While some states still have formal trout openers ... places with the right flies. Tailwaters below dams and streams with significant spring influences tend to fish the best in the winter because ...

Flies like these make me think of impressionist paintings—it's close enough. Bottom line: with its fuzzy body and subtle colors, the Hare's Ear Nymph looks like a tasty morsel to trout.

If you're itching to get back to trout fishing, the Rockies offer an early-season fly fishing fix like no other.