Bibliography Background About KRIS

Eel River Fisheries Articles and Excerpts 1909-1913

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 (19 Feb. 1909) Superintendent Fassett of the Price Creek hatchery has just received a shipment of 100,000 silver salmon eggs for hatching purposes. The eggs are a new variety in this section. They come into the Klamath and Columbia rivers but not down this far, and this added species to those already in the waters of Eel river will be a valuable acquisition. The four or five million eggs received some time ago are now hatched out and ready for distribution. The hatchery the fore part of this week started catching steelheads up the river for hatching purposes.

 

FE (30 March 1909) Trout Law--Chief Deputy Fish and Game Warden Charles Vogelsang, in a letter to Deputy Fish and Game Warden Hitchings of Eureka, says that it will be lawful to take steelhead trout anywhere after April 1st. The law has been changed to take effect immediately so that these fish can be taken above tide water as well as in tide water as in the last two years, during the month of April. There has, however, been no change in the trout law, for which the open season will not commence until May 1st...

 

FE (9 April 1909) Ringing Fish--It has always been open to argument among the local anglers as to whether the steelhead found in Eel river spawn only once in a lifetime or whether they differ from the salmon in this respect. As a means of settling the question, Frank Weymouth, assistant superintendent of the Price Creek hatchery, has been marking many of the fish caught and spawned at the hatchery this season, using small steel rings for the purpose. If at any future time these fish are discovered among those spawning at any hatchery, the question will be settled beyond the shadow of a doubt. It is possible that in the future some lucky fisherman bringing to a net a gamey steelhead may be astonished on examining his prize to discover that it is wearing a hog ring in its fin. Should he have read this explanation, he will know the reason of the mark.

 

FE (9 April 1909) While it is now permissible to catch steelhead, it will not be legal to catch trout until May 1st. Steelhead may be caught either above or below tide water. Considerable doubt exists as to which species the fish found in the creek hereabout belong to, some claiming that they are steelhead, while others think they are trout.

 

FE (20 April 1909) Cut this out and Preserve--The following abstract of the fish and game laws of California for the years 1909 and 1910 gives in brief an idea as to the enactments of the last Legislature and the state of the present laws of interest to Humboldters:

Salmon: Close season Sept. 17 to Oct. 23; Oct. 23 to Nov. 15 above tide water; between sunrise of each Saturday and sunset of the following day. Unlawful to use less than 6 1\2 inch mesh net; to take fish less than 5 inches in length.

Trout: Open season May 1 to Nov. 15. Unlawful to buy or sell less than one pound in weight; to take, except with hook and line; to take less than 5 inches in length; to have more than 25 pounds, or more than 50 fish in one day; to ship or carry trout out of the state and to fish one hour before sunrise or one hour after sunset.

Steelhead trout: Open season April 1 to Nov. 15. In coast streams with hook and line only. In tide water open season April 1 to Feb. 1. Unlawful to have in possession more than 50 lbs. weight or 50 fish in one day; to ship out of state; to take or have in possession fish under 5 inches in length.

General: Unlawful to ship fish in concealed packages or without name or address of sender; to use a set net; to fish with boat and net without a license; to kill any fish by explosives; to allow any sawdust, lime, slag, mill or factory refuse or other substance deleterious to fish to pass into any waters of the state; to cast, extend or set a fish net of any kind more than one third way across the width of the river, stream or slough; to set or use any pound, weir, trap or any other fish contrivance for catching fish; to take fish in any manner within 50 feet of a fishway...

FE (4 May 1909) Brook trout may now be lawfully taken, the open season for this fish commencing last Saturday, May 1st. From reports reaching us, the streams are not overcrowded with trout.

 

FE (25 May 1909) Game Commissioner Hicock in Ferndale--...Mr. Hicock informs us that a line will be surveyed at the tide water limit in Eel river, which comes near the lower end of the Lytle hole, and signs placed on the banks indicating the exact spot the survey shows, deemed by the law, as the tide water limit. As will be remembered by Enterprise readers, the tide limit of other years has been placed at East's ferry. This new law will make a radical change in the fishing industry on Eel river.

Asked as to how he would classify the fish found in Eel river and called locally the salmon trout, Commissioner Hicock explained that there is more or less dispute about this fish, but in his opinion it would come under the classification as a trout and not a salmon or steelhead. He stated that later on a specimen of this fish might be taken below and examined by experts, who would officially classify the species...

The gentleman realizes that the law at present works a hardship on the sportsmen of the county, and that special legislation is needed to govern Eel river. He appeals to all to live up to the letter of the law, however, as it is made for the benefit of the majority of the state.

Mr. Hicock states that it is possible in the not distant future that the waters of Eel river may be stocked with striped bass by the fish commission. The striped bass is a fine game fish and would be a valuable addition to the finny tribe inhabiting Eel river.

 

FE (4 June 1909) Reference to planting "6,000 young steelheads up Williams Creek..."

 

FE (25 June 1909) W.P. Huestis, for many years fish and game commissioner in this county but who resigned the office some time ago owing to ill health, has lost his reason and will probably be sent to the asylum at Napa...

 

FE (6 Aug. 1909) Salmon trout are commencing to make their appearance in the river, a few having been taken already by our local anglers.

 

FE (31 Aug. 1909) Salmon trout are reported plentiful in Eel river at present, some good catches having been made of late.

 

FE (3 Sept. 1909) The Enterprise is informed that parties of late have been fishing in Eel river near the Van Duzen and at other places on the river at night, using lights. This form of fishing...was prohibited by a law passed by the last legislature and is punishable by a fine and imprisonment. Those who have been enjoying this style of fishing should take warning and desist, or their sport may prove costly to them.

 

FE (14 Sept. 1909) Salmon are beginning to put in an appearance at the mouth of Eel river, a few having been taken on the troll of late. The fish are not yet in sufficient numbers to make the sport very exciting, however.

 

FE (21 Sept. 1909) The close season for salmon commenced last Saturday. It will be unlawful to catch these fish until October 23d.

 

FE (8 Oct. 1909) Salmon trout are reported unusually plentiful in Eel river at present.

 

FE (22 Oct. 1909) Will pack at Port Kenyon--Commencing with the opening of the season tomorrow, Harry Caltoft of this town will purchase salmon on the lower river which will be packed at the Port Kenyon cold storage plant and shipped to the Tallant-Grant Co. at Astoria, Oregon. Nat W. Tallant of that firm, who is at present here, will attend to the packing and shipment of the fish, and with his wife will take up his residence at the Port today.

It is the intention to pack from 100 to 200 tierces, depending upon the quality of the salmon. Each tierce holds 800 pounds of fish, representing 1,200 pounds before cleaning. The fish will be cleaned and packed at Port Kenyon, and on every steamer north the output will be shipped to Astoria, where it will be repacked.

Henry Keisner's launch will be used to transport the fish from the lower river to the Port Kenyon plant, which will be a convenience to the fishermen, as they can dispose of their fish right on the spot and without the trouble of delivering them.

 

FE (26 Oct. 1909) Grizzly Bluff--The last rains raised the river a little so the salmon began to run up. The water on the riffles was still shallow and quite a number were seen as they were struggling over the shallows. The fish are unusually large this year.

 

FE (26 Oct. 1909) The gillnet fishermen commenced operations at midnight Friday and until daylight Saturday morning some big hauls were made. It is estimated that close to 25 tons of salmon were taken out of the Fulmor hole alone. At all points on the river where gillnetting was carried on, many fish were taken.

Commencing with Sunday evening at sundown the fishing was resumed, and both seining and gillnetting have been landing many salmon. At the present price, the fishermen are making good money.

 

FE (26 Oct. 1909) The Law and the Salmon--Under the above caption the Californian of last Saturday published an article in support of a claim that the Enterprise has made for many years regarding a change in the fishing laws governing Eel river. There is something wrong with conditions when a hundred men are fishing on the river and one man or two are picked out for punishment. Arrest all or none. The main idea, at present, is to secure legislation at the next session of the State Legislature making it lawful to fish in the river at any time with hook and line and the law will probably be so amended. Following is the article of the Californian:

Recently two men were placed under arrest for having salmon in their possession out of season. We are unable to state whether the violation of the law was committed by poor men who wanted the salmon for food, or whether they were rich men and caught the finny tribe for sport. Which ever the case may be, the offenders must stand trial the same as a criminal, and if convicted, they will be compelled to pay a fine, or be sentenced to jail. And this is law: the law of the land...

It is said the best way to bring about the repeal of a bad law is to enforce it, or attempt to do so. This, then, is our opportunity to show our displeasure for such a law, and convince those who are responsible for its passage that it is an injustice to our people, and a disgrace upon the statute books. In the name of commerce and industry, the rivers of the county are at certain seasons of the year thrown open to fishing for the market. As a result, hordes of fishermen come here from other parts, sweep our rivers with seine and gill net, scoop in hundreds of tons of salmon, ship them from the county, and at the end of the season put the money thus gained into their pockets and leave the county for other parts. They belong to what is known as the Dago class, who have no interests in our county or its institutions, they pay no taxes, and, as they usually bring their macaroni and blankets with them, they spend no money with us. Thus our county and people are not benefitted in the least by their coming and one of the greatest attractions for local people and tourists as well is destined to be ruined by outsiders who are usually not even naturalized. And this is the class that is benefitted mostly by our present fishing laws.

Fishing is one of the principal sports of Humboldt county but should one of our own people who resides upon the banks of Eel river who owns land and pays taxes to maintain our government dare to catch a fish for food or for a luxury for his family out of Dago season, he is brought before the courts by our zealous officers of the law and a fine or term of jail is imposed.

We believe that the fish in our rivers, also the fishing industry, should be protected and conserved. The waters of Eel river should be closed to the net and the seine except for two days in the week during a specified period, and their use should be confined to tide water. In this event, Eel river could be open to the fishermen with hook and line at all seasons of the year, and the residents of Humboldt county would then derive some good from the opportunities at our door in this particular industry and still leave the "Silverhorde" undiminished, and perpetuate the industry and sport.

At one time it was possible for anyone to go out on Humboldt bay and in a day's catch procure any desired quantity of fine quality of crabs. But the Dago came by the score and his crab boat raked the bottom of our bay, cleaned the ocean bed for miles in every direction, and almost ruined the industry in this section. Where once the crab was plentiful it is now a luxury and scarce at that.

Not satisfied with the destruction of our crab fisheries with present methods, these "leeches" are now turning their ingenuity to the deep sea trawl, to rake the bottom of the fish hatcheries and feeding grounds that they, in their selfish and unsatisfied greed may destroy the last vestige of fish life on the coast...

Let us proceed to pass such laws as will protect our fisheries from destruction and extermination.

 

FE (29 Oct. 1909) Summer Colony near Singleys--From present indications by next summer there will be a little summer city near Singleys Station, where the Greig resort now stands. Already a couple of summer cottages are located near Greig's, one being the property of the Sand Bar Club, composed of Eureka sportsmen, and the other belonging to Frank Maskey of San Francisco.

In addition to these, several other parties have purchased or will purchase land in that neighborhood upon which handsome cottages will be erected...No finer fishing can be found in the state than that furnished by Eel river in the Singley vicinity, and it will be a matter of but a few years until a large summer colony will be found there each season. With the advent of the railroad, the tourist travel there will be a big item.

 

FE (5 Nov. 1909) Fish Cases Dismissed--Last Tuesday the preliminary examinations of W. McDonald and Kent Fulmor were held in Eureka. As is known to all our readers these gentlemen were charged by Deputy Fish and Game Commissioner Glatt with having salmon in their [possession] during the closed season. Owing to a lack of evidence to convict and the confusion existing in regard to the fish law, the defendants were discharged...

 

FE (9 Nov. 1909) A new Town near Singleys--The following article from Sunday's Times bears on this...proposition:

The indications are that before long there will be another town added to the list of those in Humboldt, the new town to be made up almost completely of summer residents of local persons. The site of the coming summer resort is on Eel river near Greigs, where the fishing and the country surrounding attract numbers of Eurekans and outside people each season...

As many are already aware, numerous local persons are planning for the construction of summer homes near Greigs and by next summer there will be quite a colony of Eurekans on the river. With the completion of the new Eel river bridge, which may cross the river near Greigs, it is expected that the station at Singleys will be moved up the river and will be placed near the bridge for the accommodation of travelers.

With the establishment of a station at Greigs or thereabouts and much traffic from Ferndale passing through that section, there is but little doubt that the town will soon grow up. The nature of this town, however, will be merely that of a summer resort, as the greater part of the population will reside there during the summer and during the weekend holidays, when business men are wont to leave the cares and worries of the office and enjoy a day's fishing on the river...

 

FE (30 Nov. 1909) Superintendent Fassett of the Price creek fish hatchery returned Thursday from Sisson, where he has been in charge of the hatchery there for several months...

 

FE (24 Dec. 1909) Salmon are reported to be selling for six cents per pound on the river at present.

 

FE (11 Jan. 1910) We are told that Eel river is clear enough at present for fishing with hook and line, and that quite a number of salmon trout have been taken out of the stream during the past week.

 

FE (14 Jan. 1910) Humboldt Fishing and Fisheries--In a recent issue of the Breeder and Sportsman, published in San Francisco, is found an article by Secretary Geo. A. Kellogg of the Humboldt Chamber of Commerce. Following are excerpts from Mr. Kellogg's writing, which will be read with interest by people of this vicinity:

First, taking up the fishing in Humboldt from the sportsman's viewpoint, as most interesting to the greatest number of people, let it be said that conditions here cannot be excelled anywhere in civilized climes. With the opening of the fishing season in the spring--heretofore on April 1st, but changed by the last legislature to May 1st, the smaller and more accessible streams are the Mecca of the devotees of rod and reel, and the brook trout of California the fitting object of pursuit...

