has also been established there, thus maintaining and increasing the supply of this truly royal game fish.

 

FE (27 Sept. 1907) May Catch Salmon Trout--Owing to the doubt which has generally existed among the fishermen of this vicinity as to whether it is or is not unlawful to catch salmon trout with hook and line this month, the Enterprise has interviewed Game Warden Huestis regarding the matter. Mr. Huestis informs us that it is perfectly lawful to catch salmon trout until the 15th day of November, and that the season is at present closed only for salmon and steelhead. Care must be exercised in handling the rod, however, that the bag limit is not exceeded, which is fifty fish, providing that the total weight of the catch must not be more than twenty-five pounds. This bag limit will not prove burdensome, however, as we have not heard so far this season of any one person reaching this number. Our fly fishers may enjoy their favorite sport for some time yet, with their minds at ease regarding the legality of their act...

 

FE (4 Oct. 1907) Trout fishing in Eel river near the Bluff is said to be very good...

 

FE (4 Oct. 1907) Nat Tallant and a crew of men from Astoria, Oregon are expected to arrive in Ferndale within the next week or two to prepare the cold storage plant at Port Kenyon for operation for this season's run of salmon. The open season will go into effect on the 23d inst. No definite word has been received in Ferndale as to whether or not the canning department will be operated this fall.

 

FE (15 Oct. 1907) Huestis Talks--Says last Saturday evening's Eureka Herald:

There shall be no more fresh salmon eaten in Humboldt county before the 23d of the month and those who have been fudging upon the law and slyly enjoying the delicious meat of the red tribe of the treacherous Eel had better look out, or more than a Goblin will get them, sure. Deputy Game Warden Huestis has issued an edict that this salmon feasting must stop...

 

FE (18 Oct. 1907) An immense run of Spanish mackerel have made their appearance in Salt river the past week. Wednesday a couple of drags of a small meshed seine were made among them and at each haul a boat load of the fish was secured. They are fine eating.

 

FE (18 Oct. 1907) Many fishermen from Astoria will spend the winter on Eel river and will be engaged in seining and gillnetting. A number have already arrived and are getting everything in readiness for the opening of the season, which will be next Wednesday, October 23d.

 

FE (18 Oct. 1907) Loleta--Considerable preparations are being made along the river in order that everything will be in readiness with the fishermen for the opening of the season. A great many fishermen have arrived from other places, but not as many as in previous years. Considerable blasting has been done to rid the river of snags.

 

FE (22 Oct. 1907) Tomorrow the open season for salmon will commence. Great preparation for the run of fish in Eel river is being made at the cold storage and cannery plant at Port Kenyon and also by the seiners and gillnetters on the river. Salmon are now reported very plentiful in Eel river and a big catch is expected tomorrow.

 

FE (25 Oct. 1907) Deputy Fish and Game Commissioner Huestis states that at a point near Crowley's Camp on Eel river a few days ago someone used dynamite in the stream and killed hundreds of fish. Whoever the miscreant was who did the dynamiting took away many big fish that he killed. The game warden is now watching diligently to find some evidence of who did the dynamiting and if caught he will be brought to trial. The least penalty for dynamiting in the streams of the state is a $250 fine.

 

FE (29 Oct. 1907) Forty-seven and one-half tons of salmon were in cold storage at the Port Kenyon Packing Co.'s plant last Saturday afternoon.

 

FE (29 Oct. 1907) In full Operation--The Sanborn Cutting Co. of Astoria, Oregon is now operating its fishing grounds on lower Eel river and expected to have everything in full swing yesterday for the fall run of salmon in the stream. The grounds are under the supervision of the Spencer Bros. of Astoria, who have ten men in their employ, and are also using three head of horses and a gasoline launch in prosecuting the work. The catch has been contracted to the Port Kenyon Cold Storage Co., who will receive up to ten tons of fish per day. The crew has located its camp on Cock Robin Island, near the scene of work, and are very comfortably located. T.A. Varian of the Island is the Sanborn Co.'s representative here, and it is due to his recommendation and efforts that the Astorians are again operating their fishing grounds on Eel river this season.

