Wednesday, November 25, 2015

KFF Christmas Gathering - December 14th

In lieu of our December meeting, the club will again gather for an holiday evening of food, fun, and prizes. 
 
Date: Monday, December 14
Location: Tunks Cypress Inn on Kincaid Lake, Highway 28 West near Gardner
Time: 6:30pm
Dutch Treat
For menu selections, go to www.tunkscypressinn.com
 
You can bring a spouse, guest, sibling, etc.
Dress is casual (but no waders!)
RSVP required... DEADLINE Sunday, December 13... email Catch Cormier

Fly tying prodigy

At our November meeting, Catch mentioned having met a young fly tier on his recent trips to Mountain Home, Arkansas (at the IFFF Southern Fly Fishing Fair) and Townsend, Tennessee (at the Fly Tiers Weekend).  His name is Tradd Little.  He's mastered everything from dry flies to deer hair to salmon flies to realistic patterns.  And the most amazing part - Tradd is only 12 years old!

Here's a link to his website - traddsflies.blogspot.com.  It shows all of the flies that Tradd ties, and there's even step-by-step instructions for some of his favorites. 

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

November 23rd general meeting

Our last general meeting of the year will be on Monday, November 23, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria. Meeting starts at 6:30pm.

For this meeting, we'll have Kenny Robertson as our guest speaker.  Kenny is a wildlife agent for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.  He's also president of the Cotile Lake Environmental Association (CLEAN) that is working to improve recreational and family activities at the lake.  Kenny will talk about fishing and boating regulations, and safety on the water.  He will also talk about CLEAN and some of the projects and activities they are working on.

Also on the agenda:  fishing reports, upcoming events, nominations for the 2016 board, and details on the December Christmas Party at Tunks. 

As always, the public is welcome.

Sunday, November 15, 2015

November 16 fly tying

Our last fly tying session of 2015 will be Monday, November 16, at the Rapides Westside Libary in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.

This month's pattern will be the Y2K Bugger.  It's a variation of the Yuk Bugger - half woolybugger, half Yuk Bug.  It's called Y2K because it was created in 1999, and at the time, had to be Y2K compliant and ISO 9000 approved.  Species: it's great for bass, bream, crappie and all species of trout.

As always, beginners are welcome. Bring your tools if you have some, materials will be provided.  The club has a few toolsets for those without tools. 

Monday, October 26, 2015

Toledo Bend Rendezvous this weekend Oct 30 - Nov 1

What is Rendezvous?  Twenty-five years ago, a group of fly fishermen from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and elsewhere decided to get together for a weekend to fish and tie flies.  They found the facilities at North Toledo Bend State Park to be ideal.  Since then, the tradition has continued and grown.  There's no planned activities, but plenty of fly tying, food, fly casting and fishing, with only a minimal fee to cover lodging and meals ($40 weekend, $20 day or night).  The 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 and a large main log building with A/C, picnic tables and a large barbeque trailer.

Held the first weekend of November each year, the Toledo Bend Rendezvous (aka Southern Fly Fishers Rendezvous) is co-sponsored by the IFFF Texas and Gulf Coast Councils.  It remains one of the top tying events in the country, with many of the attendees featured at regional and national expos.

For complete details, go to the Toledo Bend Rendezvous home page

Saturday, October 24, 2015

October 26 general meeting

Our next general meeting will be Monday, October 26, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria. Casting practice begins at 5:30pm - weather permitting - with meeting starting at 6:30pm.

For this meeting, our resident Calcasieu guru, Morris Houck, will talk about his favorite spots and strategies for fall fishing the Calcasieu estuary for redfish, speckled trout, flounder and other species.  Both fly fishing and conventional fishing will be discussed, with an emphasis on kayaks.  This world-class saltwater fishery is just two hours from here, and the best time of the year is now thru Christmas.

As always, the public is welcome.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

October 20 fly tying

Our next fly tying session will be Tuesday, October 20, at the Rapides Westside Libary in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.

Please note that this is a Tuesday, not our usual Monday!

This month's pattern will be the Seaducer.  Catch Cormier featured it in the January, 2015 issue of Louisiana Sportsman magazine.  Seaducers are perhaps the most overlooked fly today. They’ve been around since the late 19th century, and have been used for every predator species from brown trout to tarpon, and even a world record redfish taken by Chico Fernandez.