Many San Francisco sportsmen are aware of the fine sport to be had on Eel river, and make annual pilgrimages to the resorts along the river. Greig's, eighteen miles from Eureka; Fortuna, twenty miles; Alton, twenty-four miles; Weymouth's, twenty-six miles; Scotia, thirty-one miles--all have their contingent of anglers from abroad, as well as their local clientage...[With these additions, this article is the same as the one which appeared in the Enterprise, 6 Aug. 1907].

 

FE (14 Jan. 1910) N.W. Tallant and wife...were outgoing passengers on last Monday's steamer for their home at Astoria, Oregon. Quite a quantity of salmon was shipped north by Mr. Tallant, which was purchased from Eel river fishermen and prepared for shipment at the Port Kenyon Packing Co.'s plant.

 

FE (15 Feb. 1910) Port Kenyon Plant is sold--Yesterday, at sheriff's sale in Eureka, G.M. Brice purchased the buildings, real estate, rights, etc. of the Port Kenyon Packing Company, with the exception of the personal property, which will be auctioned today at the plant. Mr. Brice was the only bidder and the price paid was $4,000.

Mr. Brice states that as yet he is undecided as to what he will do with the plant, but it is hinted that it may be remodeled for a vegetable and fruit cannery.

 

FE (18 March 1910) The open season for steelhead trout begins the first of next month and will continue until November 15th. The limit is fifty in one day. The trout season opens May 1st and will remain open until November 15th.

 

FE (1 April 1910) Today is the beginning of the open season for steelhead trout. The open season for brook trout will begin May 1st. There is some claim made that all trout found in the streams of this vicinity are classed as steelhead, but we understand that the county game wardens view the matter differently.

 

FE (5 April 1910) Inspect Price Creek Hatchery--Last Saturday L.L. Reese, the Fortuna contractor, was at the Price Creek fish hatchery to estimate the cost of the proposed new building there to give the plant a larger output. A committee of the Federated Commercial Bodies is working in an endeavor to have the hatchery increased, and it is hoped and believed the efforts will prove successful...

 

FE (21 June 1910) Harry Kelly and Frank Givins were among the Eurekans who spent Sunday trout fishing on Eel river near Singleys. Fishing is quite good in that vicinity at present.

 

FE (21 June 1910) Superintendent Fassett of the Price Creek fish hatchery was in Ferndale Saturday. From Mr. Fassett the Enterprise learns that repairs are now being made at the hatchery in preparation for next season's run. The last of the fish for this spring were turned loose several weeks ago.

 

FE (26 July 1910) Superintendent Fassett of the Price Creek fish hatchery left Saturday for Sisson, where he will be engaged in the hatchery until this fall...Mr. Fassett usually returns to the Price Creek hatchery in November, but if the plant is enlarged as is contemplated, it is possible he will return earlier this year.

 

FE (23 Aug. 1910) Salmon Trout or Steelhead--The question has frequently been asked by fishermen in this vicinity what constitutes the difference between a salmon trout and a steelhead. It has always been the opinion of many of those who make a study of this, that there is no difference. Prof. Jordan, quoted as the highest authority we have on Pacific coast fish, says they are one and the same fish. In one of the bulletins issued by the Fish Commission, Mr. Jordan is quoted as follows:

Certain fish found in Eel river, in salt water, during the month of September, ranging from one-third of a pound to one pound, were sent by the commission to Prof. David Starr Jordan, president of Leland Stanford, Jr. University, who pronounced the young trout "steelheads." They correspond more nearly to the salmon trout than any other of our American species. The name salmon trout is promiscuously used for all sorts of large trout or small salmon, but if any fish on this west coast is entitled to that name, it is the "steelhead."

The term steelhead is applied to a species of large trout or small salmon and is distinguished by its head, which has the appearance of shining steel.

 

FE (26 Aug. 1910) Steelheads are reported quite numerous in Eel river but are not taking the fly to any extent, though one is caught occasionally.

 

FE (6 Sept. 1910) Salmon have made their appearance in limited numbers in Eel river, and local anglers are burnishing up their paraphernalia in anticipation of the sport awaiting them when the fish become more plentiful. It will be lawful to take salmon until the 17th inst., on which date the close season for these fish goes into effect, and will continue until October 23d.

 

FE (6 Sept. 1910) So far as we have learned, Jesse Abrahamsen of Cock Robin Island has the distinction of being the angler of this section to land the first salmon of the season with a troll. The fish was caught near the mouth of Eel river Sunday evening and weighed 25 pounds. Mr. Abrahamsen also hooked another fish but failed to land it.

 

FE (16 Sept. 1910) Fishing at Singleys was reported quite good several days this week.

 

FE (23 Sept. 1910) Will Enforce Salmon Law--With the reopening of the salmon season about a month off, there will be a strict enforcement of the game laws regarding the catching of salmon out of season and as a result it is expected that there will be some interesting work on hand during the next few weeks for the fish and game wardens, says the Times. Instructions have been received here by Deputy Fish and Game Wardens Glatt and Hitchings from the offices of J.P. Babcock, Chief Deputy Fish Commissioner in the State of California, notifying the local deputies to strictly enforce the salmon laws during the next month and from the tons of letters received, it is not intended that any offenders be allowed to get off easy, when they infringe on this law.

During the last several weeks the salmon season has been opened, but during the last few days, since the run has commenced on the rivers, the season has been declared closed under the state law and it will be unlawful to catch salmon or have them in possession from this until the 23d day of October. In the meantime, the fish and game wardens will keep a look out for persons infringing on this state law.

 

FE (30 Sept. 1910) Are to Enforce the Spawn Law--State Fish and Game Commissioner Connell, who had been enjoying a week's fishing on Eel river, sojourning at the Greig resort, left for his home...

Before leaving Eureka Mr. Connell gave out an interview in which he stated that the law governing the use of spawn for bait was being violated on Eel river and that he proposed to have the practice stopped. He said he would issue instructions to the deputies to enforce the law to the very letter and would extend them every aid to secure a conviction.

According to the law, it is legal to use spawn for fishing in tide water only. It is said that spawn fishing at Singleys where there is a decided tide flow, however, is illegal, as the lawmakers in their wisdom fixed the tide limit in Eel river at a point near the lower end of the Lytle hole. The law says you may fish in tide water, and then again it says tide water is not tide water. So there you are. It has been said that the California laws are made by lawyers and for lawyers. Certainly the California fish and game laws were not intended to be interpreted by sportsmen, as a more muddled mess was never put on a statute book.

 

FE (11 Oct. 1910) Tallant will Operate Cannery--N.W. Tallant of Astoria has rented the Port Kenyon cannery and will operate the plant this year, commencing with the opening of the salmon season on the 23d of the present month...

The gentleman is now on the lower river contracting with the fishermen for their season's catch. He will install some new machinery, which will do away with many employees who have been necessary in the past. The machinery is a late invention and has never been seen in this part of the country before.

By the next steamer from the north an experienced crew, consisting of some eight girls and a number of men, will arrive to operate the plant. It is planned to handle a large amount of fish.

That the Port Kenyon cannery is to be operated this season will be good news to the Eel river fishermen, who are thus assured of a market for their fish. No fish will be caught and allowed to rot on the bank, which condition has prevailed at different times in past years.

 

FE (14 Oct. 1910) Trout fishing in Eel river is reported unusually good at present.

 

FE (21 Oct. 1910) A movement is on foot to have a steelhead hatchery established at some point on Eel river. It is to be hoped that the project is carried to a successful outcome.

 

FE (21 Oct. 1910) While in San Francisco recently, P. Ferrari of Loleta was engaged as an agent for the Western Fish Company of that city and during the coming season will be their sole agent on Eel river with headquarters at Loleta. Speaking of the prices that would be paid for Eel river salmon, Mr. Ferrari stated that his company would be in a position to pay the highest prices going and that the Eel river catch would bring more this season than in recent years.--Advance.

 

FE (21 Oct. 1910) All in Readiness at the Cannery--All is in readiness at the Port Kenyon salmon cannery for the commencement of the open season next Sunday, the 23d. Seining and gillnetting will begin at sundown Sunday night and active operations at the cannery will be in progress Monday.

From N.W. Tallant, who will conduct the cannery, it is learned that he has contracted for the catch of practically all the seines on the river. The Pacific Coast Packing Company, for which T.A. Varian is the local agent, will sell Mr. Tallant all the fish from its three seines, and with the others contracted for the cannery should be kept busy, providing there is any run of fish in the river.

An experienced crew of twelve people has been brought from Astoria, ten of these--six women and four men--arriving Wednesday, two having already been here. Beside these, local help will be engaged and a large force will be employed when active operations are commenced.

New and improved machinery has been installed, of a type never before used in Humboldt. Under the new process of canning, no solder is used and the machinery, besides doing the work better, is a money and labor saver. As stated before, all that remains to assure the success of the cannery is the fish, and it is believed that this season's run will be a good one.

 

FE (21 Oct. 1910) Weymouth Resort Leased by Fassett--The announcement was made this week that the Weymouth summer resort at Price Creek has been leased to W.E. Fassett, who will take possession on January 1st. Mr. Fassett has been superintendent of the Price Creek fish hatchery for a number of years and is well known to most of our people...Mr. Fassett is at present at Sisson but will arrive in Humboldt some time next month...

 

FE (25 Oct. 1910) The open season for salmon commenced Sunday and that evening at sundown the seiners and gillnetters commenced work. A fairly good catch is reported, the Port Kenyon cannery receiving something like two tons of fish yesterday morning.

 

FE (25 Oct. 1910) A preliminary meeting was held in Eureka last Thursday evening to discuss the proposition of securing the establishment of a steelhead hatchery on Eel river...

 

FE 25 Oct. 1910) Unusually good fishing was enjoyed at Singleys Sunday, many chub salmon and steelhead being taken, besides a large number of salmon trout.

 

FE (1 Nov. 1910) A hundred and fifty fishermen were counted at one time fishing in Eel river at Singleys Sunday and many trout were taken...Every perch was occupied where there was a chance to get a line in the water.

 

FE (1 Nov. 1910) Will Report on new Hatcheries--Ernest Schaeffle, an assistant State Fish and Game Commissioner who had been in the county for several days, left Saturday...He looked into the proposition for establishing a steelhead hatchery on Eel river and the enlargement of the Price Creek hatchery and favors both...

 

FE (11 Nov. 1910) Claim Fishermen are Violating Law--According to the statements of two Eureka men who were fishing on Eel river late Sunday afternoon, the state law in regard to the use of nets for salmon fishing is being violated in the most open manner from the mouth of Eel river up to a point inland only a short distance from Dungan's ferry. That nets stretched from one bank of the river to the other are being set by the dozen with the approach of dusk each evening and practically every fish that attempts to go up the river is caught in the nets that span the river is charged.

The men who state that such conditions exist say that Sunday evening just about dusk they were near the mouth of Eel river having drifted down the stream during the afternoon. When the darkness of night approached they decided to row back up the stream to Dungan's ferry where they had obtained their boat. The row back, however, was attended by unexpected incidents for as soon as they drew out of the wide part of the river near the mouth of the stream and reached that part which is narrow enough to enable nets to be stretched from bank to bank they became aware that the surface of the water was covered with thousands of net floats. Every couple of hundred feet as they rowed inland they would cross over a net set only a few minutes before by some over zealous fisherman.

That the fishermen are aware that their efforts are illegal is evident from the fact that one of them apparently thought he was pursued and could be heard rowing with tremendous energy off into a blind slough.

The men estimated that in all, they passed over some 40 set nets in their voyage from the mouth of the river to the neighborhood of Dungan's ferry.--Times.

 

FE (15 Nov. 1910) Superintendent Fassett of the Price Creek fish hatchery is expected to arrive today from Sisson to put the plant in readiness for operations. Eggs will commence to arrive in two or three weeks. The hatchery will be in operation earlier than usual this year, on account of rains in the southern part of the state permitting of more fish being taken.

 

FE (15 Nov. 1910) Port Kenyon Fish Cannery, by Mrs. L.M. Nevens:

A visit to the fish cannery at Port Kenyon discloses a scene of great activity these days. Boat loads of salmon are constantly arriving, the fish being brought in the seiners' boats, mostly gasoline launches.

In the large building on the left that was formerly used as a cold storage plant, the fish are washed, butchered and cleaned by three expert butchers. This large room has a concrete floor and everything is kept scrupulously clean...

After the fish are butchered and cleaned they are taken into another department and put through a machine that cuts them up into sections. These sections are as long as the can is high. The fish is then passed on to another man who cuts it up into still smaller pieces. It is then passed on to the girls for placing in the cans. There are about twenty girls in the canning department most of them being experienced hands brought here from Astoria for the season by Mr. Tallant.

After the cans are filled with the packed fish they are run through a blast of air that cleans the cans, removing any particle of fish or scales that may have adhered to the outside of the can in packing. When thoroughly cleaned on the outside, the covers are placed on the cans. This work is done by machine and is called the new sanitary process. It does away with the old time soldering of the vent in the cans. This machine puts the cover on the can and places a double crimp in it, the cover sealing itself by the vacuum process...

Following the capping of the cans, they are placed in the retort or oven for cooking. They are allowed to remain in the retort, under a pressure of 240 degrees of steam, for one and one-half hours when the fish is considered cooked sufficiently. There are three large retorts in the Port Kenyon cannery, each one capable of holding 48 cases or 2,204 cans of fish...

