River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1922-05-11
Out-Of-Doors
BY Wisco

The local conditions on the Kinnic-
kinnic are exceptional this year in
that the number of small fish in the
stream is so much greater than for
many years past. This is due to the
extensive stocking that was done last
year when ninety thousand fry and
fingerlings were planted. These fish
are now from four and one half to
seven inches in length and if left until
next season will have attained a
length of from nine to eleven inches.
For many years the Kinnickinnic has
not been as well stocked as at the
present time and it rests with the
fishermen as to whether we will be
able to reap the results which can
rightly be expected therefrom. Given
proper protection to the understood
fish during this season and it can be
reasonably expected that the Kinnic-
kinnic will produce excellent results
during the next two years.
At a reasonable estimate, seventy.
five anglers fish the waters of tie
upper Kinnickinnic every day. Il each
of these fishermen were to take but
two understood trout each day the tot
al for the three months open season
would amount to over thirteen thou
sand trout. Owing to the fact that
these small fish will bite or strike at
any lure true sportsmen will handle
these youngsters with care and return
them to the stream with as little harm
as possible. The fish hog will take
them and, if caught with them, give
as his excuse the time worn statement
that they swallowed the hook so deep
ly that they were killed in dislodging
it. 1t is true that occasionally the
bait fisherman will of necessity kill a
small fish in the taking, but this
alibi can never be furnished by The
fly fisherman. The safest method to
pursue is that of returning all small
fish. A small percentage may die but
the large majority will live. The true
sportsman has no need for measur-
ing stick. If the fish is so small as
to be in the doubtful class it is too
small to save.
The local wardens have requested
that it be stated that they intend to
protect the small fish by sweeping
with one broom. For time all creels
and pockets will be Systematically
searched for small fish. 1t is cons'd-
cred that by this time it is generally
known that seven inches in the mini
mum in length for trout, and that IN
keeping a trout under that size the
fisherman lays himself liable to fine
of not less than fifty dollars. While
they would very much prefer that
none who frequent the stream should
run up against this portion OF the
game laws, they are resolved that
there will be no exceptions made. Bet
ter to be on the safe side. Ii your
own sense of fairness does not die
tate your actions in this matter, your
regard for notoriety and the accom-
panying effect upon your pocket book
should prompt you to obey the law.
The March issue of The Wisconsin
Conservationist contained an account
of the brown trout presented to the
Conservation Commission by the Riv-
er Falls Rod & Gun Club, together
with an account of the seventh An
nual banquet held by the club. This
club is accounted as one of the most
active organizations in the state and
is worthy of the support OF every citl-
zen in the community. While its ae-
tivities heretofore have been largely
along the line of stocking the kinnic-
kinnic, it has now taken up the broad
err work of education along the line OF
conservation of wild life in general
If You are lover of birds or believe
in the value of wild life join the club.
The dues are one dollar per year and
you can rest assured that every cent
of your dollar will De used in good
cause. If you are not already mem
Der hand your name and your dollar
to any member of the club and he viii
see that it is presented to the club.
o. S. CHAPLIN NOW HEADS