The Godfather of Fly Fishing, Lefty Kreh, writes in his book, Presenting the Fly, that Seaducers are “one of the best patterns for both large and smallmouth bass that I’ve fished. I never make a trip without some of these in my box.”.  Despite its many accolades, this fly is seldom seen in fly shops. But if you tie flies, good news — they’re easy to tie.

As always, beginners are welcome. Bring your tools if you have some, materials will be provided.  The club has a few toolsets for those without tools. 

Friday, September 25, 2015

September 28 general meeting - Harry Boyd

The next meeting of the Kisatchie Fly Fishers will be on Monday, September 28, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria. The public is welcome.

Casting outside at 6:00pm.  Our speaker will bring bamboo rods to demo cast.
Meeting will start at 6:30pm or slightly later, depending on how long casting goes.

Our special guest speaker this month is Harry Boyd.  For 23 years, Harry served as pastor of three different churches in Louisiana. While he continues to preach on a needed basis, most of his time these days is dedicated to his fun endeavors: fly fishing and rod making. While Harry has written many articles on both subjects, it's his bamboo rod skills - and associated business - that have earned him national recognition as one of the best. He restores, repairs and builds fine cane rods.

For this meeting, Harry will give us an overview of bamboo rods and the requirements for cane rod making. Come prepared to bring any questions you might have. For more info about Harry and his works, go to his website at www.canerods.com.

Prior to the meeting, Harry will bring a few cane rods for us to test cast. If you've never cast a bamboo fly rod, you're in for a real treat!

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

National Hunting and Fishing Day this Saturday!

Cenla National Hunting and Fishing Day Festival
Saturday, September 26, 2015
7:00am - 9:00am - Kids Fishing Derby
9:00am - 2:00pm - Main exhibits and activities
LDWF Woodworth Outdoors Center
661 Robinson Road, Woodworth, LA

FREE admission! Food and refreshments provided, BBQ sampling as well as wild game tasting.

Activities include: a Civil War re-enactment, falconry demonstrations, Alligator skinning SWAT Team Demonstration, cannon net demonstrations, target shooting with shotguns, .22 rifles, Muzzeloaders, air rifles, as well as archery target shooting, live snake display, free photos taken on the Air Boat, rock wall climbing, retriever dog demos, hay rides.  

Also fly casting and fly tying demos by the Kisatchie Fly Fishers. 

There will be free burgers and drinks courtesy of Burger King, Sayes Office Supply and the Alexandria Optimist Club. Also barbecue samples from the Woodmen of the World BBQ Contest.  For the Kids Fishing Derby, participants should bring their own bait and fishing gear. Ages 15 and under can fish for bream, bass and catfish.

For more info, click on the Cenla NHF Day poster above.

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

September 21 fly tying

Our next fly tying session will be Monday, September 21, at the Rapides Westside Libary in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.

This month Dan Fromme will demonstrate one of the most effective patterns for coldwater trout on small streams, or when midges are the predominant hatch.  The Griffith's Gnat was created by George Griffith, one of the founders of Trout Unlimited. It's a buggy dry fly that can be fished a number of different ways.

As always, beginners are welcome!

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

IFFF Gulf Coast Fly Fishing Fair - September 18-19

2015 Gulf Coast Fly Fishing Fair
Sponsored by the International Federation of Fly Fishers, Gulf Coast Council
September 18-19, 2015
Ocean Springs Civic Center, Ocean Springs, Mississippi

The GCC Fair is the largest "conclave" held on the northern Gulf Coast each year, with attendees having the opportunity to learn from a very diverse group of anglers and tiers, with specialties ranging from mountain trout to offshore fly fishing.

- Friday activities include specialty classes and casual dinner that evening at the Yacht Club with award presentations, auction featuring one-of-a-kind items, and more.

- Saturday begins with breakfast at Gulf Coast Research Lab, followed by programs, fly tying, vendor exhibits, casting, silent auction and raffles.

All classes and instruction are FREE!

For IFFF members, dorm suites available at the Research Lab for $15 or $22, first come, first served. Holiday Inn Express also has special rates for $77. 

For complete details on this great event, with contact info, go to www.gulfcoastfff.org.

Friday, August 21, 2015

August 24th general meeting - Chris Patterson

The next meeting of the Kisatchie Fly Fishers will be on Monday, August 24, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm. The public is welcome.

