This exceptional warm weather we have had the entire month of April has rewarded us with some early hatches.

On the slower sections of the streams, we are seeing some sedges and small caddis during the midday and afternoon hours. Sections of the rivers have already been stocked, including the no-kill sections of the Ausable.

Fishermen are reporting good catches on black-stone fly nymphs, hendrickson nymphs, bead-head Picket Finns and by next weekend, there should be trout rising to dries if this weather continues.

Gray Haystacks to imitate the Hendrickson will be the predominate pattern for the next couple of weeks, along with Hendrickson emergers. It will also be the beginning of the peak fly-fishing season on the rivers and patterns like the Ausable Wulff, the Ausable Bomber, Haystacks and small muddlers will be a must in your arsenal throughout the season.

As I've stated so many times, you don't need 100 patterns in your fly box. If you have a dozen of the most productive patterns, you will rarely fail to catch fish.

As for the ponds and lakes, the ice has gone from nearly all of them and it's a great time to go after the lake trout, salmon and brookies. They will be feeding near the surface for the next week to 10 days before heading for deeper water. Taylor Pond, Moose Pond and Lake Placid are three good choices for some good early season catches.

The high water in the river has brought the salmon from the lake into the streams and a number are being taken in the lower Saranac, the Ausable and the Bouquet. Silver Smelt patterns have been very productive this season and this is also a good pattern for trolling the lakes and ponds.

There is still snow in the mountains so you can expect the water levels to remain high for a while longer, but this will only extend the good water levels into the season. Everything points to an exceptionally good season ahead.

Enjoy.