Mixed Bag Contest goes live!

Our Mixed Bag Contest is back for a third year! And we're starting a month earlier. The MBC kicks off this Wednesday, January 1st at 12:01am.

The MBC is a members-only, months-long tournament where the goal is to catch as many different species on fly rod. It's CPRE which means catch-photo-release encouraged. And best of all, there is NO entry fee!

Are you ready?  Here's what you need to compete:

-   Be a 2020 member of KFF
-   Go to the Mixed Bag Contest page and review the rules
-   Have your camera or smartphone available when fishing
-   Take photos of your catch and include either the fly rod or fly, or both
-   Log them in using the links on the Mixed Bag page.
-   Bring your enthusiasm!  Remember, while the members who catch the most different species win cash prizes, even just one entry gets you into the drawing for an awesome consolation prize.

Check out our website and Facebook page during the year for frequent updates.

Club honorees, Mixed Bag winners recognized at banquet

At our annual Christmas banquet on December 9th, the club honored those members who have had an outstanding year, either in service to the club, in their progression as fly tiers, or with individual achievement. The club also recognized the winners of our annual Mixed Bag Contest.

New Member of the Year - Chester and Denise Gaitlin
This was a new award for 2019. Given to a new club member over the last 18 months who has been very active in our club, shown a strong dedication to our sport, and a willingness to learn.  Chester and Denise have both made great strides in the past year since joining. We hear she's better at catching fish, but he's real good at cleaning them.

Fly Tier of the Year - Preston Keiser, Grant Cutrer
Awarded to that club member who has dedicated themselves to the art of fly tying, either through significant improvement in their tying skills, or in enhanding the education of others.  Preston and Grant are among several junior fly tiers in our club.  Both were at nearly every tying event this past year and both have greatly improved their tying skills. We at KFF are very proud to have them as members!

Presidents Award - Tom Zabasky
This award is chosen by the president. It goes to someone that he or she believes has helped the club internally, and/or has been a great ambassador for our club. Tom was new to the board this year, but his contributions made for one of our best years ever!

Member of the Year - Chris Perkins
Awarded to that member who has made great individual strides in our sport, and/or whose efforts have benefitted the membership, or furthered the mission of the club. Chris participated in just about every meeting and activity this year, helped with trips and showed great improvement in his casting. But his most significant contribution was organization of the club's Casting Skills Challenge, which has been a huge success.

Mixed Bag Contest

Our annual Mixed Bag Contest is a months-long CPRE (catch-photo-release encouraged) tournament where size doesn't matter, but diversity does. Six places were awarded cash prizes ranging from $50 to $150. In addition, every member who made at least one entry, but wasn't a winner, had their name placed in a consolation drawing for a brand new Lamson Liquid fly reel.

Here are the 2019 MBC winners:

Carlton Townsend - 16 species
Bill Morrison - 15 species
Phil Havener - 12 species
Robert Hughes - 12 species
Glen Cormier - 10 species
Jim Johnson - 9 species
Gene Taylor - consolation prize winner

Here's the list of species that were caught in the 2019 MBC: Black Drum, Blue Runner, Bluegill, Brown trout, Catfish, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish, Common Carp, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Flathead Catfish, Goggle Eye, Golden Eye, Green Sunfish, Green Sunfish (hybrid), Ladyfish, Largemouth Bass, Longear Sunfish, Longnose Gar, Ozark Bass, Pompano, Pumpkinseed, Rainbow trout, Redtail Carp, Redbreast Sunfish, Redear (chinquapin), Redfish, Rio Cichlid, Sheepshead, Skipjack herring, Smallmouth bass, Spanish Mackeral, Speckled trout, Spotted bass, Warmouth (goggle eye), White Bass, Yellow Bass.

Our 3rd annual Mixed Bag Contest kicks off January 1st, 2020.

KFF Holiday Gathering - December 9th

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

Date: Monday, December 9th
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 Thursday, December 5th... email Catch Cormier

November 25th general meeting - Ian Huang, Alec Beane

Kisatchie Fly Fishers monthly meeting
Monday, November 25, 2019
5:00pm - casting on back lawn
6:30pm - meeting
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

** Please note that we're now doing casting prior to each meeting.  **

Our guest speakers this month will be Alec Beane and Ian Huang of the Orvis store in Baton Rouge. Alec is the store General Manager. Ian is the Fishing Manager. Both have a great deal of expertise on fishing from coastal waters and destinations from north Georgia, Texas, Montana, Colorado, Belize and more. They will give a powerpoint presentation on exciting places to fly fish, when to fish each, tackle and gear to bring, how to choose guides and lodges, and more.  We will also have time for questions and answers to a wide variety of topics.

Also on the agenda: final nominations for the 2020 board, Christmas Party on December 9th, fishing reports and upcoming events.

As always, guests are welcome. Invite a friend!

November 18th fly tying - HMRL Copper John

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, November 18, 2019
6:00pm - tying skills clinic
6:30pm - regular fly tying begins
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

** Please note that the tying skills clinic starting this month at 6:00pm **

With the trout stockings in full force on the Little Missouri River and Beavers Bend, now is a good time to learn an effective winter nymph. Few are as effective as the Copper John, created by John Barr.  One of Barr's variations is the Rubber Leg Copper John.