 

FE (29 Oct. 1907) Seiners of lower Eel river and also farther up the stream have made large catches of salmon since the season opened last Wednesday. The fish have been very plentiful and about fifty tons have been delivered at the Port Kenyon cold storage and canning plant. The remainder of the crew who will be employed at the plant arrived from Astoria Sunday and is now busily engaged in preparing the fish for the market.

 

FE (8 Nov. 1907) Salmon fishing in Eel river has not been as good the past few days as has been the case most of the time since the season opened. A little rain would bring in the fish, it is thought.

 

FE (12 Nov. 1907) The cold storage plant and cannery at Port Kenyon now presents a very busy scene and already more salmon have been handled than was the case last season. The corporation is paying two cents a pound for fish and should the run continue this will be a very profitable season for Eel river fishermen.

 

FE (19 Nov. 1907) Up to last Saturday, Henry Keisner of lower Salt river, who has the contract to deliver salmon to the cold storage and cannery plant at Port Kenyon, has landed at the company's wharf nearly 280,000 pounds of fish. Aside from this amount, the plant has received a good many tons of salmon caught in Eel river near Singleys.

 

FE (22 Nov. 1907) Seiners and gillnetters have been very successful on Eel river this week, the result being that many tons of salmon have been delivered to the cold storage and cannery plant at Port Kenyon.

 

FE (29 Nov. 1907) Salmon have not been as plentiful in lower Eel river this week, although quite a number of tons have been supplied the cold storage plant at Port Kenyon by the Sanborn Co., which operates the grounds at Dago Bend. Gillnetters report "not much doing."

 

FE (29 Nov. 1907) Says Tuesday's Times:

Fifty-five boxes of Eel river salmon which were put on the steamer Spokane Saturday for San Francisco were taken from the cargo Sunday and placed in the ship's cold storage plant by the Pacific Coast Steamship Company for the benefit of the Eel River fishermen. The fish will be in good condition when the Spokane reaches San Francisco, owing to the forethought of the steamship officials...There are in all 23,850 pounds of fish, which at the market price, three cents per pound, amounts to $715.50.

 

FE (29 Nov. 1907) A shipment of 1,618 cases of Eel river salmon was made to Astoria Sunday on the steamer George W. Elder...On her last trip north the Roanoke took 1,500 cases of salmon for Astoria.

 

FE (3 Dec. 1907) The Port Kenyon cold storage and cannery plants are now caught up with the handling of their fish. The past few days the catch of salmon has not been very heavy, although some have been taken every day. About 90 tierces, or 6,000 cases, have so far been put up in the cold storage plant this year, and the work of repacking will commence this week. All the fish have been of unusually good quality this year.

 

FE (13 Dec. 1907) The Sanborn Cutting and Packing Co. which operated the fishing grounds on Eel river opposite "Dago Bend" ceased operations a few days ago because of the rise in Eel river. The season is reported to have been a very successful one and many fish have been taken...

 

FE (20 Dec. 1907) Salmon have been very scarce in lower Eel river this week and gillnetters have been taking but few fish. The price paid by the Italian buyers on the river this week was three and four cents.

FE (17 Jan. 1908) W.O. Fassett and family arrived in Humboldt several days ago and are now at Price creek where the gentleman is in charge of the fish hatchery there. Wednesday of this week 2,000,000 salmon eggs were received at the hatchery for propagation.

 

FE (24 Jan. 1908) Quite a run of steelhead salmon is reported in Eel river at the present time. It is unlawful to catch the fish, however, and as a consequence, not a few dollars are being lost to the fishermen on lower Eel river.

 

FE (4 Feb. 1908) Another big shipment of salmon eggs was received at the Price creek hatchery yesterday. Superintendent Fassett and assistants are working overtime in caring for the eggs.

