2022 Mixed Bag Contest goes Live!

Our Mixed Bag Contest is back for a sixth year! The MBC kicks off tomorrow Saturday, January 1st at 12:01am.

Mixed Bag 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 2022 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 prizes, all other participants are eligible for several consolation prizes.  Each entry gets you one ticket into the consolation drawing.  

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

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year!

Here's wishing our members and friends, and all of their families, a most blessed holiday season. Hope everyone finds something under the Christmas tree they can use for their piscatorial pursuits in the coming year.

While Christmas is a season of festivity, let's not forget the reason for the season: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us….” John 1:14. Please be giving to those in need, and pray for those who are less fortunate, for those in suffering, and for those away from their families this season.

We also wish everyone a prosperous and healthy New Year.  With much emphasis on healthy!  The new year brings many traditional club activities, in addition to our monthly meetings. Those include our 4th biennial Cenla Fly & Light Tackle Festival (Jan. 29), our Spring Picnic (Mar. 28), Fly Fishing 101 (Apr. 23), Summer Workshop (TBA), and several club fishing trips. Check out our Calendar page for these and other regional events and activities coming in 2022. 

Club honorees, Mixed Bag winners recognized at banquet

At our annual Christmas banquet on December 6th, the club honored those members who have had an outstanding year, either in service to the club, in their accomplishment and/or contribution as fly tiers, or with individual achievement. Each received a custom-designed coffee mug with their recognition, featuring artwork by famed fly fishing artist James Lady.  

The club also recognized the winners of our 4th annual Mixed Bag Contest.

Member of the Year - Bruce Shockley
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. Bruce participated in nearly every meeting and activity the club had, and personally made great strides as a fly angler in 2021.

Fly Tier of the Year - Flip Siragusa
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. Flip has helped lead a couple of our tying sessions, as well as individual tying instruction to a couple of our members. He also teaches tying clinics for our friends at Pack & Paddle.

Presidents Award - Chris Williams
This award is chosen by the president. It goes to someone that he or she believes has helped the club internally. Chris participated in just about every meeting, and helped lead a couple of our tying sessions.  He also has been a great ambassador for our club, promoting our events and activities.

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. This year, six places were awarded. In addition, every member who made at least one entry had their name placed in a drawing for several prizes.

Bill Morrison, MBC Chairman, provided statistics for this year's contest at our recent Christmas Party. We had 22 participants (slightly up from 2020), a record number of entries (164) and a record number of entries by a single participant (30).

Among the most common species registered were rainbow trout (16), bluegill (12), longear sunfish (11), largemouth bass (10). New species registered for 2021 included carp, mangrove5) snapper, hardhead catfish, whiting, atlantic croaker, striped mullet, flier, wiper, redfin pickerel, silver perch, and jack crevalle.

By state, Louisiana had the most entries (90) followed by Arkansas (41) and northwest Florida (13), Texas (13) and Oklahoma (6). The most common waters for entries were the Little Missouri River in southwest Arkansas (20), White River in north Arkansas (14), and Cotile Lake (10).  

The most common fly patterns were Clouser Minnow (20), Squirmy Wormy (13), EP Shrimp (10), Woolybugger (7) and Bully Bluegill Spider (5).

Here's the final standings for the 2021 Mixed Bag:
1st - Jerry Patton (30 entries)
2nd - Chris Williams (27)
3rd - Bill Morrison (18)
4th - Jim Johnson (10)
5th - Carlton Townsend (9)
6th - Robert Hughes (9)

The 2022 Mixed Bag will kickoff on January 1st. The form will go active shortly after midnight. There are a few rule changes for next year, so be sure to read them (changes in red text).

KFF Holiday Gathering - December 6th

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

Date: Monday, December 6, 2021
Location:  Brocato's at 5515 Coliseum Blvd in Alexandria
Time:  6:00pm social,  6:30 dinner
Cost:  $20 per person *
Dinner includes entree, sides, dessert, tea or soft drinks.  No alcohol served, but you may bring your own (BYOB).

*  Taxes and gratuities (tips) will be paid by the club.  So it's a flat $20 per person... no extra charges!

