While it may seem small to some, this was a huge accomplishment here in mud city.
Still lots of work yet to be done, at least I'm moving in right direction.
The mighty muddy is in fantastic condition right now. No ice chunks , debris and tribs are not blown out.
I know there is still melt coming from above but these temperatures are making it a nice slow melt.
A few things affect the migration
All of which are spawning runs
1. Bait = herring
We typically use tax day as the appearance in my trib . I believe its temperature related as also the out of season small mouth bass get very active .
2. temperatures and clarity. While the river is still very chilly, it's not ice riddled or chocolate milk affecting the warming trend.
3. The great wid ocean.
I track the striper migration online.
Its pretty accurate as to size and location.
Right now the big fish are still in Chesapeake bay area and schoolies are just hitting NJ and NY.

Honestly, baring any drastic rains ( the muddy takes several days to rest to clarity) I think this year is going to be a very good one again.
Sadly I also believe we see a ton of fish out of the keep slot of 18-28" and few over 40"
I still can't figure out the harvest the young future theroy.

April 5 striper migration report shows them entering the Hudson.
Not here in CT---yet according to that, but some local shops around the Housatonic reporting some schoolies.

There are fish being caught locally. Over 100 miles up from the Atlantic.
Its starting as conditions are perfect river wise right now.
I know charters that are starting their season in 2 weeks.
Typically, I'd already be out .
Boat is starting to come together. Few minor issues mechanical and it needs a good scrub inside and out.
Goes to the shop Sunday for a new shift cable and should be water ready next week.

Thank gosh the daylight is much longer. Now I can go, go go 14 hrs a day.. geesh, I need a relaxed non project or working vacation.
Ice fishing seemed so much easier, lol.

Side note:
I joined this site 15 years ago . In my time here it's the first I've not fished the SR, my last visit was March 2018 . It's also the first in 40 years.
I have probably missed some fantastic fishing. I feel there is nothing left to give.
If these posts bore folks who visit a SR forum for that purpose then I can stop and refrain. Thanks
Peace and tuna

The hens are starting to move upriver HT.  Some big girls have been caught up around Bear Mountain this weekend.

HT I always enjoy reading of your exploits on the water and on the banks... not bored at all! I can sympathize with the frustrations you have gone through with the boat,  and have loved the pictures of your younger generation getting in on the fun.  

What Fisherlady sayed. 👍

If we waited only for reports of catching, there would be little to no forum.

Besides, in my book, fishin is more about good times makin good conversation with good friends and tight lines.... usually mean I'm snagged. 😭

Know how ya feel Rich.
Never got to go for Steel this year or for a second time during last Falls King season either.
After having a place up there in the recent past, and fishing a lot year round,  its disappointing.

You may NOT leave this forum Rich,if you do it will die and we don't want that,we enjoy the story and the pictures.By the way,I'm booked at Cannons 9/27 thru 10/5.Hope you can make it then so we can tell some fish stories while we battle the Kings,Coho,and trout!

Good to hear Jack. Thanks. I just didn't want to bore people that might think it's a blog ( which I do) instead of a fishing forum.
I had no interest in leaving, just stopping my useless posts.
Your dedication to the river helps, I should just bite the bullet and come spend a week with folks like you there.

Farm/garden. :
Chores just got finished. Yea I have chores again after work. Chicks all survived the day here and look good. Pigs are simple and happy.
Really have to put my cabbage in the ground. 75 Garlic I planted last October looks awesome.

Stripers:
No new news but I'm seeing many vehicles with boats or gear in there vehicles.
Its gonna get busy on Saturday with expected temperatures of 70.
I am cleaning up the boat. She ain't pretty but looks like it will fish.
Might move my splashdown date up to the 20th.

Be well

r3g3
Know how ya feel Rich.
Never got to go for Steel this year or for a second time during last Falls King season either.
After having a place up there in the recent past, and fishing a lot year round,  its disappointing.

C'mon, you didn't fish all that much, you were too busy mowing the pasture, raking the leaves and getting plowed out!