For this meeting, we’ll have Chris Patterson as our guest speaker.  Chris was hired back in March as the new Parks and Recreation Director for Alexandria. A position he had held the last six years in Brownsville, Texas. Under Chris' leadership, the Brownsville department grew from 16 parks to 32 parks and youth recreational programs were expanded to several thousand youngsters.

Since joining AREC, Chris has initiated a series of activities to get kids outside and showing them more to life than video games and Facebook pages. Chris will talk about some of his programs and do questions and answers.

Chris will also address a hot topic on the minds of KFF members: can Alexandria have winter stocking of rainbow trout like they do in Baton Rouge, Gonzales, and Lafayette? You'll have to attend to find out!

The August, 2015 issue of "Lines and Leaders", the newsletter of the Kisatchie Fly Fishers, is now online in PDF format (901kb). Click here to download.

Monday, August 17, 2015

Contraband Fly Fishing Expo this weekend!

11th Contraband Fly Fishing Expo
Saturday, August 22, 2015
8:30am - 4:00pm
PPG - Porter Hall, 2250 Prater Road, Westlake, LA
FREE ADMISSION.
Sponsored by the Contraband Fly Casters / Tom Nixon Chapter

Fly Tying, Casting Demos, Lure Exhibits, Auctions / Raffles, Food and Refreshments, Equipment Displays and more! Also, the drawing for their Kayak Raffle.  Tickets will be sold during the event up until the drawing.

For a complete schedule of activities, go to http://www.warmfly.com/smf/index.php?topic=7863.0

Saturday, August 15, 2015

August 17 fly tying

Our next fly tying session will be Monday, August 17, at the Rapides Westside Libary in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.

Coming soon!  Great fall fishing for bass and redfish. Redfish will be feasting on storm minnows, while bass will be chasing shad. There are several great patterns that imitate baitfish.  One of the most effective is the Coma Spoon.  Originated by KFF member Glen "Catch" Cormier, this fly is a "twist" on the popular spoon fly.  Unlike traditional teardrop spoons, the Coma Spoon - based on propeller science - sinks faster without weight, and can be retrieved at a fairly rapid pace without skimming at the surface.

For this session, we'll tie the Coma Spoon and give options for this fly.  Bring your tools if you have some, if not, the club has a few sets for use during these sessions. Materials will be provided.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

2015 Fly and Kayak Fishing Products

I attended ICAST / IFTD - the world's largest sportfishing and fly fishing trade show - a couple weeks ago in Orlando.  I've been compiling on my blog some of the new or more interesting products I saw related to fly fishing and kayak fishing.  The url is www.nonewtailstotell.blogspot.com.  The posts are compiled by category (kayaks, rods, reels, clothing, etc.).  Keep checking back as new categories are added... should be completed by early August.  Hope this provides some interest - maybe even excitement - to KFF members as you ponder items for your Santa list this Christmas.

No New Tails to Tell

Sunday, July 19, 2015

July 20 general meeting, July newsletter

The next meeting of the Kisatchie Fly Fishers will be on Monday, July 20 at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm. The public is welcome, so bring a guest if you can.

Please note: there is -no- fly tying session this month. We’ve moved the general meeting from the usual 4th Monday date to the 3rd Monday. This is due to the library’s Summer Book Sale the last week. 

For this meeting, we’ll have Burley Johnson and possibly other members of our neighboring club - the Cane Country Fly Casters in Natchitoches - who will make a special presentation to our club. Also, Catch Cormier will give a brief recap of some of the new products he saw and tested at last week’s ICAST trade show in Orlando.

Also: the July, 2015 issue of our newsletter, Leaders and Lines, is now available online in PDF format (901kb). Click here to download.

Saturday, July 4, 2015

ALBC 30th Youth Tournament - August 1st

Association of Louisiana Bass Clubs
30th Annual Youth Tournament
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Cotile Lake Recreation Area

Ages: 3-8 and 9-14
Entry fee: $5 per child includes t-shirt plus hamburger and RC Cola compliments of Burger King and Cenla Beverage Co.
Fishing times: safe daylight to 10:30am


Trophies for 1st, 2nd, 3rd in each age group for each species: bass, bream, white perch. Free Zebco Rod and Reel to first 500 entries. Drawing for 8 bicycles donated by Academy Outdoors.