Another variation comes from Flying Fishmen Company, the Heavy Metal Rubber Leg Copper John. The HMRL CJ uses a tungsten bead and 25-gauge lead wire to sink the fly deep in runs and pools, without having to use a split shot (in most cases).

For a video of tying this fly, click here.

As always, beginners are welcome!  Bring your tools, if none, the club has sets for use during these sessions. Materials are provided.   

Skills clinics to precede monthly fly tying

Starting with our November 18th fly tying session, we'll be instituting an intermittent "Tying Skills Clinic" beginning a half-hour prior to the tying session. The clinic will deal with beginning skills such as basic tools, thread types, whip finish, thread control, building heads, tying in various materials, and much more.

Each session will start at 6:00pm and end at 6:30pm. At 6:30pm, we will move into the main tying session. According to Tying Co-Chairs Gene Taylor and Bill Morrison, this clinic was concieved based on the outstanding success of the Casting Skills clinic which precedes each regular meeting.

The Tying Skills Clinic may not be every month, depending on room availability at 6:00pm. Also when members request it, or when the Tying Committee sees a need for basic skills lacking in the main session.

We're hoping this will encourage new members to engage in fly tying, and to build upon their basic skills. And for those who have been tying to improve their techniques.

FFI-GCC recognizes Kisatchie Fly Fishers, two KFF members

The Gulf Coast Council of Fly Fishers International has annually honored individuals and clubs within it's geographic region for their outstanding contributions to fly fishing, fly tying, conservation and community.

In September, the FFI-GCC announced their 2019 awards. Among the recipients were the Kisatchie Fly Fishers club, as well as KFF members Roger Breedlove and Glen 'Catch' Cormier.  Emphasis was placed on both past and current contributions.  Each of the winners received a mug with their name and award, featuring award-winning artwork of fly-fishing artist James Lady.  The awards were distributed at the recent North Toledo Bend Rendezvous.

Kisatchie Fly Fishers was recognized with the "Club Community Award". This award is based on community participation and philantrophy. Among the accomplishments noted were: a successful expo with proceeds donated to The Food Bank of Central Louisiana, holding an annual "Fly Fishing 101", participation in the local farmers market special events, teaming with the Lafayette Kayak Fishing Club to restore a kayak launch on Calcasieu Lake, co-sponsoring the North Louisiana Fly Fishers "Masters Series", donating over $300 of books and videos to the local library, and many more!

Roger Breedlove was awarded with the "Man of the Year". This award goes to a male individual who has demonstrated unusual devotion to the sport of fly fishing, and through his devotion, has benefited the sport and community. Among Roger's credentials were: obtaining the FFI Casting Certified Instructor badge, teaching and giving private casting lessons over the last three years at NO cost, building and donating dozens of fly rods to his club and to the GCC, teaching a rod building clinic, and much more. Recently, Roger was named to the Gulf Coast Council Board of Directors.

Glen 'Catch' Cormier was awarded with the "Presidents Award". Chosen by the President of the Gulf Coast Council for their outstanding contributions to the Council, and to the sport of fly fishing in general. In selecting Catch for this award, GCC President A.J. Rosenbahm noted his contributions via magazine articles, radio segments, and websites on fly fishing and kayak fishing. "He's always willing to help clubs that need help on their websites. He does this on his own time, not expecting recognition or compensation. He is very generous with his time, a staunch conservationist and a talented fly tier.".  Currently, Catch is president of Kisatchie Fly Fishers and Conservation Director for the FFI Gulf Coast Council.

Mixed Bag Update - just weeks to go!

Carlton Townsend with a PAC redfish

Everyone is asking, "What happened to Fall?". Well it came and brought Winter with it!  The first week of October, the water at Cotile Lake Recreation Area was 82 degrees. A month later, it's 59 degrees - cold enough for rainbow trout!

With November being the final month of our Mixed Bag Contest, KFF members looking to move into the top tier will have to fish deep and slow, or pick warm days when the fish move closer to the shallows. If you're willing to drive a few hours south, marsh fishing is excellent.  And if you're willing to head a few hours north, rainbow stockings have begun on the Little Missouri River.

We'll be awarding the top five (5) places at the Christmas Party in December, so everyone still has a chance to make the cut. However, if you don't make the top five, there's still the CONSOLATION PRIZE DRAWING.  Every member who has entered at least ONE fish will have their name placed in the drawing - also to take place at the Christmas Party. Incidently, you don't need to be present to win.

Here are the latest standings (number is different species registered):
Carlton Townsend - 16
Bill Morrison - 15
Robert Hughes - 12
Phil Havener - 10
Jim Johnson - 9
Glen Cormier - 8
Jim Guillory - 8
Gene Taylor - 8

Others: Joel Dinnat -6, Rich Hudson -5, Greg Babin -3, Robert Clark -3, Mike Carlin -2, Ronnie Richmond -2, Jonathon Bennett -2, Barbara Carlin -1, Tom Zabasky -1, Lindsey Torbett -1.

October 28th meeting - Robert & Carlton's Excellent Adventure

Kisatchie Fly Fishers monthly meeting
Monday, October 28, 2019
5:30pm - casting on back lawn
6:30pm - meeting
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

** Please note that we're now doing casting prior to each meeting.  **

This month, our Coldwater Committee members and most excellent trout fishermen Robert Hughes and Carlton Townsend will share a powerpoint presentation on their three week western fishing adventure in Fall of 2017.  They fished across six states on a variety of waters catching many trout in a variety of methods.  Included in the presentation will be fishing in southern Colorado where we have a club trip planned for 2020.

