Lets see some fly boxes! Whats your confidence bait DTA members?



These are some of my favorites.. If its ugly it works!

After the end of the season I began taking stock of my fly collection, trying to figure out what I need to replace and what I want to add. Somehow I managed to leave a fair number of flies in tree branches this summer.


I've organized my flies by type and style, which meant I was usually carrying more fly boxes than I really wanted to on most days. I want to take a different strategy next year, paring things down to just what I need for a day's fishing. Hopefully just one or two small boxes.

This aluminum box has been with me since day one. Old reliable. I use it mostly for bead heads, scuds and nymphs. It's nice and compact and holds a lot. Although sometimes I end up dropping a fly or two on the ground accidentally while trying to retrieve one from a compartment. I learned the hard way to not open this thing while in the stream.


This Scientific Angler double-sider is my primary dry fly box. Caddis patterns on one side, Adams, BWO, Cahills, etc... on the other. A nice box, but a little too big for most pockets. Holds a ton though.



Morrel foam boxes work well for streamers, hoppers and buggers. The foam tends to get chewed up over time. But they are really light weight and float, in case you happen to drop it into the drink.



A big plastic box holds my bigger fair. A real pain to tote around. I use it mostly for storage. Maybe those Hex patterns will see some action someday. I have yet to see a Hex hatch in the DA.


These small plastic boxes are perfect for smaller flies. Inexpensive too. And they fit easily into any pocket. Only a 1/2" thick. I'm thinking a couple of these with the aluminum 6/compartment box will be the way to go next year. Or maybe even just use a small Altoid tin for my buggers and bead heads.



Fewer boxes with just the basics is the plan. Two or three dry patterns, the usual bead heads, a couple of streamers. Add some terrestrials and hoppers when the weather warms up.

Keep it light and simple. That's the plan.


-Bill

Orvis carries them: Orvis Super Slim Vest Fly Box

But I've also seen similar boxes with different brand names at the fly shop in Viroqua and other places. Can't beat the price. I've put larger flies in these by hooking them down sideways (flat) instead of standing them up in the foam. They probably won't work for anything larger than a size 12. For smaller flies, they're perfect.


-Bill

I really like that one! The hook trailing back a bit really ups your percentage for hookups. Something that big, likely being stripped pretty fast and furious, can lead to a lot of misses, but that hook trailing a bit helps a ton.