Thursday, December 13, 2018

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 2019, including club trips, our 2nd Mixed Bag Contest, Fly Fishing 101, Summer Workshop, and more.

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. Also, our friends in New Orleans will hold their first-ever New Orleans Fly Fishing Expo on April 6th. There's also a few fly fishing tournaments (they keep growing) as well as the Fly Fishing Film Tour and those popular "hangouts" at Pack & Paddle. For dates and details of all things happening in 2018 - including our meeting and fly tying dates - check out our Calendar page.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

KFF Holiday Gathering - Monday, December 10

Join us for our 5th annual Holiday Gathering for an evening of food, fun, and prizes. RSVP required, see below.

Date: Monday, December 10
Location: Tunks Cypress Inn
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!)

Presentation by special guest Larry Offner, "Musings of a Former Fly Shop Owner".  If you've never met Larry, you're in for a treat!

RSVP required... DEADLINE Wednesday, December 7th... email Catch Cormier

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

November 26 - Dr. Leesia Marshall

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, November 26, 2018
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

If you've ever picked up one of those state-based fishing books, eg. "Fly Fishing Utah", then you know that each river has a story. As it flows from a tiny headwater downstream and widens, a series of changes occur. Not just in the river, but in the food webs and aquatic communities.

The scientific framework for describing how these flowing ecosystems change is the River Continuum Concept. This concept is especially important to us flyfishers since, more than any other angler group, we target all realms of the river ecosystem, from headwaters to deltas.

To tell us about the Concept this month is Dr. Leesia Marshall. Leesia is a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at LSU-Alexandria. She does research in Limnology, Ecology, Ornithology and Animal Communications.

Please join us to hear Leesia talk on this fascinating subject! As always, the public is welcome! Bring a friend!

** This will be our last meeting for 2018 as we break for the holidays. We'll restart our general meetings the 4th Monday in January. **

Monday, November 19, 2018

November 19 fly tying - CANCELLED

We had to cancel the November fly tying session as the Westside Library was unexpectedly closed for remodeling.  We apologize for the late notification and will be working with Westside to get more advanced notifications of closings in the future.

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Final weeks of Mixed Bag!

We're into the final weeks of our inaugural "Mixed Bag Contest", the CPR tournament where size doesn't matter, but diversity does. 

While Bill Morrison continues to build his lead, there's good reason for EVERY member to get at least ONE entry in. That's because the Grand Prize drawing will be drawn from all members who enter at least one fish. If you have several entries in, consider adding a few more. We'll be awarding the TOP 5 places, so any member can get still place!

ALSO... no need for a token in your photo as we're using the metadata. So just submit your entry with fish and fly rod (outfit) in pic!

Here are the current standings:

Bill Morrison (20) - black crappie, bluegill, redear, green sunfish, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, longear sunfish, smallmouth bass, brown trout, ladyfish, cutthroat trout, rock bass, redbreast sunfish, channel catfish, spotted bass, pompano, blue runner, speckled trout, gafftop catfish, redfish

Glen Cormier (12) - crappie, redear, bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow bass, warmouth, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, longear sunfish, brown trout, speckled trout, gafftop catfish

Jim Johnson (11) - bluegill, chain pickerel, spotted bass, longear, rainbow trout, redbreast, largemouth bass, crappie, warmouth, freshwater drum, green sunfish

Carlton Townsend (7) - rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, longear sunfish, redear, crappie, brown trout

Greg Babin (5) - longear, largemouth bass, bluegill, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass

Phil Havener (5) - green sunfish, longear sunfish, bluegill, largemouth bass, freshwater drum

Rich Hudson (5) - Kentucky bass, bluegill, redeye bream, rainbow trout, longear sunfish

Robert Hughes (5) - bluegill, crappie, brown trout, cutthroat trout, redfish

Others - Tom Zabasky (4), Jim Guillory (4), Stephen Jameson (3), Lindsey Torbett (3), Gene Taylor (3), Spencer Hackney (2), Corinne Cormier (2), Will Cameron (2), Greg Hackney (1), Robert Clark (1), Ronnie Richmond (1), Hunter Lonsberry (1), Barbara Carlin (1)

Sunday, October 21, 2018

October 22nd meeting

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, October 22, 2018
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

On the agenda: recap of this weekend's marsh fishing trip to Pointe-aux-Chenes, open discussion, fishing reports, upcoming activities including Lake Charles trip next month and Little Missouri trip for rainbow trout.

