
How To Build a Fly Box That Works on Any River | Ep. 183
About this episode
Do you have a fly box that's full of go-to patterns for your local creek? And maybe another one that's stuffed with all the right flies for the tailwater you visit a few times a year?
And let's be honest for a sec — when's the last time you used EVERY fly in those boxes? How many of those patterns are there mostly for emotional support? Or do they just weigh down your pack and make it hard to find the pattern you're looking for?
I think the secret to a good fly box isn't variety of patterns. Instead, it's about hitting every life cycle stage of the major insects — midges, mayflies, caddis, and stoneflies. A few imitations of each are all I often reach for in about 90% of trout fishing situations.
So today on Untangled, I'll share more about this approach to picking flies and stocking your box, so you can hit the water without hauling an entire fly shop along with you.
You'll also learn about:
- The wet wading gear we recommend
- Why some flies work better in some places than other flies do
- The importance of caddisflies for trout around the globe
- Some tips on improving your dry fly presentation
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT
QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE
#LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE
Get the FREE Field Guide - CHECK IT OUT
Get the FREE Wet Wading Guide - CHECK IT OUT
PODCAST - The 10 Flies You Need For Trout - CHECK IT OUT
VIDEO - The Guide to Wet Wading - CHECK IT OUT
Get every episode summarized
Each time Untangled: Fly Fishing For Everyone | Ventures Fly Co. publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Untangled: Fly Fishing For Everyone | Ventures Fly Co.

What It Really Takes To Get Good At Fly Fishing — From A Guy Who Fishes 200 Days...
Untangled: Fly Fishing For Everyone | Ventures Fly Co.

Untangled Fly Fishing Report | September 2026
Untangled: Fly Fishing For Everyone | Ventures Fly Co.

Why Biologists Want You To Kill Brook Trout, And When You Shouldn't | Ep. 194
Untangled: Fly Fishing For Everyone | Ventures Fly Co.

Will Fish Really Eat Pink and Purple Flies? | Tip of the Week #16
Untangled: Fly Fishing For Everyone | Ventures Fly Co.