Dr. Slick Waterproof Fly Box with Slit Foam Insert, Large Review (2026)

Who should choose the large size

This box suits anglers who want one main box to carry the bulk of their fly selection rather than splitting patterns across several smaller boxes. At about 8.5 by 4.75 by 2 inches, it has enough footprint and depth to hold a genuinely large number of dries, nymphs and smaller streamers in slit foam rather than forcing a pared down selection. Dr. Slick is a respected name specifically for fly fishing tools and accessories, so anglers who already trust the brand's scissors or forceps have reason to expect similar build quality here. It is a strong fit for a home base box that travels between trips fully stocked, less so for someone who wants the slimmest possible option to slide into a vest pocket.

Design and included extras

The main compartment uses a slit foam insert, which holds fly hooks by pinching them into thin cuts in the foam rather than relying on magnets or clips, a traditional and dependable storage method for a wide range of fly sizes. A clear lid lets you identify patterns at a glance without opening the box, useful for quickly finding a specific fly while standing in the river. The box ships with an extra slit foam insert and adhesive that can be applied to the inside of the lid, effectively doubling the number of flies the box can hold if you choose to install it. This makes the large size genuinely flexible, since it can run as a single sided box for easier access or a double sided box for maximum capacity depending on how you set it up.

Living with it on the water

Because slit foam holds flies by their hook point rather than magnetically, flies tend to stay more securely in place if the box is dropped or shaken compared to a magnetic design, though inserting and removing flies is a touch slower than a magnetic pad. The waterproof seal around the lid keeps moisture out during wet wading or if the box is dropped in shallow water, protecting both the flies and the foam from soaking through. At roughly 2 inches deep, the box has enough clearance for flies with some bulk, such as weighted nymphs or smaller streamers, that a slimmer box could not accommodate. The tradeoff for that depth and the large footprint is that it does not fit as easily into a slim chest pack pocket as a thinner magnetic box would, so it suits a sling, hip pack or vest with a dedicated slot better.

How it compares with other waterproof fly boxes

In the site's waterproof fly boxes guide this model ranks second out of eight, behind the C&F Design CF3500, a micro slit foam box that offers finer foam cuts for very small flies at a higher price point. Similar slit foam boxes from Aventik and Maxcatch score close behind, generally in smaller sizes than the large Dr. Slick box reviewed here. In the site's broader fly fishing gear storage guide, which also includes boat bags and rod cases, this box ranks fourth out of eleven, reflecting strong marks specifically within fly storage rather than the wider category. For anglers who want a large capacity slit foam box from an established fly fishing tool brand, this model is a solid mid tier pick between budget options and the premium C&F Design line.

Bottom line

Pick this box if you want one large, waterproof home for the bulk of your dry fly and nymph selection, with the option to add the second foam insert if you need even more capacity. Its size and depth make it a poor fit for a slim chest pack pocket, so plan to carry it in a sling, hip pack or vest pocket built for a larger box instead. Anglers who want finer foam cuts for very small flies, and are willing to pay more, should look at the C&F Design CF3500 instead, which ranks just ahead of this box in the site's guide. For most anglers who want dependable slit foam storage from a trusted fly fishing tool brand, this large Dr. Slick box is a solid, flexible choice.

Frequently asked questions