Mild Winter Could Make for Early Fishing

What effect will the mild winter have on spring fishing?  Earlier hatches and higher spawning survival rates for starters.  John Berry is predicting an epic opening day in Arkansas, with milder temperatures and lower water due to the lower levels of rainfall this winter.  Even gardeners are noticing the uncharacteristic amounts of insects for this time of year.  Also, unlike 2011, the mild weather could lead to less runoff due to a decline in snowpack.  Rather than looking too far forward, fly fishers have an unusual chance to catch more of the enigmatic winter dry fly action that seems to be popping up across the country.