The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-05-22
Entirely Different From the
Truckee or Lake Tahoe
Varieties.
NAMED AFTER THE ADMIRAL.
Differs From Smaller Varieties in
Being of Mere Silvery
Hue.

A new species of large trout was discov-
cred by Admiral Beardslee of the Phila-
delphia while he was in the northern
waters recently. The following descrip-
ton of the new fish and the account of its
discovery were given yesterday by H. E.
Skinner OF E. T. Allen g. Co.:
while travelling in Lake Crescent, Clal-
lam County, Washington, Admiral Beard
slee, who has given considerable attention
and study to the salmon family, took a
considerable number of large trout, five
varieties OF which were unknown 10 the
admiral. One of these varieties differed
very greatly from known types and was
termed loo ally the 'blueback,' on account
of the intense indigo-blue coloration of it's
back. The other four varieties, which
differed in less degree from accepted
types, were locally known as the speckled
trout, silver trout, mountain trout and
half-breed.
Among those taken were five blue
backs, ranging in weight from 1917 to IL u
pounds, ana In length from % to 81 inches
and aggr egating in weight SO pounds. The
speckled and silver trout were smaller, the
largest speckled trout weighing 41z
pounds. Both these varieties differed in
many respects from the trout of the same
name Of Tahoe, Truckee and other Sierra
waters.
Having been unable heretofore to SD b.
nit specimens of these fish to icthyologi-
cal experts for Identification, the admiral
has this year made efforts to remedy this
omission, and through the assistance of
friends at Port Angeles and Lake Cres-
cent, specimens OF the 'blueback' and
'speckled trout have this spring been SUBJ
mitted to Professor David Starr Jordan.
who declared they were evidently differ
ent fro m any other form he had ever seen,
and that they would have to have new
names. Accordingly, after receiving more
specimens, which confirmed his first judg-
ment, at the earnest request of those in
terested and contributing the fish, DIR.
Jordan named the bluebacks S. beardsleei
and the speckled S. crescentis.
among the largest specimens of these
trout taken this year. up to April 10, were
Beardslee (blueback) weighing IL
94-pound Crescentis measuring 29L
inches, both taken by Mrs. George e.
Mitchell, and a 14-pound Beardslee, 80
inches long, captured by Ben Lewis.
The last-named fish, which is the big
one 50 far, was caught by Lewis toward
sunset. After travelling twenty-eight
miles, rowing or walking all the way, he
arrived at Port Angeles at midnight and
gave the fish to Mr. Carrigan, who packed
it and forwarded it to Professor Jordan.
The specimen was received in good order
by the professor, who declared he should
keep it as trophy: 1t differs from those
of less size, he says, only in that it is more
silvery (this may be on account of its COM
parative freshness), and that it resembles
TO some extent a steelhead, but that the
scales and head are larger
Professor Jordan is preparing a paper
on these new and interesting FISH. In the
Trout and Stream of New York there will
also soon appear an illustrated article by
Admiral Beardslee in regard to these trout.
The taking OF these large fish so early
in the year. earlier than has generally been
considered the season, indicates that there
is plenty of fun and scientific fishing to be
had at Lake Crescent. The field is open
to any angler, and If anybody wants a new
trout named after him, he or she has now
the chance"