This is a dated observing guide for one event. Check the source calendar and local conditions before making plans. A later year needs its own fresh forecast.
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Use April 22, then check the surrounding dark hours
The IMO calendar lists Lyrid activity from April 14 to 30 and gives a maximum at 19:40 UTC on April 22. Convert that time to your clock before choosing a session. Nearby hours or the neighboring night can be more useful when the maximum meets daylight, cloud or a low radiant.
The ZHR of 18 is an ideal benchmark rather than a count promised for one garden. Moonlight, city glow and interruptions can remove many of the fainter meteors.
A brief streak from a long-period comet
Earth crosses debris associated with comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher each April, although the comet itself remains far away. The particles enter near 49 kilometres per second and appear to spread from Lyra.
That radiant is a perspective effect. Meteors can cross any part of the sky, and trails farther from Lyra often look longer because we see them more nearly side-on.
Make a record without breaking dark adaptation
Watch a broad area with Lyra off-center and keep direct light outside your view. Write down time, path, brightness and any lingering train on paper or with a dim red light.
Compare the paths after the session instead of naming each streak immediately. The ones that trace back toward Lyra are stronger Lyrid candidates; the rest may be sporadic meteors.