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BOX FIVE
My stillwater box contains flies that I have chosen after 30 years of lake and reservoir fishing. I carry Callibaetis emergers (#14-16), damselfly nymphs (#10-12), red and chartreuse Copper Johns (#14-16), scuds (#12-16), a variety of midge larvae and pupae, and beadhead Boufaces (#6-10).

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If the fish are heavily pressured, fishing nymphs under an indicator is my most successful approach. The only movement of the flies comes from waves on the water's surface or a hand twist to twitch the flies. The first fly is always a Copper John in either red or chartreuse, which sinks the flies and catches plenty of fish. If the fish haven't been pounded, a variety of retrieves work. I coordinate my fly selection to whatever insect activity is going on. Usually I fish three nymphs under an indicator, with my last fly near the bottom. For example, if there is Callibaetis, damselflies, and midge activity, I start with a #16 red Copper John because most midge larvae are red. Behind it I trail a damsel nymph and a Callibaetis emerger. If I am casting and retrieving, my first fly is an olive beadhead Bouface followed by a damselfly nymph. I cast and let the rig sink on a clear intermediate line and then try a variety of retrieves.