Here is the link to the Christmas Party Attendance Form (online):  CLICK HERE

IMPORTANT!  Please submit this form for you and each guest you plan to bring.

You can bring a guest, sibling, friend.  Dress is casual, but no waders!  We will recognize outstanding members, participants in the annual Mixed Bag Contest (and draw for MBC entries), and also draw for door prizes. Members are encouraged to bring items to submit as door prizes (see Rich Hudson's email).

KFF November meeting - White River Fall fishing

KFF monthly meeting
Monday, November 22, 2021
4:30pm - casting prior to meeting
6:30pm - meeting
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

We'll start with our regular business meeting including details on the Christmas Party.  This will be followed by a presentation from our members who made the recent club trip to the White River in Arkansas for trout. Most of the fishing was done from boats with guides, but there was also some self-guided wade fishing for smallmouth. This should be a very informative presentation for facts, figures and techniques used.

For Zoom connection, email Mike or Bill for meeting number and password. For the KFF YouTube Channel, use this link and go to Live videos - http://bit.ly/3oBk106

As always, our meetings are open to the public!

November 16th fly tying - Red Tail Fly

KFF monthly fly tying session
Tuesday, November 16, 2021  *note change*
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube
Casting on back lawn starting 4:30pm

* Please note! This session has been moved from it's usual 2nd Monday to Tuesday, November 16th due to conflict with a club trip *

For this session, Bill Morrison will lead us in tying two versions of the Red A$$ (or which we will properly refer to as "Red Tail").  This fly was highly recommended to Bill by Calton Townsend as one of the more effective early winter patterns for trout on the Little Missouri. Although it also works well for bluegill and panfish. We will tie two versions – one with a wire body for fishing deeper or under an indicator, and one with a thread body that can be stripped under the surface as an emerger.

Materials list:

• Nymph hook, standard or 1x long in size 14 or 16 (Carlton uses 16)
• Red Ultra Wire in small for the wire body version, red thread in 70 or 140 denier for both versions.
• Peacock herl
• Partridge feather sized for hook (hen saddle will also work)
• Head cement

As always, beginners and guests are welcome!  On-site attendees should bring a mask as the library requires masks when indoors.  

Remote members can participate via the Zoom app on any PC, tablet, or smartphone.  Enter the meeting ID and password to join in.  Email Bill Morrison to request.  Non-members are welcome to watch via YouTube Live. Go to the Kisatchie Fly Fishers Youtube Channel to watch.

For Zoom participants, materials will be mailed out in advance. For those in attendance, materials will be distributed.  For those who don't have vises and tools, the club has sets for use during the session.

KFF October meeting - Leader building

KFF monthly meeting
Monday, October 25, 2021
5:00pm - casting
6:30pm - meeting
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

 * Due to the latest Covid outbreak, masks are required at all times inside the library meeting rooms *

Carlton Townsend will lead the group in a hands-on session of leader building.  He'll cover all aspects of leaders, including the concept of tapered materials, various knots and when to use them.  Bring some nippers or scissors.  Also on the agenda:  fishing reports, upcoming club trips, Christmas Party in December, Cenla Fly Fishing Festival in January.

Link to KFF YouTube Channel – go to Live videos - http://bit.ly/3oBk106

Zoom meeting also available, email Mike or Bill for meeting number and password.

With great fall weather, now is an excellent time to come out and practice casting.  Every Monday at 5:00pm. On meeting days, we meet behind the library. Otherwise, at Big Island Field in Alexandria City Park.

October 18th fly tying - Laser Minnow

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, October 18, 2021
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

* Currently, masks are required of all individuals when indoors at the library

* Remote members can participate via the Zoom app on any PC, tablet, or smartphone.  Enter the meeting ID and password to join in.  Email Bill Morrison to request.

For this session, Jim Johnson will lead us in tying a version of Brian Wise’s Laser Minnow. This is a simple and easy to tie small baitfish pattern that should work well for almost any situation where fish are feeding on smaller bait.  The fly is mostly laser dub, and we will use the same laser dub stacking and tying techniques we used for the Sandbar Mullet last month. If you missed that tie, this is a great opportunity to learn more about tying with laser dub.