As always, guests are welcome.

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Make plans for Rendezvous first weekend of November

Toledo Bend Rendezvous
November 2-4, 2018
North Toledo Bend State Park, Zwolle, LA

What is Rendezvous?  It's the oldest, pure fly tying event east of the Rockies, currently celebrating its 30th year. Tiers from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and elsewhere get together at North Toledo Bend State Park for a weekend to fish and tie flies. 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.

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.

Attendees can come for a weekend (lodging and meals included) or just for the day (Saturday). The event is open to the public.

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

Friday, October 12, 2018

October 15 fly tying - Surface Seducer DB Popper

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, September 17, 2018
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

Gene Taylor will lead us in tying the Surface Seducer Double Barrel Popper.  This fly can be used for bass, redfish, speckled trout and a wide variety of other species.

The Double Barrel by Flymen Fishing Company is an innovative, soft foam popper body that makes it easy to tie both popper and slider flies.  Tie with the cup facing forward to create popper flies. Or tie in reverse to create slider and diver flies.

Beginners and guests are welcome. If you don't have tools, the club has a few sets for use during the session.  Materials will be provided.

Sunday, September 23, 2018

September 24 meeting - Fall casting session

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, September 24, 2018
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".  We'll take advantage of the last of Daylight Savings Time to get some casting education done.  This session will be on hauling line, a technique that will improve your distance and ability to cast in windy conditions. After casting, we'll have a brief meeting to discuss a few business items before adjourning.

BRING YOUR FAVORITE ROD. It's been hot and there's no chance it'll get cool for the meeting, so wear comfortable clothing.

In case of rain, we'll meet in the library and watch a video on the subject.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Countdown to Christmas - and the Mixed Bag too!

Phil Havener's freshwater drum (goo) at the Diversion Canal

There's only 97 days left until Christmas! More important, there's only 72 days left in our "Mixed Bag" contest! So put your Christmas shopping on hold for a couple of weeks and get busy adding to your list of species before time runs out.

Our Mixed Bag Contest is a CPRE (catch-photo-release encouraged) tournament where size doesn't matter but diversity does. Right now, it appears that Bill Morrison took his diversity training seriously. He's the clear leader with 15 species.

However, we'll be awarding FIVE places in the contest. With that in mind, Robert Hughes, Phil Havener and Rich Hudson have each moved up into the money spots with five entries. They're also within striking distance of Jim Johnson and Catch Cormier (10 entries each) and Carlton Townsend (7).

Even if you don't get but one entry in, that's all you need for the Grand Prize drawing, which will be drawn from all members who enter at least one fish.

** A reminder that the token in the photo is no longer necessary as long as the photo submitted is the original.  We'll use the metadata off the photo.  Less handling - less stress on the fish!  That's especially important in these hot water conditions. **

So here are the current standings:

Stephen Jameson with an Arky brown trout
Bill Morrison (15) - black crappie, bluegill, redear, green sunfish, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, longear sunfish, smallmouth bass, brown trout, ladyfish, cutthroat trout, rock bass, redbreast sunfish, channel catfish, spotted bass

Jim Johnson (10) - bluegill, chain pickerel, spotted bass, longear, rainbow trout, redbreast, largemouth bass, crappie, warmouth, freshwater drum

Glen Cormier (10) - crappie, redear, bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow bass, warmouth, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, longear sunfish, brown trout

Carlton Townsend (7) - rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, longear sunfish, redear, crappie, brown trout

Greg Babin (5) - longear, largemouth bass, bluegill, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass

Phil Havener (5) - green sunfish, longear sunfish, bluegill, largemouth bass, freshwater drum

Rich Hudson (5) - Kentucky bass, bluegill, redeye bream, rainbow trout, longear sunfish

Robert Hughes (5) - bluegill, crappie, brown trout, cutthroat trout, redfish

Others - Tom Zabasky (4), Jim Guillory (4), Stephen Jameson (3), Lindsey Torbett (3), Gene Taylor (3), Spencer Hackney (2), Corinne Cormier (2), Will Cameron (2), Greg Hackney (1), Robert Clark (1), Ronnie Richmond (1), Hunter Lonsberry (1), Barbara Carlin (1)

Saturday, September 15, 2018

September 17 fly tying - Purple Haze

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, September 17, 2018
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

Dan Fromme will lead us in tying the Purple Haze. This is a dry fly with a purple thread body. In tying this fly, we'll learn how to construct the vertical (parachute) wing and how to palmer hackle around it. Parachute flies are a must for every trout angler. And the purple body induces more strikes in non-selective fish.