The cannery so far this season has been putting up on an average 200 cases a day or 9,600 cans of fish. This output takes about seven tons of salmon a day. There are three grades of fish canned but so far this season the highest grade of fish has predominated, the salmon being of exceptional quality.

Already over 400 cases have been shipped to Astoria and as many more are ready for shipment at the present time. The output of the Port Kenyon cannery will be shipped east, an eastern firm having contracted for from 1,700 to 1,800 cases from this section.

The cannery at Port Kenyon is clean, modern and sanitary in every respect. It is well lighted with electricity, is large and well ventilated and everything possible is done for the comfort and convenience of its employees.

It is hoped that the industry this year will be a great success so that Mr. Tallant will return and run the cannery another season, for he has demonstrated beyond a doubt that he understands the fish-canning business in all its branches. He is ably assisted in the work of running the cannery by Chas. Weatherbee, who is also a thorough canneryman, having managed several large canneries on the coast as well as in Alaska.

 

FE (6 Dec. 1910) Two million salmon eggs were received at the Price Creek fish hatchery yesterday. This is the first shipment of the season and will be followed later on by other consignments. The hatchery...has been thoroughly overhauled and placed in condition for the season's work.

 

FE (9 Dec. 1910) Changes Needed in Fish Laws--Much has been written in the past, and much discussion at present exists, in reference to changes which should be made in the fishing laws of this state...

Primarily, there are three reasons for the protection and propagation of fish: To promote an industry, to furnish recreation and sports, and to maintain a supply of reasonably priced food fish for the public in general. As to the most important of these three, opinions are liable to differ...

The laws regulating salmon fishing have been the cause of more or less contention in Humboldt for a number of years. The present law was made to conform with conditions on the Sacramento river, where the industry is evidently of more importance than on Eel river. The season is closed from September 17th until October 23d in order to allow a reasonable number of the fish to run up that river to the spawning grounds. Above tide water the season remains closed until November 15th in order to give the fish an opportunity to spawn or be spawned, as the case might be.

There are early runs in the Sacramento river, and the fishermen there have plenty of chance to fish before the season closes.

On Eel river the conditions are different. The salmon do not enter the river in any numbers until about the middle of September; and trolling for them is at its prime during the closed month. Those who claim to know declare that the law was never intended to prevent a few fish being taken with hook and line, but that it was made unlawful to have salmon in one's possession in order that it would not be necessary for the authorities to prove how the fish were taken in case they felt reasonably sure that it was with a net, yet did not have sufficient evidence.

Therefore, the hook and line fishermen maintain there is no harm in taking a few salmon with a troll during the closed season as long as one goes about it quietly. All that is necessary, they say, is to take a sack along and to fish for catfish, whales, flounders, oysters, or anything else that does not happen to come under the law's ban at that time. One has but to visit the mouth of Eel river any favorable Sunday, or week day for that matter, during the closed season to be convinced that there are many Humboldters who interpret the law in this way...

We cannot expect to have the fish laws changed so as to give Humboldt a perfect law regardless of the rest of the state; but it does seem to us that the present law could be changed so as to mean what it says and say what it means...[continued next issue]

 

FE (13 Dec. 1910) Changes Needed in Fish Laws (continued from last issue)--All of the summer and fishing resorts on Eel river are situated above the present tide water line, and the tourists who visit them regularly understand the troller's privilege. But those who are interested in bringing strangers to Humboldt cannot very well write that, although it is against the law to take salmon during the best part of the season here, they need not let that interfere, because we are not supposed to observe the fish laws of Humboldt...

A few are so enthusiastic about making Humboldt a "sportsman's paradise" that they advocate closing Eel river entirely against net fishermen. Even if this could be done, we do not think that it would be fair either to the net fishermen or to the consumer. From what we can learn, salmon are more plentiful in Eel river now than they were ten years ago. Unless the numbers show a marked decrease, we see no reason for putting such a radical limit on the number to be taken. The people of this county pay their share towards maintaining a hatchery that turns from six to ten million salmon fry into Eel river each year, and it would seem unjust that they should be deprived of this valuable food fish except when conditions permit them being taken with hook and line.

There are others who think that the stream should be entirely closed for net fishing above tide water.

The logical reason for above tide water laws is to protect the fish on their spawning grounds. The conditions on Eel river reverse this order of things. The early run of fish are allowed to run up the river and are protected until they are nearly ready to spawn, consequently not in the best condition to eat; and then there is no restriction as to the manner in which they may be dragged off the spawning grounds.

As a rule the salmon do not spawn in the main channel along the lower stretches of the stream; but either run up to the head waters or ascend the various small streams. However, owing to the unusually low water this year, many of the fish were forced to spawn on the riffles a short distance above the mouth of the Van Duzen. When the above-tide water season opened last month, a crew of seiners made a haul of between sixty and seventy salmon in a pool about a mile above the mouth of the Van Duzen. Most of these fish were ripe, ready to spawn, and thirteen of them were in such poor condition that they were left to rot on the bank...

With a seine, the fish are encircled and literally dragged from the bed of the river. It makes no difference whether the water is clear or muddy, or whether it is daylight or dark, all fish within the encircled area stand very little show of escaping, unless they are small enough to go through a six and three-fourths inch mesh. In this way the fish can be dragged

from their spawning grounds or out [of] the deep holes at the head of tide water where they are often forced to lie and wait for enough water to allow them to ascend the river.

On the other hand, the gill-net is allowed to float freely in the stream; the fish run into it and are "gilled." In clear water the salmon can see the net and will avoid it. Then it looks quite reasonable that fish can be taken with a gill-net only when they are running up stream and comparatively fresh from the ocean.

We realize that seining is an important industry on Eel river, and that it means much to Humboldt; and there is perhaps no reason why it should not continue in moderation below the spawning grounds. But if it is necessary to put a smaller limit on the number of salmon taken each year with nets, we suggest that, rather than stop all net fishing above tide water, as some who have fishing interests below tide water insist, it would be much better to stop all seining on the river and to give the gill-nets equal privileges above and below tide water. There certainly would be less fish caught under this arrangement than if seining and gill-netting were allowed below tide water only. The fish would average much better in quality and would be distributed more equally among the individual fishermen...

 

FE (16 Dec. 1910) Laws are Discussed with our Legislators--About a hundred of our citizens gathered at the special meeting of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce last Wednesday evening to meet Senator Cutten and Assemblymen Jasper and Kehoe and to discuss with them desired changes in the law relating to boundary lines along Eel river and to the fishing laws...

 

FE (20 Dec. 1910) The Fishing Laws--It was with much interest that the writer listened to the ideas advanced at the meeting of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce last Wednesday evening when suggestions as to proposed changes in the fishing laws were being made. Many and conflicting were the opinions expressed, but on one or two matters there seemed to be about a unanimous sentiment.

That the net fishermen should be allowed to take the steelhead which come into the river late in the season was agreed to by all. It was stated that these are a different fish from those caught by the fly fisherman in August and September, and that their taking in the net would in no way work a hardship on the sportsman. Under present conditions hundreds of these steelhead are killed by being caught in the nets, but it is unlawful to sell them.

On another question all agreed. The fish must be protected on their spawning grounds. It should be made unlawful to drag a seine at any time where the fish are spawning. The one sure way to steadily diminish the supply of fish in any river is to interfere with them at the time of propagation.

A great difference of opinion existed as to where the tide line of Eel river should be established. Some wanted it at Dungan's Ferry, some at the mouth of the Van Duzen, and others at about every bend in the river between these points. Why not establish it at the highest point on the river where the average tide ebbs and floods?

This for some time past has been some little distance above the summer bridge at Singleys. The new bridge at the Greig site when finished would make a good permanent mark for a tide line.

The question of spawn fishing interests about everybody in the valley, as all who had occasion to cross the Singley bridge any day during the fishing season can testify. Hundreds upon hundreds of people fished there, using spawn for bait. Would it be right to prevent our own men, women and children from enjoying this recreation and procuring a supply of food fish, merely to let the fly fishermen from foreign parts have a monopoly of the stream? Decidedly not, and the Enterprise is pleased to note that our representatives in the legislature have so expressed themselves.

It may be said that were spawn fishing prohibited, all would have an equal opportunity to fish with the fly. This is not so. The wealthy angler may stay at his bungalow on the river bank weeks at a time and when conditions are right for fly fishing he is there waiting. The man who works all the week only gets to the river in the evening or on Sunday, and then the chances will be about ten to one against his securing enough fish on the fly to make the frying pan smell.

The assertion is made that were spawn fishing prohibited, in a short time the net fishing industry would be greatly benefitted, and that this is true there seems to be no doubt. But the fish were not put in the river for the use of any one particular lot of people. The people in general pay the taxes, and the natural food resources should be shared by all. It would be as unjust to the spawn fisherman to prohibit his catching the trout with hook and line as it would be to the net fisherman to close the river entirely against his method of taking salmon.

Protect the fish on their spawning grounds, enforce the law in reference to the number which may be caught, see that they are given an opportunity to get up the river and there will be fish for all. But don't disciminate against one class for the benefit of another.

FE (30 Dec. 1910) Changes Urged in Fish Laws--Representatives of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce, the Fortuna Board of Trade, and the Loleta Board of Trade met...Briefly stated, the changes recommended were these: That the state be districted and that Humboldt, Del Norte and Mendocino counties compose one district.

That the close season for salmon be from August 31st to Oct. 1st. That it be lawful to take steelhead in nets during the months of December and January. That the tide water line in Eel river be fixed at East's ferry, and that all seining and gillnetting be prohibited above this point. That trolling for salmon be permitted at all times, with a limit of five fish per day to each person. That spawn fishing be permitted below East's ferry, with a limit of 25 fish per day to each fisherman...

 

FE (6 Jan. 1911) Price Creek--Willard Sanford made a very successful catch of fish Friday last. After catching a few small ones he caught two large ones. One tipped the scales at 21 pounds, the other at 41 pounds.

 

FE (10 Jan. 1911) Want no Change in Fish Laws--The special meeting of the Eureka Chamber of Commerce...to consider the changes in the fishing laws recommended by a committee composed of representatives of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce, the Fortuna Board of Trade and the Loleta Board of Trade resulted in the refusal of the Eureka body to endorse any change desired by the other bodies. On the contrary, a resolution was adopted protesting against any changes in the present law...

 

FE (10 Jan. 1911) Act to Establish Steelhead Hatchery--A bill has been prepared for submission to the legislature, which if passed, will result in the establishment of a steelhead hatchery on Eel river...

 

FE (10 Jan. 1911) The Port Kenyon cannery closed Friday noon for the season. The first few weeks a good run of salmon kept the cannery well supplied, but of late not many fish have been secured. However, as a whole, the season was a fairly good one, and it is understood Mr. Tallant intends to return and operate the cannery next season, which is good news to the Eel river fishermen.

 

FE (13 Jan. 1911) The Chamber of Commerce--...a general discussion of proposed changes in the fishing laws was indulged in. Mr. Varian reported that the wholesale fish dealers in San Francisco were interested in having the salmon season opened on October 15th instead of the 23d as at present and would make a strong fight in the legislature for the change...

The steelhead question was also gone into quite thoroughly. Mr. Varian stated that the run of steelhead now in the river are a different variety from those taken on the fly in August, and that if the seiners and gillnetters were allowed to take the winter species, it would work no hardship on the sportsman, as he cannot catch these fish owing to conditions not being right for rod and line fishing. It was the general sentiment of the Chamber of Commerce that net fishermen should be allowed to catch steelhead at least during the month of December. The fishing question was left in the hands of the committee for further action.

 

FE (17 Jan. 1911) Fortuna Board of Trade Endorses--Without exception the proposed changes in the fishing laws as advocated at a meeting of delegates from Loleta, Ferndale, and Fortuna at Loleta several weeks ago were endorsed by the Fortuna Board of Trade...The proposal which originated in Eureka to establish a steelhead hatchery on Eel river was, however, received in an entirely different manner, says the Times, being turned down on the ground that the appropriation of $25,000 which is now being sought through the state legislature for the purpose of erecting the steelhead hatchery would be absolutely wasted in view of the existing laws with regard to the taking of steelhead. It was suggested that in place of spending $25,000 for the construction of an entirely new hatchery an appropriation of $2,500 would be sufficient to provide for the production of steelhead at the existing hatchery at Price creek...

 

FE (24 Jan. 1911) Federated Bodies met Saturday--...The principal business to come before the meeting was a discussion of proposed changes in the fishing laws...[resolution endorsed]:

1st. That the state be divided into districts, one district to be composed of Mendocino, Del Norte, and Humboldt counties.

2d. That the closed season for salmon be from August 31st to October 1st of the same year.

3d. That an open season for net fishery for steelhead be from November 30th of any year to February 1st of the following year.

4th. That the tide line of Eel river in Humboldt county be changed from its present location to its former location at East's ferry.

5th. That all maket fishing be prohibited above tide line when located as suggested above.

6th. That hook and line fishing for salmon be open throughout the year, with a limit of five salmon to each person, said limit to be in force only during the closed season on salmon for net fishery.

7th. That it be made legal to use salmon and steelhead roe as bait below tide line, provided that tide line is fixed at East's ferry on Eel river, with a limit to each person of 25 fish...

The proposal to endorse the measure providing for a steelhead hatchery on Eel river was opposed by some, it being claimed that at a small expense the Price Creek hatchery could be enlarged for this purpose. The endorsement was carried, however, by a vote of about 2 to 1...

