Bob,
 
Thanks for digging up the article and posting. I'm not that electronically skilled. Poachers are poachers regardless of their origin. Back in the late 80's there was a group guys (english speaking), that excelled in lining, lifting, force feeding, flossing or whatever you care to call it. They were regulars and unassuming fellows. I witnessed the entire group get pinched by some undercover officers. It was quite the seen.
 
PT2 

Fines need to be more than a summary offense (equivalent of a parking ticket); impose a restriction were they are banned from Pa waters for x number years; if caught treat as criminal trespassing.  Increase fines=more WCO's=less nonsense.  Number of WCO's/deputies decreased consistently year over year.  Increase in salary expense could easily be offset by correcting the fines to put a little pain in the punishment (increase penalty $ amount); confiscation of gear (similar to drug dealers cars), mandatory, coverage by non county based WCO's (current staffing is spread too thin).
WCO's with published address not too quick to confront several "eastern Europeans", sending roe out of county.  Anyone who actually thinks their eating them, has head in sand.  Treat them exactly as they are corrupt criminal organizations/RICO, Conspiracy, etc...summary $106 fine, when female fish worth $200 each in illegal roe, is not a deterrent, other than cutting into profits. 
 
But its a put & take fishery right (sarcasm), either people are scared, don't give a sh*t, or turning a blind eye.  Start asking questions & making phone calls to regional commissioners, individuals who have ability to effect change, that WCO's could enforce which would actually make difference.
 
PFBC top brass too concerned with staying independent; avoiding being combined with PA Game Comm. under DEP & enforcement of boating under influence (high profile publicity).  Steelhead are one of the few sizeable sport fish available in PA and contribute considerably to economy.  Until PFBC hear from a concerned public, gonna be business as usual.

NORTHWEST (Counties: Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, Warren)
11528 State Highway 98
Meadville, PA 16335
Law Enforcement
Telephone: (814) 337-0444


I also have in my phone from about 4 years ago a mobile number for the WCO, but not sure if it's still the right one: (814) 566-7869

1-855-fish-kil  or  WCO's cell 814-573-3638...

"it's like calling an American a Mexicans or something."        no....
 
russians, ukrainians... eastern european... ya get the point...