Friday, December 16, 2016

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Here's wishing a most blessed Christmas for all our members and friends!  Hope everyone finds something under the Christmas tree they can use for their piscatorial pursuits in the coming year.  And let's not forget the reason for the season. Please be giving to those in need, and keep in our prayers those in suffering, distress, and away from their homes and families this holiday season, especially our troops.

With the new year comes two things we all love - good fishing and fun activities.  The club has several great things in store for 2017, starting with our biennial Cenla Fishing Expo on January 21st.  We also have club trips, an evening meeting on Cotile Lake, and our annual Fly Fishing 101.

Also, many of our friends are holding events this coming year, including the Little Mo Fly Fishing Fest, Acadiana Fly Rodders Conclave, and  the North Louisiana Fly Fishers Masters Series. For dates and details of all things happening in 2017 - including our meeting and fly tying dates - check out our Calendar page.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

KFF Holiday Gathering - December 12

In lieu of our December meeting, the club will again gather for an holiday evening of food, fun, and prizes.

Date: Monday, December 12
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 Wednesday, December 7... email Catch Cormier

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

November meeting recap

From Rich Hudson, Secretary/Treasurer. VP Carlton Townsend presided as Catch was out of town. Our guest speaker was Howard Malpass, owner of Gray Wolf Fly Shop in Shreveport. Howard entertained the group with stories of his introduction to fly fishing in England and Scotland and the experience of owning the only privately run fly fishing shop in North Louisiana.

He moved on to specifically talking about the San Juan River in Northwest New Mexico, a location he has frequently fished.  He focused on lodging, transportation, areas to fish, necessary gear,  water temperature and safety.  Additionally, he brought several flies, tied on size 26 and 28 hooks, that are commonly used on the river.  He donated these to the club for a future fund raising event.  He also brought several packs of hooks, many were purchased by members.

Prior to his conclusion, Howard discussed Hero’s on the Water and Louisiana Yard Dogs, organizations he is involved with, that support veterans and others suffering from PTSD and other injuries.  This is primarily through fishing experiences.

In the business segment, Carlton announced nominations for the 2017 Board of Directors, as well as a list of club events and activities for the first quarter of next year. Also, a reminder to members about the Christmas Gathering on December 12.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

November 28th general meeting

Our final club meeting for 2016 will be this Monday, November 28, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.

We are pleased to welcome Howard Malpass as our guest speaker for the November meeting.  Howard is the owner of Gray Wolf Fly Shop in Shreveport, a fly fishing and fly tying instructor. He's a United States Air Force disabled Vietnam Veteran, a former Chairman of the Shreveport Airport Authority, and was a Boy Scout leader for 21 years. He's been involved with Heroes on the Water and Project Healing Waters. Check out Howard's website at www.graywolfflyshop.com.

Howard will give a presentation on fishing the San Juan River in New Mexico, as well as answer any questions members might have on fly fishing and products.

As always, guests are welcome!

Thursday, November 17, 2016

November 21st fly tying

Our next fly tying session - and final one for 2016 - will be Monday, November 21, at the Rapides Westside Libary in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.

This month Catch Cormier will lead us in tying the Silli-Butt.  Like the Fluff Butt fly, it's a minnow imitation based on the popular crappie jigs. Except the Silli-Butt is more like a tube jig. The tail is made from Sili-Legs (also sold under Crazy Legs), and the body is Krystal Flash Chenille.  It can be tied on a 1/80 or 1/64 oz jighead, or on a jig hook with a brass or tungsten bead.

Catch will also explain why this fly is so effective for redears, bluegill, crappie and even smallmouth bass.

As always, beginners are welcome. Bring your tools if you have some, otherwise the club has a few toolsets for those without tools.  Materials are provided.  See you Monday!

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Jon Cave demonstrates acceleration casting

Check out this new video posted by casting guru Jon Cave of Florida. It demonstrates the acceleration phase of the casting stroke for distance casting (using the double haul).  Take notice of where his arm is during the entire stroke - low and relaxed with a final push out to deliver maximum speed (the stop then causes strong negative accleration causing the fly line to sail out).