 

FE (31 Jan. 1911) Petition Protests Against Change in the Tide Line--A petition to be forwarded to the Legislature has been in circulation in Ferndale the last few days, protesting against any change in the tidewater line in Eel river, which is now fixed at a point a short distance above Dungan's ferry. A bill has been introduced to have the tide line changed to East's ferry, and it is in the endeavor to defeat the passage of the measure that the petition is circulated. The petition reads as follows:

Eureka, Jan. 24. To the Senate and Assembly of the State of California, Sacramento, Cal. Gentlemen:

The undersigned residents and citizens of the County of Humboldt, State of California, believing that it is of vital interest to the people of our county and state, hereby most earnestly protest against the passage in any form of any law by the Legislature of this state, whereby the limit of tidewater in Eel river in the county of Humboldt...as now fixed and established by the provisions of Section 634 of the Penal Code, may be changed from the eastern boundary line of township three north, range two west, Humboldt Meridian, and for the following reasons, to wit:

First--That the Fish Commission of the State of California specially authorized and empowered Dr. C.H. Gilbert of Stanford University to make a personal examination into and report upon the conditions existing on Eel river, and the ebb and flow of the tide thereof, and upon such examination being made he found and reported to the commission, as a scientific fact, that the limit of tidewater should be established, as now declared, in said Section 634 of the Penal Code, whereupon and acting upon such finding and report the limit was so fixed by the legislature of the State of California.

Second--That in each season, between the 23d of October, when salmon may be caught in tidewater, and the 15th day of November, when they may be caught above tidewater, as provided in said section, the fish congregate in large quantities in pools immediately above the present limit of tidewater, where they remain ripening and awaiting such a stage in the waters of the stream as will permit them to reach the spawning grounds above, and in case the limit of tidewater is re-established and extended, these pools will then be placed within the limits of tidewater, and will by the use of seines and nets be swept clean of fish, and which are not then fit for commercial purposes but are of the utmost value for purposes of propagation.

Third--That a change in the limit of tidewater so as to include these pools would result in a benefit to less than a half-dozen persons who desire to draw seines and set nets to catch such fish, while it would result in depriving the people of said county of the only available places, other than the spawning grounds, in said stream where fish could and can be caught with hook and line free from the interference of seines and nets.

Fourth--That ending with the year 1909, the yearly average export of fish of all kinds, for the past eight years, from Humboldt county, and most of which were taken from Eel river, has been $77,133.00, and for the past four years, ending at the same time, has been $86,706.00, so that the present limit of tidewater as established by the provisions of said Section 634 of the Penal Code, has not in any manner been at all detrimental to the stream so far as taking fish for commercial purposes is concerned.

Your petitioners therefore earnestly pray that no law be passed by your honorable bodies, whereby the present established limit of tidewater in Eel river may be changed or extended.

 

FE (7 Feb. 1911) Writes of Hatchery--Letter from J.P. Babcock, Chief Deputy of the California Fish and Game Commission, to Humboldt Chamber of Commerce:

...There seems to be some little misunderstanding in Humboldt county as regards to the Price creek fish hatchery. That hatchery is now and has been for several seasons, worked to its full capacity. It is a small hatchery and must by necessity remain so from the fact that there is not water enough the season through in Price creek to run a bigger plant.

If your delegation in the legislature is successful in getting an appropriation for the establishment of a larger hatchery, this commission will take a very active interest in picking out the best possible location and hopes to be able to find a place where both salmon and steelhead eggs can be collected in abundance...

 

FE (7 Feb. 1911) Editorial, Changing the Tide Line--As long as there are men who catch fish with rod and line for the sport of it, and other men who haul the finny tribe out of the water with nets for a livelihood, the tidewater line in Eel river will never be fixed to the satisfaction of all. The interests of the two classes of fishermen clash, and a satisfactory compromise is impossible.

The people who fish for sport want the tide line left a short distance above Dungan's ferry, its present location. They argue that if the tide line were fixed at East's ferry, every hole along the river would be dragged clear of fish by the nets and that rod and line fishing in Eel river would be practically ruined. Under present conditions the anglers may enjoy their sport until November 15th without interference from the nets.

On the other hand, the net fishermen claim that the tide line was fixed at its present location through the efforts of sports who desire to monopolize the river, and that if it were changed to East's ferry, it would result in much good to the gillnetting industry and to the men who earn their livelihood by gillnetting and seining.

Petitions and counter petitions, for and against changing the tide line, have been sent to the legislature. So no matter what is done, not everybody will be satisfied, nor is it possible to so change the laws as to pacify all the petitioners. Mean-

while, the outcome is awaited with interest.

 

FE (14 Feb. 1911) Sportsmen may Desert Eel River--Since the fishermen of Eel river valley became set on the passage of a law by the state legislature to change the seining limit on that stream from its present location south to East's ferry to permit commercial fishing in the Greig pool, which has been the favorite haunt of Humboldt and California anglers for a long period, there has been inaugurated a movement for the establishment of a rainbow fish hatchery on Mad river.

Such a hatchery would cater entirely to the sport of fishing and have no thought of commercial operations...In the event that rainbow trout are given the "right of way" on Mad river, it would not be long before that stream would claim all the homage for the sportsmen that has been paid in years past to Eel river for that reason that every effort is being made to pass the seining law.--Herald.

 

FE (3 March 1911) Bill Permitting Steelhead Net Fishing is Passed, Awaits Signature of the Governor, Allows Hook and Line Fishing for Steelhead at any Time Below Tide Line--Ferndale Enterprise:

"My steelhead net fishing bill passed the Senate today and will reach Governor Saturday. Bill provides for net fishing below tide line from October 23d to February 1st and for hook and line steelhead fishing below tide line the year through. Steelhead net fishing not allowed above tide line from April 1st to November 1st. Sale of steelhead trout only permitted from October 23d to February 1st." G.A. Jasper.

The above telegram received by the Enterprise yesterday morning from Assemblyman Jasper tells of the successful outcome of the fight waged by the Eel river fishermen for some years past to have the law amended to permit of the taking of steelhead with nets during certain months of the year...

The bill met with some opposition at first among the hook and line fishermen, who were opposed to the taking of steelhead with nets. But it is now generally understood that the fish which come into Eel river late in the season when seining will be permitted are a different species than those which furnish such royal sport to the fly fishermen during the earlier months, and that seining will in no way injure the supply of steelhead for the sportsman..

The steelhead fishing industry now bids fair to become an important one on Eel river, as the winter run of these fish is very heavy and would keep a cannery busy. The success of the Port Kenyon cannery for the future is now assured, and will doubtless handle more fish next season than ever before...

 

FE (7 March 1911) Gill Nets only may be used--A copy of Assemblyman Jasper's bill permitting the catching of steelhead trout has reached this office...A perusal of the bill shows that in taking steelhead, it will be lawful to use only gill nets, the use of seines being forbidden as before...

 

FE (10 March 1911) Governor Signs Steelhead Bill.

 

FE (28 March 1911) No Change in Tide Line. To Prevent Entire Bill Being Killed Assemblyman Jasper Agrees to Tide Line at Dungans.

 

FE (4 April 1911) Anglers may use Spawn--It is not generally known that a law was passed by the late Legislature permitting the use of spawn for bait in trout fishing above tide water as well as below...

Probably three-fourths of the population of this valley was represented among the anglers at the summer bridge at Singleys last fall, all using spawn for bait. Technically, perhaps, all were breaking the law, or at least the intent of the law. This year all may fish with a free conscience...

Another law passed with which our anglers are not generally familiar was one allowing the taking of one salmon per day by any one person above tide water from October 23d to November 15th.

 

FE (11 April 1911) New Cannery for Loleta--Loleta correspondent to the Advance writes:

There will arrive in Loleta tomorrow a gentleman representing one of the biggest cannery concerns on the coast. He comes for the purpose of selecting a site for the new fish cannery which will be built on the lower river before the opening of the fishing season this fall...The company has several fish canning plants at the mouth of the Klamath...In all probability the cannery will be built on Cannibal Island and before the end of the present week the site will have been selected and in the immediate future the new plant will be erected.

 

FE (11 April 1911) Fishing Laws are Changed--...It is now permissible to fish with spawn anywhere in the river, from its mouth to its source...It is now permissible to fish with hook and line for steelhead trout the year around, below the tide-line. Above tide-line the open season is between April 1st and November 1st, the season having been shortened 15 days. The bag limit for hook and line fishermen is 50 fish per day. Steelhead may be taken in commercial quantities with gill-nets, between October 23d and February 1st, below tide-line, but net fishing for steelheads above tide-line is not permissible at any time of the year.

Between the 17th day of September and the 23d day of October it is unlawful to catch salmon anywhere in the stream, that being the closed season. Commencing on the 23d day of Octobber it is lawful to catch salmon with nets below tide-line. Above tide-line, net fishing commences on November 15th. It is unlawful to cast, draw or assist in casting or drawing net or seine for purpose of catching salmon between sunrise of each Saturday and sunset the following Sunday.

Between October 23d and November 15th, this being what is known as closed season, it is lawful to catch one salmon per day with spoon or hook and line above tide water...

The meshes of seine or net [shall be] six and one-half inches...

From April 1st until November 1st, it is lawful to catch salmon trout with hook and line, the bag limit being placed at 50 trout per day.

 

FE (21 April 1911) Big Hatching of Fish Eggs--A shipment of 300,000 steelhead eggs arrived last Wednesday evening from below for the Price Creek fish hatchery, making about 425,000 steelhead eggs to be hatched there this spring, something like 125,000 having been taken from Eel river.

The hatchery has already liberated 5,000,000 young salmon. The season has been a very successful one and Superintendent Fassett has every reason to feel satisfied with the result of his work.

 

FE (30 May 1911) Superintendent Fassett of the Price Creek fish hatchery states he is just finishing up the steelhead business at his institution for the current season, the entire hatch of steelheads being 450,000 this year. Of this amount 300,000 were shipped him from San Francisco, the remaining 150,000 being taken from Eel river at Price Creek. In three or four weeks, Mr. Fassett will liberate this product to thus enhance the finny population of the stream. Then the work of the hatchery will be through until December when commences the dealing with salmon propagation.

 

FE (2 June 1911) Weymouth Inn is now open--The popular Weymouth Inn on Price Creek was opened for the summer season yesterday. Manager Fassett has spared no trouble or expense in putting the well-known place in first class condition. The inn has been thoroughly renovated and is now second to none in the county...

 

FE (4 July 1911) Tallant to Build Cannery--N.W. Tallant, who operates the Port Kenyon cannery and who is likewise interested in the salmon canneries on the Klamath river, is now considering a plan for the establishment of a new cannery on Eel river to be located near Loleta and it is reported that negotiations have already been commenced for the site for the new establishment. For some time it has been known that parties were planning to establish a salmon cannery near Loleta, and when asked if he was planning such a move, Mr. Tallant stated that he was considering such plans although he did not care to make public the details at the present time, says the Times.

Early in the spring it was known that plans for a new cannery at Loleta were being made but at that time those who were investigating the matter at Loleta would not divulge the name of the party or parties whom they represented but with the statement made by Mr. Tallant it is taken that he has been negotiating for the new cannery for some time. Mr. Tallant states that it is hardly probable that the cannery will be erected before next summer although his plans in that regard are not definite as yet. The cannery at Port Kenyon will not be opened until the 23d of October...

 

FE (21 July 1911) Notes from the Bridge, Weott--Campers report fishing to be getting good along the river and as yet the bridge has not interfered with the sport and it is not believed it will.

 

FE (4 Aug. 1911) Will Investigate Eel River Conditions--John P. Babcock, chief deputy of the State Fish and Game Commission, in a letter to Editor Burchard of the Standard speaks of the commission's intentions regarding Eel river as follows:

Our investigations on Eel river this year will be general in their nature, although we shall inquire specifically as to the [tide] boundary line. You will recall at the last session of the legislature that there was a controversy between the Humboldt delegation as to where the tide boundary line should be drawn. Dr. Gilbert, who made an investigation a few years ago for this Board, drew the present line and at that time believed it was the right one. We appreciate, of course, that in a stream of the character of Eel river, many changes take place in the channel every year, and that while the boundary line which Dr. Gilbert outlined was suitable at that time, there may have been such changes since as to make it desirable that the boundary line be again changed.

As to the establishment of an additional hatchery in Humboldt county, there was some agitation to this end at the last session. It was, however, deemed wise by the Humboldt delegation to withdraw their request for an appropriation. We believe that the establishment of the hatchery at Grizzly Bluff has produced remarkable results and that no other stream in the state has responded so quickly to the plant of salmon as Eel river. The committee of your Chamber of Commerce last year made us a most excellent report upon the question, giving the total catch, etc., which, if we remember, you reproduced in print at the time. We believe that the station at Eel river is altogether too small. It is impossible, however, to enlarge the present hatchery, the water supply being insufficient for a larger station. The Board will be pleased if a larger station can be established on Eel river at some point above the present station. If a suitable site could be found, one where eggs could be collected as well as the fry planted, it would add materially to effectiveness in our work on Eel river.

 

FE (4 Aug. 1911) Tallant Again Leases Port Kenyon Cannery--Despite all rumors to the contrary, N.W. Tallant will operate the Port Kenyon cannery this year when the fishing season opens. A deal was concluded this week, whereby Mr. Tallant leased the cannery for another year from G.M. Brice.

Rumors have been afloat that Mr. Tallant would not operate at Port Kenyon this fall but would erect a cannery of his own in the Loleta section. It will be good news to the people of this vicinity to learn that the cannery at Port Kenyon will be operated by him.

