October 21st fly tying - Kreelex Minnow

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, October 21, 2024

5:30pm - casting practice
6:30pm - tying session starts
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

** Because of Columbus Day, our tying session has been moved to the 3rd Monday **

This month Jim Johnson will lead us in tying the Kreelex Minnow. Chuck Kraft developed this all-flash pattern for trout, but it has proven to take almost any gamefish out there. In fact, the Kreelex is one of the most effective and versatile light streamer patterns Bill and Jim have used over the past year. They've caught bass, crappie, gar, freshwater drum, and all manner of panfish on the pattern.

We will tie the pattern in silver/pearl and gold, so 140 denier thread in white will be best.  The version we will tie is on a #6 hook, and will be similar to the fly in the attached photo.

As always, all materials other than thread will be provided, and we will have several sets of tools for any who do not have their own.   And if you have never tied, we can pair you with someone who can help.  

For remote members near and far, you can participate using the Zoom meeting number and password sent by email. All others can watch via our YouTube livestream; search for "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" on YT.

October is the last month for casting prior to meetings due to the end of Daylight Savings Time. We'll start back of the library around 5:30pm. So get your casting coaching in while you can!

Toledo Bend Rendezvous only weeks away!

North Toledo Bend Rendezvous
Friday-Sunday, October 18-20, 2024
North Toledo Bend State Park, Zwolle, LA

For those unfamiliar with Rendezvous, it began 35 years ago when members of two clubs met at North Toledo Bend State Park to camp and fish. The following year, the clubs decided to rent the group facility.  Since then, fly tiers and other fly fishing enthusiasts from across several states – along with their families – have gathered for a weekend of fly tying and fishing with only a minimal fee to cover lodging and meals. Some are members of clubs, some are not. Rendezvous is open to all!

There are no organized activities. Everyone is welcome to come fish, tie flies, watch some of the region's top tiers, or tie themselves. You can come for the day or the entire weekend. If you come as a family, the rate for the entire weekend for the whole family or individual is just $40 which includes lodging. For one night lodging, the fee is $20 and for day only the fee is $10.

The excellent facilities at North Toledo Bend State Park are ideal for a Fall weekend fly tying retreat. Activities take place at the park’s group facility, which features a commercial kitchen and dining hall, and lodging available for up to 150 people in 5 heated log bunkhouses (30 beds each). There’s also a heated central shower and restroom building with nice night lighting on all the sidewalks.

For complete details, go to flycasting.bravesites.com.

September 23rd meeting - Tenkara 101

KFF general meeting
Monday, September 23, 2024

5:30 pm - casting practice (weather permitting)
6:30 pm - program
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month we have a special guest joining us via Zoom. Karin Miller is the owner/founder of Zen Tenkara, the only 100 percent woman-owned rod company, a renown expert in the centuries-old method of fishing known as Tenkara. She's caught a wide variety of species, proving that it's not just a small stream application.  Karin will give us a basic overview of tenkara and what's possible using this method.  This promises to be a great program!

As always, the public is welcome. For those members joining us remotely, check your email for the Zoom meeting number and password. If not, email Bill Morrison for this info. For livestreaming on the KFF YouTube Channel, use this link and go to Live videos -
http://bit.ly/3oBk106

* Special note to members: check your email for a special limited-time offer from Zen Tenkara * 

September 9th fly tying - Bad Hair Day

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, September 9th
5:30pm - casting practice
6:30pm - tying session starts
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

This month Jim Johnson will lead us in tying the Bad Hair Day. Created by Dave Pinczkowski, this streamer with it's baitfish profile and darting motion has been popular for a wide variety of species, from steelhead to bass to even saltwater. We last tied this fly four years ago, and since then, many new members have asked about it after hearing of its success in the Mixed Bag Contest.

The session is open to the public. All materials other than thread are provided, and we have several sets of tools for beginners to use during the session.

For remote members near and far, you can participate using the Zoom meeting number and password sent by email. All others can watch via our YouTube livestream; search for "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" on YT.

We finally have some cooler weather coming for casting prior to the meeting. We'll start back of the library around 5:30pm.

Mixed Bag Standings - August 28th

Our 7th annual Mixed Bag Contest is setting new records! For those new to this contest, the MBC is our members-only, online tournament where size doesn't matter, but diversity does. Yes, it's DEI... Diverse species, Equal chance to win something, and Inclusive for all members! Click on the "Mixed Bag" menu above for complete details.

With only about 3 months left in the contest, we have a grand total of 191 entries from 25 participants. The species range from Dollar Sunfish to Spanish Mackerel to Common Carp to Steelcolor Shiner to Alligator Gar.  Along with lots of all species of trout, bass, sunfish, and catfish. Our members are once again proving you can catch ANY species of fish on fly!

Here are the current leaders:

•  Chris Williams - 29
•  Eron Borne - 24
•  Bill Morrison - 18
•  Jim Johnson - 15
•  Noah Hoyt, Ed Jones - 12
•  Jeff Albrecht - 11
• and lots of folks with between 4 to 9 species.

There's still plenty of opportunity to submit entries. The cooler months ahead should provide more action as well. Remember that - even if you don't finish in the top standings - there are several consolation drawings with a few really nice prizes too. Each entry gets one ticket in the drawing. For example, enter 4 species in the Mixed Bag and you get 4 tickets in the drawing. More entries = greater chances to win!

August 26th meeting - Casting Faults and Fixes

KFF general meeting
Monday, August 26, 2024

5:30 pm - casting practice (weather permitting)
6:30 pm - program
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

For our August program, we get to watch a video on our meeting room's new large screen TV.  "Casting Faults and Fixes" by Mel Krieger is an oldie but a goodie - one of the best instructionals on what causes various casting issues and how to fix them.  We'll watch about 40 minutes of the video, then have a roundtable forum by club casting gurus. For those new to fly fishing, or others looking to improve their casting, this promises to be an enlightening program!

As always, the public is welcome. For the Zoom connection, email Bill Morrison for meeting number and password.  For livestreaming on the KFF YouTube Channel, use this link and go to Live videos -
http://bit.ly/3oBk106 

August 12th fly tying - Dirty Harry

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, August 12, 2024
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

This month we'll tie the Dirty Harry – a small streamer pattern that looks like a cross between a traditional carp fly and a fluff butt crappie jig. However, its also an effective shrimp and crab imitation. KFF member Chris Williams ties the version in his linked blog post and has already used it with success this winter in the saltwater.

The session is open to the public. All materials other than thread are provided, and we have several sets of tools for beginners to use during the session.

For our remote members near and far, can participate using the Zoom meeting number and password sent by email. All others can watch via our YouTube livestream; search for "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" on YT.

Casting prior to this meeting has been canceled.

July 22nd meeting - What's new for 2024

KFF general meeting
Monday, July 22, 2024

5:30 pm - casting practice (weather permitting)
6:30 pm - program
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

A tradition continues. As with each July, our own Glen 'Catch' Cormier attends ICAST - the world's largest sport fishing trade show - and reports back to us what's new in the world of fly fishing, kayak fishing, and fishing in general. He'll fill us in on the "State of the Sport" and the most interesting products from ICAST.

As always, the public is welcome. For the Zoom connection, email Bill Morrison for meeting number and password.  For livestreaming on the KFF YouTube Channel, use this link and go to Live videos - http://bit.ly/3oBk106