Looking for some guidance as it appears the weather is not going to cooperate at all this year. I am looking to hit the run a little bit this year but not sure what to look for. In the past I have used dogwood bloom as a staple for getting out there, but they began blooming then quite, rinsed and repeated. Second thing I have always watched for is the water temperature. Though it has been many years since I really hit the run hard, I felt like it was always at the 55 degree mark when they tend to be most active. Anyone have some advice or experience as to what you watch for?

Off the record, got a line wet yesterday and saw many people (including TPWD) with very little luck. Thinking maybe I am still a bit early as the water was sitting around 49-52 from morning to afternoon.

The runs vary from river to river. There are some runs that are on right now. There are some that are staging. With the drought there are some that may not happen in the rivers/creeks. All depends on where you are. Fished sunday and caught a few, all small males. I've got a buddy hammering them over in east Texas at an undisclosed location that I won't name.

Appreciate the thoughts Boudreaux, I kinda figured as much being in different areas. I too am fishing east Texas- travel where the fish seem to be running. Neches and Kickapoo off lake Palestine are 20 minutes from the house and make an easy morning or afternoon trip possible. I just more was hoping to see if I’m chasing the right patterns being the focus on water temp as dog woods are already back and forth between blooming and being confused

Tree blooms are a rule of thumb. Sometimes you just have to go fish. I limited on the Neches on January 6th - which is pretty dang early. I limited on a different river/lake the following weekend S/SE of there by a good bit. Both have slowed now - but will without fail pick back up quickly (if not already now - haven't fished in a few weeks).

There are some places east of DFW that it is getting better by the day in rivers that feed lakes. Some people will have already caught hundreds before most will go check. My advice is start looking now and stay persistent.

If you haven't been out to check your local river yet, you better get geared up now and get out there! We've been catching a lot of fish for the last two weeks and after this warm rain over the next couple of days, it's gonna explode. My local spot has been in the upper 50's for the last week and the males are everywhere. I'm sure the females will be making their way up now. I fish a couple of different spots in the DFW area. I believe the current weather pattern is lining up perfectly to have a really good spawn this year.