Beginners and guests are welcome. If you don't have tools, the club has a few sets for use during the session.  Materials will be provided.

Sunday, August 26, 2018

August 27th meeting

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, August 27, 2018
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month we have no organized program. Instead we'll have a potpourri of topics, starting from fishing in Alaska to cleaning a fly line to catching fall bream.

Guests are welcome!  Bring a friend!

Saturday, August 18, 2018

August 20 fly tying - Meat Whistle

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, August 20, 2018
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

Bill Morrison will lead us in tying the Meat Whistle. Created by John Barr, the fly was designed to replicate the commie tackle Pig-n-Jig. Originally intended for bass, it's become a great fly for big trout. The orientation of the jig hook allows the fly to be worked slowly on the bottom.

As always, bring your tools. If none, the club has a few sets for use during the session.  Materials will be provided.

Beginners and guests are welcome!

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Mixed Bag Contest update - 8/1

Hunter Lonsberry with a Little Mo Bow
We're entering the last full month of "SweatFest" - the festival nobody likes to celebrate. Between the drought and occasional temps near 100 degrees, fishing across central Louisiana has been sluggish at best. Good news is that cooler weather - and great fall fishing - will be here in a few weeks.

Despite the heat, there's been several entries this past month in the club's first-ever "Mixed Bag" contest, a CPRE (catch-photo-release encouraged) tournament where size doesn't matter but diversity does.

It looks like Bill Morrison has emerged as the clear frontrunner. But there's still time for everyone to catch up. Even if Bill lucks out and wins the MBC, remember this - we will be awarding FIVE places in the contest.  And that doesn't include the GRAND PRIZE winner, which will be drawn from all members who enter at least one fish.

** A reminder that the token in the photo is no longer necessary as long as the photo submitted is the original.  We'll use the metadata off the photo.  Less handling - less stress on the fish!  That's especially important in these hot water conditions. **

So here are the current standings:

Bill Morrison (13) - black crappie, bluegill, redear, green sunfish, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, longear sunfish, smallmouth bass, brown trout, ladyfish, cutthroat trout, rock bass, redbreast sunfish

Jim Johnson (10) - bluegill, chain pickerel, spotted bass, longear, rainbow trout, redbreast, largemouth bass, crappie, warmouth, freshwater drum

Glen Cormier (10) - crappie, redear, bluegill, largemouth bass, yellow bass, warmouth, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, longear sunfish, brown trout

Carlton Townsend (7) - rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, longear sunfish, redear, crappie, brown trout

Greg Babin (5) - longear, largemouth bass, bluegill, rainbow trout, smallmouth bass

Others - Tom Zabasky (4), Rich Hudson (4), Jim Guillory (4), Lindsey Torbett (3), Phil Havener (3), Gene Taylor (3), Spencer Hackney (2), Corinne Cormier (2), Will Cameron (2), Greg Hackney (1), Robert Clark (1), Bonnie Richmond (1), Hunter Lonsberry (1), Barbara Carlin (1)

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

6th annual NLFF "Masters Series" this Saturday

This Saturday, July 28th is the annual "Masters Series" held at the Red River National Wildlife Refuge in Bossier City. Hosted by the North Louisiana Fly Fishers of Shreveport, the Series is co-sponsored by retailers and regional clubs, including Kisatchie Fly Fishers.

The headliner is usually one of the big names in fly fishing, one who has made major contributions to our sport, and/or brings a wealth of information for improving our success as anglers. Past headliners have included: Dave Whitlock, Davy Wotton, Bob Clouser, and George Daniel.

This year NLFF is proud to present Kelly Galloup. Galloup is co-owner and  guide of Slide Inn Lodge on Montana's Madison River. Galloup started tying flies at age 13, he currently has over 40 recognized patterns. His biggest contributions have been the articulated streamers now recognized as the ticket to big predatory fish.

In addition, Kelly has written two books, Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout and Cripples and Spinners.  He's been published in nearly every fly fishing periodical in the country, and was a host of Fly Fish TV on the Outdoor Life Network.

The Masters Series is a limited ticket event, with only 75 tickets sold. Tickets are $40 each and include lunch and refreshments. As of today, only a handful of tickets are still available. Anyone wishing to get in,  please contact Scott Irwin at 318-469-0854 asap

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

July 23rd meeting - What's New for 2019

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, July 23, 2018
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 2019" 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.

