Completely accurate statements of fishing pressure and harvest can only result from an ennumeration of all anglers and their catch. On most bodies of water it has not been economically feasible for management agencies to effect a complete census of fishermen and harvest. Practically, absolute accuracy is not necessary for management. The development of creel census methods resulting in estimates of known accuracy, yet requiring only a practical outlay of time and money, would be a step toward more effective management.