Fish form an agreeable change to the trapper’s diet, and may be caught by the hook and line, or by spearing.  The latter method requires considerable practice and skill, but is very successful.  The Indians of the North are great experts in the use of the spear, and the number of salmon taken by them annually is enormous.  The spear generally consists of five or six steel prongs an inch apart and barbed at the ends.  It is mounted on a heavy handle, and when it strikes its victim its grip is sure death.  The spearing is generally performed either at the spawning beds or at the falls.

Salmon trout are generally speared in the night time by boat, the spawning ground, generally a gravel bank near the shore, being the seat of operations.  A fire of pitch pine and birch bark is ignited on an elevated “jack” in the bow of the boat, the “jack” consisting of an ox-muzzle, or other concave wire contrivance [Page 240] which will hold the inflammable materials.  This is secured to a post or crotched stick, as a prop, and the spearman stands near the burning mass with his spear in readiness.  As his companion in the stern of the boat paddles, he keenly watches for his victim, and, seeing his opportunity, makes his lunge and lands his prize.  To become a successful spearman requires much practice and no small degree of skill.  To retain one’s balance, acquire quickness of stroke, and withal to regulate the aim so as to allow for the refraction of the light in the water, all tend to invest the sport with a degree of skill which only experience can master.

Fishing through the ice in winter is a rare sport, and large numbers of brook and lake trout are often taken at this season by cutting holes through the ice and fishing with hook and line.  The baits commonly used consist of cow’s udder or hog’s liver, these being especially preferred on account of their toughness.  Angle worms are also excellent, and any kind of raw meat may be used if other bait is not to be had.

It is asserted by some sportsmen that bait scented with assafoetida is much more attractive to the fish, and will insure a capture which would otherwise be impossible.  Sweet cicily and anise are also used for the same purpose.  When the trout bite lively, fishing through the ice is a most exciting sport, and by the aid of “tip-ups” a single person may command a great number of lines.  The winter resort of the brook trout is in water two or three feet deep, over sandy beds.  The lake trout frequent deeper water.

The holes are made in the ice at intervals of one or two rods, and a line set in each hole.