 

FE (20 March 1908) Deputy Game and Fish Warden W.P. Huestis arrived in Ferndale Tuesday...From him we learn that a number of the sportsmen of this valley have been fishing for trout in the tide waters of Salt river, which Mr. Huestis points out is unlawful. After April 1st, according to Mr. Huestis, it will be unlawful to fish in tide water for steelhead trout, only, but after May 1st it will be lawful to fish in any stream for trout of any species.

 

FE (3 April 1908) Steelheads are said to have made their appearance in quite large numbers in Eel river at Singleys and at East's. A number of the local anglers have been enjoying good sport this week.

 

FE (9 June 1908) Two hundred and fifty thousand steelheads, hatched early in May, will be turned into Price creek the middle of the month by Superintendent W.O. Fassett of the hatchery. This is said to be the best hatch of steelheads ever produced in the Price creek hatchery.

 

FE (30 June 1908) T.A. Varian of the Island, who is in charge of the Sanborn Cutting [and] Packing Co.'s fishing grounds on Eel river, expects to leave within the next three or four weeks for Astoria, Oregon, where he will consult with the officials of the company regarding the fall fishing operations. Mr. Varian will take north with him a barrel of eels, taken from Eel river, which his company will inspect with the view of placing Eel river eels on [the] market if they come up to expectations.

 

FE (17 July 1908) Steelheads are beginning to run in Eel river and already some of our anglers have been successful in hooking and landing a number. Tuesday evening Mrs. Uri Williams and daughter Mrs. W.A. Smith of Grizzly Bluff captured a fine specimen in the pool above East's ferry. The fish weighed twelve pounds and was very gamey.

 

FE (24 July 1908) Consistency--A dozen or more Chinamen jabbering contentedly as they strung along the streets of Eureka Sunday, dodging familiarly in and out of the open shops, made Ferndalers spending the day in the county seat stand and gasp at the horror of the sight.

Not so very long ago when the Tallant-Grant Packing Co. of Astoria wisely or unwisely brought fifteen or twenty Chinamen to Port Kenyon to operate their cannery because it was impossible to secure white labor, a storm of abuse was hurled at Ferndale and the inhabitants thereof by Eureka and the neighboring towns. And from great gatherings did indignation sputter forth that the sacred soil of Humboldt was being desecrated by the foot print of the terrible heathen Chinee, yet the heathen Chinee's money is as good as anybody else's and when an English ship with a crew of Chinese sailors anchored in Humboldt bay, neither the merchants of the county seat nor the press howled, even when the terrible Chinee ambled ashore and roamed at will within the sacred precincts of the sacred city and--spent his money.

 

FE (31 July 1908) Propagation of Fish and Game--Greatly advanced steps are to be taken in Humboldt county by the state looking to the propagation of both fish and game. According to Chas. Vogelsang, chief deputy fish and game commissioner, who has just arrived in Eureka to look over the situation here, says the Herald...

Work in the interest of fishing is also to be taken up by the commission. He says that the state hatchery at Price creek, near Grizzly Bluff, is too near the sea for the proper propagation of steelheads, and as he expects to go into the steelhead work in Humboldt on a larger scale, he will do some work on the upper end of the south fork of Eel river next spring. The commission will continue the work in the propagation of salmon but will add the increased work in raising steelheads...

 

FE (15 Sept. 1908) Salmon have entered Eel river in quite large numbers and some big catches were made by gillnetters last week. Fishermen state that so little sale for the fish exists that it does not pay to seine them. The close season for salmon will commence next Thursday the 17th inst. and will remain in force until the 23d next month.

 

FE (18 Sept. 1908) According to the state fish laws, the close season for steelheads, like that for salmon, went into force yesterday and until the 23d of next month it will be unlawful to take this species of fish. This reminder is given that our anglers may not gather the idea that while it is unlawful to take salmon, steelheads may be caught.

 

FE (9 Oct. 1908) The Standard says:

Reports are coming in from Eel river right along of the many big salmon that are being caught by trollers there, seemingly in ignorance that the fishermen so reported are liable to prosecution under the game laws...

The state game law says that above tide water the close season extends to November 15th for salmon. In tide water the close season for salmon extends from September 17th to October 23d.