Also on the agenda:
- update on the club's Casting Skills Challenge
- upcoming events, including Toledo Bend Rendezvous and Kirk Dietrich seminar
- recap of the KFF Marsh PAC Attack trip, other fishing reports
- upcoming club fishing outings to Calcasieu, local freshwater, and Little Mo
- Mixed Bag Contest update
- Cenla Festival update

As always, our meetings are open to the public. See you Monday!

October 21st fly tying - Clouser Minnow, LaFleurs Charlie

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, October 21, 2019
6:00pm - casting outside
6:30pm - fly tying begins
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

Cooler weather is here and that means great marsh fishing is here also! Whether you're fishing Calcasieu (2 hours), south of Houma (3.5 hours), or other locales, there are two sure-fire patterns that work for reds, specks and flounder - and sometimes sheepshead and drum. They are the Clouser Minnow and the LaFleurs Charlie.

Here's an excellent video from Orvis on tying the Clouser Minnow.
video-how-to-tie-the-clouser-minnow

The LaFleurs Charlie was created by Mike LaFleur of Baton Rouge. His fly is a variation of the original Crazy Charlie that uses estaz for the body, lead dumbbell eyes, and a high modacrylic craft fur for the wing. Its been featured in a couple of books and several magazine articles.

As always, beginners are welcome!  Bring your tools, if none, the club has sets for use during these sessions. Materials are provided.

Make plans for Toledo Bend Rendezvous

Toledo Bend Rendezvous
November 1-3, 2019
North Toledo Bend State Park
Zwolle, LA

What is Rendezvous?  Thirty years ago, members of the Pineywoods Fly Fishers (TX) and North Louisiana Fly Fishers gathered for a weekend of camping, fly tying and fishing. The following year, the clubs rented the group facility at North Toledo Bend State Park, where the event is held to this day.   Rendezvous has expanded greatly since, with tiers from various clubs and states including Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and elsewhere.

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.

In recent years, regional clubs and the FFI Gulf Coast Council and FFI Texas Council have contributed a small amount each to Rendezvous to offset the escalating rental costs for the group facility.   As to make it very affordable for families.  For 2019, Kisatchie Fly Fishers is proud to be a contributing sponsor for Rendezvous.

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

Mixed Bag Contest update - October 6th

Click on image above for enlargement

This September was the hottest month on record in Louisiana! Not a single night below 65 degrees. The fish didn't like the heat either. It was a tough month for KFF members trying to add entries into the Mixed Bag Contest. Still, Phil Havener and Jim Guillory had a great month, and several others added to their totals.

Good news is that cooler weather starts tomorrow... for good!

We have two months left in our Mixed Bag Contest, a CPRO (catch-photo-release optional) contest where size doesn't matter but diversity does. The goal is to catch as many species as possible on fly rod, and register that catch online.

October and November are also the best time for inshore saltwater fly fishing. But there are many freshwater species still available to members. For example, the image on right shows 11 common sunfish alone. Nine are found in Louisiana waters, the other two in Arkansas (included in the MBC region). Click on the image for an enlargement.

Here are the latest standings (number is different species registered):
Bill Morrison - 15
Carlton Townsend - 15
Robert Hughes - 12
Phil Havener - 10
Jim Johnson - 9
Glen Cormier - 8
Jim Guillory - 7
Joel Dinnat - 6

Others: Gene Taylor -5, Rich Hudson -4, Greg Babin -3, Robert Clark -3, Mike Carlin -2, Ronnie Richmond -2, Jonathon Bennett -2, Barbara Carlin -1, Tom Zabasky -1, Lindsey Torbett -1.

September 23rd general meeting - Butch Ridgedell

Kisatchie Fly Fishers general meeting
Monday, September 23, 2019
6:00pm - casting on back lawn
6:30pm - meeting
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

** Please note that we're now doing casting prior to each meeting.  **

Our guest speaker this month will be Butch Ridgedell.  Butch is current president of the Lafayette Kayak Fishing Club.  He's a member of the Hobie Fishing Team Member, Pack & Paddle Fishing Team and a Pack & Paddle Fishing Guide.  Butch is active on IFA Kayak Fishing Tour, and won the 2017 CCA Star Kayak West Division.

Butch likes to say, "If I'm not fishing, the weather must be bad!".  He'll talk to us about fishing the Calcasieu estuary for redfish and speckled trout, with emphasis on spots for kayak anglers.

As mentioned, we're doing casting practice and lessons prior to the meeting on the back lawn. Roger Breedlove is also facilitating for members participating in the KFF and FFI Casting Skills Challenges.

Also on the agenda:
- Saturday's National Hunting Fishing Day at Woodworth
- October "Sleep Late Saturday" local fishing trip
- KFF PAC Marsh Invasion, October 25-26
- Mixed Bag Contest Update
- fishing reports

As always, our meetings are open to the public. See you Monday!

September 16 fly tying - Yarn Crab

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, September 16, 2019
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month, we'll be tying the Yarn Crab Fly. Crab patterns are a must-have when chasing redfish and drum in the Louisiana marsh. When other types of flies get refusals, it's a good bet that the fish will eat a crab pattern.