Guests are welcome!  Bring a friend! 

Sunday, July 15, 2018

July 16 fly tying - Rusty Spinner

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, July 16, 2018
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

Dan Fromme will lead us in tying the Rusty Spinner.  The spinner is the final stage of the mayfly life cycle (egg, nymph, dun and spinner). After laying their eggs, the spinners may lie on the water in great numbers. They make easy food for trout.

If you don't have tools, the club has a few sets for use during the session.  And assistance is always there!  Materials will be provided.

Beginners and guests are welcome!

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Mixed Bag Contest update - 7/4

Brown trout caught by Carlton with Larry Babin
We're now midway into our club's first-ever "Mixed Bag" contest, a CPRE (catch-photo-release encouraged) tournament where size doesn't matter but diversity does.

The recent club trip to north Arkansas allowed some members to add to their list of species. Bill Morrison took full advantage of the trip to add cutthroat trout, rock bass, and oddly, redear sunfish - a species very common to our area.  Glen Cormier and Carlton Townsend also added to their list, challenging Jim Johnson for 2nd place.

Regardless of who catches the most fish at the end, the real winners will be club members who can use the database - it's online under "submissions received" - to find out what fish can be caught where, with what flies, and what times of year.  And remember that ANY member entering just one fish gets their name into the grand prize drawing at our Christmas Party.  Even so, we encourage each member to enter as many fish as possible to make our database even better!

** A reminder that the token in the photo is no longer necessary as long as the photo submitted is the original.  We'll use the metadata off the photo.  Less handling - less stress on the fish!  That's especially important in these hot water conditions. **

So here are the current standings:

Bill Morrison (12) - black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, green sunfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, longear sunfish, brown trout, ladyfish, cutthroat trout, rock bass

Jim Johnson (10) - bluegill, chain pickerel, crappie, largemouth bass, longear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, spotted bass, rainbow trout, warmouth, freshwater drum

Glen Cormier (10) - crappie, redear sunfish, bluegill, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow bass, warmouth, rainbow trout, brown trout, longear sunfish

Carlton Townsend (7) - rainbow trout, brown trout, crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, longear sunfish, redear

Greg Babin (5) - bluegill, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, longear sunfish

Other entries - Rich Hudson (4), Tom Zabasky (4), Spencer Hackney (3), Phil Havener (3), Gene Taylor (3), Corinne Cormier (2), Will Cameron (2), Robert Clark (1), Mike Carlin (1), Greg Hackney (1), Barbara Carlin (1).

Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Join us at the Contraband Fly Fishing Expo

2018 Contraband Fly Fishing Expo
Friday, July 13 - Noon - 4pm
Saturday, July 14 - 8am - 4pm
Isle of Capri Casino Hotel, Westlake, LA

** Update: here's the link to the Expo booklet with schedule, speaker bios, list of tiers, and more. **

Our friends in the Contraband Fly Casters (Lake Charles) are holding their annual fly fishing expo this year in mid-July. The event will showcase Pat Cohen, one of the most recognized names in fly tying, and a master of deer hair flies.

In addition to Pat, some of the top fly tiers in the Gulf Coast region will be demonstrating their favorite patterns.  That includes nationally-recognized realistic tier Fred Hannie who will be at the Copic booth. Several of the region's top fly casting instructors - such as Jay Clark and Jeff Ferguson - will be on hand.  There are programs, exhibits and demonstrations, as well as raffles to benefit Project Healing Waters and Reel Recovery.

The event is free and family-friendly. For more info, go to www.contrabandflycastersinc.com or call 337-540-1292.

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

June 25th meeting - Kristi Butler

Kisatchie Fly Fishers general meeting
Monday, June 25, 2018
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

For our June meeting, we welcome back Ms. Kristi Butler, Manager for the LDWF Booker Fowler Fish Hatchery.  It's been a long four years since Kristi last spoke to our club. So for our many new members since then, this will be a treat!  Kristi will start with a presentation about the workings of the hatchery and stocking efforts in the Cenla region, then take questions from the group.

Also on the agenda: upcoming events, fishing reports, Mixed Bag Contest updates, and tackle tips.

The meeting is open to the public.  So invite a friend to attend!