Fishermen say that sport on Eel river has been extraordinarily fine this year, even for that stream so famous among anglers.

 

FE (20 Oct. 1908) Trollers meet--The trollers of the valley and many of those interested in the fishing sport met yesterday afternoon at Roberts hall to form a permanent organization and protect the sport of trolling. R.A. Simpson was appointed temporary chairman and R.H. Smith temporary secretary. A committee of five, composed of Harry Caltoft, Robt. W. Robarts, James Niebur, Joseph A. Shaw and A.V. Chapin, were appointed to perfect plans for a permanent organization and look up by-laws, the committee to report next Thursday night at the town hall, when it is expected that the organization will become a permanent one. About fifty-four have already signed. Attorney Puter was present and addressed the meeting. The promoters of the organization state that all who are in any way interested in the trolling sport are invited to send in their names and become charter members of the club. The present admission fee is $2.50.

 

FE (20 Oct. 1908) Seining-Gillnetting--The seiners take objection to the fact that they are accused of breaking the law and feel that the article in last Tuesday's issue discriminated against them as no reference was made to the gillnetters. This was not intentional. The seiners, from reports reaching us, probably break the law, but from what we are told, no more so than the gillnetters, and if the seiners are to be forced to obey the law, in justice, the gillnetters should do the same.

 

FE (23 Oct. 1908) Now for the Salmon--Today, the 23d, the trollers, without fear of the hand of the law, may play the gamey salmon on Eel river as the open season is now in effect.

The river is full of salmon and since the arrest of Jesse Abrahamsen the stream has been practically deserted for no one seems desirous of coming in contact with the law, even though the case of Mr. Abrahamsen was dismissed.

Deputy Game Warden Hitchings has been constantly patrolling the river...Hundreds of trollers in the county are said to be anxious to see the season so changed as to allow fishermen a chance to take salmon in a reasonable manner and there is a widespread movement in the county looking to amendments in the present fishing laws.

 

FE (27 Oct. 1908) Good Work--Friday evening's Herald in an editorial under the caption, Good Work, Ferndale, has the following to say relative to the formation and objects of the Eel River Valley Fish Club:

We are glad to note the formation of the Eel river fish club by the Ferndale sportsmen, and to see the way in which the club has set out to secure what its members believe to be needed reforms in the manner and time of catching salmon on Eel river. The club is going about its proposed business in an orderly way, has appointed a committee to see that the law is enforced to the letter, and another committee to take up the matter of securing changes in the laws governing the catching of salmon...

 

FE (27 Oct. 1908) Mr. "Net Fisherman" Answered--The following communication reached us from one of our subscribers in reply to the article appearing in Friday's issue of the Fortuna Beacon relative to the trial of Jesse Abrahamsen, and which the Beacon's correspondent termed a farce.

Editor, Ferndale Enterprise: Somebody who signed himself "Net Fisherman" in a letter to the Humboldt Beacon of October 23d, seems very anxious to express his opinion of what he terms "the farcical trial" of J. Abrahamsen, held in Ferndale last week, and evidently to take a few slaps at the people of that town...

He would like to make the public believe that the people of Ferndale were on trial and that the rest of the county was the prosecution. He seems to think--or wants to make the public think--that it is only the trollers of Ferndale who want the salmon law changed. It is safe to say that less than ten per cent of those who are advocating any radical change in the present fish laws are residents of Ferndale.

Moreover, the probability of closing the river was not suggested at the meeting of the fishermen held in Ferndale. I am not authorized to speak for the new organization as a body, but it is my candid opinion that not one out of ten of its members really wants to see the river closed entirely against net fishermen. They would like to have all seining stopped on the spawning grounds, and most of the net fishermen agree with them on this point. The real object of the meeting was to form a club that would work for such changes in the present law as would be beneficial to Humboldt county in general. As long as the salmon continue as plentiful as they have for the past three or four years, the average hook and line fishermen will be content with a law that will give them the right to enjoy their sport without interfering with the rights of anyone else. To be sure, there are a few "fish hogs" who would like to own the river with a fence around it, but these are not necessarily hook and line fishermen, and very few of them claim Ferndale as their home...