Materials we will use include:
- hook: Mustad 34007 or equivalent stainless hook
- body: McFlyFoam yarn
- legs: rubber or silicon legging
- tail: feather cluster

As always, beginners are welcome!  Bring your tools, if none, the club has sets for use during these sessions. Materials are provided.

September Sleep Late Saturday Summary: fishing poor, casting great!

Some blamed the unusually hot and dry weather we've had this month. Others blamed the full moon. Whatever the cause, the fish at Cotile Lake were mysteriously absent this morning. Even moreso than the last week.  Despite some good action of bass busting shad and redears biting along the dam, neither was happening today. A few small bream here and there, and that was it!

However, it was a great day for casting, and our "Casting Challenge" program. Roger Breedlove - our newest FFI Certified Casting Instructor - used the shaded grounds of Cotile Park to teach casting early on, then facilitate the Challenge for a number of club members. 

At our last meeting, Chris Perkins with the club's Education Committee presented on the particulars of the Challenge. Roger has been facilitator for the early testing. Last Sunday Bill Morrison rolled all 3 levels - Bronze, Silver and Gold - in about an hour!

Today, Chris finished up his requirements for the Gold Level, having already earned the Bronze and Silver. Jim Johnson and Lindsey Torbett swapped off for about an hour or so and both completed tasks for the Bronze Level.  Then Carlton Townsend breezed through the requirements for Bronze and he was followed by Rich Hudson.  Rich hesitated and then went to work in earnest.  In a half hour, he was casting beautiful loops and completed the Bronze Level.  Preston Keiser began work on his Bronze Level and  completed about half the list before hustling off to fish.  Gene Taylor is scheduled to do all 3 levels Sunday evening.

The club will recognize those members who achieve Bronze, Silver and Gold levels at the club level, and also at the FFI level if they are, or become, FFI members. In addition, FFI club members who achieve casting challenge certificates will be recognized on the FFI Gulf Coast Council website (www.gulfcoastcouncilffi.org).

The group gathered at 12 noon at Lillian's Lakeside Diner for lunch and to exchange fishing and casting stories. We all enjoyed the morning, and hope to have much better fishing - and cooler temperatures - for our October event.

Sleep Late Saturday kicks off September 14th

Crappie taken on Silli Minnow off the dock at Cotile

September "Sleep Late Saturday" club trip
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Cotile Lake near Gardner
7:00am to 12:30pm - fishing time
1:00pm - meet and eat at Lillian's Lakeside Diner
No entry fee!
Prize drawing - see below!

Please RSVP using this link

The KFF Warmwater Committee is initiating a series of monthly half-day trips within an hour of Alexandria, which we will refer to as "Sleep Late Saturdays" because you don't have to be on the water until daybreak (unlike our usual time of 3:00am).

While the weather is still hot/warm, the trips will be in the morning. When it gets cool, some trips might be in the afternoon (then you can sleep REALLY late!).

Our first-ever SLS outing will be to Cotile Lake. You can launch at the Hwy 121 public boat launch (south end) or at the Cotile Recreation Area (north end). Or fish from the bank at the Rec Area.

Bring your camera or smartphone and take photos of catches. At the Meet & Eat at Lillians, we'll share photos and stories. Later you can submit your photo for a chance at a $25 gift card.

* Please make sure to RSVP for Lillians so they'll know how many to set up for.

August 26th general meeting - Casting Skill presentation, Casting video

Kisatchie Fly Fishers general meeting
Monday, August 26, 2019
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

On the agenda for our August meeting:
- tackle tips for September redears
- a brief presentation on the FFI and KFF Casting Skills Challenge

- a portion of a new video by Gary Borger, demonstrating the 3-finger grip

Also, upcoming Fall trips and events

As always, our meetings are open to the public. See you Monday!

KFF member's piece featured in national magazine

We have a celebrity in our club!  Gene Taylor, our Fly Tying Co-Chair and resident bibliophage, was published in the Summer issue of The Drake magazine. 

In his article, entitled "Whippersnapper: The Joys of Being a Designated Youngin", Gene recants his experiences as a young member in a club with many seasoned anglers, most of which are of senior status.  He points out examples of their fanatical devotion to the sport, and their uncanny ability to catch fish. And how, being the young protege, he has learned much.

Most of the story involves a club trip to Pointe-aux-Chenes, and Gene's first encounter with the poisson rouge on fly from kayak. It's so funny, and yet so true! Save a long explanation, but my wife Lisa read the article to me out loud. She and I laughed at several passages in the article - she couldn't believe a fly fishing article was so enjoyable.

And that's what makes The Drake different from any other fly fishing periodical. In an age of declining magazine sales, its circulation continues to grow.  Its readers are mostly young and/or highly passionate about our sport.

The Drake magazine offers little "how to" about fly fishing. And none of those absurd glory shots of fish with the anglers exchanging high-fives. The essay style and creative photography of this magazine are for anglers who enjoy the right-brained side of fly fishing.

It's not a cheap magazine, but you get great content and lots of it. You can get a copy of The Drake by going to their website, or picking up a copy at the Books-A-Million bookstore in Alexandria.

August 19th fly tying - March Brown Spider

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, August 19, 2019
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month, we'll be tying the March Brown Spider. Originated by his friend Sylvester Nemes, Dave Hughes mentioned it several times during his recent presentation at the NLFF Masters Series as one of his most productive wet flies. It imitates an emerging March Brown mayfly.