As always, beginners and guests are welcome! For Zoom participants, materials will be mailed out in advance. For those in attendance, materials will be distributed.  For those who don't have vises and tools, the club has sets for use during the session.  

KFF September meeting - Casting Lessons Learned

KFF monthly meeting
Monday, September 27, 2021
5:00pm - casting
6:30pm - meeting
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

 * Due to the latest Covid outbreak, masks are required at all times inside the library meeting rooms *

Our Advanced Fly Casting Clinic this past Saturday was a huge success thanks to the efforts of Jeff Ferguson, Chris Perkins and Roger Breedlove. At our September meeting, we'll hear a summary of lessons learned and comments from participants.

YouTube Livestream direct link to meeting:  https://youtu.be/Mla51UpOZhI

Link to KFF YouTube Channel – go to Live videos - http://bit.ly/3oBk106

Zoom meeting also available, email Mike or Bill for meeting number and password.

With great fall weather, now is an excellent time to come out and practice casting.  Every Monday at 5:00pm. On meeting days, we meet behind the library. Otherwise, at Big Island Field in Alexandria City Park.

Advanced Casting Clinic this Saturday

There are still two spots open for the Advanced Casting Clinic this Saturday, September 25th.  The clinic is open to all members of Kisatchie Fly Fishers.  There is no cost.  Seats were limited to twelve persons, to insure a quality learning experience for attendees.

Jeff Ferguson, a master casting instructor, evaluator and member, FFI Casting Board of Governors, (and also a member of KFF) will be instructor.  Roger Breedlove and Chris Perkins worked with Jeff to set up a program, secure a casting site and a briefing room at the Westside Library.  Details are in an email sent out by Chris.  If you did not receive this email, please contact Chris at 

The program is planned to run from 9:00 am  to 3:00 pm off Versaille. This clinic will be an outstanding opportunity to learn fly casting techniques along with thought provoking insights into rationales behind various casts in fly fishing.  This is a great opportunity to learn from a master fly casting instructor.  Come out, enjoy it, and say thanks to Jeff, Roger and Chris.

September 13th fly tying - Sandbar Mullet

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, September 13, 2021
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

* Currently, masks are required of all individuals when indoors at the library

* Remote members can participate via the Zoom app on any PC, tablet, or smartphone.  Enter the meeting ID and password to join in.  Email Bill Morrison to request.

For this session, Bill Morrison will lead the group in tying a version of Nick Vlaho's Sandbar Mullet. Nick is a tyer and fly designer from Baton Rouge and sells his flies through Orvis and sandbarflies.com.  The folks at the Baton Rouge Orvis store love this pattern, and consider the purple version a killer redfish fly.

As always, beginners and guests are welcome! For Zoom participants, materials will be mailed out in advance. For those in attendance, materials will be distributed.  For those who don't have vises and tools, the club has sets for use during the session.  

KFF August meeting - The Streak

KFF monthly meeting

Monday, August 23, 2021 

5:00pm - casting

6:30pm - meeting

Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

Also livestreamed on Zoom

 * Due to the latest Covid outbreak, masks are required at all times inside the library meeting rooms * 

On the agenda: 

- fly casting prior to meeting 

- a silent auction for several rods and reels donated by Rober Breedlove (to be run concurrently with meeting) 

 - meeting: committee reports and fishing reports 

- a 27 minute film, "The Streak" 

 Flip Siragusa will introduce the film and answer questions after the showing.  As a federal game warden, Flip worked with Rick Branzell, one of the two characters who, fishing together with Kris McLean, caught a trout on a fly every month for 19 years straight on the Bitterroot River, Montana. 

August 9th fly tying - Foam Bugs

KFF monthly fly tying session

Monday, August 9, 2021

6:30pm

Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

* Remote members can participate via the Zoom app on any PC, tablet, or smartphone.  Enter the meeting ID and password to join in.  Email Bill Morrison to request.