A Jon Cave fly casting instructional. Performance Fly Casting: The Acceleration Phase of the Casting Stroke

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

October 24th meeting

Our next general meeting will be on Monday, October 24, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.

For our October meeting, we welcome Don Lawler of Shreveport. Don is a renown fly tier who has been featured at numerous events. He's most famous for his mouse pattern and spoon flies, but also for his unusual patterns. Don's presentation will be on "Materials of Opportunity". He'll show us how to scavenge materials from unlikely sources to tie some truly unique, but very fishable, flies. In addition, Don will be tying one of his flies based on odd-sourced materials. This promises to be a very informative - and entertaining - session!

As always, guests are welcome!

Monday, October 17, 2016

Toledo Bend Rendezvous - A Gathering of Fly Tiers

Twenty-eight years ago, a group of fly fishermen from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and elsewhere decided to get together for a weekend in November at North Toledo Bend State Park to fish and tie flies.  And with that, "Rendezvous" was born.  Since then, the tradition has continued and grown, with Rendezvous held the first weekend of November each year.

This year, Rendezvous will be held at North Toledo Bend State Park the weekend of November 4-5.

Rendezvous is co-sponsored by the IFFF Texas and Gulf Coast Councils, and is one of the top tying events in the country. 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.

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

Friday, October 14, 2016

October 17th fly tying

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

This month Gene Taylor will lead us in tying the "Mop Fly".  This simple pattern imitates a crane fly larvae, and is very effective.  Discussion of the Mop Fly and tying instructions can be found here:

http://www.flyfisherman.com/fly-tying/the-mop-fly/

This second video is a variation that includes a glo bug addtion. We'll do that if we have enough time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCfsjmnarTA

As always, beginners are welcome. Bring your tools if you have some, otherwise the club has a few toolsets for those without tools.  Materials are provided.  See you Monday!

Friday, September 23, 2016

September 26th meeting

Our next general meeting will be on Monday, September 26, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria. This will be our annual Fall casting session.

PLEASE NOTE: Meeting time will be 6:00pm this month to give us an extra half-hour for casting.

This is our annual "Fall Casting Session". BRING YOUR FAVORITE ROD. We'll take advantage of the last remnant of daylight savings time - and hopefully slighty cooler weather - to practice some casting. 

We'll meet in the library, go thru a few basics, then proceed outside to the grass lawn. We'll finish up in the library with a few business items before adjourning.

See you Monday!

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

How to tie the Slow Sinking Spider

At our September tying session, Dan Fromme led us in tying the Slow Sinking Spider, created by Stephen Robert of Houma.  Here is a list of materials and a link to an instructional video done by Stephen.  Enjoy!

Material list:
- Mustad size 10, dry fly hook-R50-94840
- Ultra chenille- standard- black and ultra chenille-standard-chartreuse
- Barred silly legs- yellow-gold-black
- 70 Denier thread-black

Thursday, September 15, 2016

September 19th fly tying

Our next fly tying session will be Monday, September 19, at the Rapides Westside Libary in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.

This month Dan Fromme will lead us in tying the Slow Sinking Spider (SSS). The SSS is the creation of Stephen Robert of Houma, and has quickly become one of the best bream flies anywhere! Stephen says, "I use this pattern sight fishing to bluegill and bass. If you have bright sunny days and the fish will not hit poppers and you can see the fish let this fall slowly in their face or in their beds.".  Earlier this summer, Kevin Andry and I did exactly that and had a banner day on Kincaid fishing beds in 3-4 feet of water. Every fly tier who fishes bream needs to learn the Slow Sinking Spider!

As always, beginners are welcome. Bring your tools if you have some, otherwise the club has a few toolsets for those without tools.  Materials are provided.  See you Monday!