To enter, click on image, print it out, then mail to Sayes Office Supply, 7603 Hwy 71 South, Alexandria, LA 71302. Mail entries must be received by July 25th. Onsite entries day of the tournament also accepted.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

2015 NLFF Masters Series ft. Davy Wotton - July 25

North Louisiana Fly Fishers - 3rd Annual Masters Series
"A Day with Davy Wotton - Mastering the Nymph"

Saturday, July 25, 2015
9:00am to 5:00pm
Red River National Wildlife Refuge
150 Eagle Bend, Bossier City, Louisiana
Cost: $35 per person (includes lunch, coffee, drinks, etc)

Registration for this event is now open. Pre-registration required as seats limited to 75 participants (see form link below).  This is a great event, with something for all levels of fly anglers from beginners to experts.  Held at the beautiful Red River Refuge complex overlooking Lake Caroline. Seats often fill up weeks in advance, so register asap!

Click here for more details in PDF format.

Click here for registration form including details of the seminar.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Contraband Conclave - August 22nd

11th Contraband Fly Fishing Expo
Saturday, August 22, 2015
8:30am - 4:00pm
PPG Porter Hall, 2250 Prater Road, Westlake
FREE ADMISSION
Hosted by the Contraband Fly Casters, Tom Nixon Chapter

Fly Tying, Casting Demos, Lure Exhibits, Auctions / Raffles, Food and Refreshments, Equipment Displays and more!  Public invited. 

Also, the drawing for their Kayak Raffle.  Tickets will be sold during the event up until the drawing.

For more details, go to www.contrabandflycasters.net or contact Warren Landry (337) 853-7755.

Monday, June 22, 2015

June 22nd meeting

Our next general meeting will be Monday, June 22, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria.  Time is 6:30pm.  Guests are welcome.

On the agenda:
- recap of the CCA Cenla banquet where KFF made a big splash!
- recap of this past weekend's rod building workshop (and hopefully updates from the builders)
- club logo on hats and shirts
- fishing reports
- video "Lefty Kreh on Fly Casting" followed by discussion

See you there!

Friday, June 12, 2015

June 15 fly tying

Our next fly tying session will be Monday, June 15, at the Rapides Westside Libary in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.

For this session, Carlton Townsend will demonstrate the Davy Wotton white tail midge. Bring your tools if you have some, if not, the club has a few sets for use during these sessions. Materials will be provided.

Also, Morris Hauck will have tickets for the CCA Cenla banquet on Thursday.  We'll also discuss the June 20th rod building clinic, and upcoming meetings.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

CCA Cenla Banquet next Thursday, June 18

CCA Cenla Chapter Banquet 
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Riverfront Center, Alexandria
Doors open 5:30pm, dinner 7:00pm, auction 8:00pm

Update: KFF has a table reserved for 8 seats.  If you wish to have a seat, please contact Catch Cormier at catch@laflyfish.com or 318-793-5855.  It includes admission, dinner, 1-year membership in CCA, and open bar.  Also, live auction, raffles, silent auction.  ALSO:  tickets will be available at the June 22 fly tying.

Kisatchie Fly Fishers will be making a donation to this event - special thanks to Roger Breedlove, Paul Wallace, Morris Hauck and others for their contributions.   

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

May 26 meeting - video "Midge Magic"

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, May 26, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria.  Time is 6:30pm. Please note that we will meet on Tuesday due to the Memorial Day holiday.  Guests are welcome.

For this meeting, we'll watch a video, "Midge Magic with Davy Wotton".  Wotton will be the featured guest instructor for the North Louisiana Fly Fishers' annual Master Series on July 25th at the Red River Refuge in Bossier City.  Details of that event can be found here.

In this video, the British-born Arkansas guide demonstrates, on a variety of water types, all the skills needed to catch trout feeding on midges.  He covers gear, leaders, tippets, tactics to approaching spooky fish, useful line management methods, casting tactics and more.  He demonstrates a variety of rigging systems and fishing them at different depths.

Also on the agenda: fishing reports, several upcoming events including the CCA Cenla Fishing Seminar, the Kisatchie club's rod building clinic on June 20, and the Grand Isle Fly Fishing weekend.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

May 18 Fly Tying

Our next fly tying session will be Monday, May 18, at the Rapides Westside Libary in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.

For this session, Gene Taylor will demonstrate a couple of his favorite flies. Bring your tools if you have some, if not, the club has a few sets for use during these sessions. Materials will be provided.

Also, Roger Breedlove will be on hand to answer a few questions about the upcoming rod building session on June 20.