Materials we will use include:
- hook: standard wet fly, sizes 12 or 14
- thread: orange 6/0 or 8/0
- hackle: brown partridge
- rib: oval gold tinsel
- body: hares ear fur and sparkle yarn mix

As always, beginners are welcome!  Bring your tools, if none, the club has sets for use during these sessions. Materials are provided.

Mixed Bag Contest update - August 11

Joel Dinnat's white bass taken on Red River oxbow

August is the last full month of SweatFest 2019 - the festival no one likes to celebrate.  Typically a tough time for fishing. But the rivers were so high for so long, and now that they're low and clear, fishing is off the charts good at places like Red River, Saline Lake, Larto Lake, Deer Park and several others.  And salinities are up all over the coast.

Our members have taken advantage of this late summer jubilee with several recent entries to the Mixed Bag Contest.  The MBC is our months-long CPRO (catch-photo-release optional) contest where size doesn't matter but diversity does. The goal is to catch as many species as possible on fly rod, and register that catch online.

Here are the latest standings (number is different species registered):

Bill Morrison - 15
Carlton Townsend - 15
Robert Hughes - 12
Phil Havener - 8
Jim Johnson - 8
Glen Cormier - 8
Joel Dinnat - 6

Others: Gene Taylor -5, Rich Hudson -4, Greg Babin -3, Robert Clark -3, Ronnie Richmond -2, Jonathon Bennett -2, Tom Zabasky -1.

Making the biggest jump since our last update were Robert Hughes and Bill Morrison, each with 5 entries.

A few of the species taken in the last month include: two white bass on the Red River (both on Clouser Minnow), Spanish Mackeral at Dauphin Island (Coma Spoon), Channel Catfish at Toledo Bend (Rosborough Hares Ear), Blue Runner in northwest Florida (Bead chain fly), Common Carp (Mop Fly) and an Ozark Bass (Creek Crawler) taken at Crooked Creek.

A reminder that there are 67 possible listings! So this contest is far, far from over. We'll be awarding 6 (six) places. In addition, all non-place entrants will have a shot in the Consolation Drawing.  Remember, you only need one (1) entry to be in that drawing.

No July general meeting

Due to a special event the fourth week of July at the Rapides Westside Library, the meeting rooms were not available.  We thought it might be a good time to take a break as many members are on vacation anyhow. 

We will resume our usual 4th Monday general meetings in August.  See you then!

July 15th fly tying - Bluegill Gurgler

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, July 15, 2019
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

For this month, Gene Taylor will lead us in tying a foam fly, the Bluegill Gurgler, a great-looking popper.  All materials will be provided, and we'll have a selection of different foam colors from which to choose. Bring whatever thread color you think you want to tie.

Here are materials we will use:
- hook: size 10 standard length
- tail: marabou with pearl Krystal Flash
- shellback: 2mm foam body
- body: ice dubbing
- legs: barred rubber legs

Aways, beginners are welcome! 

KFF makes library donation

As part of our mission to promote fly fishing in central Louisiana, Kisatchie Fly Fishers has made a donation of nine books, two DVDs, and cash to the Rapides Parish Library.

The donation was presented by KFF Vice-President Carlton Townsend and Secretary-Treasurer Rich Hudson to Baconda Bey, assistant manager of the Westside Library branch where the club holds its meetings.

After reviewing the existing catalog of books and DVDs - of which there were 11 titles - the KFF Education Committee determined that there was opportunity to fill gaps, especially as it related to fly tying and beginning fly fishing. In addition to the donation of books and DVDs, a check of $100 was given to the library, which has a deal to buy numerous titles at below cost.

Mixed Bag Contest update - July 1st

We're officially at the halfway point in our annual Mixed Bag Contest. FYI, this is a CPRO (catch-photo-release optional) contest where size doesn't matter but diversity does. The goal is to catch as many species as possible on fly rod, and register that catch online. The photo is submitted by email to our tournament chairman.

There's been some major shakeups in the standings since the last posting:

Carlton Townsend - 13
Bill Morrison - 10
Phil Havener - 8
Jim Johnson - 8
Glen Cormier - 8
Robert Hughes - 7

Also: Joel Dinnat -5, Gene Taylor -5, Rich Hudson -4, Robert Clark -3, Ronnie Richmond -2, Greg Babin -2, Jonathan Bennett -2, Tom Zabasky -1.

Making the biggest jumps since our last update were Carlton Townsend (10), Phil Havener (7), and Joel Dinnat (4). Great going, guys!

In addition to the usual freshwater suspects (bass, bluegill, redear, etc) taken on fly, there's a sizeable number of non-usual species such as channel catfish, goldeneye, freshwater drum (goo), redtail carp, and skipjack herring. A number of saltwater species including pompano, sheepshead, redfish, flounder, speckled trout and ladyfish are also listed.

Of course, the contest is only half over. There's beaucoup species - we determined 67 possible listings - so anyone can still win this contest. But if you don't win, that's okay, because we'll be awarding six places. In addition, all non-place entrants will have a shot in the Consolation Drawing.  Remember, you only need one (1) entry to be in that drawing.

June 24th general meeting - Tom Konvicka

Kisatchie Fly Fishers general meeting
Monday, June 24, 2019
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

Our guest speaker this month is Tom Konvicka, chief meteorologist for the KALB-TV weather team. Tom is an institution in central Louisiana, having been with KALB for 35 years! Tom specializations include weather forecasting and tropical cyclones, and he has published articles for the American Meteorological Society, the American Geophysical Union, and several others. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Louisiana College in Pineville. 