Monday, June 18, 2018

Link to deer hair presentation

For our 2018 Summer Workshop, Kevin "Musicdoc" Andry instructed us on "Intro to Deer Hair Tying".  At the beginning of the session, Kevin explained the different types of deer hair and how each is processed and used for particular flies.  He then shared a powerpoint presentation on tying a deer hair popper, featuring materials and tools needed, and step-by-step instruction.  After which, we proceeded as a group in tying the popper.

As promised, Kevin has provided us a link to that presentation.  Whether you attended the workshop or not, this is a very helpful guideline if you wish to pursue making deer hair flies. We strongly suggest saving the presentation to your local computer as a PDF file!  Don't ask why - you'll thank us later.

Click here for deer hair presentation


Thursday, June 14, 2018

June fly tying - Disco Midge

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, June 18, 2018
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

* Note: prior to tying, Carlton Townsend will discuss final arrangments for the club trip to the White River.  *

This month we'll revisit a pattern from a previous tying session - the Disco Midge.  This is a great fly for trout, but can be used also for bream.  When fishing for trout in summer, the Disco Midge is a great dropper fly underneath a floating dry, such as a Daves Hopper or Royal Wulff.

If you're one of our many new members - or just a guest - and looking to start fly tying, the the Disco Midge is a great fly for beginners.  If you don't have tools, the club has a few sets for use during the session.  And assistance is always there!  Materials will be provided.

Beginners and guests are welcome!

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Mixed Bag Contest update - 6/13

Bill Morrison with a Destin ladyfish
We're now into the fourth month of our club's "Mixed Bag" contest.  This is a months-long CPRO (catch-photo-release optional) tournament where size doesn't matter, but diversity does.  So get your diversity training and go fishing, lol!

Seriously, the intent is to create a database of how many diverse species can be caught on fly rod, where it can be caught, and what flies work to catch these fish.  And in the process, have some fun and win a few prizes.  It's free and open to all KFF members.  See the "Mixed Bag" contest for details. And remember, even entering just one fish into the contest gets your name into a bonus drawing to be held at our Christmas Party.

And now for the current standings:

Jim Johnson (10) - bluegill, chain pickerel, crappie, largemouth bass, longear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, spotted bass, rainbow trout, warmouth, freshwater drum

Bill Morrison (9) - black crappie, bluegill, brown trout, rainbow trout, green sunfish, ladyfish, largemouth bass, longear sunfish, smallmouth bass

Other entries - Carlton Townsend (6), Glen Cormier (6), Greg Babin (5), Rich Hudson (4), Spencer Hackney (3), Phil Havener (3), Gene Taylor (3), Tom Zabasky (2), Corinne Cormier (2), Robert Clark (1), Mike Carlin (1), Greg Hackney (1), Barbara Carlin (1).

The most unusual catch is a freshwater drum (goo) caught by Jim Johnson in Bayou Bouef in Woodworth using a Pat Cohen's Slurp and Burp Worm.

Top flies in coldwater have been: Sqwirmy Worm, A&W Emerger, Ruffled Birds Nest, Adams Parachute and Christmas Tree.
Top flies in warmwater have been: poppers, popping bugs, Ruffled Birds Nest, Fluff Butt and Mop Fly.
Top flies in saltwater have been: Clouser Minnow, LaFleur's Charlie.

Thursday, May 31, 2018

KFF to take part in special June 12th Farmers Market

Kisatchie Fly Fishers has been asked to participate in a special "Fathers Day" edition of the Alexandria Farmers Market on Tuesday, June 12th.  The Alexandria Farmers Market is held every Tuesday afternoon from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the parking lot of United Methodist Church on Jackson Street.

In addition to the usual plethora of fresh produce and homemade goodies like breads, jellies, jams, etc., the special edition of AFM will feature games and other non-profit groups. KFF will have our tent and table setup.  We are asking members who want to participate and promote our club and/or fly fishing to show up. If you wish to tie, bring your tying equipment.  The club will bring our outfits - there's plenty of grass area under the big oak trees for casting. 

Just show up if you wish to help. Remember to wear something comfortable... it's summer!

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

May 29th meeting - Spring Casting Session

KFF monthly general meeting
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
6:00pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

** Please note: due to the Memorial Day holiday, our May general meeting will be held Tuesday **

This is our annual "Spring Casting Session".  We'll start a half-hour early - 6:00pm - and take advantage of the longer daylight to work on our casting skills.  Wear some comfortable clothing as hot weather has already begun.

BRING YOUR FAVORITE ROD.  For beginners and novices, we'll work on a technique guaranteed to improve your fly casting.  For veterans, we'll use that same technique to work on the "Backhand Cast" - an alternative to using your non-dominant hand when dealing with a cross wind or obstruction on your dominant side.