This year should be an unusually prosperous one for canners and fishermen, as under a change in the fishing laws made by the last legislature, it will be lawful to take steelheads, of which large runs come into Eel river each year. For a number of years past the taking of steelheads for commercial purposes has been prohibited by law and the operations of canners and fishermen have been confined to salmon alone.

With steelheads being handled, the output will be greatly increased and all interested should prosper accordingly. The fishing season commences in October.

 

FE (11 Aug. 1911) Reports of catches of salmon trout and steelhead in Eel river are received daily and everybody who enjoys fishing is getting the fever.

 

FE (22 Aug. 1911) Colonel A.V. LaMotte, of the Ukiah fish hatchery, is stocking the upper waters of Eel river with trout. Last week 32 cans of small fry or about 64,000 trout were placed in the stream above the dam of the Snow Mountain Power Company. It is the intention of the Fish Commission to put in at least 200,000 trout above the dam this season.

 

FE (5 Sept. 1911) Quite a few salmon trout were caught by anglers in Eel river last Sunday. Several catches of salmon, chubs, and steelhead are also reported.

 

FE (26 Sept. 1911) Tallant is here--N.W. Tallant arrived the latter part of the week from Requa, where he has been operating a salmon cannery this season and is now engaged in getting everything in readiness for work at the Port Kenyon cannery on October 23d...

 

FE (13 Oct. 1911) Cutten's Views on Fish Question--State Senator C.P. Cutten expressed his sentiments at a meeting in Eureka:

Eel river is as free as the air...It is not covered with preserves but it is for every man who cares to fish, whether he fishes for gain or for pleasure and the interests of all should be considered. The movement to extend the tide line to Greig's Pool is an outrage. It is one which has been started by four or five commercial fishers, who, through what almost amounted to threats of boycott, have forced business men to sign their petitions and who have been able to work up a sentiment by such means. For every one man who wants the river thrown more widely open to the fishermen, there are two, even in the valley, who oppose such action. If the laws are made so as to allow fishing further up the river with the seines and gillnets at all times of open season the result will be that the people will legislate a game law for themselves which will close up the entire river and which will keep it closed.

There is but one way around the question and that is to place the tide line where tidewater comes and that point is well located where it now stands. It cannot be at more than one point in the river and it must not be extended up to the pools where nature has provided a place for the fish to tarry until they can go further up to their spawning grounds.

 

FE (13 Oct. 1911) At a meeting in Eureka last Monday evening, Chief Deputy Babcock of the State Fish and Game Commission spoke on the salmon question especially as to the possibility of increasing the hatchery on Eel river. He expressed his opinion that Eel river is far ahead of any other river in the state for salmon hatching and showed that he has formed this opinion after watching the results which have been secured from the Price Creek hatchery and which have been far better than those secured from any other hatchery in the state. It is probable the hatchery will be enlarged.

 

FE (17 Oct. 1911) Pleads that Fish may be Conserved--A correspondent writing to the Standard makes a plea for the conservation of the fishery possibilities of the river of this county as follows:

Please grant me a little space to tell your many readers regarding one of Humboldt county's greatest assets. I think some of our people are unfortunately blind to a wonderful opportunity. They imagine you can take wagon loads of fish out of the pools in Eel river and Mad river and yet have the best fishing in the world forever. They imagine that fishermen can be allowed to drag their seines until not a fish is left in the pools and yet there will always be enough fish to spawn and keep the river stocked. That is contrary to all the experiences of mankind. I am sorry there are any people who think that the few dollars they can make is more important than preserving the fish, under reasonable regulations. We saw this fully enacted in regard to our crab fishing. Today, Humboldters must pay fancy prices for crabs. We allowed San Francisco fish men to come in and kill this industry. They made the money, destroyed our crab fishing, and now we have scarcely any crabs.

Now if fishing in Eel river and Mad river is conserved it will bring in a hundred times as much money every year as the commercial fishing ever gave or ever could give this county. Aside from a dozen or so private fishermen, scarcely anybody in the county is benefitted by the fish that are shipped to San Francisco. I would like to know why Humboldters should deny themselves a big revenue just to fatten the purses of the San Francisco fish trust? I am not opposed to legitimate fishing in Eel river. But these commercial men, the men who talk about "big industry" should not fool people by their talk. Who makes the money? The San Francisco fish trust. Legitimate fishing doesn't call for killing off this industry by sweeping the pools of salmon and steelhead in the ruthless way that it has been done in the past, and is proposed now. Give the fish a chance. Keep our streams stocked up and you will have 10,000 people come here a year to enjoy an outing. I repeat, 10,000 is a low estimate. It is safe to say if Humboldt is wise and keeps up her reputation as a summer resort and a fishing ground, we can get $1,000,000 a year from tourists...Conserve the fish by wise regulations. Don't let the commercial spirit destroy a magnificent possibility. A Humboldter.

 

FE (20 Oct. 1911) Open Season for Salmon Commences next Monday--Next Monday October 23d, the open season for salmon fishing will commence and the seiners and gillnetters are prepared to haul out the fish in large quantities as a big run is reported to be in the river.

Until November 15th the net fishermen may operate only in tidewater. The tide limit in Eel river is fixed at a point a short distance above Dungan's ferry. Hook and line fishermen, however, may take one salmon a day above tidewater, while below the line, no limit is fixed on their catch.

This year the net fishermen may take steelhead for the first time in several seasons. The open season for steelhead commences next Monday and continues until February 1st. Steelhead may not be taken above tidewater in nets, according to the cards sent out by the fish and game commission. The Port Kenyon cannery will be operated this year, as has been stated before in the Enterprise.

 

FE (24 Oct. 1911) Salmon Season Opened--Sunday night at midnight the open season for taking salmon and steelhead with nets commenced and Eel river presented a scene of activity. The seiners and gillnetters met with fair success, Manager Tallant of the Port Kenyon cannery reporting last evening at 4:30 o'clock that about twelve tons of fish had been received there. Reports are in circulation of considerable illegal fishing above the tidewater limit, but nothing definite is known by the Enterprise at this writing.

 

FE (24 Oct. 1911) Another Cannery Reported--A rumor has gained circulation here that next season another salmon cannery will be in operation on Eel river. Report says that G.L. Hogan of Los Angeles and his associates, who have been conducting a cannery on the Klamath river, will next year build a fine new plant near the mouth of Eel river and engage in the salmon industry on an extensive scale...

 

FE (24 Oct. 1911) Seiners and Gillnetters Arrest--Several seiners and gillnetters were arrested Sunday evening by the deputy fish and game wardens for fishing before midnight, at which hour the open season commenced. According to information from Loleta last evening by telephone, three men were arrested and several nets were confiscated, the owners of which escaped. Details are lacking at this writing but it is stated that the wardens have long been watching one of the men arrested, who has been suspected of breaking the law many times in the past.

 

FE (27 Oct. 1911) May lay out Seines from Bank to Bank--It has just been ascertained here that an important change in the laws relating to net fishing was made at the last session of the legislature. Under the laws as amended, it is not illegal for seiners to extend their nets from bank to bank and drag the entire width of the river at one haul.

Under section 636 of the penal code of California, until this year, it was unlawful to extend a net more than one-third of the way across any stream. The law in this regard was seldom enforced, however, and had the net fishermen been compelled to observe it, their catches would have been much lighter than has been the case with the statute disregarded...

 

FE (27 Oct. 1911) Is Working on the Tide Line--Prof. Gilbert of Stanford University has been investigating conditions on Eel river this week for the state fish and game commission in regard to fixing the tide limits on the stream. Upon Prof. Gilbert's report will in all probability depend whether or not the tide limit shall be left at its present location or moved farther up the river.

 

FE (31 Oct. 1911) Laws as Amended are bad--Editorial from Humboldt Standard:

An exceedingly bad amendment to the state laws governing fishing was brought to light as a result of the trip here of Dr. Gilbert, the fish expert. Prior to his visit it appears that pretty [nearly] everybody here had supposed the old law was still in force, in accordance with which it was declared illegal to sweep clear across a stream with seine or gillnet. Those who knew of the change--presumably, of course, the beneficiaries of the amendment and their representatives in the state Legislature

--wisely kept their own counsel.

Probably they knew that when the fact was discovered, a chorus of protests would go up throughout the length and breadth of the county.

The old law as far as it went in this respect was a wise and beneficient one. It put a restraining hand on the "fish hog," the man who would ruthlessly sweep his seine or net across a stream without giving the fish the slightest chance of escape.

Some men, it seems, are so constituted that they would not

hesitate to kill every fish in the river today if they could make a dollar profit. These are the kind of men who dynamite fish--

if, they think the officers are not watching. All they ask is a chance to make a dollar. No matter if the rights of the public are infringed, no matter though that the fishing industry is thereby destroyed. To be sure such a course is foolish and short sighted. But it was to head off just such foolish attempts that this provision was inserted in the old law.

Until our last Legislature got through tinkering with the fish laws the throwing of nets and seines clear across the streams was forbidden. Now that is done away with!

Who is responsible? In whose interest was this change made? Was it to benefit the public, or the legitimate who wants to live and let live, who doesn't want to see fishing destroyed in Eel river and Mad river, or was it made for and in behalf of the "fish hogs?" Just at this time these are all pertinent questions.

The Standard wishes it could name the men, whether they live in this county or some other part of the state, who were quilty of this piece of legislation. However, it is useless to lament over such shortsighted and destructive legislation. Dr. Gilbert has pointed out a remedy. It is within the power of the Board of Supervisors to pass legislation forbidding such a use of nets and seines. The fishermen of Humboldt should lose no time in organizing and applying to the Supervisors for adequate ordinances governing the taking of fish in Humboldt waters.

 

FE (31 Oct. 1911) Trout Season Closes Today--The open season for steelhead and trout fishing with hook and line above tidewater ends today, October 31st. The season closes two weeks earlier than last year, when the season was November 15th. There is, however, no closed season for steelhead in tidewater and they may be taken at any time of the year.

A peculiarity of the steelhead law is noticed in the fact that these fish may be taken below tidewater in nets until February 1st. So after today while it will be unlawful to take a single steelhead on a hook and line above tidewater, a short distance farther down the river they may be hauled out by the ton with nets.

 

FE (3 Nov. 1911) Prepared to Fight new Law--Aroused by what they believe to be legislation detrimental to the welfare of all interested in fishing for other than commercial purposes, a number of sportsmen of Arcata have placed in circulation a petition which will be presented to the Board of Supervisors asking that the placing of nets across more than one-third of the width of any stream in Humboldt county be prohibited. The petition is being circulated by James McDemore, representing the fishermen, and over 150 signatures have already been obtained says the Times.

 

FE (10 Nov. 1911) Fishermen's Trials Will Come Up Soon--The cases of the fishermen arrested two weeks ago for various violations of the laws are expected to come up for trial shortly. The first case to be tried will be that of P. Healey who was arrested three weeks ago for having salmon in his possession. His case will come up before Justice Gray in Eureka.

With that case out of the way, Johannes Peterson and Fred Vosgelean, arrested on a similar charge, will be tried in Judge Blackburn's court in Ferndale. It will be remembered that following their arrest the salmon taken from them and held as evidence was stolen during the night from the court room. No arrest have so far been reported for that crime, however.

S. Leighton and T.K. Fulmor arrested by deputies Theodore Benson and Earl Barnes for gillnetting before the season for salmon opened will be tried in Judge Sowash's court at Loleta, the date not yet having been set.

Five other men, whose names have heretofore been concealed, will be tried for casting their nets in Eel river before the season opened. These men are Ellis Robinson, his sons, Bert and Jack, Deb Swortzel and Wm. Miner. These men were arrested on the 24th of October, charged with having been seining in the river before midnight. They were immediately released on bond and their case will come up before Judge Sowash at Loleta.

At least a portion of this crew expect to prove an alibi, claiming that they were not within two miles of the scene where the alleged seining took place, a half mile above Dungan's ferry. Several stories are afloat in connection with the arrest. One is that after the seine had been taken by the deputies, a portion of it was later stolen from them.

It is also rumored that while the deputies were engaged in making the raid on the seiners at Dungan's, a crew of fishermen slipped into the Fortuna pool with their boats and netted some five ton of salmon which were lying there. It is also stated that the deputies were purposely decoyed down the river, that the haul from the local pool might be made...--Fortuna Advance.

 

FE (17 Nov. 1911) Completion of Bridge [Fernbridge] Celebrated Yesterday.

 

FE (21 Nov. 1911) Ordinance to Protect Fish--At their meeting last week the Supervisors enacted an ordinance which will have the effect of restoring the law relating to the stretching of seines and gillnets across the streams to the same bases as it was before being changed by the last legislature.

Hereafter nets may be stretched only a third of the way across any stream. This action was taken by the Supervisors in response to a numerously-signed petition. The law becomes effective December 1st and the game wardens have signified their intention of enforcing it.

 

FE (8 Dec. 1911) Warrants for Arrest of Ellis Robinson--Ellis Robinson, the Fortuna fisherman who was only recently under arrest on the charge of catching salmon unlawfully, is again in trouble, this time on the charge of using a set net...also for assault...

 

FE (15 Dec. 1911) It is expected that about two million salmon eggs will arrive in Eureka today on the steamer, having been shipped to this county by the Fish and Game Commission. Immediately upon the arrival of the eggs in Eureka, they will be forwarded to the hatchery at Price Creek.

 

FE (12 Jan. 1912) Operations at Cannery Cease--The Port Kenyon cannery ceased operations last Saturday and most of the operators have gone north. The present season is reported to have been the most prosperous enjoyed by the cannery since its construction, and it is considered more than probable that Mr. Tallant will again operate the plant next year.