Monday, September 12, 2016

2016 Gulf Coast Fly Fair this weekend

The 2016 Gulf Coast Fly Fair will be held this Friday and Saturday, September 16 and 17, at the Civic Center in Ocean Springs, MS.  Hosted by the International Federation of Fly Fishers (IFFF) Gulf Coast Council, the expo features exhibitors, seminars, fly tying, casting, workshops, banquet, auction and more.  Best of all, admission is free!  In fact, many of the workshops are also free.

Whether you're a beginner or expert, there's something for everyone at the GCC Fly Fair.  For complete details, including a schedule of activities on Friday and Saturday, programs, workshops and tiers, click here to go to the Gulf Coast Fly Fair website.

For info about the IFFF Gulf Coast Council, go to www.gulfcoastfff.org.

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

National Hunting and Fishing Day - September 24th

Cenla National Hunting and Fishing Day Festival
Saturday, September 24, 2016
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: 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.

Sunday, August 21, 2016

August 22nd meeting

Our next general meeting will be on Monday, August 22, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.

For the program, we'll watch a brand new DVD by Gary Borger entitled "The Perfect Cast".  If you're a beginner or even intermediate level caster, or an expert looking for a few extra tips on making tighter loops and more control casts, this video will be the ticket!

Also on the agenda:  Cenla National Hunting and Fishing Day the last Saturday in September. KFF will participate.  Also, fishing reports and the new NatGeo application for locating fishing spots.

The public is welcome, so bring a guest if you can!

Monday, August 15, 2016

Recap: Fly Tying Workshop with Jeff Guerin

For the summer months - June, July and August - the Kisatchie Fly Fishers cancelled our regular 3rd Monday fly tying sessions and instead held two "Summer Fly Tying Workshops" featuring nationally-renown fly tiers.  The first with Stephen Robert was held in July, and the second with Jeff Guerin was held in August. Both were held on Saturday mornings at the LDWF Woodworth Outdoors Education Center, and were open to members of other clubs.

The August 13th session with Jeff Guerin came on the worst weekend possible, when a tropical depression moved over south Louisiana, dumping as much as 22 inches of rain in some locations - the worst natural disaster in our state since Hurricane Katrina!  Central Louisiana was spared the flooding, so the class went on as scheduled.  Although it did take a toll as only 11 of the 18 registered were able to attend.

Still, it was a great session!  Jeff demonstrated the original hare's ear pattern, a basic wet fly pattern, and his own creation, the A&W Emerger.  Even the expert tiers in the group learned quite a bit as most of Jeff's presentation was more about the concepts of fly design, dubbing selection and mixing, and numerous production tying tips.  Jeff also explained why certain patterns are very effective and his observations from many years of guiding folks on the rivers of southern Arkansas.

KFF would like to thank Jeff very much for giving us this workshop.  Check out his website at www.littlemissouriflyfishing.com.  If you've never been fly fishing on the Little Missouri River near Murfreesboro, or have never fished for trout on moving water, I strongly recommend hiring Jeff for a day.  He's a great guide and excellent casting instructor.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

July 25th meeting

Our next general meeting will be on Monday, July 25, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.

This month's program is "New Fly Gear for 2017".  Catch Cormier will update us on both new and current products from the ICAST / IFTD trade show which he attended earlier this month. 

Also on the agenda:
- Roger Breedlove will bring the last of his "surplus rods" to sell for the club. He says he saved the best for last!  Money raised will help club projects.

- Updates on the 2nd and final "Summer Fly Tying Workshops" to be held Saturday, August 13th, featuring Little Missouri Fly Fishing owner and guide Jeff Guerin.

- Last meeting before the club votes on affiliated status with the IFFF.  Last chance to ask questions or raise concerns!

- Upcoming Fall and Spring 2017 club activities. Yes, it's time to think ahead!

The public is welcome, so bring a guest if you can!

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Reminder: no fly tying this month!

Because of our summer tying workshops, there will be NO regular monthly tying sessions in July and August.  Our next monthly tying session will be on September 19th.