For this meeting, Flip Siragusa is travelling up from Lafayette to lead us in two foam patterns, the Triangle Bug (#10) and a #6 foam popper.  A few of us have fished the Triangle Bug and it has worked very well.   As always, materials will be provided and we will have vises and tools available for those who don’t have their own. 

For Zoom participants, materials will only be mailed to those members who reside beyond 100 miles. foam popper.  A few of us have fished the Triangle Bug and it has worked very well.   As always, materials will be provided and we will have vises and tools available for those who don’t have their own.  For Zoom participants, materials will only be mailed to those members who reside beyond 100 miles.

Casting Mondays

Every Monday of the month offers an opportunity for members to improve their fly casting skills. Come get personal instruction, or compete in a casting game, or qualify for the KFF and/or FFI Casting Skills Challenge Award. Check the weather in advance, or check emails for cancellation if adverse weather.

For our monthly meeting dates - 2nd Monday fly tying and 4th Monday general meeting - there is fly casting behind our meeting place (Rapides Westside Library). It starts around 5:00pm and concludes 10 minutes prior to the meeting (6:30pm).

All other Mondays of the month we meet at the Big Field area of Alexandra City Park.  Casting begins at  5:00pm and goes until around 6:30pm..

July 12th tying session - EP Shrimp

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, July 12, 2021
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

* Remote members can participate via the Zoom app on any PC, tablet, or smartphone.  Enter the meeting ID and password to join in.  Email Bill Morrison to request.

Member Chris Williams from Sorrento, LA will be present and lead us in tying of the EP Shrimp. Chris is blogger for Fat Finger Fly Tying (check out his webpage). Created by Enrico Puglisi, the EP Shrimp has several variations, all of which are very effective for many species from speckled trout to bonefish.  

Beginners are welcome! Bring your tools, materials will be provided.  For those without tools, the club has sets for use during the session.  For Zoom participants, materials will only be mailed to those members who reside beyond 100 miles.

Patton, Williams setting records in Mixed Bag

Our 4th annual Mixed Bag Contest is setting records left and right!  Currently we have almost twice as many entries at this point in contest history. And while Jerry Patton and Chris Williams are out to prove that there is NO species that won't take their flies, we want to remind members that each entry - even just one - is more important than ever.

That's because in January the board voted to change the MBC award system to encourage more member participation. Rather than award out six places as in the past, this year only the winner will receive a cash prize. Conversely, we've expanded the consolation drawing from one prize to several. Each entry will be worth one ticket under your name in the drawing. 

We still have five more months in the contest, plenty of time to enter.  More entries = greater chances to win!

Here are the current standings:

Jerry Patton - 20
Chris Williams - 17
Tyler Woods - 8
Carlton Townsend - 8

Others: Glen Cormier (7), Robert Hughes (6), Mike Carlin (6), Bill Morrison (6), Joel Dinnat (5), Rich Hudson (5), Jim Johnson (4), Barbara Carlin (3), Preston Keiser (2), Louis Busby (2), Gene Taylor (2), Dustin McDavid (2).

Among the more recent catches of interest are Guadalupe Bass (Mike Carlin), Longnose Gar (Tyler Wood), Tiger Trout (Rich Hudson, photo top), Common Carp (Chris Williams) and Croaker (Jerry Patton, photo bottom).

Fly Tying 101 coming August 7th

Saturday, August 7, 2021
8:30 am - 11:30 am
* Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria, LA
FREE and open to the public!

* Please note that location is subject to change depending on class size *

While most tiers may not agree on the economics of fly tying, nearly all will agree with actor Ewan McGregor, of Star Wars fame and who portrayed biologist and fly fishing expert Dr. Alfred Jones in the movie “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen”.  In an interview, McGregor explained the reasons why he himself loves to tie flies: that crafting a fly is transcendental, and there’s nothing more gratifying than catching a fish on a fly you tied.

If that appeals to you, here's your opportunity to learn from expert tiers.  Fly Tying 101 is a 3-hour, hands-on workshop that covers the basics of tools, materials, and terminology.  Students will tie at least 3 different flies using popular techniques and thread knots. And best of all, it's FREE!

Details, schedule and a link to registration can be found by clicking on the menu above "FT101".