 

FE (13 Feb. 1912) Game Wardens make a haul--...Game Wardens Benson and Barnes raided an old barn on the Hansen place near the site of the new Eel river bridge and found stored there about fifty steelheads. It is unlawful to take them or have them in one's possession unless they are taken with hook and line in tide water. The fish found by the game wardens had been freshly caught and were being prepared for salting. It is reported that the identity of the parties owning the fish is known, and that warrants for their arrest were to be sworn out yesterday.

 

FE (19 April 1912) Says There are no Salmon Trout--Writing to the San Francisco Chronicle from Stanford University, under date of April 11, David Starr Jordan says:

I notice that a correspondent credits me with the statement that all the trout in California are "salmon trout." Some time ago another paper quoted me as saying that there are "no trout in California." I have just recovered from this trouble to take on the other. The name "salmon trout" is applied in England to the brown trout, or brook trout, which has run down to the seas and come back to spawn. All trout will run to the sea if they get a chance, and when they do they grow very much larger than they do in rivers and lakes.

The word "salmon trout" has no meaning on this Coast. If it had, it would be synonymous with "steelhead," which is a rainbow trout that has run to the sea. At one time we thought that we could distinguish between rainbows that had not entered the sea and steelheads which had, but they are all the same species and the young steelheads grow up as rainbows. The rainbow and steelhead of the coastwise streams must, therefore, be considered the same. The word "salmon trout" if applied to any California fish, would be trout which had come up from the sea. In the mountains of California, the trout do not run to the sea, and the Shasta rainbow, which never reaches the sea, is somewhat different from the rainbow of the coast. We have called it the Salmo shasta. The Tahoe trout is a different species, as is

also the "cut throat," occasionally seen in northern California and the two or three species of golden trout found in the Sierra about Mountain Whitney. There is still another trout found in the streams of Mount San Gregorio in southern California. The Dolly Varden is also quite different but in practically all the coastwise streams of California, [there are] rainbow trout and all the rainbows that run to the sea are steelheads when they come back.

 

FE (30 April 1912) Says the Standard:

Otto Kemp, proprietor of Greig's Resort, has the unique record of having already caught several fine steelhead trout, according to word he has sent to friends in Eureka, the trout having been taken from Eel river. This is exceptionally early in the season for steelhead fishing, but, nevertheless, he has been several times in the last ten days with good success. Friday he caught two fine fish.

 

FE (3 May 1912) Slide Destroyed Hatchery Flume--Last Tuesday night a landslide destroyed about seventy-five feet of the flume which carries the water into the Price Creek fish hatchery. The accident necessitated the turning out of about a half-million young fish, which had been hatched and were being kept in the hatchery until they reached a larger growth. It is believed, however, that the fish will live about as well as though they had been kept there longer. They were turned out in the smaller creeks in that vicinity. Slides have broken the flume several times before this season, but the damage was small. This time, however, it was impossible to repair the flume in time to furnish the necessary water, and it was a case of turning the fish loose or they would have all died.

 

FE (18 June 1912) Mr. and Mrs. N.W. Tallant, who are now making their home at Requa, while the gentleman is managing the cannery there, spent the last few days in Ferndale. In all probability Mr. Tallant will conduct the Port Kenyon cannery again this season.

 

FE (13 Aug. 1912) A large number of salmon trout have made their appearance in Eel river and some good catches have been made the last few days.

 

FE (27 Aug. 1912) W.H. Shebley, superintendent of state hatcheries, F.A. Shebley, superintendent of the Brookdale hatchery in Santa Cruz county, and W.B. Scofield, scientific assistant to the California Fish Commission, have been making an inspection of streams in Mendocino, Del Norte and Humboldt counties. Superintendent Shebley states that the commission is planning improvements at the Price Creek hatchery, enlarging the plant so as to better facilitate the propagation of Eel river salmon. The commission is contemplating the establishment of a hatchery on the Klamath river.

 

FE (3 Sept. 1912) The salmon have made their appearance in Eel river. Trollers were quite numerous on the river Sunday and several good catches are reported.

 

FE (3 Sept. 1912) The Weymouth Inn on Price Creek is doing a big business these days, being filled with guests from all parts of the state who are drawn there by accounts of the splendid fishing to be found in Eel river, as well as reports of the excellence of the accommodations afforded by Manager Fassett...

 

FE (10 Sept. 1912) Speaks of Fish and Game Conservation--Last Saturday evening, R.D. Duke, attorney for the State Fish and Game Commission, met with a large number of the citizens of this valley at the Ferndale Club to discuss the matter of fish and game conservation, the organization of a local branch of the Great Protective Association and the preparation of laws adapted to conditions in Humboldt County...

In the course of his remarks, he said that the fish and game in this county is one of Humboldt's greatest assets and that when the railroad reaches here a vast amount of money will be brought in and spent by visiting sportsmen. The fish and game, he said, belongs to all the people not to any particular class, and it is to the interest of all to see that the laws are obeyed and the game protected.

To give an idea of the benefits to be derived from the fish and game of the state, Mr. Duke stated that at a conservative estimate there is invested in sporting goods in California over $10,000,000. He said that every deer in the hills would bring close to a thousand dollars to Humboldt, as probably not one in five visiting hunters would kill a deer, while it would cost each of them close to $200 to make the trip.

In the Great Fish and Game Protective Association now being formed in the state, there are already 13,000 members and it is expected that within a few weeks there will be twice this number. A large number in this valley and other parts of the county have joined the association...

 

FE (10 Sept. 1912) As a result of the rain of last week Eel river raised three feet. The water became quite muddy and fishing was spoiled. It will probably be several days before the river will be suitable for fly fishing, but salmon trolling will become good very shortly.

 

FE (17 Sept. 1912) Manager N.W. Tallant of the Port Kenyon cold storage plant and cannery has been putting quite an amount of salmon in cold storage during the last week. The fish are of exceptionally fine quality. The closed season begins tomorrow to continue until midnight of October 22d.

 

FE (15 Oct. 1912) Would stop Seining above the new Bridge--That trollers be allowed to take salmon with hook and line in tide water [corrected to "anywhere" in 18 Oct. 1912 issue] at any time in the year with a limit of three fish per day to the person; that no net fishing be allowed in Eel river below Salt river point or above the new Eel river bridge; that all blasting to clear seining grounds of snags must be completed before September 1st of each year; these in brief were the conclusions arrived at last Friday night at the meeting of the Ferndale branch of the Great Fish and Game Protective Association, held in the town hall. The members of the Association will work to have these measures incorporated in a law and passed at the next session of the legislature.

Over fifty were present at the meeting...The matter of blasting on the seining grounds for removal of snags was brought up. Mr. Williams stated that some years ago the Fish and Game Commission was communicated with regarding this question, and it was said by them that they had no power to stop the blasting, even thought many fish were being killed. During the last couple of weeks, it is reported that many salmon and smaller fish have been killed by the operations of the blasters, which was the cause of this matter being brought up...

 

FE (22 Oct. 1912) Changes in Fish and Game Laws--Changes in the matter of handling eggs from northern California streams are in a late report of W.H. Shebley, chief of the fish hatcheries of the fish and game commission...

A very important recommendation of Shebley's is that the commission gather the eggs from the salmon at Eel river this fall and that none of the Sacramento eggs be shipped to Price Creek, as has been followed by the California Commission, but by the Federal bureau as well. Shebley maintains that the Sacramento river is too important a stream to have its commercial fish destroyed by depleting and shipping its supply of eggs to other waters.

The bureau of fish is planning to collect eggs from the silver salmon this fall at Klamath. Arrangements are now being made to hatch them at the Sisson hatchery.

Mr. Shebley made arrangements to get a supply of eggs for hatching at the Price Creek hatchery from both Eel and Little rivers while recently on an official visit, and later arrangements may be made to get a part of the supply from Mad river. This stream was restocked with 105,000 young salmon in March of this year, and the Commission plans to put a supply of fry into this stream each year from now on. The capacity of the Price Creek hatchery is to be redoubled, so that the one plant can supply all the streams of any importance in Humboldt county...

 

FE (25 Oct. 1912) The open season for salmon fishing commenced last Tuesday night at midnight, and it is stated that about thirty tons of fish were taken in Eel river, this being somewhat less than the usual amount. The larger part of the catch was delivered to the Tallant plant at Port Kenyon, where the fish are being mild cured.

 

FE (25 Oct. 1912) Domenico Sabbatini, an Italian fisherman, was arrested near Dungan's ferry late Tuesday night by Deputy Game Warden Theodore Benson...charged with gillnetting before the season opened. It is claimed that he commenced gillnetting about ten o'clock in the evening instead of awaiting until midnight.

 

FE (25 Oct. 1912) Ad: The Weymouth Inn where they get the steelhead trout. Telephone Ferndale 521 and let us know you are coming. We want your business. W.O. Fassett, proprietor.

 

FE (1 Nov. 1912) Domenico Sabbatini, arrested on Eel river last week for hauling a net two hours before the season opened, pleaded guilty before Judge Murray and was fined $200, which he paid.

 

FE (19 Nov. 1912) Salmon Plentiful in Lower Eel River--Salmon are now running in Eel river in great numbers and the fishermen are making some good catches. According to a Loleta correspondent fishermen state that more salmon have been taken from Eel river to date than in any previous season in the same length of time. The fishermen are getting three cents a pound for their fish, which is considered a good price...

 

FE (19 Nov. 1912) A large shipment of salmon was made yesterday by N. Tallant, who is conducting a salting station at the Port Kenyon cannery. The shipment was taken to Singleys Station by a number of G.M. Brice's freight teams.

 

FE (22 Nov. 1912) Thomas Christensen, Ed Larsen and Antone Garoni were arrested Thursday morning at 10 o'clock a short distance above Dungan's ferry on Eel river on a warrant charging them with catching salmon with seines, the meshes of which were less than six and one-half inches across. All three defendants were taken before Judge Ryan of the Eureka justice court and released upon their own recognizance until they could secure $200 cash bail. The arrests were made by Deputies Benson and Barnes. The minimum penalty for the offense with which the men are charged is a fine of $200.

 

FE (22 Nov. 1912) W.O. Fassett, the genial proprietor of Weymouth's Resort at Price Creek...informed us that the new flume...at the hatchery there had stood the recent high water during last week's storm. In the past the flume had been damaged by the high waters of winter and numerous slides made it almost impossible to keep the flume in working order during the rainy season, but such will not be the case in the future, as the water can be shut out and the flume carried across the creek away from the slides.--Fortuna Advance.

 

FE (20 Dec. 1912) Would Prohibit all Eel River Seining--The legislative committee of the Eureka branch of the Great Fish and Game Protective Association of Humboldt county...proposed several changes...in the game laws:

1. Establishing tide water line at the county bridge at Weott on Eel river.

2. Prohibiting seining at all times on Eel river and Mad river.

3. Prohibiting netting of all kinds on Eel river above East's ferry and above Carson bridge on Mad river.

4. Permitting gill netting above tide water on Eel river, as far as East's ferry, from November 15 of each year to February 1 of the following year.

5. Prohibiting netting of any kind for steelhead and salmon from February 1 to October 23 below tidewater on Eel river and below the Carson bridge on Mad river.

6. Hook and line fishing for salmon and steelhead to be permitted on Eel river and Mad river from May 1 of each year to February 1 of the following year, but making it unlawful to market same.

7. Placing a limit on salmon taken with hook and line during closed season for netting of three fish per day, each fish to weigh five pounds or more and making it unlawful to market same.

8. Issuing no license to fish to commercial fishermen who have not been residents of the state of California at least three months prior to the time of issuing same.

9. Requesting the fish and game commission to increase the capacity of the Price Creek hatchery.

10. Having same laws that apply to salmon during closed days apply to steelhead...

 

FE (24 Dec. 1912) Recommend that Seining be Allowed on Eel

River--An interesting meeting of the Great Fish and Game Protective Association of Humboldt county was held...last Saturday. Representatives of Eureka, Arcata, Loleta, Fortuna, and Ferndale were in attendance, those present from Ferndale being F.G. Williams. T.A. Varian, E.C. Damon and H.N. Briggs.

The meeting was called for discussing and voting upon the adoption of the recommendations for changes in the fish and game laws drawn up at a recent meeting of the legislative committee

...Several of the changes were recommended as outlined by the committee, while others were amended materially.

The proposition to prohibit seining in Eel river while allowing gillnetting provoked a warm discussion and was voted down, it being decided that seining should be allowed as far up the river as the new concrete bridge...

The district convention of the...association will be held at Redding...and Dr. W.E. Cook and L.F. Puter were elected as delegates to represent Humboldt at the meeting where they will endeavor to secure the incorporation in a district bill of the recommendations...

 

FE (24 Jan. 1913) Mr. and Mrs. N.W. Tallant departed this week for their home in Astoria...Mr. Tallant conducted the Port Kenyon salmon packing business this year, where a large quantity of fish was put up.

 

FE (11 March 1913) Nelson will Amend Bill--Messrs. E.C. Damon, F.G. Williams, T.A. Varian and G.M. Brice of Ferndale went to Eureka last Friday to interview Assemblyman Nelson regarding the provisions of his bill governing fishing in Eel river, the provisions of which were not satisfactory to either the sportsmen or net fishermen...Ellis Robinson of Fortuna, Ray Davidson, Henry and Bert Van Duzer of Loleta and others also interviewed Mr. Nelson...