A law could be passed making it unlawful to take salmon except with hook and line during a limited season, also making it unlawful to sell salmon or have over so many pounds in one's possession during that season. Such a law could be enforced without interfering with the rights of the hook and line fishermen and it would be equally as effective as the present law in the prevention of net fishing during the closed season.

And when the authorities see fit, let the river be open for net fishermen and regulated so as to give all a fair chance. The open season for net fishing must depend to some extent on the conditions in other parts of the state. If the net fishermen want the law changed, if they think that they should be allowed to stretch their nets more than one third of the way across the river, let them get together and make known their wants. If they want to make this county a law abiding community, they should do their share toward framing laws that would demand respect and that consequently would be respected.

Personally, my sympathies are with the man who gets out and earns an honest dollar by handling an icy net on a frosty night, and I want him to get his share of the salmon as long as he doesn't try to grab them all and exhaust the supply faster than it can be increased. But I do object to Mr. Net Fisherman's attempt in last week's Beacon to make the public believe that the people of Ferndale were responsible for any great share of the fish that were taken with hook and line at the mouth of Eel river during the present year. Also, if Mr. Net Fisherman thinks that he could handle a thirty-pound salmon on a hundred foot line by main strength and awkwardness--well, I would like to be there to see the fun.

Very sincerely, Outsider.

 

FE (27 Oct. 1908) Will not Reopen--The Port Kenyon Packing and Cold Storage plant at Port Kenyon will not be operated this season as there is practically no market for mild cured salmon, which was the principal industry of the plant.

At first it was thought to run the canning part of the factory, but on consideration, the directors decided it would not be a paying proposition to operate that part of the plant alone, hence they decided to do nothing toward operating the plant. There would be no difficulty in disposing of the canned fish, but the output is not large enough to warrant the resumption of that particular branch of the industry.

At the present time they have quite a supply both of the canned fish and tierce salmon on hand, enough to meet present demands, and the management hopes to be able to clean up whatever is on hand and start out fresh next season.

 

FE (27 Oct. 1908) Breaking the Law--G. Boutti, an Italian fisherman of Loleta, was arrested by Deputy Fish and Game Warden Glatt last Friday for violation of the fishing law. It is claimed that Boutti pressed the season by making a haul Thursday night before the season opened at midnight. He was charged with having salmon in his possession during the close season and was held to answer to Justice Sowash of Loleta in $500 bonds, which he furnished.

 

FE (27 Oct. 1908) Trollers' Meeting--...a committee...was appointed to take the necessary steps toward getting into communication with the Governor and Legislature relative to amending the present laws regarding fishing. It is the expectation of the club to eventually bring about the possibility of trolling the year around...The club has a membership of seventy-five at present and more names are being added each day...

 

FE (3 Nov. 1908) Is Seining Illegal?--The Standard contains the following of interest to fishermen and trollers:

In one shape or another the fish question continues to bob up in Humboldt County and attorneys who have examined the law express considerable surprise at the result of their research. One attorney asserts that it is illegal to do any seining whatever. This is owing to the peculiar language used in Section 636 of the Penal Code. The Code forbids the use of set-nets, and then defines a set-net as one that is secured in any way "and not free to drift with the current or tide." As one end of a seine is always attached to the shore it is contended that it is a "set-net" and hence illegal. According to this attorney, and he made a careful examination of the law, seining in California is illegal. It is only allowed now to go on by sufferance.

Thus at first blush it might appear as though the trollers had nothing to do but institute suit and so put the seiners right out of commission, providing they wanted to do this. But the same legal authority ventures the opinion that the trollers themselves are merely permitted to fish on such a river as Eel River by "sufferance." In fact he says the owners of the land could contend that the people fishing on the river are trespassers and so could run them off.