Monday, May 11, 2015

Cenla CCA Chapter Banquet - Thursday, June 18

Alexandria Riverfront Center
Doors open 5:30pm, Dinner 7:00pm

$65 per person, $500 per table ($35 spouse, $25 youth) includes 1-year CCA membership, admission, dinner and open bar.  Live auction, silent auction, raffles and door prizes.

Register for the CCA STAR summer-long tournament - Fly and Kayak Divisions, Tagged Redfish, many other opportunities to win!

For more info, contact Katie Laurent (katie@ccalouisiana.com)

Friday, May 8, 2015

Grand Isle Fly Fishing Weekend - June 26-28

Originally organized about 19 years ago by the Acadiana and Red Stick clubs, the "Grand Isle Fly Fishing Weekend" is an annual event where members of organized Louisiana and Mississippi fly fishing clubs (and a few stragglers from other clubs elsewhere) come together down at Grand Isle for a weekend of saltwater fishing, food, and comradery.

This weekend offers lots of fun for all types of fly fishers.  Simply bring your boating, puddle craft or bank/surf fishing equipment and join with others who share your fishing technique. Activities take place at the Blue Dolphin Inn, and include the Friday night shrimp boil and the Saturday evening fish fry.  Rooms and cottages at the Blue Dolphin have been reserved by the Red Stick Fly Fishers.  A "bed" reservation can be made by contacting the RSFF Saltwater Chair.  Cost is $93 and includes Friday and Saturday night.  In addition, a cottage can be reserved for groups wanting to stay together.

Complete details and contact info can be found by going to the RSFF Forum on WarmFly.com 

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

April 27 meeting

Our next meeting will be on Monday, April 27, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria.  Time is 6:30pm.  The public is invited.

For this meeting, our speaker will be fellow club member Morris Houck. Morris is vice-president of the Lafayette Kayak Fishing Club (LKFC) and also with the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Cenla Chapter. Morris will talk on kayak fishing, as well as the following topics: the upcoming CCA STAR tournament (which was touched on last night), other CCA topics, and how to fish a CPR (catch-photo-release) tournament. KFF is considering a year-long CPR tournament similiar to what LKFC does.

We'll also have fishing reports, tackle news and tips, and open Q&A discussion.

Monday, April 13, 2015

April 20 Fly Tying

Our next fly tying session will take place on Monday, April 20, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria.  Time is 6:30pm. The public is invited.

The pattern this month will be the Beadhead Hares Ear - Rosborough Style.  The original Hares Ear is one of the oldest flies known, attributed to 19th century English tier James Odgen, but likely many decades older. This version of the classic nymph was originated by Polly Rosborough, author of the book "The Fuzzy Nymphs".  Rosborough was a proponent of flies that are suggestive in nature and which have a soft, buggy profile that displays motion even in still waters.

It was from Rosborough that I began tying this fly.  It proved to be a productive nymph on many trout streams and tailwaters.  However, it was from my friend Hogy Notzel that I learned of it's effectiveness on redear sunfish (chiquapin).  Today it's my most productive fly for this species and works almost equally well for bluegill.

Tying the BHHERS involves a technique called a dubbing loop.  We will first watch a video on this technique. 

Bring your tools if you have some, materials will be provided.  For those without tools, the club has 3 sets of tools for use only during tying sessions.

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Caddo Conclave - April 10-11

Caddo Conclave 2015
Located in Caddo State Park on beautiful Caddo Lake near Karnack Texas
Friday-Saturday, April 10-11, 2015
Registration $10 per person, maximum $20 per family
Co-hosted by the North Louisiana Fly Fishers and East Texas Fly Fishers

Friday April 10th:  Doors open at 5:00pm. There will be a Pot Luck Supper!  Bring a dish that is enough for you and one other family.

Saturday April 11th:  Breakfast provided by the North Louisiana Fly Fishers at 8:00 a.m.
There will be fly tying and seminars throughout the day.  Lunch provided by the East Texas Fly Fishers.

Bring your fly tying equipment and tie some demonstration flies of your choice.  Also, bring your kayak and fish the slow shady bayou that glides through the State Park.  The park and lake can be fished with either a LA or TX license.