 

FE (25 March 1913) Fishermen's Legislation--Ray Davidson, commercial fisherman of Loleta, returned Friday from Sacramento, where he has been watching legislation affecting the interests of the Eel river and Klamath fishermen.

Davidson says valiant work is being done in the legislature in behalf of the commercial fishermen by Senator Kehoe and Assemblyman Nelson, and that the fishermen have also to thank W.B. Sherrer of Yreka and C.W. White of Weaverville. George Field and W.E. Tallant of Astoria, who operate salmon canneries on the Klamath, are at the state capital trying to head off a bill, which, if passed, will kill the commercial fishing industry of the Klamath.

The objectionable measure would close the season August 15th instead of on September 17th, taking a month out of the season, a month when the fishermen make their largest catches. It is hoped by all commercial fishermen that the bill will be killed.--Eureka Herald.

 

FE (28 March 1913) Eurekans Petition for Conservation of Fish--A large number of prominent Eurekans have signed the following self-explanatory communication which will be forwarded to Senator Kehoe at Sacramento this week:

...We notice by the papers that on the return of a commercial fisherman from Sacramento you were reported by him to be doing valiant work in behalf of the commercial fishermen.

In view of your pronounced conservation ideas and activities with reference to other matters, can we not ask that you do something toward conserving the fish of Eel river?

Those of us who desire proper and adequate protection to the fish and provision made for their increase have no wish to stop commercial fishing, but to regulate it in such a way that it will last, and would like to present to you a few of our individual opinions on the subject.

It seems to be the policy of a great many commercial fishermen to get all they can out of the industry while it lasts. For instance there is no excuse or reason for any one following the fish to their spawning ground and seining practically every hole of its entire supply, and if you had the opportunity of seeing hundreds of fish drawn to the bank and left to rot on account of being too ripe for any market, you would no doubt be indignant at the course pursued by some of these commercial fishermen.

In our opinion, no seining should be allowed on Eel river. The fish of the stream is not sufficient to meet the demands of the world, but gill netting, under proper regulation, can meet the commercial demand of the county and more, while if seining is continued it is only a matter of a short time when the stream will be drained of its already greatly diminished supply. Can you not see that very plainly?

A fair law for commercial fishing should prohibit seining altogether but permit gill netting below tide water for salmon only between April 1 and September 15 and between October 23 and February 1. The catching of steelhead with anything but a hook and line should be prohibited in the interest of the sportsmen, as it is not a proper fish for canning and it is preeminently a sporting fish.

Too little attention has been paid to the great value of Eel river as an asset of the county as a sporting stream. If the fish are properly protected the river will be almost without parallel in the world, and, directly and indirectly, in attracting sportsmen from far and near cannot help but prove one of the county's resources, especially after railroad facilities make it easily accessible.

It is too important a resource to allow a few men to ruin absolutely and forever and we trust you will see your way clear to assist in conserving it.

 

FE (28 March 1913) Fishing Legislation fair to Everybody--Elsewhere in today's Enterprise will be found a copy of resolutions drawn up and signed by many residents of Eureka asking that Senator Kehoe use his influence to have all seining prohibited on Eel river. A short time ago this paper published a report of the activities of the net fishermen at Sacramento in the endeavor to have legislation passed especially favorable to their interests. Both classes of fishermen, sporting and commercial, are actively engaged in a fight to get legislation for themselves without consideration of the others.

This controversy is useless and can only result in neither getting what they want. The sensible thing for all to do is to abide by the recommendations adopted at the meeting of the Great Fish and Game Association in Eureka, where all classes of fishermen were represented, and which would result in the passing of a law fair to everybody.

In the petition drawn up by the Eurekans, published elsewhere in this paper, it is stated that a law fair for commercial fishermen should prohibit seining altogether in Eel river and permit gillnetting for salmon below tide water between April 1st and September 15th and between October 23d and February 1st. We believe that this is a mistaken idea.

To prohibit seining in Eel river would mean that the canneries must be discontinued. We have been informed by cannery owners that they would be unable to operate if they had to depend on the gillnets alone, not because the gillnets do not get enough fish but because there are times owing to the condition of the river that no fish are taken while again [at other times] the salmon are taken in large quantities. The trouble is that the supply is not regular. At times the canneries would have no fish, while at other times the supply is more than could be handled locally, and many tons are shipped to the San Francisco markets.

If the idea is to save the fish, why not prohibit both gillnetting and seining? What is fair for one should be fair for the other. And if the seines are to be prohibited, thus forcing the discontinuance of the canneries, who would benefit? We hardly think it would be the gillnetters. The fact is well known to all fishermen that before the establishment of the canneries on Eel river the net fishermen of both classes were forced to sell their fish for any price the fish trust in San Francisco chose to pay. In many cases this was not enough to pay the freight on the fish to San Francisco and the fishermen suffered a clear loss. With the advent of the canneries this condition was changed and the fishermen are now assured a definite price for their catch which enables them to operate at a profit. The only people to benefit from the discontinuance of the seines alone would be the fish trust and its representatives on the river.

If the idea of the Eureka people who are petitioning Senator Kehoe were to close Eel river entirely to net fishing there would be some merit in their argument. To attempt to stop seining while allowing gillnetting seems to us inconsistent, with no good to be accomplished. There is no doubt that quite a few sportsmen would like to see Eel river a sporting stream exclusively. Unless this is to be done both seiners and gillnetters should be allowed to operate without discriminating against one and not the other.

Undoubtedly the present controversy, culminating in the petition mentioned, was brought about by reports reaching here of the activities of the commercial fishermen at Sacramento. The petition to stop seining is in retaliation and protest by the sportsmen. For their own good the commercial fishermen should not attempt to get legislation entirely in their own interests and against the sportsmen. The only final result can be that Eel river will be closed in a short time against net fishing of all kinds.

The fishing industry of Eel river is an important one, and under proper regulations can be carried on indefinitely without diminishing the fish supply. But any attempt on the part of the commercial fishermen to make a big profit for a time at the expense of the fish supply of the river will create a public sentiment so overwhelming that it will result in net fishing being prohibited entirely on the river, as has been done on other streams. This fact is admitted by all who have given the subject consideration.

There are many ardent sportsmen in this valley who have no interest of any kind in commercial fishing, and yet who have no desire to see seining or gillnetting prohibited, providing it is done under proper regulations. They realize that it is no detriment to Eel river as a sporting stream unless it diminishes the fish supply from year to year. If the sportsmen are allowed to take salmon with hook and line at any time of the year they are satisfied to allow the commercial fishermen a certain season for their operations. But they see no reason why seining should be stopped and gillnetting allowed, but on the contrary see many reasons why this should not be done. Their idea is to allow the net fishermen reasonable liberties, but if one class of net fishing is to be stopped then both should be. There is no argument for discriminatory legislation against the seiners.

Why are not all classes content to abide by the recommendations adopted at the convention of the Great Fish and Game Protective Association in Eureka last December? In our opinion these are just to all and if made into a law would be found satisfactory to all fair minded people, whether seiners, gillnetters or trollers...We hope that our legislators at Sacramento will pay no attention to any petitions or attempted influence in conflict with the recommendations of the Great Fish and Game Protective Association, adopted at a public convention.

 

FE (4 April 1913) Report of the Price Creek Fish Hatchery--The annual report of the state Fish and Game Commission has been received...The work of the Price Creek hatchery is treated as follows in the report by the superintendent of hatcheries:

Mr. W.O. Fassett has continued in charge of the work at this important station and has directed it in an orderly, commendable manner; but a series of accidents have hampered the work here to a great extent.

In April a landslide damaged the flume so much that the hatchery had to close. The eggs and embryo fish in the hatchery were planted in Price Creek. Several hundred dollars will be necessary to repair the water supply so badly damaged by the landslide.

It may be well to note that 100,000 salmon fry were liberated in Mad river this season...The report of the steelhead trout eggs taken and the early distribution on account of the landslide follows: eggs taken, 218,000; eggs received from Brookdale Hatchery, 400,000; total taken and received, 618,000; loss in eyeing and hatching, 38,000; left for planting, 580,000. Planted in Price Creek: embryos, 454,000; eyed eggs, 80,000; uneyed eggs, 46,000; total planted, 580,000. Salmon eggs received from Bureau of Fisheries, 3,240,000; loss, 36,340; left for distribution, 3,203,660. Distribution in Mad river, 100,000. Distributed in Eel river, 3.103,660; total 3,203,660.

 

FE (8 April 1913) Assemblyman Nelson Stands by the Recommendations, Will pay no Attention to Adverse Petitions, Outlook is good for Fishing Legislation fair to Everybody as Recommended at Convention of Great Fish and Game Association.

 

FE (13 May 1913) Fishing Law Passed--Telegram to Enterprise from Assemblyman Nelson:

"Assembly Bill No. 948, salmon law, passed. Season for Humboldt and Klamath as agreed upon..."

Assembly Bill No. 948...is believed to be the one in which were incorporated the recommendations of the Great Fish and Game Protective Association of this county regulating fishing on Eel river...

 

FE (20 May 1913) May Lawfully take Salmon at any time--Trollers may this year take salmon lawfully with hook and line and need not keep fish out of sight or pull in their lines and make a break for safety when the word is passed that the game warden is on the river. At the last session of the legislature...a law was passed as a result of [Nelson's] efforts allowing trollers to take three salmon each per day with hook and line during the time that the river is closed to net fishermen. When the open season for net fishing is on there is no limit to the number allowed the trollers.

This is good news to the sportsmen of this county and particularly of Eel river valley. In the past it has always been the custom to troll for salmon as soon as they appeared in the river, notwithstanding the fact that the law forbade it...

Now all may fish with a clear conscience at any time limiting their catch to three fish a day until the river is opened to net fishing on October 23d. Under the new law, seining is prohibited above the Eel river bridge at all times. Gillnetting is, however, allowed above the bridge from November 15th until February 1st. All kinds of netting is prohibited above East's ferry, so that the fish will not be disturbed on their spawning grounds.

FE (1 July 1913) The annual run of smelt has commenced in Eel river and sportsmen have been getting considerable enjoyment "snagging" them. They are not as plentiful, however, as they will be in another week or so.

 

FE (8 July 1913) Steelheads have made their appearance in Eel river and several have been taken by anglers during the past week.

 

FE (11 July 1913) Netting of Steelhead Prohibited--Hereafter it will be illegal to take steelhead with seines or gillnets, or in any manner except with hook and line. For some years past fishermen have been allowed to take these fish with seines and gillnets, and the industry has grown to quite large proportions. Under the provisions of the new law, however, this will be prohibited and the fish saved for the sportsmen, the steelhead being one of the gamiest fish in the world. Hundreds of anglers visit Eel river every year to try their luck on these fighters, and with the ban on seining and gillnetting of them it is thought the sport will be better than ever before...

 

FE (15 Aug. 1913) It is reported that salmon have made their appearance at the mouth of Eel river and that a few have already been taken.

 

FE (29 Aug. 1913) Seining on Eel River Prohibited, Gill Nets may Operate but not Seines, News Comes as a Surprise--As a great surprise to the people of this county will come the news that hereafter it will be unlawful to draw a seine in the waters of Eel river. It had been understood that the new fish laws passed allowed seining in Eel river as far up as the new concrete bridge, but evidently somebody got busy on the quiet and slipped one over on the people interested, for it now appears that seining is at an end.

When the Great Fish and Game Protective Association held its county convention in Eureka, resolutions were incorporated among others that seining for salmon should be allowed on the river below tidewater, the tidewater line being fixed at the new bridge. The open season for seining was to commence on October 23d. Gillnetting was to be allowed above the bridge as far as East's ferry, commencing November 15th...

Several days ago a rumor became current that there could be no seining this year in Eel river, but it was generally thought that the rumor was unfounded. However, from various sources information came which appeared authentic and all doubts were set at rest when telegraphic advices from San Francisco Wednesday confimred the report.

T.A. Varian of Ferndale telegraphed to F.H. Cutting of the Cutting Packing Co., at San Francisco, asking for definite information. In reply he received a telegram:

"Fish and Game Commission advises that Nelson's bill No. 948 prohibits seining on Eel river."

Mr. Hunter, one of the officials of the Fish and Game Commission, also informed N.W. Tallant on the Klamath a few days ago that seining was prohibited on Eel river, and it is understood that the Humboldt deputies have received word to this effect...

The law appears to be a peculiar one, as gillnetting is still allowed. Mr. Tallant will not operate his cannery on Eel river as he states that it is impossible to conduct a cannery here without the seines to depend upon. It is improbable that any cannery will be operated on the river, and the fishermen will be compelled to depend upon the outside buyers to purchase their fish and will have to accept whatever is offered for them...

 

FE (19 Sept. 1913) Interpretation of new Fishing Law--Deputy Fish and Game Warden Theodore Benson of Fortuna has received a letter from the Fish and Game Commission of California regarding the new fish laws passed by the last legislature:

"You are hereby informed that the Commission has reversed the first interpretation of the salmon law...Salmon may be taken in Eel river in tide water between October 23d and February 1st with lawful seines, gill nets, or with spears or hook and line. Between November 15th and February 1st salmon may be taken in Eel river between East's Ferry and Fortuna bridge with gill nets, spears, or with hook and line. Above East's ferry all netting of salmon is prohibited at all times. According to Assemblyman Nelson it was his intent in drawing the bill that seines be permitted during open season in tide water to which a new upstream limit was fixed, viz, the new concrete bridge at Fortuna [Fernbridge]...The Commission is very glad to reverse its decision in this matter, though it has done so only upon the strong and lucid statement made by Mr. Nelson...Fish and Game Commission, Ernest Schaeffle, Assistant."