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 Tuesday!

Monday, May 21, 2018

Deadline for Summer Workshop approaching

KFF Summer Workshop
Saturday, June 9, 2018
8:30am to 12:30pm
Cotile Volunteer Fire Department
55 Parker Rd, Boyce, LA

Our annual summer workshops typically bring in a special guest, or cover a special skill or genre of our sport that would not be practical for our regular meetings and tying sessions. Past topics have included: rod building, popper construction and painting, casting clinics, tying saltwater flies for the marsh, and fly fishing and tying flies for the Little Missouri and Little Red River in Arkansas.

For June 9th, the course will be on "Introductory Deer Hair Tying". Special presenter will be our good friend, Kevin "Doc" Andry of Baton Rouge. Doc will lead us in tying a couple of deer hair flies and explain the various terms used in tying with hair, as well as hair selection and tools. For those who plan to attend the Contraband Fly Fishing Expo in July - featuring one of the world's premier deer hair tiers in Pat Cohen - this will be a great opportunity to learn about this art form.

We've been advertising this workshop for several months, and have posted a page "Summer Workshop" with details. Thursday night, May 24th, is the deadline to register for the workshop. After then, you can still register as an "audit" participant, which means you can sit and watch but won't be tying.

These sessions are open to members-only of Kisatchie Fly Fishers or other recognized fly fishing clubs.  Refreshments will be provided.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

May 21st fly tying

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, May 21, 2018
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month, Gene Taylor will be leading us in tying the Skip Morris Panfish or SMP.  Morris is a prolific tier, fly designer, and author of 18 books on fly tying and fly fishing.  His SMP was designed to target bluegills, crappie and other panfish in deeper water.  Larger bluegills and redears feed in deep water during summer months, and the SMP is an effective fly for this behavior.

Materials:
Hook: 1X long dry fly or heavy wire hook, sizes 8 down to 14.
Thread: Flat waxed nylon (orange or other color you wish).
Body: Dubbing (bright orange or other colors).
Eyes: Bead-chain eyes, or light barbell eyes.
Wing: Marabou (orange over yellow,  or other color combinations).

Here is an instructional video on how to tie the SMP:
https://vimeo.com/69772934

As always, materials will be provided. Bring your tools if you have some, if not, the club has a few sets for use during these sessions.  Beginners are welcome!

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Mixed Bag Update - May 9th

Greg Babin caught this 15" rainbow on a Ruffled Birds Nest
Our club's annual "March Brown" outing to the Little Missouri River in southwest Arkansas had to be rescheduled to the first weekend of May this year. Several club members took advantage of the trip to bolster their species list in the Mixed Bag Contest. Almost all added rainbow trout, but Bill Morrison added smallmouth and brown trout to his list, and Greg Babin added a smallmouth also.

Another recent interesting catch was Jim Johnson's chain pickerel. While somewhat common in Cenla waters, the "grass pike" have been rather scarce this Spring for some reason.

Here are the current leaders:
Bill Morrison - 9 species
Carlton Townsend - 6 species
Glen Cormier - 6 species
Greg Babin - 5 species
Jim Johnson - 5 species

Gene Taylor, Corinne Cormier, Rich Hudson, Spencer Hackney and Tom Zabasky all have multiple species entered. Several other members have at least one fish.  Remember that the biggest prize will be drawn from everyone who has entered at least one fish in the Mixed Bag. So go fishing, take a photo with your token, and enter it!

Sunday, May 6, 2018

CCFC Spring Fishing Day - KFF members invited

Cane River bluegill caught on Jitterbee
Cane Country Fly Casters
Spring Fishing Day & Picnic

Kisatchie Fly Fishers welcome!
Saturday, May 19, 2018
11:00am to 1:00pm
Cane River at Shell Beach

Kisatchie members are welcome to come fish the Cane River and join members of the Cane Country Fly Casters afterwards at Shell Beach for grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Bring your own chairs and drinks - and your fishing stories from that morning!

The Cane River offers some of the best bream fishing in central Louisiana. Launch your boat, kayak or canoe downtown, Shell Beach or at the dam. Or fish from the bank downtown. Best flies are Jitterbees, Hares Ears, Fluff Butts, Cap Spiders, Ruffled Birds Nest, and of course, small popping bugs.

RSVP Sunny at sunny@reagan.com if you plan to attend.