Speaking of our summer workshops, the second and last workshop is Saturday, August 13 - Arkansas Trout Flies with Jeff Guerin.  Time 8:30am - 12:30pm.  Location is LDWF Woodworth Education Center.  This session is open to members of Kisatchie Fly Fishers or other recognized fly fishing clubs.  Refreshments will be provided.  Bring your tools, materials will be provided.  Some basic knowledge of tying techniques may be required.

To register, please email Glen Cormier at catch@laflyfish.com.

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

June 27th general meeting

Our next general meeting will be on Monday, June 27, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.

This month we welcome Rick McGuffee as guest speaker. Rick is the District 3 Biologist Supervisor for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. A native of Jena, he's been with LDWF for over a decade. Rick will give a "State of the Cenla Fisheries" updating us on the latest on area waters.

Also on the agenda:
- Roger Breedlove will bring another 5 of his rods to sell for the club. Money raised will help club projects.

- Updates on our Summer Fly Tying Workshops, Stephen Robert on July 9th and Jeff Guerin on August 13th.

- Latest on the LDWF Community Fishing Program for Alexandria.

Coming July Meeting: "New Gear For 2017". Catch Cormier will update us on products from ICAST/IFTD, both new and current.

As always, the public is welcome.

Sunday, June 19, 2016

June 20th fly tying

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

As always, beginners are welcome. Bring your tools if you have some, otherwise the club has a few toolsets for those without tools.  Materials are provided. 

Please note: this will be our last regular fly tying session until September, as we have scheduled special tying workshops for July and August (see post below).

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

"Too Hot To Fish" Summer Fly Tying Workshops

July and August in Louisiana are the toughest months for fishing.  And a great opportunity to learn a few new flies for the months of good fishing that follow.  For the summer of 2016, Kisatchie Fly Fishers will host a pair of tying workshops featuring two of the region's premier tiers, Stephen Robert and Jeff Guerin.

July 9 (Sat) - Warmwater Flies with Stephen Robert.  Time 8:30am - 12:30pm.  Location:  LDWF Woodworth Education Center.

August 13 (Sat) - Arkansas Trout Flies with Jeff Guerin.  Time 8:30am - 12:30pm.  Location: LDWF Woodworth Education Center.

These sessions are open to members-only of Kisatchie Fly Fishers or other recognized fly fishing clubs.  Refreshments will be provided.  More details will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.  There may or may not be a small fee to participate (TBD).  Bring your tools, materials will be provided.  Some basic knowledge of tying techniques may be required.

Please note:  because of the workshops, there will be NO regular monthly tying sessions in July and August.

If interested, please email either Dan Fromme at (click here) or Gene Taylor at (click here) and specify which workshop(s) you wish to attend.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Club makes donation to CCA Cenla Banquet

Again this year, the Kisatchie Fly Fishers are making a donation to the Cenla Chapter of Coastal Conservation Association of Louisiana for use at their annual fundraising banquet on Thursday, June 9th. The event will be held at the Riverfront Center in Alexandria.

Thanks to Roger Breedlove, Morris Houck, Paul Wallace, Glen Cormier, and Carlton Townsend for their contributions to the donation package.  The centerpiece of the package is a custom Lamiglas 9-foot, 5-weight rod built by our custom rod builder extraordinaire, Roger Breedlove.  Roger's work includes a wood reel seat, single foot guides, and green wraps on a gray blank that really highlight.  The rod itself is very light and casts like a dream!  In addition, Roger added a large arbor fly reel with centerline disc drag.

The entire package consists of:
- 9-foot, 5-weight fly rod
- large arbor fly reel with disc drag
- Scientific Angler cordura covered rod and reel case
- backing
- Rio Mainstream 5-weight floating fly line
- Orvis tapered leader
- Orvis 4X spool tippet
- Box of bream flies (more to be added)
- Casting lesson
- Half-day guided trip to Kisatchie Bayou by club "Kisatchie" experts for spotted bass and longear sunfish (aka, "Killer Gobbules")

In addition, Paul Wallace will be donating a package featuring a box of his famous "Paulies Jigs" crappie jigs, coozie and fish rag.

