The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-02-19

have been. in a measure. responsible for the
| decrease 0f the supply OF trout formerly so
plentiful in Shovel Creek.
Allowing that large numbers of trout have
been taken during the months OF May, June
and July by means Of rod and line at the
mouth OF Shovel Creek, the Commissioners
concluded that there was something more
destructive than the hook which lessened
numerically the run Of trout into Shovel
Creek, which is the faVoTite resort OF the
rain bows during their spawning season.
A search was instituted in the hone of
obtaining some clew which would lead
to tine solving of the problem, What has
become Of the rainb0ws"
The Klamath River was inspected by
deputy commissioners, and about twenty
miles below Shovel Greek they discovered
the cause which had initiated against the
annual summers run of travel up the
stream.
In the center of the river was found a
large fall of water, and which it was impos-
sible for many trout TO ascend. The klam-
ath River Lumber Company had shut off
completely by the erection OF stone barr-
ers at each side of the falls the only avenues
of escape the trout had TO the upper waters,
and as a result the river below the falls was
teeming. so TO speak, with beautiful trout,
consisting OF rainbCws and steelheads.
The Commissioners at once pointediout te
the company the necessity of a fiSh-ladder
which would not at all interfere with its
business. but on the other hand would give
the imprisoned fishes an opportunity OF
reaching their spawning beds, and thus pre-
vent a depletion Of the river OF its hand
some finny inhabitants.
The company Willingly consented to the
proposition. and a substantial fsh-ladder
was erected.
In reference to the ladder, illustrations OF
which accompany this article, James A.
Richardson. the SUPERINTENDENT Of hatch
cries, stated to CALL representative that
its construction occupied three months and
that il is now a beautiful sight to see the
young trout and salmon ascend the ladder
step by step until they reach the top bar
wnen grand leap is made for the boiling
ana swift-1owing waters OF the Klamath.
The ladder Is forty feet in width and sixty
feet In length. with six leaps or resting
beds from the lower stems 10 the point from
which the fishes make their final attempt
to reach the deep waters Of the river.
The Commissioners contend that this lad
der is the most substantial of its kind that
has been.ereeted in any Of the rivers of the
State and they hone 10 have established on
other rivers which are blocked by dams and
falls fiShways similar in construction.
Mr.. Richardson is in hopes Of being in a
position to supply many of the steams of the
State in a few years hence with young
trout hatched from the spawn of the fishes
taken from Shovel Creek and other small
streams which empty into the swift-lowing
hlamaIn. Inc RAINBOW trout when nave
been shipped to Eastern hatcherles and
eventually distributed in the rivers which
are whipped by anglers have increased 10
numbers and are now affordng the lovers
of hy-casting grand sport.
Ia return for the compliments of trout for
warded by tie Commissioners of this Stale
to Eastern hatcheres, large consignments
Of New Hampshire trout will be received at
the Sissons hatchery this year, and one Of
the first waters to be stocked with the
spotted beauties" of Eastern rivers will be
the Spring Valleys new lake, which lies