June 28th general meeting - Welcome back!

Kisatchie Fly Fishers monthly meeting
Monday, June 28, 2021
5:00pm until meeting starts - casting on back lawn
6:30pm - meeting begins
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

* Also streamed on Zoom.  Enter the meeting ID and password to join in.  If you need the ID and password, email Bill Morrison with a request.

We welcome our members and any guests to our first in-person general meeting since February 2019.  While the pandemic may be over, we strongly urge our members to practice good health.  Wear a mask if you feel the need to.  And please stay home if you feel ill.

Casting practice kicks off at 5:00pm and goes until start of meeting. Bring your rod, or use one of the club outfits. Get casting instruction, or participate in the Casting Skills Challenge for a Bronze, Silver or Gold certificate.

 

For our June program, we have two presentations of great interest.  First,Tom Zabasky will present the Coldwater Committee plan for a club trip to the White River in Arkansas, tentative dates November 8-11 this Fall.   Afterward,  Tom and Robert Hughes will share information regarding their Belize Coastal Reef Bonefish and Tarpon fly fishing happening next week.

 

Also: fishing reports and details on upcoming activities including Fly Tying 101 in August. The public is welcome!

June 14th tying session - Peanut Envy

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, June 14, 2021
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

* Remote members can still participate via the Zoom app on any PC, tablet, or smartphone.  Enter the meeting ID and password to join in.  Email Bill Morrison to request.

For our first in-person fly tying session in over a year, Tyler Wood will lead us in tying a smaller version of Kelly Galloup's Peanut Envy.  In a size 4, this small profile streamer is easier to cast, and versatile for a wide variety of predatory species.  Bring your tools, materials will be provided.  

Hope to see you there!

KFF in-person meetings to resume in June

Great News!  The large meeting room at the Rapides Westside Library room will reopen in June.  Our monthly meetings are now scheduled through November (no meeting in December, that is our annual Christmas Party).   

With the renewal of meetings, there is a schedule change.  Fly tying meetings will now be the 2nd Monday of each month, and program meetings the 4th Monday of each month. 

Although our fly tying sessions will be in-person, Bill Morrison and the Tying Committee are working to simultaneously broadcast these in Zoom, and have interactive participation with our remote members and friends.  We will also continue to post our flies on YouTube.  The next tying session will be June 14th.

Mixed Bag Contest standings - 5/18

This has been the wettest Spring in Louisiana since Bienville stuck the French flag into our mud and it sunk.  Rain, wind, dark of night... none of that has bothered Jerry Patton on his quest to catch different species of fish in our Mixed Bag Contest.  Jerry has already set a new MBC record and we're only halfway into the contest!

While most members will probably never catch up to Jerry and current runnerup Chris Williams (whose also having a "big year"), there is good news.  For 2021, we've expanded the number of consolation drawings and prizes. 

So, when the sun does come out (eventually it will... we think), get your fly tackle and go catch fish. Take a photo of each different species with your smartphone or camera, then make your entries online. The more entries = greater chances to win!

Here are the current standings:

Jerry Patton - 20
Chris Williams - 16
Tyler Wood - 7
Glen Cormier - 6
Carlton Townsend - 6
Bill Morrison - 6
Robert Hughes - 5
Rich Hudson -5

Other entries: Mike Carlin - 3, Joel Dinnat - 3, Preston Keiser - 2,  Gene Taylor - 2,  Louis Busby - 2, Barbara Carlin - 2,  Jim Johnson - 2

Among the most recent interesting species entered include: hardhead catfish (Jerry Patton), pinfish (Jerry Patton), a 20-inch speckled trout (Bill Morrison personal best), rainbow trout (Preston Keiser), and Rio Grande Cichlid (Mike Carlin & Barbara Carlin).  The spotted bass pictured was caught by Tyler Wood using a "Mad Scientist Crab".

May 17th Virtual Tying Monday (not Tuesday)

Monday, May 17th
6:00pm
Jawbreaker fly
Zoom session / YouTube Live 

* please note the date change!

