just al wrote:

So I've been out twice on two local rivers in here in Upstate NY. No fish.
No big deal because it was good to get back into the cast and get my
efficiency back. However the first day (2 weeks ago) the air temp was
almost 50 and the water 35. Today on different water, the air temp (at 3:30
PM) was 40ish and the water 34. There are trout in these rivers, I catch
them in warmer weather and water conditions regularly (before they get
stocked). Read somewhere water has to be in 40's and 50's for ideal trout
fishing. So if there's fish, and forgiving the fact that I am not an
accomplished streamer fisherman. What would you all suggest to get a
strike?

During low water temps, fish "hole up". The most common places are the
bottoms of the deepest pools. Some fish "hole up" under rocks, logs etc.
in somewhat shallower areas. With temps just above freezing, they are
going to feed very little. If something is put right in front of their
nose and it is easy to capture, they MIGHT eat it. A nymph deep drifted
across the bottom of the deepest pools would probably be your best
choice. When you catch a fish in water that cold, usually there is VERY
little fight. I call them "ice cube" trout and don't find them much fun.

If you can find an area that has a bit higher temps from something like
a spring coming in or a tall rock wall that gets alot of sun, or ??? you
might find some more active fish.

Willi