The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-12-07

minutes. The blanket is simply used tc
keep the water taken from the river from
lowering in temperature after exposure on
four sides, top and bottom. to an atmos.
phere much colder than is the water undel
the ice. Old time fishermen there are who
scott at this innovation, bat it has more
than once even proven an excellent one.
Pickerel are about the best fish to he
easily located BY the majority of fishermen
as they abound in most lakes, and along
the shadows of most rivers. With theii
shark-like voracity they readily hook them
selves too firmly to easily get loose, and SO
are landed without much trouble. In vari-
GUS sections, however, are caught giant
perch. pike, sand-pike. silver white fish,
giant sun-tish, bass, muscalonRe, catfish,
sturgeon, cells and BULL heads. Having To-
Gated the place to fish, get up SOON after
you have. taking care to have flannel
next the skin. frequently put on two en-
tire suits of clothes. You will probably find
this good plan, for long standing will chill
you, and any stamping about on the ice in
an endeavor to keep warm, will scare away
the knock of pole on a rock bottom when
spearing fish is disastrous.
The best way to get tho necessary min
nows or sinners, for bait. is to find, il possi-
sible, a place where sewage or drainage runs
into the river or lake; at these places the
water is generally open far enough to put in
a drop-net, and there is always a sufficient
quantity OF feed to keep the small fry on
hand. II these places are not near by, it is
a good plan to break the ice day or two
before, if possible, sand bait it by thrown,
in the entrails Of fish or chickens, or, in
fact, anything that is savory and strong.
"Tip-ups" are the next item, and these
are generally made by cutting number of
four-legged twigs, which are familiar to
q INIT CT IN, Toh-
ing. For the benefit of such strangers it
may be we'll to describe ''tip-up," and
also the way to make it. Dry sticks are
more generally used because they are
easily found. but prefer to use green wood
t tw,gs a aresn a.. cpt. because they are more
one or more of the legs. Select a small
light branch and cut it of where the main
stem sends out three or four branches, cut
the main stem about eight inches beloy
the branches and then cut the branches
to form three Or four legs capable
an upright position. II cut green, the legs
may be readily trained in any desired posi-
tion. For my own part generally use
wire Tip ups" which are made by taking
about six feet Of common galvanized wire,
and with pair of pliers. or monkey wrench,
cut twiR. On the upright piece, in addition
to the indicating fisg, place a piece of
stout. coiled. spring wire, to the free end Of
which is attached small bell. These cost
little, can be made easily, and whore q
large number of ''tip-ups'' are worked at
once, single handed or short handed, the
advantage gained is incalculable.
Having reached the fishing ground with
lines, hooks, bait and Tip tho next
thing is to cut the holes through the ice.
This is usually done with an axe, and is
often more delicate proceeding than is
generally supposed. For example, the men
who understands his work Will chip away
very gently, instead of trying to cut hole
with few vigorous strokes. The reasons
for delicate chipping are manifold. Il u
not 20 likely to brighten the nah a. moro
vigorous chopping would be; it does not
crack tho ice in all directions, zsnderinR il
liable to give way ct some unexpected mo-
ment, and it does not drive the out ioo un-
der the Zoe, but leaves IL just where il can
readily be dshed out. Than thu hole, being
clear of loose ice, will remain opsu muc6
longer time.
When the holes are cut . plummet should
DO dropped to get the depth Of water, and
the hook, after being baitsd. should s. low
cred to within . foot or 20 Of the bottom.
Fish under the 100 always swim low to ct