For more info, contact Mike Hawkins 903-736-1887 or Scott Irwin 318-742-2190.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Fishing the Cane this Saturday, March 28

This Saturday, March 28, Kisatchie Fly Fishers and Cane Country Fly Casters are going to fish the Cane River. Fish anywhere you want, bank downtown or at Champlain Lake. Or kayak fish any of the three launches. The bass and bream are biting! Time to put those flies to good use and test them out!

We'll gather at 12:30 at the south end of the Riverfront downtown. CCFC will have a table and banner up. Bring a lawn or folding chair. We'll talk some fishing then head to Mamas.

If interested in joining us, RSVP Sunny at sunnyla(at)reagan(dot)com or Catch at catch(at)laflyfish(dot)com.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

March 23rd meeting - On The Water!

Weather permitting, our general meeting for March will be on Monday, March 23rd at the Cotile Lake Recreation Area.  Come as early as you want and fish from the bank, or launch your canoe/kayak.  Most of the group plans to arrive at 5:30pm.  We'll gather for our business segment at 7:30pm, then dismiss.

So bring your fly rod, flies, and soft beverage of your choice. Let's catch some fish, exchange our results, and possibly learn a few new tricks.

The forecast is sunny weather with light northeast winds.  In case the weatherman is wrong (that NEVER happens, right?) and it's raining Monday afternoon, we'll meet at the Westside Library as usual. 

Monday, March 16, 2015

March 16 fly tying

Our next fly tying session will take place on Monday, March 16, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria.  Time is 6:30pm. The public is invited.

Bring your tools if you have some, materials will be provided.  For those without tools, the club has 3 sets of tools for use only during tying sessions.

Monday, March 2, 2015

Win a fly rod at March 3rd meeting!

UPDATE: At Tuesday night's meeting, we'll be drawing a door prize for some lucky attendee to win one of Roger's custom made rods!!  See the post below for details on the Tuesday, March 3rd meeting.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Tuesday, March 3rd meeting - Custom Rod Building

Photo courtesy of J. Stockard Fly Fishing
Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 3, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria.  Time is 6:30pm.  The public is invited.

This is our rescheduled February meeting, which was cancelled due to winter weather.

For this meeting, our speaker will be club member Roger Breedlove.  Roger has built custom rods for many years. He will talk about what goes into making an effective fly rod, including various blanks, components, and other materials, as well as rod actions. Whether you're interested in someday building a rod, or simply curious about what makes for a well-made rod, you'll enjoy this program!

Also on the agenda:  upcoming club outings in March to the Little Mo (trout) and to a local lake for bass and bream.  Also, Kisatchie National Forest Day on March 21st at Kincaid Rec Area.

2015 dues are due! Just $20 for either individual or family - and FREE for military and students!

Monday, February 23, 2015

Acadiana Conclave this Saturday in Lafayette

28th annual Acadiana Conclave
Saturday, February 28, 2015
8:30am to 3:00pm
Grace Presbyterian Hall, 518 Roselawn Blvd, Lafayette, LA
Hosted by the Acadiana Fly Rodders, Dennis Vidrine Chapter

This celebration of fly fishing includes seminars, fly tying demos, casting demos by certified casting instructors, vendors, drawings and more. Fly tying demos begin at 9:00am. Seminars include "Correcting Common Casting Errors", "Fly Fishing in Chile", "In Search of the Illusive Tarpon". Also, IFFF Gulf Coast Council president Kyle Moppert will talk about GCC activities.

A schedule of the day's activities, along with featured fly tiers and speakers, can be found on www.acadianaflyrodders.com, as well as the www.warmfly.com and www.louisianaflyfishing.org websites.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Feb. 23rd meeting CANCELLED due to weather

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for central Louisiana for Monday and Monday night, February 23.  Freezing rain and sleet are forecast, and temperatures will be above freezing only for a few hours.  All schools, libraries, and other public entities will be closed.

Safety for our members is a prime concern.  We advise to stay off iced roads except in case of emergency.  We may postpone the meeting until Thursday, or just cancel for this month altogether.  Stay tuned.

Sunday, February 15, 2015

February 17 fly tying - Christmas Tree

Our next fly tying session will take place on Tuesday, February 17, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria.  Time is 6:30pm. The public is invited.

This month Dan Fromme will show us the Christmas Tree. No, not the one he decorated for Christmas. Rather, this is a popular fly for catching rainbow trout on the Little Missouri River in southwest Arkansas. But it's also a good fly for white perch and bream.  Best of all, it's easy to tie.