Deadline for materials request:  Sunday, May 9th
Material request form:  https://forms.gle/H6iEspntoSstssRU9

For this session, Jim Johnson will lead us in tying the new bass fly, the Jawbreaker.  Think of it as a woolybugger with legs, on a jig hook, and a plastic curly tail.  If you can get past the idea of a plastic tail on a fly, this one is a killer for bass!

To join in:

• Active participants can join via the Zoom app on any PC, tablet, or smartphone.  Enter the meeting ID and password to join in.  Email Bill Morrison to request.
• Casual observers can join via live-streaming on YouTube.   No downloads necessary.  Go to the Kisatchie Fly Fishers YouTube Channel:  http://bit.ly/3oBk106  and click on "Live" videos.  Use the Chat feature to ask questions.

May 4th Virtual Tying Tuesday

Tuesday, May 4th
6:00pm
Gene Taylor's Woolybugger
Zoom session / YouTube Live

Deadline for materials request:  Sunday, April 25th
Material request form:
https://forms.gle/H6iEspntoSstssRU9

For May 4th, Gene Taylor will lead us in his variation of the Woolly Bugger. This pattern proved to be a killer at the March Brown trip to the Little Missouri River.

To join in:

• Active participants can join via the Zoom app on any PC, tablet, or smartphone.  Enter the meeting ID and password to join in.  Email Bill Morrison to request.
• Casual observers can join via live-streaming on YouTube.   No downloads necessary.  Go to the Kisatchie Fly Fishers YouTube Channel:  http://bit.ly/3oBk106  and click on "Live" videos.  Use the Chat feature to ask questions.

Mixed Bag Update - April 17th

Rain, rain, go away! Come again another...month! Honestly, the only critters happy right now with all the water are frogs and fish.

Speaking of fish, the nasty weather hasn't curtailed members from getting entries into our Mixed Bag Contest (MBC). In fact, Chris Williams and Jerry Patton have both recorded a record number of entries by any individual for this time of year. Overall, we've had more entries into the MBC for this date than any previous year.

With the Spring Picnic and a club outing coming up soon, we hope many more members will get an entry into the Mixed Bag. Remember, this year we'll be expanding the number of drawing prizes. Each entry represents one ticket in the drawing. So, more entries = greater chances to win!

Here are the current standings:

Chris Williams - 13
Jerry Patton - 11
Bill Morrison - 6
Tyler Wood - 5
Carlton Townsend - 5
Glen Cormier - 5

Other entries: Robert Hughes - 4, Joel Dinnat - 3, Gene Taylor - 2, Jim Johnson - 2, Louis Busby - 1,  Rich Hudson - 1

Among the many species listed so far, are some not normally caught on fly.  Those include: flounder (Tyler Wood), bowfin and striped mullet (Chris Williams).

Virtual Tying Tuesday postponed to April 20th

Tuesday, April 20th
6:00pm
Skip Morris Predator Fly
Deadline for materials request:  Sunday, April 4th

* This session has been moved back a week due to delays in getting materials *

For our next session, we'll tie the Skip Morris Predator fly, a versatile and scalable foam top-water pattern that can be tied as large as #4 for bass and down to a #10 for panfish.  As we are on top of spring bluegill and panfish season, we will tie a tan #10 version.

To join in:

1)  Active participants can join via the Zoom app on any PC, tablet, or smartphone.  Enter the meeting ID and password to join in.  Email Bill Morrison to request.

2)  Casual observers can join via live-streaming on YouTube.   No downloads necessary.  Go to the Kisatchie Fly Fishers YouTube Channel:  http://bit.ly/3oBk106  and click on "Live" videos.  Use the Chat feature to ask questions.

April 26th - annual "On The Water Picnic"

KFF Spring Picnic
Monday, April 26, 2021
Cotile Lake Recreation Area
(weather permitting)

** If inclement weather, we'll reschedule the picnic to a later date. **

Once again, we'll meet at the Cotile Lake Recreation Area.  KFF members, family members and member guests are welcome to attend!  Come anytime that afternoon and fish from the bank.  Or bring your boat, kayak, pirogue, and launch at the Rec Area.  Or take in some casting lessons and/or participate in our Casting Skills Program. 

