Sunday, December 17, 2017

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 2018, starting with our Festival on January 20th.  We also have club trips, as well as several annual activities - the March meeting and evening picnic on Cotile Lake, Fly Fishing 101, and Summer Workshops.

Also, many of our friends are holding events this coming year, including the Little Mo Fly Fishing Fest, the North Louisiana Fly Fishers Masters Series, and the Contraband Fly Fishing Expo on a new date at a new location and new format. The number of fly fishing tournaments continues to grow and those are loads of fun. For dates and details of all things happening in 2018 - including our meeting and fly tying dates - check out our Calendar page.

Friday, December 1, 2017

KFF Holiday Gathering - December 11

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

Date: Monday, December 11
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 Friday, December 8... email Catch Cormier

Sunday, November 26, 2017

November 27th general meeting

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, November 27, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

As this is our last meeting of the year, the agenda will cover a wide range of topics and business items.
- Final nominations for 2018 Board of Directors
- Discussion of 2018 events and activities, and suggestions for the coming year
- Recap of the club's first saltwater outing and "lessons learned"
- Final details on a December 2nd trip to Calcasieu (weather permitting)

As always, our meetings are open to the public. Bring a friend!

Sunday, November 19, 2017

November 20th fly tying

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, November 20, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month Gene Taylor will lead us in tying Steve Dally's Hippie Chick. The Hippy Chick has a baitfish profile with lots of action. It can be dead drifted in deep fast water in the White River during the winter shad kills. Or it can be used for bass or stripers when feeding on schools of shad. For a video of the fly being tied, click here.

Bring your tying tools, if none, the club has sets to use during the session. Materials will be provided.

As always, beginners are welcome

Sunday, October 29, 2017

29th annual Toledo Bend Rendezvous this weekend

What is Rendezvous?  It's the largest annual gathering of fly tiers in our state, with no planned activities but plenty of fly tying, food, and fishing. Held annually at North Toledo Bend State Park near Zwolle, the event is co-sponsored by the Gulf Coast and Texas Councils of Fly Fishers International, and is open to the public. It kicks off Friday afternoon and ends after breakfast on Sunday morning. Many of the top tiers from the Ark-La-Tex region and beyond will be on hand tying at the numerous tables inside the large dining room.

Five bunkhouses are reserved for overnight stay on Friday, Saturday or both nights. The 2-night fee is $50 family, $40 single, and 1-night fee is $25 family, $20 single. Those coming just for the day Saturday are asked to make a donation to help offset the rental fees. For more details on this event, check Bowfin47's post on the General Discussion forum.  Or go to this link at Walter McLendon's website.

Friday, October 20, 2017

October 23rd meeting - Fall Marsh Basics

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, October 23, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

Now through Christmas is the best time of the year for fly fishing the marsh!  Speckled trout have moved inside, and fish of all size are roaming the interior lakes.  North winds will continue to drop water levels, exposing banks where redfish, drum and sheepshead roam.

In preparation for our club trips to Pointe-aux-Chenes (Nov. 18) and Lake Prien (Dec. 2), our own Catch Cormier will give us a presentation on "Marsh Fly Fishing Basics" with emphasis on Fall and Winter fishing.  Catch will cover tackle, flies, rigging, tactics, what to look for, and specific areas in the Pointe-aux-Chenes and Calcasieu areas.

As always, our meetings are open to the public. Bring a friend!

Sunday, October 15, 2017

October 16th fly tying

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, October 16, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month Dan Fromme will be leading us in tying the RS2, a trout pattern created by South Platte River enthusiast Rim Chung.    Complete details about this fly - including materials and step-by-step instruction - can be found on Charlie Craven's Fly Box website  (Click here).

Bring your tying tools, if none, the club has sets to use during the session. Materials will be provided.

Also... bring gray tying thread or similiar color, if you have some.

As always, beginners are welcome!