 

FE (26 Sept. 1913) Illegal Fishing on Eel River Reported--According to reported rumors, some parties have been engaged of late gillnetting on lower Eel river and others have been dragging seines in the pools farther up the stream. While the rumors may be without foundation and it is hoped they are, steps should be taken to investigate the matter and if nets are being used the guilty parties should be apprehended...

The worst feature of the illegal netting, if there is anything to the rumors, is the seining out of pools from Singleys up the stream, where the sportsmen take the steelhead and salmon trout on the fly. The pools furnish fine sport one day and the next day perhaps there is not a fish to be found, this condition of affairs being blamed by some to the fact that a seine has been dragged through the pool in the night...

 

FE (30 Sept. 1913) Salmon trollers have been enjoying fine sport the last few days, as have fly fishermen farther up the river.

 

FE (3 Oct. 1913) Fish Killed by Snag Blasting--Reports reach the Enterprise office that many salmon have been killed by the blasting of snags out of Eel river with dynamite of late. Wherever a blast has been set off there has been a conspicuous absence of salmon afterwards.

There is a state law against dynamiting fish, with a severe penalty attached, where the dynamite is set off for the purpose of clearing a hole of snags there is apparently nothing said, even though hundreds of fish might be killed thereby.

The Ferndale branch of the Great Fish and Game Protective Association adopted resolutions recommending a law forbidding any blasting in the river after September 1st. This was not incorporated into the resolution adopted by the county organization, and in consequence did not become law...

There seems no reason why the blasting could not be done the latter part of August, as the river is then as low as at any time later and probably lower. If done before the fish are in the river none would be killed and it would be better for all concerned. This is a matter which should be taken up by the next legislature.

 

FE (3 Oct. 1913) The Sale of Salmon--The following letter to Game Warden Earl P. Barnes from the Fish and Game Commission will be of general interest to the people of Humboldt county:

"We desire to call your attention in advance of the opening of the salmon season to the fact that salmon lawfully taken in Eel and Mad rivers after the 24th of October may be sold, although the general salmon season remains closed until November 15th...We presume that fishing will start on Eel river on the 24th of next month and that considerable quantities of salmon taken will be shipped to San Francisco for distribution. It will be essential that all these salmon be so identified that deputies and others finding it in the markets throughout the state will know it has been taken in Eel river during the open season on that stream and that it has NOT been taken in the Sacramento or other closed waters..."

 

FE (3 Oct. 1913) Reports of illegal net fishing on Eel river continue to come in. Tuesday morning several trollers saw on the banks of the river two nets still wet and with moss on them, which had to all appearances been used the night before and were then hung out to dry. It is to be regretted that if illegal netting is being done that the guilty parties cannot be caught.

 

FE (3 Oct. 1913) Packing Company Commences Suit--War which has broken out among the fishermen of Eel river and the Pacific Coast Packing Company has led the latter to file a suit in the superior court demanding that certain persons be enjoined from fishing in Eel river in front of property leased by the company and from landing nets, seines or boats on the property. Summonses have been prepared and will be served on Henry Bouchard, Alberto Robinson and Henry Harris at once.

It is alleged in the complaint filed by the Pacific Coast Packing Company that threats have been made by one of the trio to use the company's property and also to fish in front of the property held by the company. This, it is set forth, is contrary to a law passed by the legislature giving the owners of river frontage the exclusive right to land nets or boats on it and otherwise use it to their interest.

T.A. Varian of Ferndale is the managing agent of the company in this county and he has commenced the suit. He asks that the three defendants be made to set forth their alleged rights and then requests the court to notify them as to their legal rights and to collect from them the costs of the action.--Humboldt Times.

 

FE (14 Oct. 1913) Eel River Salmon for Local Hatchery--W.O. Fassett, superintendent of the Price Creek Hatchery, informs the Enterprise that he has been authorized by the State Board of Fish Commissioners to purchase at once $750 worth of Eel river salmon for the purpose of securing spawn for the hatchery.

The fish must be ripe and there must be one male fish for every two female fish delivered. Mr. Fassett will pay fifty cents per fish and after the spawn has been taken the fish will be turned over to the fisherman who can dispose of them to market buyers. As to whether these fish can be caught above the Eel river bridge or not has not been determined, but Mr. Fassett expects to have this information within the next few days.

The securing of spawn by the California Fish Commission from the king salmon of Eel river is for the purpose of keeping up the supply of these particular fish for commercial fishing on this stream. Later an effort will be made to secure spawn from the steelhead salmon which are numerous in the river during the months of December and January. These fish weigh from twelve to 23 pounds and are the best food fish caught in the stream.

The Price Creek Hatchery has been established for twelve years [first operated in 1898] and during the greater portion of that time it has been under the efficient management of Superintendent W.O. Fassett. It has played an important part in keeping up the supply of salmon in Eel river which result has made commercial fishing profitable for the hundreds engaged in that pursuit in this section of the county.

 

FE (17 Oct. 1913) Eel River Fishermen to Fight the Trust--The market fishermen of Eel river, both seiners and gillnetters, are to fight the fish trust which has controlled the business in this state for many years past.

At a largely attended meeting held last Tuesday, an agreement was drawn up and signed by more than a hundred seiners and gillnetters to the effect that no fish would be sold for less than three cents a pound for the entire season.

If the buyers will not agree to pay this price, the net fishermen, it is stated, will unite in a petition to the Supervisors asking that Eel river be closed to commercial fishing. This petition would have the hearty support of the sportsmen and would undoubtedly be granted by the Supervisors.

The open season for net fishing will commence a week from today...So the time for negotiations between the fishermen and the buyers is short and some decision will doubtless be reached shortly.

The seiners and gillnetters are determined in their stand that if they cannot get a price of three cents a pound for their fish they will lay their nets away and do all in their power to close the river entirely except to hook and line fishing.

The reply of the buyers has not been given out but it is expected that they will agree to the demands of the fishermen and pay the price asked.

 

FE (21 Oct. 1913) Fishing Rights Aired in Court--By virtue of a preliminary restraining order issued Friday by Judge Connick, Henry Bouchard and others, defendants in the action of the Pacific Coast Packing Company, are enjoined from fishing in front of plaintiff's property on Eel rivgr and are cited to appear before the superior court today and show cause why a preliminary injunction shall not be issued to remain in effect until the full merits of the action are determined...The case is a ramification of the famous Coonskin island case and promises to be nearly as intricate in technical issues.

 

FE (24 Oct. 1913) Fassett Says Fish are Quite Numerous--W.O. Fassett, the fish expert of Weymouth Inn, reports tons of salmon are now swarming in the pools and river, waiting for the rains. He has just taken two tons from Greig's hole for the purpose of investigating their condition as regards ripeness for spawning. He found many fully matured and a large number nearly so.

"If we can get the eggs," he said, "we shall soon make the Eel river second only to the Sacramento, with Price Creek a wonderful breeding place," says the Times.

He reports that Peter Ferrari and others have reported that the commercial merchants will not receive black or fully matured fish, which should not be used for food, but will restrict themselves to the bright fish and turn the ripe ones over to the fish commission for propagating purposes. By doing this they will help the breeding end of the fish industry and reap a greater harvest in the long run. The bright fish only should be sold.

 

FE (28 Oct. 1913) Humboldt Salmon will be Marked--Fish buyers operating in Humboldt County during the present salmon season will account to the state Fish and Game Commission for every salmon shipped to the San Francisco market...This is made necessary owing to the fact that other streams in the state are closed to salmon fishing at the present time...

 

FE (28 Oct. 1913) It is estimated that upwards of $5,000 worth of Eel river salmon were shipped to San Francisco by the last Topeka and Vanguard. Fishermen on Eel river expect the price will jump to four cents per pound within the next few days.

 

FE (28 Oct. 1913) The open season for salmon in Eel river began at 12 o'clock last Thursday night when the gillnetters were on the stream in force with their nets. Friday morning the seines began operations, the principal catch being made at the Fulmor pool, where something like 150 tons of fish were taken. The fish are being shipped to San Francisco, buyers on Eel river paying three cents per pound, we are informed.

 

FE (31 Oct. 1913) Fishermen find Salmon Market poor--A large run of salmon is reported in Eel river but the commercial fishermen are realizing little benefit as a result. Since the opening of the season last Thursday night when very large hauls were made the market has been flooded and many tons of fish have been taken for which there is no sale.

The Enterprise was informed yesterday by one of the most prominent fishermen on the river that he had telegraphed to a fish company in San Francisco to ascertain if it would be possible to sell any fish at all. The answer came back that the market was overrun and that it would be useless to take any more fish at present.

The buyers on the river, we are told, have been unable to handle anywhere near what salmon have been taken, and in some instances have taken the fish without guaranteeing any price for them. All in all, it appears like a poor proposition for the commercial fishermen, who are doubtless mourning the fact that the Port Kenyon cannery is not in operation where they were assured a fixed price for whatever fish they caught.

A great proportion of the fish hauled out on the opening night had been in the river so long that they were black and in poor condition, in fact, practically unfit for food. These being shipped below has also aided to hurt the market.

 

FE (7 Nov. 1913) Hatchery may be Enlarged--Humboldt county salmon eggs secured in Eel river from the fish now entering that stream from the ocean, are to be distributed to the streams of the state for propagation purposes if a proposal made [to] the Fish and Game Commission by W.O. Fassett of the Price Creek hatchery meets with approval and the necessary funds to carry out the plan are provided.

Recently the Commission allowed Fassett the sum of $750 with which to secure salmon for the purposes of obtaining spawn for propagation purposes. With an assistant he is now engaged in that work. They are paying the fishermen at the rate of fifty cents a salmon for "ripe" fish, taking two females to one male. From each female salmon 5,000 eggs are secured. At this rate with the amount of money available, Fassett expects to secure five million eggs to be propagated in the Price Creek hatchery.

One hundred times that many could just as easily be taken if the necessary funds were available, and Fassett has asked for an additional appropriation. If this is forthcoming and his plans are approved by the commission, he will seek a favorable site and locate a collecting station, thus enabling him to secure a great amount of spawn and supply other hatcheries of the state.

It is stated that it will be difficult to secure spawn in the Sacramento river this year on account of the fish having been unable to get over the shallow riffles to their regular spawning grounds. So it is possible that Eel river will be called upon to make up the deficiency.

 

FE (7 Nov. 1913) It is reported that many commercial fishermen on Eel river are objecting to an obstruction said to have been placed in the stream near the big bridge by Ellis Robinson, who is taking fish for Superintendent Fassett of the Price Creek hatchery for spawning purposes. Rumor has it that a fistic encounter was narrowly averted in Loleta a few days ago, the trouble starting over this matter.

 

FE (7 Nov. 1913) According to the fish buyers on Eel river, the San Francisco fish market, which seemed to have been glutted with the fish shipment of Eel river salmon, has now been cleaned up and indications are that the fishermen will be able to operate for the remainder of the season without loss.

 

FE (11 Nov. 1913) Coonskin Island Again in Court--Last Friday Judge Connick issued a preliminary injunction in favor of the Pacific Coast Packing Company against Henry Bouchard, et al., which prohibits Bouchard or anyone not employed by the packing company from fishing along the north side of Coonskin Island below the high water mark...

 

FE (11 Nov. 1913) Supt. Fassett Writes of Fishermen's War--The following communication from Supt. Fassett of the Price Creek Hatchery to the Humboldt Times is self-explanatory:

"In your issue of November 6, I note an article on the fishermen at war on Eel river.

"Now as far as I have been able to observe there has been no war on the river, but Ellis Robinson, Charley Morgan and Kohinki [Kohonka?] and Davis and their crews have given me every assistance in their power in the collecting of fish for spawning purposes, working night and day. I know this to be an absolute fact, for in the last few nights I have had my bed on the gravel bar with the rest of the boys, between hauls...In regards to the fence across the Eel river, I have had Ellis Robinson put in a fence above the Greig pool and Kohinki and Davis a fence at Ogle's ford.

"These fences have been in about ten days and were for the purpose of stopping the black fish that were approaching maturity, and which under no consideration were fit for food...that anyone who objects to these blocks in the river has not the good of the country at heart, for the 200,000 eggs that I have now taken are worth to the citizens of this county $87,000.

"The fishing industry, at present, is third in importance in the products of the county and if the fish keep increasing and run in our river in the same proportions as they have this year, they are going to give lumber a run for first place...

"Thanking the boys who are helping me get the fish and hoping this article will bring all our citizens to a realization of the great benefit the California Fish and Game Commission [is] conferring on our county, I remain, yours for more fish, W.O. Fassett."

 

FE (18 Nov. 1913) Last Sunday it became lawful to take salmon in Eel river above the concrete bridge with gill nets, the season to remain open until February 1st. Seines are forbidden at all times above the bridge. No gill netting is allowed above East's Ferry.

 

FE (16 Dec. 1913) W.O. Fassett, superintendent of the Price Creek hatchery, informs the Fortuna Advance that he has not met with the success that he had expected in securing salmon eggs for the hatchery from the Eel river and Mad river and gives as the reason that he was not properly prepared for the venture. An appropriation was made by the Fish Commission sufficient for the securing of 5,000,000 [eggs] from the Eel river and Mad river run of salmon, but only 500,000 eggs were secured. In another season Mr. Fassett will be in a position for the securing of all salmon eggs needed.

 

 

 

      

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)

 

History Main Page

KrisWeb Home

Bibliography | Background | KrisTeam | Contact | KRISWeb Home
© 2011 Kier Associates / IFR | Original design by Andreas Viklund..