Again, consider joining CCA and signing up for the summer-long CCA STAR tournament.  Multiple ways to win including the Fly Divisions (East and West), Tagged Red, Tagged Speck, 14 other categories and four Youth Divisions. 


Monday, May 16, 2016

May 23rd general meeting

Our next general meeting will be on Monday, May 23, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.

This month we welcome Kenny Robertson as our guest speaker.  Kenny is a wildlife agent for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and also president of the Cotile Lake Environmental Association (CLEAN).  Kenny will talk about fishing and boating regulations, and safety on the water.  He will also talk about CLEAN and some of the activities they are working on.

Due to the number of business items, Kenny's presentation will start the meeting. 

Also on the agenda:
- The club has received 15 rods from Roger Breedlove as a donation.  We'll be selling off these rods - 5 per month - at our May, June and July meetings.  Money raised will help club projects.

- The club has purchased 10 tickets for North Louisiana Fly Fishers Masters Series, "A Day with Bob Clouser" on Saturday, July 23.  Tickets are $40 each, payable to Kisatchie Fly Fishers.  We'll be selling tickets at this meeting.

- The club has 8 tickets for the CCA Cenla banquet on Thursday, June 9th.  KFF will be making a donation, and will have a table at the event. If interested, please contact Morris Houck or come to the meeting.

- CCA STAR tournament begins May 28th.  The Fly Fish Division is back again this year.

- The board has motioned a referendum for KFF to join the Federation of Fly Fishers as an Affiliate Club. The vote will take place in late July by email.  More details to come at the meeting and by email.

- Update on our Summer Fly Tying Workshop.

As always, the public is welcome.

Saturday, May 14, 2016

May 16th fly tying

Our next fly tying session will be Monday, May 16, at the Rapides Westside Libary in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.

This month we will be tying the Chernobyl Ant.  Rainey Riding was inspired to name his new ant creation after the Chernobyl (Russia) nuclear power plant accident since it looked like some mutation of an ant.  In fact, it's more of a stimulator pattern.  But the foam body makes it float high in the water column, and visible to the angler and fish. It's great for trout in fastwater streams, but works for bream too.

As always, beginners are welcome. Bring your tools if you have some, otherwise the club has a few toolsets for those without tools.  Materials are provided.  See you Monday!

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

April 25 general meeting

Our next general meeting will be on Monday, April 25th, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria. This month we take advantage of longer daylight and mild weather - before it gets hot - to hold our annual "Casting Meeting". Starting at 6:00pm, we'll gather on the lawn back of the library and do some casting analysis and share techniques for improving casting. We'll also cover a few specialty casts, such as Roll Cast, Reach Cast, Pendulum Cast, Belgian Cast, maybe even Double Haul.

Afterwards, we'll gather inside to discuss a few business items, including: Recap of Fly Fishing 101, the upcoming Grand Isle Fly Fishing Weekend in June, and the 2017 Cenla Fishing Expo.

As always, meetings are open to both members and non-members, so please share!

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

April 18 fly tying

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

This month Brent Humphries will lead us in tying the Cap Spider.  This famous fly was created by the late Mike Verduin, a nationally-recognized and awarded tier out of Lewisville, TX.  The name of Mike's fly came from an encounter in a tournament, where he saw several spider-like jigs on the cap of another angler.  He was so impressed with the lure that he modified it to make it "fly friendly". On several occasions when fishing Louisiana with members of other clubs, he demonstrated how deadly the Cap Spider was on bedding bream, especially redears.

There are very few places to buy Cap Spiders.  One of those is Belah Bugs, owned by our fellow member Brent Humphries (look up Belah Bugs on Facebook).  Brent ties all of his flies and jigs, so you know there's quality.  The "Cap" is easy to tie, and Brent will show us this month how to tie our own.

As always, beginners are welcome. Bring your tools if you have some, otherwise the club has a few toolsets for those without tools.  Materials are provided.  See you Monday!

Monday, April 11, 2016

Fly Fishing 101 this Saturday!

Have you ever considered learning about fly fishing?  Or actually doing it?  As they say, there's nothing more rewarding than catching a fish on a fly.  Unless it's catching one on a fly that you tied!