Monday, September 25, 2017

9th annual Rio Rodeo October 7th

9th annual Rio Grande Rodeo
Saturday, October 7, 2018
New Orleans City Park
Sponsored by New Orleans Fly Fishers
$10 entry fee, all proceeds go to Casting for Recovery

Mail-in registration deadline - September 30
Onsite registration deadline - October 7, 8:00am

This tournament is fly fishing only for the Rio Grande Cichlid. All entry fish must be caught on artificial flies. Longest rio wins top prize and bragging rights for the year!

Onsite registration and weigh-in at intersection of Henry Thomas Drive and Palm Drive (under the oak trees across from the Blue Rose art sculpture). Look for the NOFF sign and tent.

7:00am to 8:00am - on site registration
8:00am to 12 noon - fishing
12 noon - weigh-in deadline

For complete details and registration form, check out the following documents:

NOFF 9th Annual Rio Rodeo Info.docx

9th annual Rio Rodeo Registration Form.docx

Thursday, September 21, 2017

September 25th meeting

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, September 25, 2017
6:00pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
 
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 work on casting skills.  PLUS.... we'll be using a new technique guaranteed to improve your fly 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!

Monday, September 18, 2017

National Hunting and Fishing Day this Saturday

Cenla National Hunting and Fishing Day Festival
Saturday, September 23, 2017
8:00am - 10:00am - Kids Fishing 
8:30am - 1:30pm - 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, canoe paddling, 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.

Sunday, September 17, 2017

September 18th fly tying

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, September 18, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month Dan Fromme will be leading us in tying the Green Caddis Larvae. Bring your tying tools, if none, the club has sets to use during session.  Materials will be provided. 
Here are the ingredients:

Hook - Dairiki 125 size 16 emerger hook
Zap A Gap
Round leaf free wire - .015 gauge
Thread - Dark brown-70 denier ultra thread
Ultra Wire - brassie-chartreuese
Dubbing Front - Awesome possum dubbing -olive
Dubbing Back - Awesome possum dubbing -brown

** Bring your standard fly tying equipment plus a bodkin and a small wire brush

For a video on tying the fly, along with some interesting observations on caddis larvae, click here.

As always, beginners are welcome!

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Gulf Coast Fly Fishing Fair - Sept. 15-16

2017 Gulf Coast Fly Fishing Fair
September 15-16, 2017
Ocean Springs Civic Center
3730 Bienville Blvd.,  Ocean Springs, MS
FREE admission!

Sponsored by the Gulf Coast Council - Fly Fishers International (FFI). The Gulf Coast Fly Fair features free presentations, casting lessons, beginner classes, tying demonstrations, auctions and raffles, and more. And best of all, it's FREE!

For those looking to improve their fly casting skills, the GCC Fair offers the largest contingent of FFI Certified and Master Certified instructors of any event on the Gulf Coast.  Also, Boy and Girl Scouts have the opportunity to work on their Fly Fishing Merit Badge.

The Friday night casual buffet and Awards Dinner will be held also at the OSCC. It will feature an auction rich with prizes including art, fly tackle, guided trips, award winning fly plates, and much more. Along with the day raffles, proceeds will benefit the Gulf Coast Marine Research Lab, and conservation projects within the council boundaries of Louisiana, Mississippi, south Alabama and Florida panhandle.

Kisatchie Fly Fishers is a member of the FFI Gulf Coast Council.  We highly encourage our members to take in the largest fly fishing show on the Gulf Coast.

More details - including a schedule of events and programs - can be found at www.gulfcoastfff.org

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

August 28 general meeting

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, August 28, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

You do -NOT- want to miss this meeting!  Roger Breedlove is generously donating several of his rods and a half dozen reels to the club.  Need a fly rod or reel, or both?  Here's your chance to get one at a great bargain - and raise a few bucks for the club.  Also, fall fishing is almost here and we'll talk about where to go.

As always, our meetings are open to the public. Bring a friend!

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

August 21st fly tying

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, August 21, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month Dan Fromme will be leading us in tying the Red Annelid. Created by John Gordon, this fly is a staple for fishing the San Juan River in New Mexico. But it's also a great fly for all western trout waters and even for bream here at home. It imitates a tiny worm, but could also imitate certain midge larvae.

