Well as TonyJohn said dogwoods are a good sign as are many other things in nature that know more than the weather dudes. I listen for the redbirds singing early in the morning as a sign of approaching Spring and warmer weather. Then there's the Pollen and green grass along the roads. With my job it seems I miss all these cause once Spring gets here I'm off doing the shutdowns and missing fishing and Spring Turkey season all together but I need to work so it's a no win situation....currently looking for full time safety positions in the NW AR area so I'm in hopes something comes through there for Spring Hogs baseball along with all the hunting and fishing on weekends that would come with landing a job up that way. Another good way to know the season change is to catch the white bass as they run up river in many area's. It's usually not long after that you can start baiting trotlines and sinking jigs for crappies, maybe 3wks at most after the whites run on most years. Whites equal fun to catch but old Indian told me white's not taste all that good! Gotta cut the red strip out for them to be any good to eat.