This Saturday, April 16th is our 3rd annual "Fly Fishing 101" workshop at LDWF Booker-Fowler Hatchery in Forest Hill.  It runs 8:30am to 12:30pm.  Best of all, it's FREE and open to the public.  Coffee, donuts, soft drinks and handouts are provided.

FF101 is a 3-hour hands-on workshop that covers the basics of fly fishing, fly casting, knots, leaders, and flies used for the sport.  Details and a schedule can be found by clicking on the menu above on "2016 Fly Fish 101".  Bring your rod/reel if you own one, but if not, the club has setups for use during this workshop.

All we ask is that you register by calling 318-793-5855 or email catch@laflyfish.com so we know how many to expect.  Thanks!

 

Friday, March 25, 2016

March 28 general meeting "On the Water"

The next general meeting of the Kisatchie Fly Fishers will be on Monday, March 28th.  With Daylight Savings Time - and a good weather forecast - we'll take our meeting outdoors and on the water.

This month, we'll meet at the Cotile Lake Recreation Area.  Come anytime that afternoon and fish from the bank.  Or bring your boat, kayak, pirogue, and launch at the rec area.  Then at 7:30pm, we'll start gathering at Pavilion #2 (the open pavilion overlooking the lake) and share fishing stories while nourishing on burgers and hot dogs fresh off the grill.  Bring your own drinks and even your own lawn chairs (they have chairs but they're not as comfortable).

Here's a Google Map to Cotile Lake Recreation Area.  It's about 20 minutes from Alexandria.

Please RSVP to Catch Cormier if you plan to attend so we'll know how many burgers/dogs to get.

Cotile Fishing Report.  Fishing has been slow lately because of the cold spell and high winds.  Bass anglers have been working the lake hard with somewhat limited success.  The big redear run has not started yet - a bit late this year - but could kick off any day now.  A few nice bluegill being caught on popping bugs.  Grass pike (chain pickeral) have been very active, hitting Seaducers, large woolybuggers, and other rapidly retrieved streamers.

Monday, March 21, 2016

March 21 fly tying

Our next fly tying session will be Monday, March 21, at the Rapides Westside Libary in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.  The pattern will be a soft hackle variation.

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. 

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Natchitoches Fishing Expo - Sat., March 5

The 2016 Natchitoches Fishing Expo - a celebration of Light Tackle and Fly Fishing - will be held Saturday, March 5th at the Natchitoches Events Center in downtown Natchitoches, LA. Time is 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is FREE!

Hosted by the Cane Country Fly Casters, there's activities for the whole family, with over 60 exhibitors and vendors, 40+ fly tiers from across the South, programs on all types of fishing (bass, crappie, saltwater, kayaking, fly fishing) as well as hands-on workshops for a nominal fee.  There's also silent auction with many one-of-a-kind items to raise money for the club's conservation projects.

The downtown Natchitoches area also offers lots of great local restaurants and unique shops.

For a complete schedule, including list of activities and programs, and links to Natchitoches area info, go to the NFE website at www.redriverfishingexpo.com.  Or visit the Cane Country Fly Casters website at www.canecountry.blogspot.com.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

February 22nd general meeting - Ricky Yeldell

Our next general meeting will be on Monday, February 22, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria. Meeting starts at 6:30pm.

This month, Ricky Yeldell will be our guest speaker. Ricky is a recently retired inland fisheries biologist with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries. As the managing biologist for Toledo Bend, he has an intimate knowledge of this vast lake, and why it's producing so many trophy bass the last couple of years.  Ricky will give insight to where to find the lunkers, and other species, and what the future holds for T-Bend.

Also on the agenda:  fishing reports and upcoming events. As always, the meeting is open to the public.

Also 2016 dues are due by March 1st!  It's $20 for individual or immediate family, and free to active service members or full-time students.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Acadiana Conclave this Saturday!