Bring your fly tying tools. If none, the club has a few sets for use during these sessions. Materials are provided.

As always, you do NOT need to be a club member to attend.  Beginners are welcome!

Sunday, August 13, 2017

Contraband Fly Fishing Expo - August 19th

On Saturday, August 19th our friends in the Lake Charles club will hold their annual fly fishing expo, or conclave.  The event is free and open to the public.  We encourage club members and other fly anglers in central Louisiana to attend, to meet other fly anglers and learn more about various aspects of our sport.


Sunday, July 30, 2017

Summer Workshop recap

Our club held it's annual Summer Workshop this past Saturday and once again, it was a big success. Seventeen members were able to make it and got to enjoy and learn from Chris Morris of Little Rock, owner of Arkansas Drift guide service and guide on the Little Red River near Heber Springs. 

Chris, a Fly Fishers International Certified Casting Instructor, started the day with casting clinic. Although cut a bit short by the rain, we learned several new techniques for improving our casting.  Later we moved inside where Chris gave a slideshow on fishing the Little Red for rainbow and brown trout under various conditions. 

After a short break, Chris took to the vise and demonstrated several of his favorite fly patterns, ranging from simple nymphs to big streamers for larger fish.  Again, the presentation was very entertaining and enlightening.

The Little Red is about 6 hours away from Alexandria.  If you're looking for a trip on this great tailwater fishery, with a great guide, check out Chris' website at www.arkansasdrift.com

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

July 24th meeting - What's New for 2018

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, July 24, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

Once again, Glen Cormier attended the Fly Tackle Dealer / ICAST trade show earlier this month and has lots of new products to report on.  He'll give us a slide presentation on "New Products for 2018" covering fly fishing, kayak fishing and accessories. He'll also give us a "State of the Sport" summary  giving the latest stats and trends in fly fishing. 

Also, this is the last meeting before our Summer Workshop with Chris Morris.  We'll go over final details.

As always, our meetings are open to the public. Bring a friend!

Sunday, July 16, 2017

July 17th fly tying

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, July 17, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

Something different this month for our tying session.  Pack and Paddle in Lafayette is expanding their fly fishing section to carry tying supplies and materials.  John Williams has asked us to give him a list of the most often needed materials we use so he can keep those in stock.  We'll discuss and prioritize materials for the list. 

Also, with the upcoming North Louisiana Fly Fishers Masters Series this Saturday, July 22nd, in Bossier City, we'll be selling the last allotment of our tickets at this meeting.

Also, we'll be distributing the first shipment of popping bugs made by club members via special order. Some of the bugs are still on backorder, but we have enough to keep the bream happy for now!

See everyone Monday night!

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

June 26 general meeting

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, June 26, 2017
6:00pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

** Please note we're meeting a half-hour early this month - 6:00pm - so attendees can catch as much of the LSU - Florida College World Series game 1 as possible.  Geaux Tigers!  **

Back in May, a few of our members made a trip to the San Juan River in New Mexico, considered one of the best trout waters in the country. For this month, Bill Morrison will lead a presentation featuring pictures from the trip. Other members of the trip will join Bill in discussing the river, flies, accomodations, and more. Expect some great stories - fish and otherwise!

Also on the agenda: July events including Summer Club Workshop with Chris Morris, and the North Louisiana club Masters Series featuring George Daniel  (we still have tickets - bring your money!).

As always, our meetings are open to the public. Bring a friend!

Monday, June 19, 2017

Coming in July - George Daniel and Chris Morris

George Daniel
This summer, Kisatchie members have an opportunity to learn from  not one - but two - of the top trout specialists in the country!

On July 22nd, George Daniel of Pennsylvania will be special guest for the North Louisiana Fly Fishers 5th annual "Masters Series". The event will take place at the Red River National Wildlife Refuge in Bossier City. Daniel is an internationally-acclaimed trout guide, author and instructor. He was 7-time member of Fly Fishing Team USA competing in international tournaments and is currently a coach for the Youth USA Team. His presentations at the Atlanta Fly Fishing Show were SRO!

