Expert angler Jesse Haller describes five of the flies he’ll be using during opening weekend. These are flies designed for fishing slower and deeper water where cold-blooded fish are likely to be. 
 
 
Sexy Stone
“The Sexy Stone or Girdlebug is a very general stonefly imitation that’s a very buggy looking imitation and lots of fish are caught on it in the early season, especially in scenarios where there’s higher water. I would especially recommend the coffee-and-black-colored kinds.”
 
 
 
Bunny Muddler
“The Bunny Muddler or White Conehead Muddy Buddy is a white streamer imitation that works particularly well. Smaller fish don’t have much pigmentation and when a fish dies it turns white and sinks to the bottom. When the water level comes up in the spring it pushes that stuff around and some fish might be feeding on dead fish, others will be feeding on live fish. White is particularly good color for the early season.”
 
 
 
Krystal Caddis Larvae
“This is an early season imitation of the caddis fly. They tend to have a bright chartreuse or tan belly and they stick out good in the water. When the water is off-color or because of extra water due to snowmelt, that extra color can be what you need to get a fish to move over.”
 
 
 
 
 
San Juan Worm
“This is an artificial imitation of a worm. When flowing water eats away at the banks, it pulls worms into the water, which sink. When you see exposed soil, this is one to reach for.”
 
 
 
Pheasant Tail Nymph
“Since we’re a little ahead of schedule with the weather at this point, there’s a chance we could start getting some fly activity early and this is a great imitation of a mayfly.”
Read Evan Johnson’s interview with expert fly fisherman Jesse Haller by clicking here.