Then at 7:00pm, 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.  Participants are welcome to bring side dishes and desserts.  Please respond to the PICNIC email regarding side items.

Please note the following:
1. There is NO entrance fee for our group. Tell 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 Contest.

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 Standings - March 16th

Spring is here. That means crawfish, pollen, excellent fishing, and more additions to our Mixed Bag Contest. The MBC is our members-only, online tournament where size doesn't matter, but diversity does.

Chris Williams has shot into the lead with a remarkable 11 species. This is the highest number this early in the year during the four years of our Mixed Bag!  Congratulations, Chris!

Remember, this year we'll be expanding the number of drawing prizes. Each entry represents one ticket in the drawing. So, more entries = greater chances to win!

Here are the current standings:

• Chris Williams (11) - black crappie, bluegill, bowfin, largemouth bass, longear sunfish, redfish, redear sunfish, redspotted sunfish, spotted bass, striped mullet, warmouth
• Jerry Patton (7) - black crappie, brown trout, cutthroat, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, redfish, spotted bass
• Glen Cormier (5) - black crappie, chain pickerel, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, yellow bass
• Carlton Townsend (4) - black crappie, brown trout, largemouth bass, rainbow trout
• Robert Hughes (3) - brown trout, rainbow trout, longear
• Tyler Wood (3) - redfish, seatrout, flounder
• Bill Morrison (2) - bluegill, spotted bass
• Rich Hudson (1) - rainbow trout
• Jim Johnson (1) - bluegill
• Joel Dinnat (1) - rainbow trout

Again, to see who caught what, and where and how, go to the Mixed Bag page and click on "Submissions Recieved".

New time for Social Distance Casting

Social Distance Casting
Mondays
5:00pm to dark
Big Island Field, City Park, Alexandria

Spring is here!  So is Daylight Savings Time.  That means we'll be starting later and with enough extra daylight for working folks to come out and take part in casting.  No coats necessary... maybe some bug spray.  Big Island has lots of space.  At least for the time being, we'll continue to wear masks and  practice social distancing guidelines. 

Our group of casting instructors can help improve your skills - from novice to advanced.  We also have a fun format with challenges for casters of all levels of proficiency.

• Hula Hoop Loop. See if you can throw a loop thru a hula hoop. 
• Casting Target. See if you can cast a fly into a hula hoop laying on the grass. 
• Balloon Pop. This is a test of high accuracy. See if you can hit a balloon target and make the balloon pop!

Or participate in the Casting Skills Challenge program and earn a Bronze, Silver or Gold recognition. If you're a member of Fly Fishers International (FFI), you can also receive an FFI casting award.

March 9th meeting - Fly Fishing the Little Missouri River

KFF monthly general meeting
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
6:00pm
Zoom meeting

Our annual club "March Brown" trip to the Little Missouri River in southwest Arkansas is coming up March 25-28. A record number of newbies will be joining our group for this trip. For them, and anyone else interested in fishing this year-round coldwater trout fishery just over 4 hours from Alexandria, we strongly advise you attend this virtual meeting!

Our resident Little Mo expert, Carlton Townsend, will lead the presentation. Among the many topics that he will cover include: tackle, leaders, packs or vests, boots and waders, accessories, flies, river access points and possibly the most important - river safety!

There are two ways to join in:

1)  Active participants can join via Zoom app on any PC, tablet, or smartphone.  Enter the meeting ID and password to join in.  If you need the ID and password, email Bill Morrison with a request.

2)  Casual observers can join via live-streaming on YouTube.   No downloads necessary.  Go to the Kisatchie Fly Fishers YouTube Channel:  http://bit.ly/3oBk106 and click on "Live" videos.

March Virtual Tying Tuesday sessions

Tuesday, March 2nd
6:00pm
Christmas Tree, Green Weenie
Deadline for materials request:  Monday, Feb.  22nd

For March, we'll be tying patterns that are effective for rainbow and brown trout on the Little Missouri River in southwest Arkansas. These are also good for bream.  

We'll start the month with Carlton leading us in tying the Christmas Tree (originated by Mike Ingram) and the Green Weenie.  Both are very productive flies that are relatively easy to tie.