Seats are limited! Fortunately because KFF is an event sponsor we have 10 tickets available to members. Make that 9. Make that 8.  Yes, they're going that fast.  Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at club meetings. The ticket includes admission, lunch and refreshments.

Chris Morris
A week later - on July 29th - the Kisatchie Fly Fishers will hold another of our popular Summer Workshops featuring Chris Morris. Chris is owner of Arkansas Drift Guide Service and an FFI Certified Casting Instructor. His specialty is big trout on the famed Little Red River, but he also does carp on the fly. He's been a popular speaker and featured tier at clubs, commercial shows, and FFF events across the country.

Chris will be doing a casting clinic, a presentation or two, and some fly tying.  We'll have refreshments and possibly lunch.

There is no fee for this workshop, but seats are limited due to space. Club members get first shot; after June 15 we'll open it up to members of other clubs if space allows.  Email Gene Taylor if you wish to attend.


Sunday, June 18, 2017

June 19 fly tying - Bass Bully

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, June 19, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month Gene Taylor will lead us in tying the Bass Bully. Created by warmwater expert, author and fly tier Terry Wilson, the Bass Bully is great for largemouth and smallmouth. Best colors are olive, rust, black and chartreuse. It can emulate a sculpin, madtom, or salamander. It works best by letting it sink, then retrieving with a strip-pause-strip.

As always, beginners are welcome!  If you don't have tying tools, the club has a few sets for use during these sessions.  Materials are provided.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

May 22nd meeting - Brandon Jennings

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, May 22, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

For this month, we are excited to have Brandon Jennings as our guest speaker. Brandon is from Winn Parish and is the founder of the Bayou State Crappie Association. A crappie pro angler, he's a pro staff member for Crappie Psychic lures, NuCanoe kayaks, Trophy Ridge and several other fishing product companies. He's been a featured speaker on crappie fishing at numerous events.

Earlier this year, Brandon teamed up wtih the Union Parish Chamber of Commerce to hold the first-ever "Catch A Special Thrill" C.A.S.T. More than 100 folks took part to help a big group of special needs kids enjoy some fishing and boat riding.

Brandon will talk about tips and techniques for crappie fishing. Regardless of tackle used, there's a lot to learn about this popular and sometimes elusive species!

As always, the meeting is open to the public.

Fly of the Month: Blood Dot Egg

At the May fly tying session, Dan Fromme led the group of 11 tiers in tying the Blood Dot Egg Fly. The name "Blood Dot" could be used to describe the red dot on top the pattern, but it's actually the name of  it's creator, Jeff Blood. Blood is a well-known steelhead guru from Pennsylvania who 30 years ago observed that steelhead eggs had a distinct orange marking on one side. While the pattern was created for steelhead, it's been exceptionally good for all species of trout.

There are a couple of variations to tying this fly, but here's a video on the technique Dan used (and which doesn't require a special tool).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj7hMthKGP0

Sunday, May 14, 2017

May 15th fly tying

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, May 15, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

As always, beginners are welcome!  If you don't have tying tools, the club has a few sets for use during these sessions.  Materials are provided.

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

April 24th general meeting - Cormier's 2nd Law

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, April 24, 2017
6:00pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

For April, we'll take advantage of longer daylight and mild weather - before it gets hot - to hold our annual "Casting Meeting". Come starting at 6:00pm, or whenever you can arrive, and bring your favorite rod.  If none, the club has a few sets for use during the session.

** Weather permitting. If it rains, we'll watch a video instead on different casts and techniques. ** 

Cormier's 2nd Law of Fly Fishing states, "Casting prowess equals fishing success".  Many flycasters work tirelessly on improving distance, and that's good. But 90 percent of all fish are caught within 50 feet.  For that reason, accuracy is far more important.

To help us improve our accuracy skills, we'll be doing a Casting Game.  We'll share tips on practicing for accuracy, and analyze for improvements.  

Afterwards, we'll gather inside to recap what we learned from our casting session. As well as discuss a few business items including the club caps and shirts, Summer Workshops, and NLFF Masters Series.