Thursday, April 19, 2018

April 23rd meeting - Tom Bullock

Kisatchie Fly Fishers general meeting
Monday, April 23, 2018
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

For our April meeting, we welcome back Tom Bullock of Shreveport. Tom is an avid trout angler, and along with his friends Davy Wotton and Dave Whitlock, has popularized various nymphing techniques on Arkansas rivers.

His presentation will be "Fishing the White & Norfork Rivers Below the Dams". The program will address a short history of the rivers before and after the dams, how the tailwater results in rapid growth of trout, the skills needed to catch very big fish, including equipment and flies, identifying habitat, methods of fishing, how to release fish safely, rising water safety, and a short discussion on river maps and places to fish.  If you've never fished the White & Norfork rivers in Arkansas, this is a MUST session.  Even if you've fished many times, Tom's expert advise will make you a better trout angler.

Because of the special presentation, we'll keep the business session to a maximum of five (5) minutes.  We'll talk about the upcoming North Lousiana Fly Fishers Masters Series in July (which Tom organizes and can address) as well as the Summer Workshop in June.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Mixed Bag Contest update 4/18

Our "Mixed Bag" Contest is a members-only CPR online tournament where size doesn't matter, but variety of species does. The contest started March 1st and so far, it's been a tough few weeks. Here in the Cenla area, we've had 180 percent of average rainfall to date! And near record low temperatures on several nights. Between the heavy rain and the cold, there's been gusty winds. Even the commie tackle folks are struggling to catch any decent numbers of fish. We're hoping the weather improves soon so members can have fun and put a lot of fish on the board.

Here are our current leaders:
1. Glen Cormier (bluegill, crappie, largemouth, redear, yellow bass)
2. Bill Morrison (redear, green sunfish, crappie, bluegill)
3. Spencer Hackney (redear, longear)
4. Greg Babin (largemouth, longear)

Mike Carlin, Barbara Carlin, Tom Zabasky, Carlton Townsend, Jim Johnson, and Gene Taylor each have 1 species.

Several interesting entries so far.  Young Spencer Hackney's longear on his first cast as a flyrodder (wow!), the yellow bass taken by Catch Cormier off the bank in downtown Natchitoches, and the four fish taken by Bill Morrison on the infamous "Mop Fly". Yes, the Mop Fly does work.  So does the Sqwirmy - at least Carlton tells us so, lol.  Another interesting catch was Greg Babin's longear taken on the "Indicator Fly" that the club tied at our March tying session.

Sunday, April 15, 2018

April 16th fly tying

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, April 16, 2018
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month, Catch Cormier will lead us in tying the Ruffled Birds Nest, a variation of the Birds Nest fly. The Birds Nest nymph was created in 1959 by Cal Bird, the owner of a small fly shop in San Francisco. His original pattern used wood duck flank feathers and a dubbing body. The Ruffled version uses various feathers from a pheasant skin, with a beadhead for weight. This verson gives a fuzzier appearance that attracts trout and sunfish. It's also easy to tie - so the many new tiers in our club will like this fly!


As always, bring your tools if you have some. If not, we have a few sets for use during the session. Materials will be provided. Beginners and guests are welcome!

Saturday, March 31, 2018

Fly Fishing 101 coming April 14th

Tom Brokaw once said, "If fishing is like religion, then fly fishing is the high church.". Well, for those interested in getting baptized in this sport, here's your chance!

Saturday, April 14th 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, schedule, and a link to registration can be found by clicking on the menu above on "Fly Fish 101". 

And best of all, it's FREE!

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

March 26 annual "On the Water" meeting

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, March 26, 2018
Cotile Lake Recreation Area
(weather permitting)

** If inclement weather, we'll reschedule this meeting at a later date. ** 

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. Family members and member guests are welcome to attend!

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.

Please note the following:
1. There is NO entrance fee for our group. Tell Butch or whoever at the entrance that you are with "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" and they'll let you in free.
2.  Bring your favorite beverages.
3.  Bring a chair.
4.  Bring your fly rod and flies.  Those small popping bugs we purchased as a club work great here!  Bring a few wet flies, hares ears, fluff butts, woolybuggers or similiar.  Bass like bigger poppers and streamers.

If you plan to attend, please fill out this short form.  Click here.
Or RSVP to Catch Cormier if you plan to attend so we'll know how many burgers/dogs to get.

