Wheatley Fly Boxes

 A Wheatley fly box is still my preference for storing dry flies while I wade through trout streams. There are several models of this classic fly box, but the Wheatley compartment box is my favorite. They just work for me, especially the smallest of the boxes in a 3.5" x 2.5" shirt pocket size.

Richard Wheatley started his business in 1860 making leather pocketbooks. In 1890 he began manufacturing tin boxes to store fishing flies. Then, around 1900 they started offering their fly boxes made from aluminum with a special satin finish, and they are still making them with that satin finish today. In 1908 Wheatley began offering an aluminum compartment box with a spring loaded lid, much like those on the market today.

When REC acquired ownership of Wheatley fly boxes in 2013, they moved the manufacturing equipment and operations from England to Connecticut. Since then, the English made boxes have become the most cherished in the collector market. Yeah, those "Made in England" boxes are getting so pricey these days, I kind wince when I slide one into my shirt pocket or sling pack...but I still do carry them when fly fishing. That's what they were made for....