There are several interesting peculiarities about the fish of Lake Tahoe and its region that it is well to note.  In the large lake (Tahoe) the native cutthroat grows to much the largest size—­the 35-lb. one referred to elsewhere being proof of its great growth.

The next in size is the Mackinac which is often caught as large as 10 lb., and now and again up to 15 lb.

In Fallen Leaf Lake, which was stocked with Mackinac some years ago, the native trout has become comparatively scarce, the former seemingly having driven it out, though in Lake Tahoe there is no such result.  In Fallen Leaf not more than one or two in ten will be cutthroats, while Mackinacs abound, up to 6 lbs. and 7 lbs. in weight.  Occasionally much larger fish are seen, though they are seldom brought to net.  Not long ago a Loch Levin, weighing 12 lbs., was caught here.

While the catch of fish in the smaller lakes of the region is exceedingly large the fish themselves are smaller, the opportunities for hiding and fattening and growing older being comparatively greater in the larger body of water.

During the height of the season when there are a great many boats out it is common to hire a launch which will tow from four to a dozen boats over towards Emerald Bay on the California side, or towards Glenbrook on the Nevada side, where the fishing grounds are known to be of the best.  The boatmen especially enjoy these days out—­although the “fares” may not always suspect it—­as it gives them a change from their ordinary routine and table fare.  They enjoy trout as well as do the visitors, and of course, they are all expert cooks as well as boatmen.  When noon-time comes, if there has been any luck, a camp-fire is built and the fish are fried, or broiled on the coals, or by experts, made into an excellent chowder.  And never does one enjoy a fish dinner so much as under these circumstances.  The exercise, the fresh air, the motion over the water, the deliciousness and delicate flavor of the fish, all conspire to tempt the most capricious appetite.

Once in a while a black bass will be caught, though it is not believed that this is a native fish.  It does not seem to thrive in Tahoe though the boatmen tell me they occasionally see a few, especially off the docks at Tallac and other points at the south end of the Lake.

Now and again small bull-heads will be seen, and a very small rock-bass.  But these never bite on hook and line, and are seldom found more than two or three inches long.

On the other hand big schools of suckers and chubs are seen.  The former naturally are scorned by all true fishermen as they are regarded as hogs, or scavengers, and are thrown back whenever caught, or are taken and fed to the gulls or pelicans.  The chubs occasionally are hooked and are from half a pound to a pound and a half in size.  As a rule these are thrown back, though they make good eating to those who do not object to their excess of bones.