The only numbers currently of value that I am aware of come from DFW draft reports and that show, by survey, fish numbers are up 4 fold since 2009. The numbers of spawning fish seen (from a three survey that I and several other PCT volunteers took part in at several sites) went from 89 to 150 to 400 over the three years of survey. I think that increase can account for the sudden large numbers seen spawning at access X the past 2 years, and the large number of smaller fish now in the system.

Wild Trout designation has produced  widespread interest in the fishery, fed by magazine and newspaper articles. Poaching and redd fishing is going to increase. The incidence of poaching of all sorts is hard to measure and collect data on without stream side surveillance. I get reports from fishermen that they saw bait fishing, stringers of fish, snagging attempts, etc. Its all real but without documentation, its anecdotal. I make this suggestion again for reporting what may be illegal fishing activity to get data:

Call Cal-Tip  1-888-334-2258. Cell phone service starts at access 5; there is a pay phone at the resort store.

Take pictures if you can. C-T will ask you for the details of what was seen. Load a GPS app on your phone to pin point location-works without phone service.

PC is one of the most heavily regulation posted streams in the state. If that is not a deterrent, then active surveillance/immediate Cal-Tip reporting may be a next step. The question is, would our PC community support it with volunteerism and monetary support?

Chris, to me the main issue is not as much the amount of the illegal activity but what seems society's current general attitude that laws are simply guidelines to be considered, not followed. In the PC case, it perpetuates the fish take.

Its sad that for this valuable natural resource poaching it is OK for some. IMO, it will take our activism as sportsmen to stop it.