In support of this contention he says that some years ago a case was decided in the Supreme Court declaring that the abutting property owners control the fishery rights on Eel River. It is this decision that leads to the opinion that neither the trollers nor the gill netters have any too good a "standing in court." In reply to this contention it is claimed that the United States Government regards Eel River as a navigable stream and subject to tidal flow, and would not permit the State to interfere with the Federal rights of citizens to fish in tidal waters.

The upshot of the matter is that those who have examined the law admit there is more or less doubt as to the right of a man to cast a seine in California; also as to the right to troll on the river beside a man's land if he objects to anyone trolling.

In view of the doubts and contentions which are thus raised considerable talk is heard in favor of calling a general meeting or conference of all the people in Humboldt interested in [the] object of trying to get together and agree on a law which might suit everybody.

 

FE (6 Nov. 1908) Arrested for Illegal Fishing--Game Warden Alonzo Lea, of Cloverdale, who was sent to Humboldt by Game Commissioner Vogelsang of San Francisco to look into the matter of illegal fishing on Eel river, has already made two arrests.

The men arrested are Greek fishermen, who are charged with taking salmon with set nets...

 

FE (13 Nov. 1908) More Arrests--Two more fishermen were arrested last week...for infractions of the fishing law on Eel river...There is no question but that the laws relative to fishing will be rigidly enforced and there are likely to be warm times between the fishermen and the authorities before the end of the fishing season.

 

FE (17 Nov. 1908) Charles Spelsati and Smith Kepras were tried before Judge Hunter Saturday for infractions of the fishing law, charged with using set nets. Kepras was discharged for lack of evidence, while Spelsati pleaded guilty and was fined one hundred dollars...

 

FE (17 Nov. 1908) Clearing the River--Captain McLean of Eureka, a diver who has been at work on the Corona wreck, came out to Ferndale Sunday, spending the day on lower Eel river. Mr. McLean in the interests of a seining company spent Sunday and yesterday forenoon placing heavy dynamite charges in the river to blow out the brush and snags interfering with seining. The charges, however, apparently proved ineffectual.

 

FE (20 Nov. 1908) Visiting Humboldt--Dr. Charles F. Gilbert of Stanford University has been in Humboldt the last week, his visit to the county being made to study the salmon that visit Eel river.

Dr. Gilbert states that the government hatcheries at Battle Creek and Mill Creek are quite short of eggs at this time, owing to the fact that the fish have been spawning in the Sacramento river and have not gone up into its tributaries. This is because of low water. Because of this it is quite probable that Humboldt will receive few if any shipments of eggs this year as the eggs will be kept for the Sacramento river. Although the hatcheries have no right to show this partiality and would not be permitted to do so were a kick registered, nevertheless, they do it just the same.

Dr. Gilbert thinks that Humboldt ought to handle its own spawn and hatcheries. Such might cause some expense but it would pay in the long run. If there were a way to preserve the spawn from the fish caught it would amount to a great deal, ten times over the results gained from natural spawning.

 

FE (24 Nov. 1908) Drowned in Eel River--Dick Bush, a well known Indian, and his twelve-year-old son, residing in the Cannibal Island section, were drowned some time Sunday evening on lower Eel river while fishing. No particulars are obtainable. Bush and his son set out Sunday evening in their regular occupation--

net fishing. Yesterday morning their empty boat, minus oars and net, was found floating bottom side up on the river. That told the story of the tragedy. A squaw and one young child survive the father and son. All day yesterday fishermen dragged the river for the bodies but up to late last night no traces of them were found.

 

FE (27 Nov. 1908)...A collection is being taken up for the wife and child [of Dick Bush] by the fishermen along the river, and P. Gusmani, the San Francisco fish dealer, at present at Loleta, started the subscription with twenty-five dollars.

 

FE (1 Dec. 1908) Bodies not Found--The bodies of Dick Bush and his son, the Indian fishermen who were drowned in Eel river a week ago Sunday, have not been recovered as yet. Their gillnet was found thrown up on the Table Bluff beach and entangled in it were several buttons torn from the clothing of one of the unfortunate men...

