Flathead Lake Offers Opportunities For The Propagation of Commercial Fish

(By James Harbert, Polson Mont.)

The people of Montana, generally speaking, do not appreciate that within the boundaries of the Treasure state lies one of the most remarkable bodies of fresh water in the United States, not excepting the Great Lakes. Remarkable because of its size, being 31 miles in length and varying in width from 10 to 18 miles. Remarkable because it is the largest natural storage reservoir in this country, and impounds the water that some day will develop approximately 300,000 hydro-electric horse power near the outlet of the lake in Flathead river. Remarkable because it is the connecting link between Glacier and Yellowstone National parks.

Highways on each side of the lake provide alluring and scenic routes for those traveling from park to park. Passenger boats on the lake furnish water transportation for those preferring this mode of travel. Flathead lake is remarkable because of its large numbers of tributaries, and is frequently referred to as the “Mother of Waters.” Its clear and crystal-like waters furnish the ideal setting for fish culture. Here is wonderful opportunity for constructive effort both from the rod and commercial fishing point of view. Nature has been lavish in making provision for all the pre-requisites that are essential and necessary to successful propagation of fish.

It may be of interest to many to know the names of the different species of fish in Flathead lake. These follow: Flat Trout, Bull Trout, Native Whitefish, Sucker, Pee Mouth, Squaw Fish, Oregon Chub, Blob or Bullhead, Black Bass, Lake Superior Whitefish.

The first eight names enumerated comprise the native species, the latter two (bass and whitefish) are the result of propagation. Black Bass were introduced in the lake twenty years ago. during a high water season, bass escaped from Lake Blaine, east of Kalispell, to Flathead Lake. The presence of bass in the lake is deplored because they do not possess the game qualities attributed to the specie in Eastern waters, and, like the bull trout and the squaw fish, is decidedly cannibalistic in its habits. The sucker, while not classed among the carnivorous types, is a menace because the rooting up of spawn beds is a favorite occupation.

The edible species are the flat and bull trout, (the latter sometimes called Char or Dolly Varden), whitefish and bass. The rough and predatory species devour food and minnows that rightfully belong to the game fish. The even balance that Nature intended is not being maintained in many of the lakes in this region. The undesirable varieties have been increasing in numbers, while the desirable varieties are dwindling in numbers perceptibly each season.

The writer, while a member of the State Legislature, in 1910, was instrumental in getting Lake Superior Whitefish planted in Flathead Lake. The spawn was hatched in the Anaconda hatchery and sent to Flathead Lake for planting. Henry A. Varre, now deceased, was state game warden at that time, and cordially cooperated in trying out the experiment. The writer was raised along the shores of the great lake and conceived the idea of exploiting the possibilities of this specie in Flathead Lake at this early date and notwithstanding discouraging reports immediately following the experiments, has always been profound in the belief that Lake Superior Whitefish would thrive and multiply in Flathead Lake, and be a large source of food supply to the people of Montana. Recent events have fully justified the expenditure of time and money in this connection.
The last session of the legislature passed a law allowing seining and netting of certain kinds of fish in Flathead Lake, under rules and regulations to be promulgated by the State Fish and Game commission. Several experienced fishermen have applied for and been granted licenses under the terms of the act. Contrary to the expectations of those opposing commercial fishing, no flat trout have been taken in 24 lifts of the net. Experience of Lake Superior fishermen carries out the theory that game fish such as Flat Trout and Brook Trout do not inhabit the depths at which Whitefish and Bull Trout are taken. Smith Brothers, residing on the east shore of the lake recently caught 187 pounds of Whitefish at a single lift of one gill net. Several Bull Trout were also included in the capture. The Whitefish averaged about two pounds in weight and were pronounced by epicures as being most delectable. People throughout Western Montana are becoming enamored over the prospects of securing this splendid species for their tables. The Lake Superior Whitefish is gaining in favor with rapid strides as is evidenced by the large number of inquiries being received asking for shipments.

Flathead Lake is about to get its second fish hatchery, through the efforts of the Lake County Fish and Game association, of which Fred Tharp is president. A desirable site has been secured and donated by the citizens of Polson and vicinity. The location is ideal, there being an abundance of pure, clear, cold water at all seasons of the year. Initial steps are now being taken looking towards the early completion of this hatchery, where Whitefish and game varieties will be propagated.
The proponents of commercial fishing are desirous of securing for the people of the state the very best utilization of this state water. Flathead Lake is not the exclusive property of Lake and Flathead counties. It is the joint property of all the people of this state and they have a right to enjoy, in fullest measure, the largest benefits that may be derived from the fish industry from all angles and viewpoints. The program of the devotees of commercial fishing, if carried forward, will insure to the rod fishermen better sport than they have heretofore enjoyed, and fish for the fellow who does not have the time or does not care for this line of sport. Everyone wins under the plan proposed. Print this post