Weather is an integral part of the fishing experience. Tom will talk about various weather topics and answer questions from members. We are very excited about having Tom speak to our club!

As always, our meetings are open to the public. 

June 17th fly tying - Goober Bug

KFF monthly fly tying session

Monday, June 17, 2019
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

For our June fly tying, Bill Morrison will lead us in tying the Goober Bug.  This fly is the creation of Bruce Sublett of Texas, owner of Gulf & Ozark Flies, who states that it's one of the best post-spawn bass flies he's ever fished.  It's also good for brown trout, smallmouth bass, and even large redear.  Best of all, it's easy to tie, so novice tiers can add several colors to their box without spending many hours at the vise!

Here's a link to the YouTube video showing Sublett tying this fly:
https://youtu.be/TbYLrpBQllo

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

May 28th general meeting - open session

Kisatchie Fly Fishers general meeting
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

* Due to the Memorial Day holiday, we'll meet on Tuesday instead of our regular 4th Monday *

Our scheduled speaker can't make it so we'll have an open Q&A session. Bring your questions about fly fishing or where to fish and what to use. Members will attempt to answer those questions.

Also on the agenda: Catch Cormier will recap recent fly fishing tournaments - the Fly Fishin For The Mission and Bass On The Fly. Also upcoming events, fishing reports, Mixed Bag Contest updates.

As always, our meetings are open to the public. 

May 20th tying session - Rod building basics

KFF monthly session
Monday, May 20, 2019
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month, our usual fly tying session will be dedicated to discuss another fly fishing craft - rod building.  Our resident rod building expert, Roger Breedlove, will discuss the process of assembling a fly rod from components such as blanks, grips, reel seats, etc.  This is in preparation for our Rod Building Summer Workshop taking place on Saturday, June 29th.

Roger will discuss the particulars of choosing the right blank length, rod weight and action for your needs, selecting matching hardware, and tools you will need to build a rod. 

If you plan to take part of the workshop on June 29th or build a rod sometime later in the future, you want to attend this meeting.  If you do -NOT- plan to build a rod, you will still find this meeting very informative and interesting.  

As always, this session is open to the public.

Summer Workshop: Rod building

Rod Building Workshop
Saturday, June 29, 2019
8:00am to 2:00pm
LDWF Education Facility
56 Robinson Rd, Woodworth, 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: popper construction and painting, casting clinics, tying saltwater flies for the marsh, deer hair tying, fly fishing and tying flies for Arkansas trout waters, and more.

We have at least one workshop scheduled for 2019.  On Saturday, June 29th, KFF will hold a free "Rod Building Workshop" instructed by longtime rod builder Roger Breedlove. Due to limited space, the workshop is open to KFF members only at this time.

Prior to the workshop - at our May 20th meeting - in lieu of our usual tying session, Roger will discuss the particulars of choosing the right blank length, rod weight and action for your needs, selecting matching hardware, and tools you will need to build a rod. This meeting is open to the public.

At the workshop, students will learn how to prep the blank, determine the blank spline, mark the guide spacing, assemble the grip and reel seat, wrap the guides, color seal the wraps (optional), and epoxy coat the wraps. It is the intent that students will leave the workshop with several guides wrapped, and finish the wrapping and coating at home.

Mixed Bag Contest update 5/5

Taken on Sqwirm Worm at Cotile Lake by Carlton Townsend

Fishing in central Louisiana has been unusually slow, but warm weather is here and the fish are getting more active by the day.  Are you ready to add a few species to the Mixed Bag Contest? Remember, it only takes one (1) entry to get into the Consolation Drawing. But why go for the consolation when you place in the main event?  Although Bill Morrison and Catch Cormier lead the pack, it's only seven (7) species.  There are dozens of possible species, so this is far from over!

Here are the current standings:

Bill Morrison - 7 - bluegill, chain pickerel, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, rio, speckled trout, channel catfish
Glen Cormier - 7 - black crappie, bluegill, goggle eye, rainbow trout, redear, redfish, sheepshead
Jim Johnson - 6 - black crappie, bluegill, chain pickerel, largemouth bass, longear sunfish, rainbow trout
Carlton Townsend - 6 - rainbow trout, bluegill, largemouth bass, longear sunfish, black crappie, black tail shiner
Gene Taylor - 5 - bluegill, chain pickerel, rainbow trout, spotted bass, white crappie
Joel Dinnat - 3 - rainbow trout, black crappie, catfish
Robert Hughes - 3 - black crappie, longear sunfish, rainbow trout
Robert Clark - 3 - bluegill, rainbow trout, redear
Phil Havener - 2 - rainbow trout, green sunfish
Rich Hudson - 1 - rainbow trout

Again, each entry is available online. So you can see what the fish was caught on, where it was caught, and even a photo of the fish. That's the real value of the MBC... a database for members to use to improve their success!

April 22nd meeting - Spring Casting Session

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, April 22, 2019
6:00pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

** Please note: we'll meet a half-hour earlier than usual **

We finally have some great weather, and before it gets too hot, we'll hold 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.

