The fish are where we thought they were.

One outing in March; I can't even recall the date.  I can't tell if I still like going out for all C&R trout fishing but I do it and that offers some indication.  The report is that the fish are in the same haunts; they eat the same nymphs unless you drift them over the top of their heads.  They still eat streamers sunk to the bottom and twitched back.  They still show the same beautiful spot patterns and the same yellows; same white edges.  The males still have deeper mouths; dragon-like mouths sometimes.  Trout streams in March lonely as always; no people, no tall grass and no more big bucks sporting antlers.

As for the warmwater streams I have looked in on a few.  The big rivers are low; my old river in which my kids were born is as low as I've seen it on any April 1.  I suppose I should look at USGS records but I was just estimating based on the rocks that are showing and bright stripes of outcrops that are usually underwater this time of year.  The carp were active in both rivers as of April 1st.  I looked in a couple pond settings and did not see one fish of any specie in shallow water as of a couple days later.  I've received one report of a Rochester carp caught with a fly; in fact one report of carp caught thus far.  But in general I don't expect people to report to me and I don't really look at warmwater forums much so who the hell knows.  Carp can be had starting now, safe to say.  I will look for an opportunity despite the fact that I'm ruined by bigger, harder fighting carp of other waters.

I hear reports of trout fishing being slow.  I see data suggesting adult fish populations down.  I've only fished two streams a total of maybe 3-4 times in 2015.  And so I've not noticed anything; will be interested to see how this all feels once things get moving a little faster.  

Hope everyone is getting out and breathing the free air.  April is a top month for many reasons but in sum because one can move about in the world and look at all waters without much encumbrance and without the hindrance of the great streamside nets of green clinging swatting vineworks.  Get out see what you can do.  Pics below of only March 2015 trout outing.

Cranefly.  Used to fish it a lot more.  Good pattern, and easy.

Same fly.

Don't be afraid to pinch a splitshot on right at that damn DB eyes.  No single living organism will notice.  That fly right there is ~4 minute tie and probably my favorite general streamer.  Skip the rib and the full body hackle; use a soft hackle collar instead.

Pretty nice fish was sitting at the toe of the most erosive bank I saw all day.  Crushed a streamer as I stripped it back down and and across 45 angle.

New fishing car.  Made it ~9 months with one vehicle.  Spring showed too many kids sports and too many fishing needs; decided to go back to two car family.  I dig it.  Opens up more doors.