See you on Monday!

Sunday, April 16, 2017

April 17 fly tying

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, April 17, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

As always, beginners are welcome!  If you don't have tying tools, the club has a few sets for use during these sessions.  Materials are provided.

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Introducing Fly Fishers International

The International Federation of Fly Fishers (IFFF) is now Fly Fishers International (FFI).  The largest organization dedicated to the sport of fly fishing underwent a name change on April 1st.  The name change came after a marketing study in which "brand identification" was tagged as one of the issues in reaching out to the growing number of young fly casters.

While a name change is only a small part of the overall marketing effort, it's one that has made the most news - and favorably at that. A logo change also has been made. One of the new logos is shown on left.  Also, if you click on their old website domain name, www.fedflyfishers.org, it will take you to www.flyfishersinternational.org.

Since Kisatchie Fly Fishers is an affiliated club of FFI, we will have to make some changes to our website and leaflets.  Fortunately, there's great timing here - our updated leaflets were going thru the proofreading process when the name change was announced!

Monday, April 10, 2017

Another successful FF101

Our annual Fly Fishing 101 was another big success! With 18 students - beating last year's record participation - we had great weather for fly casting outside, while Gene Taylor and others gave instruction inside the classroom on knots, leaders, and flies.  Everyone got handouts, including a list of places to fish in north and central Louisiana from bank or boat. 

Thanks to everyone who helped as instructors, organizing or bringing important stuff like coffee, donuts, fruit, and drinks:  Rich Hudson, Gene Taylor, Roger Breedlove, Jim Johnson, Rich Dewees, Chris Perkins and Glen Cormier. Also big thanks to Kristi Butler for her assistance and giving the group a tour of the hatchery prior to the workshop! 

Monday, April 3, 2017

Fly Fishing 101 this Saturday!

Arnold Gingrich once said, "Fly fishing is the most fun you can have standing up. Or sitting down.". If you've ever wanted to find out what makes this sport so addictive, here's your chance!

This Saturday, April 8th is our annual "Fly Fishing 101" workshop at the LDWF Booker-Fowler Hatchery in Forest Hill.  Time is 8:30am to 12 noon.  It's FREE and open to the public.  Coffee, donuts, refreshments, handouts and door prizes!

FF101 is a 3-hour hands-on workshop that covers the basics of fly fishing, fly casting, knots, leaders, and flies often used.  Details and a schedule can be found by clicking on the menu above on "2017 Fly Fish 101".  Bring your rod/reel if you have one. If not, the club has setups for use during this workshop.

Please pre-register by calling 318-793-5855 or email catch@laflyfish.com.  Thanks!

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

March 27 "on the water" meeting

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, March 27, 2017
Cotile Lake Recreation Area
(weather permitting)

** Please check back on Monday. The current forecast calls for a slight chance of rain. If the forecast gets much worse, we'll meet instead at the Westside Library at the usual time. ** 

With Daylight Savings Time in effect, it's time for our annual "on the water" meeting.  Once again, 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.

There's a $5 entry fee per vehicle if you're under 60 years old. It's FREE if you're 60 or older.

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

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

March 20 fly tying - Kray Phish

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, March 20, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month Catch Cormier will be leading us in tying a crawfish pattern called the "Kray Phish". Created by Daniel Moss of North Carolina, this pattern uses a couple of fairly new products to fly tying: EP Fiber Tarantula Brush and Fish Skull Cray Tail. Other materials include zonker strips and bucktail. In some variations, Daniel uses hackle instead of zonker strips and another new product from Fish Skull, Faux Bucktail, in lieu of real bucktail.

Here's a video of Daniel tying the Kray Phish.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM2GBGyz7Ak

For more info, go to Daniel's website at www.9-5flyz.com.

As always, beginners are welcome!  If you don't have tying tools, the club has a few sets for use during these sessions.  Materials are provided.

Thursday, February 23, 2017

February 27 general meeting - Kevin Andry

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, February 27, 2017
6:30 pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

For our "Mardi Gras meeting", we'll have king cake and refreshments, and a special guest.