29th annual Acadiana Conclave
Saturday, February 20, 2016
8:30am to 3:00pm
Grace Presbyterian Church Hall, 518 Roselawn Blvd, Lafayette, LA 70503

We encourage club members to make the short drive to Lafayette and check out this celebration of fly fishing, hosted by the Acadiana Fly Rodders club.  Bring your rod and pick up casting tips, or learn some new fly patterns.

Activities include:
- casting demos by renowned certified casting instructors
- fly tying demonstrations
- seminars
- vendors
- drawings for a chance to win from a wide variety of fly fishing and fishing-related items

For a complete list of programs, activities, and fly tiers, go to this post on laflyfish.com forum

Monday, February 8, 2016

February 15 fly tying

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

This month, Gene Taylor will lead us in tying the March Brown.  Rhithrogena morrisoni is one of the largest mayflies found on many streams. It's one of the primary spring hatches on the Little Missouri River, starting in late February and continuing sometimes into late April.  When the March Brown is hatching, strikes from rainbow trout can be spectacular. 

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. 

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

14th-ever Little Mo' Fly Fishing Fest - Feb. 12-14

14th-ever Little Mo Fly Fishing Festival
A celebration of trout and fly fishing on the Little Missouri River
February 12-14, 2016
Community Center, Murfreesboro, AR
Cost: $5

Organized by Jeff Guerin of Little Missouri Fly Fishing (www.littlemissouriflyfishing.com), the Fest is one of the more laid-back and enjoyable events of winter.  Folks gather on Friday evening for tying and gumbo or chili.  On Saturday, there's vendors, fly tying demos, furled-leader demos, presentations, and who knows what else!  The "Usual Suspects" return to demonstrate their favorite flies and tying techniques.

On Sunday morning, Jeff conducts the "Can You Take It" casting clinic. It's a group clinic for those wishing to take a hard look at their casting strokes - and have everyone else take a look at them too! OUCH!!!

For more info on the Fest, including a list of accomodations, and latest info on the Little Mo itself, go to www.littlemissouriflyfishing.com.

Saturday, January 23, 2016

January 25 general meeting

Our first general meeting of 2016 will be on Monday, January 25, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria. Meeting starts at 6:30pm.

This month, our guest speaker will be Jim Wright.  Jim is an avid coldwater trout expert and a sales associate with the Orvis store in Baton Rouge. Jim specializes in fishing and guiding on the Lower Mountain Fork in southeast Oklahoma.  Jim will speak on fly fishing the LMF, including the changes to the river and fishery brought on by the floods of the past year.  He will also speak and demonstrate some of the latest products from Orvis.

Also on the agenda:  fishing reports and upcoming events. 

Also 2016 dues are due by March 1st!  It's $20 for individual or immediate family, and free to active service members or full-time students.

Friday, January 15, 2016

January 19 fly tying

Our first fly tying session of 2016 will be Tuesday, January 19, at the Rapides Westside Libary in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.

This month, Carlton Townsend will lead us in tying the Rainbow Warrior.  This pattern was created by Lance Egan of Utah, a member of the USA Fly Fishing Team since 2003.  Lance is also a member of Umpqua's Pro Staff.  The Rainbow Warrior consists of materials that are proven to attract trout. Whether fished "straight" or under an indicator, it's a great nymph for riffled waters on the Little Mo and Lower Mountain Fork.

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. 

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Club trip to Beavers Bend cancelled

Our club outing to Broken Bow, Oklahoma to fish the Lower Mountain Fork for coldwater trout the middle of this month has been cancelled due to historic flooding around Christmas.  For the second time since April, the gates on the spillway were opened due to extremely high water in the lake.  This time, the flow out of the gates exceeded 28,000 cfs.  Compare this to the normal flow of 150 cfs.  Extensive damage took place to the river, to structures such as bridges.  The fly shop was washed away.

The park has been closed and the word we received was that it could be closed until February.  The Lower Mountain Fork Foundation website is keeping everyone abreast of the latest.  Check out their website.

The Little Missouri River also experienced abnormally high water.  However, our club trip to that water isn't until March. So we feel confident things will be back to normal... or so we hope!