BRING YOUR FAVORITE ROD.  For beginners and novices, we'll work on our special technique guaranteed to improve your fly casting.  For veterans, we'll work on the "Jerk Haul" - a shorter version of the Single Haul or Double Haul.  If you fish from a canoe or kayak, or simply want to reduce your arm motion from fatigue, this is a great technique to improve your distance and shoot line!

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.

Mixed Bag Contest update 4/12

Spring is finally here.  And while fishing is far from being "prime time", a few KFF members have added species to their Mixed Bag Contest listings over the last few weeks.  Here are the current standings:

Jim Johnson - 6 - black crappie, bluegill, chain pickerel, largemouth bass, longear sunfish, rainbow trout
Bill Morrison - 5 - bluegill, chain pickerel, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, rio
Gene Taylor - 5 - bluegill, chain pickerel, rainbow trout, spotted bass, white crappie
Glen Cormier - 5 - black crappie, bluegill, goggle eye, rainbow trout, redear
Carlton Townsend - 3 - rainbow trout, bluegill, largemouth bass
Robert Hughes - 3 - black crappie, longear sunfish, rainbow trout
Robert Clark - 2 - bluegill, rainbow trout
Rich Hudson - 1 - rainbow trout
Phil Havener - 1 - rainbow trout
Joel Dinnat - 1 - rainbow trout

As you can see, only a small fraction of our membership has made entries so far into the Mixed Bag. We're hoping that with good weather, everyone will get out and catch some fish! Remember, you only need one (1) entry to be in the Consolation Drawing. But we hope everyone will give Jim Johnson and Bill Morrison some competition!

A variety of flies have been used so far. The Mardi Craw, Taylor's No Name, Rosborough Hares Ear, Squirmy Worm, and variations of the Woolybugger top the list. Others include: Seaducer, Red Dart, Fluff Butt, popping bug, Adams dry, Christmas Tree, SMP Crappie Fly, Meat Whistle and Goobers Bug.

Again, each entry is available online. So you can see what the fish was caught on, where it was caught, and even a photo of the fish. That's the real value of the MBC... a database for members to use to improve their success!

April 9th tying session - Red Dart, Laser Bugger

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, April 15, 2019
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

For April fly tying, we will tie the Red Dart and the Laser Bugger. The Red Dart is the creation of Lance Egan, renown fly tier and competitive angler from Utah. It combines features of several legacy patterns with modern materials.

The Laser Bugger is the creation of our own Bill Morrison and was very successful on the recent Little Mo club trip.

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

If you have these color threads, please bring them: red thread, olive or brown thread. Also please bring a dubbing loop tool (we hope to have our "dubbing tools" for distribution at the meeting).

Another successful Fly Fishing 101

Last Saturday, we held our fourth annual Fly Fishing 101 at Booker-Fowler Hatchery in Forest Hill. Predictions for stormy weather came true, but not until after the workshop was long over. The 26 students were our largest group yet. As is our usual practice, we broke the students into two groups, one for casting and one for rigging and tactics.

Thanks to all our helpers, with several key members out, their assistance was vital. Jeff Ferguson, Carlton Townsend, Chris Perkins, Mike Carlin, Roger Breedlove, Bill Morrison, Ronnie Richmond, Steve Templin, Jim Guillory. Jeff - an FFI Master Certified Casting Instructor and Casting Director for the FFI Gulf Coast Council - also helped some of our more seasoned members on their casting. We hope to get Jeff back for a casting workshop later this year.

Eight new member families took advantage of a discounted club membership offered to participants.

- Danny & Janie Deshotels
- Patrick Deshotels
- Chris & Luke Griffin
- Preston Keiser
- Sam Poole
- Patricia Spangler
- John Thibodeaux
- Karen Williams, Bella & Alayna Duruisseau

Welcome to Kisatchie Fly Fishers!

March 18th tying session - Rosborough Hares Ear

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, March 18, 2019
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month Glen Cormier will lead us in tying the Rosborough Hares Ear (RHE). The original Hares Ear is attributed to 19th century English tier James Odgen. This very buggy variation of the classic nymph is credited to Polly Rosborough, author of the book "The Fuzzy Nymphs".  Rosborough was a proponent of flies that are suggestive in nature and which have a softer profile that gives the fly animation even in still waters.

Tying the RHE will make use of a technique called a dubbing loop. While a dubbing loop tool will suffice, an electronic single hook test clip (as shown in photo above) makes for a very good, simple, and inexpensive dubbing loop tool. So if you have a test clip, bring it.

Bring thread, colors either brown, red, olive, black.  Also some reading glasses, as this is a smaller hook size than we often tie on.

Club will provide: size 14 barbless hooks, size 1/8" copper brass beads, hares mask in different colors, copper wire.

Bring your tools - if none, the club has sets for use during the session.

March 25th meeting - annual "On the Water" picnic

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, March 25, 2019
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.
5.  Bring a camera (or smartphone) to submit entries for the Mixed Bag. 

If you plan to attend, please fill out this short form:  CLICK HERE TO SIGNUP.

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

Mixed Bag Contest update 3/1

Robert Hughes' black crappie taken on SMP Fly

February 1st kicked off our 2nd annual "Mixed Bag Contest" - a members-only CPR online tournament where size doesn't matter, but variety of species does. While below-normal temperatures, above-normal rainfall, and gusty winds have really messed up the fishing, a few members have been able to put some fish on the board. Especially Jim Johnson, whose motto is "Nice weather is for wimps!".