 

FE (11 Dec. 1908) Two new fish cases were placed on the register of actions in the County Clerk's office this week. One is against Andrew Anderson, charged by District Attorney Gregor with using a set net on October 30th in the waters of Eel river...The other defendant is G. Brutti, who is charged with having fresh salmon in his possession during the closed season...

 

FE (11 Dec. 1908) Important Opinion is Rendered--A very important opinion was rendered by Judge Wilson of our Superior Court last week in the case of the Pacific Coast Packing Co., a corporation, plaintiff, vs. Isaac Mosely, defendant. In that case the title of the Pacific Coast Packing Co. to the exclusive right and privilege of casting, hauling and landing seines and nets on the water front of certain lands bordering on Eel river was involved. The Court held that such a right was property and that the owner of the upland when once he disposed of it for valuable consideration, parted with it for all time and his successors in interest could not question the title of the person who purchased the fishery right.

This opinion virtually disposes of the often discussed question whether or not an exclusive right could be held by one who did not own the upland to fishing and landing seines on the water front...

...the Court finds that the plaintiff is the owner and entitled to the exclusive right and privilege of casting, hauling and landing seines and nets on the water front of the lands ...described and that the defendant has no right or privilege whatever to cast, haul or land seines or nets, or either, on said water front or any part thereof.

 

FE (15 Dec. 1908) Fish Club Meeting--...The evening was spent in discussing matters of general interest to the club, among them the matter of placing the tide limit of Eel river. It was the consensus of opinion among those present that it should be placed a short distance west of the Greig place at Fortuna, also that neither seining or gillnet fishing should be allowed above the tide water mark. As present laws stand, it is permissible to seine and gillnet above tide water after November 15th and it is desired to see this law so amended that fishing of this kind will be closed the year around above the tide water mark...

 

FE (25 Dec. 1908) Fish Club Meets--A special meeting of the Eel River Valley Fish Club was held...

A motion was made, seconded, and carried by the Club, that it be made lawful to fish in Eel river at all times of the year with hook and line; that it be made a misdemeanor to offer for sale or purchase any salmon or steelhead during the close season for same, and also that the catch of those fish per day be limited to five for each person.

Another matter brought before the Club was the close season for salmon above tide water, a motion being carried to the effect that the close season be extended one month later than it is at present, or that instead of the season opening on November 15th as at present it remain closed until December 15th of each year. Also incorporated in the above motion was the desire...that fishing for salmon or steelhead be prohibited in Eel river at all times above the mouth of the Van Duzen river.

The matter of salmon trout and steelhead trout fishing with spawn was given attention, the outcome being that a motion was carried to the effect that it be made unlawful to take the above named fish with salmon spawn or steelhead roe at any time of the year.

In regard to the present law which permits seiners to ply their nets but one-third of the way across a stream or river, and which seems to be a dead letter in so far as living up to the statute is concerned, the Club passed a motion that seiners be allowed to lay nets two-thirds of the way across a river from the water's edge.

Only one other matter of importance was taken under consideration by the Club, that of deciding on the proper point to place the tide limit in Eel river. The present law places the limit at East Ferry, near Alton, and after no little discussion a motion was carried that puts the limit at the section line of 3 North, 2 West, or at a point that takes in the lower part of what is known as the Lytle hole...

The matters mentioned above will be framed into a bill by Attorney L.F. Puter of Eureka...

 

 

 

      

Humboldt Bay and Bay Tributaries: Elk River, Salmon, Freshwater and Jacoby Creeks 

 
Fisheries Articles (1855-1949)     

Land Use and Stream Conditions (1860-1949) 

Eel River  

1854 - 1890
1891 - 1902 
1903 - 1908
1909 - 1913  
1914 - 1920
1921 - 1934
1935 - 1944
1945 - 1955 

Bear River

1858-1956    

Mattole River

Fisheries (1858-1956) 

Miscellenous References 

    

Van Duzen River

1877-1949

 

California Department of Fish and Game Reports and Field Notes      

Humboldt Bay Tributaries    
 
Bear River    

Mattole River   

Yager Creek 
 
Van Duzen (Wolverton Gulch)

 

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