We are delighted to welcome back Kevin "Doc" Andry of Baton Rouge as this month's featured presenter.  A nationally-awarded music teacher at St. Micheals High School, Doc is also an avid fly angler, tier and kayak fisherman. He chronicles his fishing adventures on his blog, "Kayak Fishing With Kevin". 

Since has last visit almost 3 years ago, he's been working on surface flies.  This time, he's going to demonstrate tying one of his favorite bream flies - The Round Dinny - as well as one of his favorite bass flies - the Crease Fly. He'll also discuss how to effectively fish these flies under all conditions.

He's bringing bodies and materials, enough for club members to join in. So bring your vise and tools, or just listen in. Doc has plenty of entertaining and informative stories regarding his fishing passion!

Bring a guest! See ya'll Monday night.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

February 20 fly tying

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, February 20, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

Yes, it's President's Day, but the Westside Library will be open!

As always, beginners are welcome!  If you don't have tying tools, the club has a few sets for use during these sessions.  Materials are provided.

This month Gene Taylor will be leading us in tying the Peacock and Partridge Wet Fly.  Wet flies are great imitations of emerging caddis pupa, diving caddis adults or even mayfly spinners. These once-popular flies have made a comeback in recent years.

There are several videos for tying this particular fly on Youtube. Here's a link to one of the better videos:
 https://youtu.be/koEPRSL6OSg

See ya' there!

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

January 23rd meeting - Tom Bullock

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, January 23, 2017
6:30 pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

We are delighted to welcome Tom Bullock as our guest speaker for our January meeting.  Tom will give us a presentation on "Soft Hackled Flies and How to Fish Them".   Tom has fly fished his entire life and travels extensively in pursuit of trout with wet flies.  He’s also a board member of the North Louisiana Fly Fishers, and the IFFF Gulf Coast Council.

As always, the public is welcome! 

Also on the agenda: fishing reports, upcoming regional events, and ideas for a local fishing outing.

Also, a reminder that 2017 dues are due!  Please pay our Treasurer, Rich Hudson, or email your check for $25 to:

Kisatchie Fly Fishers
5093 Laura Lane
Woodworth, LA  71485

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

January 17 fly tying

KFF monthly fly tying session
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, Alexandria

** Please note the date!  Because of the ML King holiday, the library is closed on our normal tying day (Monday).  So we will meet on Tuesday instead. **  

As always, beginners are welcome!  If you don't have tying tools, the club has a few sets for use during these sessions.  Materials are provided.

This month's pattern will be the Jitterbee.  This now-famous bream fly was created by Randy Leonpacher of Baton Rouge two decades ago.  Randy, an avid bream fisherman, was looking for a fly that could best match the tiny split-tail  plastic grubs he had success with on spinning tackle.  Unable to find such a fly, he created his own - and the Jitterbee was born!

The Jitterbee is an excellent bead head nymph that looks like a bee with a cricket-like tail. Best colors are black/orange, black/red or black/chartreuse. As Randy says, "This bug is my first line of offense for bream. It can be fished deep or under a strike indicator. In either case don't set your rod down 'cause once the bream get sight of this bug its gone pecan!".

Instructions for tying the Jitterbee can be found on www.laflyfish.com and on www.frankenfly.com.  The photo shown comes courtesy of FrankenFly.

** Please note that we start collecting 2017 dues this month.  Dues are now $25 - individual or family - we went up $5 to cover our FFF dues.  If you're a full-time student or active military, membership is still FREE!  **

See you Tuesday! 

Friday, January 6, 2017

Cenla Fishing Expo has been cancelled

We regretfully have announced that our first-ever general fishing expo which was set for January 21st has been cancelled.  If we had postponed the event, we had enough vendor interest for a later date, but there were very few dates available and all had considerable conflicts.

The club is still looking forward to doing a special event each year.  What that event might be is in discussion. We may go back to doing our very successful - but much smaller - fly fishing festival.  Or we may hold a fishing event, similiar to the New Orleans Fly Fishers Rio Grande Rodeo.