Here are our leaders as of March 1st:
Jim Johnson (6) - black crappie, bluegill, chain pickerel, largemouth bass,  longear sunfish, rainbow trout
Carlton Townsend (3) - bluegill, largemouth bass, rainbow trout
Glen Cormier (3) - black crappie, rainbow trout, redear
Bill Morrison (2) - chain pickerel, largemouth bass
Robert Hughes (2) - black crappie, rainbow trout
Joel Dinnat (1) - rainbow trout
Rich Hudson (1) - rainbow trout
Gene Taylor (1) - rainbow trout

Most productive flies have been: Mardi Craw, Squirm Worm and Little Mo Wooly. Interesting notes: Six of the entries have been caught on rods built by Roger Breedlove. Also, the vast majority of entries so far have been caught bank fishing or wade fishing.

Expect a lot more entries this month, especially after our annual "Spring Picnic meeting" at Cotile Lake on March 25th.

February 25th meeting - Gearing Up for Coldwater Fishing

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, February 25, 2019
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month, we'll have a group discussion on  "Gearing Up for Coldwater Fly Fishing".  This meeting will be informative whether you're a complete beginner or a semi-expert.  That's because everyone is welcome to share their knowledge and tips as part of the program.  The Coldwater Committee will lead the various topics, and members are encouraged to chime in at the end of each topic to offer their own experiences or expertise.

Here are the topics that will be covered:
- Rods and reels
- fly line
- leaders, tippets, tippet rings
- packs or vests?
- waders and boots
- wading staffs
- fly boxes
- strike indicators
- scissors, hemostats, nippers
- nets
- clothing
- fleece underpants, sweat pants, thermals, etc.
- caps, hats, jackets, buffs/gaitors
- sunglasses

Also information about the Little Missouri River, pertinent to our two club trips coming up.
- river access points
- generation schedules, river levels
- where to stay (motels, cabins, camping, RV)

Also on the agenda: upcoming events, Mixed Bag Contest update, fishing reports

As always, the public is welcome!

February 18th fly tying - Mop Fly & Sqwirmy Wormy

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, February 18, 2019
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library (big room)
5416 Provine, Alexandria, LA

This month Gene Taylor will lead us in tying two very simple, yet very effective patterns for rainbow trout on the Little Missouri River.  These  have also been very good for bream on local waters. But beware! There are some traditionalists who look upon these "flies" with disgust and ire!

The first is 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/

The second is the "Sqwirmy Wormy". No fly - other than the Mop Fly - has created more controversy in the fly fishing community. Ignore the partisans - this fly really works!  The origin and details of this fly can be found in this article on the Louisiana Sportsman website.

https://www.louisianasportsman.com/columns/fly-lines/new-worm-order/

Since these are easy-to-tie flies, we encourage beginners to come to this session. Bring your tools - if none, the club has sets for use during the session. All materials are provided.

Mixed Bag Contest goes live!

Our Mixed Bag Contest is back for a second year! And by popular demand, we're starting a month earlier. The MBC kicks off this Friday, February 1st at 12:01am. 

The MBC is a members-only, months-long tournament where the goal is to catch as many different species on fly rod. It's CPRO which means catch-photo-release optional. And best of all, there is NO entry fee!

Are you ready?  Here's what you need to compete:

• Be a 2019 member of KFF
• Go to the Mixed Bag Contest page and review the rules
• Have your camera or smartphone 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.

Check out our Facebook page during the year for frequent updates.

January 28th meeting - Jeff Regnart, Alaska fishing

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, January 28, 2018
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

For our first meeting of 2019, we are delighted to welcome Jeff Regnart as our guest speaker. Jeff was with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for over 30 years. He started as a field tech in high school, moved up the ranks as a biologist, and retired as Director of Alaska's Commercial Fisheries Division, where he was praised as a champion of sustainable fisheries.

Jeff will give a slideshow presentation on Alaska fishing. Expect to see some great scenery and big fish, and hear interesting stories!

As always, the public is welcome!

Also on the agenda: upcoming Spring events and trips, Mixed Bag Contest (starts February 1st), fishing reports, and more.

Also we have a pair of tickets to give away for the Fly Fishing Film Tour coming to Pack & Paddle in Lafayette on Friday, February 1st.

Also, a reminder that 2019 dues are due now thru March. Please pay our Treasurer, Rich Hudson, or email your check for $25 to:

Kisatchie Fly Fishers
5093 Laura Lane
Woodworth, LA  71485

January 22nd fly tying - Dragon Tail, Christmas Tree

KFF monthly fly tying session
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

** Note: Due to the library closure for the MLK holiday, we're meeting on Tuesday this month **

We'll be tying two patterns this month.  The Dragon Tail Streamer and the Christmas Tree.

Dragon Tail patterns are the hottest new flies on the planet. Made of a chenille-like material tapered down to a fine point, it was originated by David Magnum, a renown tarpon guide on the northwest Florida Gulf Coast. While Dragon Tail flies have proven effective for tarpon, they've also been the new favorite for bass, pike, musky, pickeral and other predatory species.

The Christmas Tree fly is a simpler version of the Fluff Butt. For those new members who are interested in learning fly tying, this pattern is a great one to start with.  It comes to us from Burley Johnson in Natchitoches and has proven a killer on rainbow trout, bream, and crappie.

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.