Friday, March 16, 2018

March 19 fly tying

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, March 19, 2018
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

As always, bring your tools if you have some. If not, we have a few sets for use during the session. Materials will be provided. Beginners and guests are welcome!

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Mixed Bag Contest goes live!

Our first-ever Mixed Bag Contest kicks off tomorrow morning - March 1st - at 12:01am.  It's a members-only FREE contest.  Are you ready?  Here's what you need to compete:
  • Be a 2018 member of KFF
  • Go to the Mixed Bag Contest page and review the rules
  • Print your token  (links at top of MBC page)
  • Laminate your token if possible (keeps it waterproof)
  • Have your camera available when fishing
  • Take photos of your catch and log them in using the links on the MBC page.
  • Bring your enthusiasm!  Remember, while catching the most different species wins, the biggest prize goes to one lucky person among all non-winners who participate.
Got questions?  Check out our forum on warmfly.org for discussion on the contest.  Also check out our Facebook page.

Friday, February 23, 2018

February 26th meeting - Ricky Yeldell and more!

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, February 26, 2018
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

We have a big agenda on tap for this month, so please make every effort to come out!

For starters, we'll have one of our favorite guest speakers back. Ricky Yeldell was LDWF's managing biologist for Toledo Bend. Although retired, Ricky keeps his finger on the pulse of all things Toledo Bend. He'll give us an update from his last presentation two years ago, as well as insight to where to find lunker bass, crappie and other species.

After Ricky's talk, we'll give an update on the Little Missouri River. Our annual "March Brown" club trip is just a couple weeks away.

Finally, Bill Morrison and Gene Taylor will discuss the club's first-ever "Mixed Bag" tournament which kicks off March 1st. This free entry, members-only, CPRO (catch-photo-release optional) competition is different than most others. Instead of biggest fish wins, it's most species wins. And the biggest winner is the lucky member who didn't place but gets their name drawn from all entrants. Check the "Mixed Bag" page on the menu above for more details.

* Reminder that 2018 dues are due! It's $25 for individuals or family, and free to active service members or full-time students *

See ya'll there!

Sunday, February 18, 2018

February fly tying - Gurgler

KFF monthly fly tying session
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

* Please note: because of the holiday, the library is unavailable this month on the 3rd Monday, so we'll meet on 3rd Tuesday instead *

This month we'll tie the Gurgler. Created by the late Jack Gartside, the Gurgler is one of the universal patterns that has caught nearly everything from bream to tarpon. The Gurgler is a surface fly that pushes water and gives the general appearance of a variety of prey, from hoppers to frogs to baitfish.

As always, bring your tools if you have some. If not, we have a few sets for use during the session. Materials will be provided.  Beginners and guests are welcome!

Monday, February 5, 2018

KFF makes donation to Food Bank!

Last Wednesday, Richard Hudson and Catch Cormier presented a check on behalf of the Kisatchie Fly Fishers to The Food Bank of Central Louisiana. Accepting on behalf of FBCL was Jayne Wright-Velez and Linda Hutson. The money was generated from our fundraiser during the recent Cenla Fly Fishing & Light Tackle Festival. This donation will help feed five seniors for a whole year!

We wish to thank all of our generous benefactors who made our Festival a success and this donation possible. Red Alert Lures, Maria's Farm Products, Rogers Custom Rods, Lil Boos Hardware & Sporting Goods, Red River Bank, the City of Pineville, and all the fly tiers and KFF members who donated stuff or gave their time at the Fest to help out.

Monday, January 22, 2018

January 22nd meeting - Crappie on the Fly

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, January 22, 2018
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

For our program this month, Catch Cormier will talk about fly fishing for crappie. If you attended Brandon Jennings presentation at the Cenla Fishing Festival, then this will be a good complimentary program, geared entirely towards fly rod use and strategies.

We'll also have an open discussion about the Festival.  Also fishing reports and upcoming activities.

Friday, January 12, 2018

January 16th fly tying

The January 16th fly tying session has been cancelled due to winter weather advisory.  In addition, the Westside Library and most services are closed today.  Stay warm and safe, and hope to see everyone at the Fest on Saturday.

Thursday, January 11, 2018

2018 Festival - 9 days and counting!

We're just a little over a week away from our 2nd-ever Cenla Fly Fishing & Light Tackle Festival on Saturday, January 20th at Kees Park in Pineville.

We have a great lineup of tiers, speakers, and  exhibitors. All the details can be found by clicking on the 2018 Cenla Fly Fest page.