Bring your tools if you have some, materials will be provided.  For those without tools, the club has 3 sets of tools for use only during tying sessions.

Since this meeting precedes Saturday's "Fly Fishing 101", we'll spend about 5-10 minutes talking about the event prior to getting started on the fly.  

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Register now for Fly Fishing 101

Prime fishing season will soon be here. Now is the time for anyone interested in learning about fly fishing or how to cast a fly rod.

The Kisatchie Fly Fishers will hold their 2nd annual "Fly Fishing 101" clinic on Saturday, February 21 at the Booker-Fowler Hatchery in Forest Hill. Time is 8:30am to 12:30pm. The clinic teaches the basics of fly fishing such as equipment, casting, leaders, knots and applications.

Best of all, this workshop is FREE! Handouts, coffee, lunch, and refreshments are provided. The club even has a few rods and reels for use during the session. However, if you have equipment, it is advised to bring it as it's best to learn on what you own.

However... class size is limited. Early registration is required. If you snooze, you lose! To register, please contact Catch Cormier at 318-793-5855 or Dan Fromme at 318-880-8079.

For more info, click on the "Fly Fish 101" page on the menu.

Monday, February 2, 2015

Cenla Fly Fish Fest a big success!

Our first-ever Cenla Fly Fishing Festival exceeded expectations.  Many thanks go to the following: our club members who gave their efforts leading up to and during the event, our speakers, our guest tiers, our casting guru (Jeff Ferguson), our exhibitors, and our many donors.  We will leave our Festival pages up so you know who these folks are. Please thank and support them!

The event made the Town Talk newspaper and KALB TV news.  Mayor Clarence Fields - a self-described fishing fanatic - showed up and was wowed by the fly tying. Attendance was just over 120, we added 11 new members, and we signed up several folks for our Fly Fishing 101 next month. We also raised enough money to fund our conservation and educational wish-list. We have already set a date for the 2nd annual Fest in January, 2016.  Look forward to seeing everyone!

Friday, January 23, 2015

Tomorrow is Cenla Fly Fishing Day!

Our first-ever conclave takes place tomorrow at Kees Park Community Center in Pineville from 9:00am to 4:00pm.  Looks like we'll get a break in the weather, with the sun finally coming out and the high temperature reaching up to 57 degrees.  If you haven't made plans to come, it's never too late.  The event is free and fun for the whole family.  Stop by - even if just for a half-hour or hour - and see what a fishing festival is like.

For more info, click on the Cenla Fly Fest page and the Speakers/Tiers/Exhibitors page.

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Jan. 20th meeting - Trout and White Perch

Our first meeting of 2015 will be on Tuesday, January 20th at 6:30pm at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria.  The public is welcome, so bring a guest if you can.

The hot topic on the agenda will be the club's upcoming "Cenla Fly Fishing Festival" on January 24th.  However, we'll also talk fishing... during the next few weeks we have club trips to Broken Bow and the Little Missouri for trout.  Also, peak season for crappie is coming up.  We'll share where to go, and what to use. 

Also, it looks like KFF will be joining Cane Country Fly Casters for a local "outcast" event on March 28.

2015 dues are due! Just $20 for either individual or family - and FREE for military and students!

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

January 24th proclaimed as "Cenla Fly Fishing Day"

An historic moment occurred at Tuesday's meeting of the Pineville City Council. Mayor Clarence Fields proclaimed Saturday, January 24th as "Cenla Fly Fishing Day".  FYI, that's the day of the first-ever Cenla Fly Fishing Festival hosted by Kisatchie Fly Fishers at Kees Park in Pineville.  In the proclamation, Mayor Fields - himself an avid bass angler and occasional flycaster - recognized the numerous opportunities for fly fishing in central Louisiana, and the fact that many of the state's freshwater fly rod division records come from the area.  Afterwards, Mayor Fields handed a framed copy of the proclamation to KFF president, Glen 'Catch' Cormier.  Thanks to Mayor Fields and everyone on the council, especially KFF member Christy Frederic, for this great recognition!

Monday, January 12, 2015

Cenla Fly Fest - 12 days and counting!

Our first-ever "conclave" is less than 2 weeks away - Saturday, January 24th - and the list of tiers is impressive.  We also have a great lineup of speakers and several exhibitors.  On Thursday we'll post the lineup of programs, speakers, and fly tiers.  So mark your calendars for January 24 and don't miss it!