Link to request sample materials:
https://forms.gle/j2AAJyE2zkr3LSSFA

Tuesday, March 16th
6:00pm
Squirm Worm, Ruby Midge
Deadline for materials request:  Monday, March 8th

Bill Morrison will lead the group in tying the Squirm Worm (Umpqua version using two sections of material) and the Ruby Midge (a small #18 pattern). 

Link to request sample materials:
https://forms.gle/j2AAJyE2zkr3LSSFA

Tuesday, March 30th
6:00pm
Frenchie
Deadline for materials request:  Monday, March 22nd

This is a favorite of Robert Hughes, though he ties it in a size #18.  For the ease of tying in our session, we will tie a size 14.

Link to request sample materials:
https://forms.gle/j2AAJyE2zkr3LSSFA

To join in:

1)  Active participants can join via Zoom (www.zoom.us).  Download the Zoom app for use on any PC, tablet, or smartphone.  Enter the meeting ID and password to join in.  If you need the ID and password, email Bill Morrison with a request.

2)  Casual observers can join via live-streaming on YouTube.   No downloads necessary.   If you have a YouTube app on your PC, smartphone or tablet, you can even cast it onto your TV  (if your TV has an internet connection) and watch it on the big screen in high definition!

• Go to the Kisatchie Fly Fishers YouTube Channel:  http://bit.ly/3oBk106
  and click on "Live" videos.

 

Virtual Tying Tuesday reminder

A short reminder that tonight for our bi-weekly Virtual Tying Tuesday, Gene Taylor will be leading us in tying the Seaducer.  There are two ways to join in.

1)  Active participants can join via Zoom (www.zoom.us).  Download the Zoom app for use on any PC, tablet, or smartphone.  Enter the meeting ID and password to join in.  If you need the ID and password, email Bill Morrison with a request.

2)  Casual observers can join via live-streaming on YouTube.   No downloads necessary.   If you have a YouTube app on your PC, smartphone or tablet, you can even cast it onto your TV  (if your TV has an internet connection) and watch it on the big screen in high definition!

• Method 1.  Click directly on this link:  https://youtu.be/1FEAcs1RhTo
• Method 2.  Go to the Kisatchie Fly Fishers YouTube Channel:  http://bit.ly/3oBk106
  and click on "Live" videos.
  

Patton early leader in 2021 Mixed Bag

Red taken by Chris Williams on EP Shrimp fly

January 1st kicked off our 4th annual "Mixed Bag Contest" - a members-only CPRE (catch-photo-release encouraged) online tournament where size doesn't matter, but diversity does. The goal is to catch as many different species as possible, for chances at awards and prizes. 

Speaking of awards and prizes, for 2021 there are a few changes coming to encourage greater participation by "spreading the wealth". We all know that we have a group of outstanding anglers in our club that routinely catch 10 or more species each year on fly. The changes will give the folks who catch fewer fish a greater opportunity at more prizes. We'll still recognize "winners" but their cash prizes will be reduced or eliminated. For the prize drawing, we'll expand the number of prizes from only 1 to at least 3, possibly 5. Each entry in the Mixed Bag continues to get you 1 ticket into the drawing, so there's still an incentive to get as many entries in as possible.     

We'll have more on that later. Meanwhile, we have our first month on the books.  It's been a rough start to 2021, with cold and windy days, but our members have braved the elements and made a great start!  

Here are our current leaders:
Jerry Patton (5) - black crappie, rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, spotted bass
Chris Williams (4) - bluegill, spotted bass, striped mullet, red drum
Carlton Townsend (4) - brown trout, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, black crappie
Tyler Wood (3) - redfish, seatrout, flounder
Rich Hudson (1) - rainbow trout

The most productive flies have been: Clouser Minnow and EP Shrimp Fly in saltwater, Squirmy Worm, Green Weenie and Pheasant Tail in fresh.  Top locations have been Highway 1 marsh to Grand Isle, Calcasieu marsh, Lower Mountain Fork, Little Missouri river, and Toledo Bend.

February Virtual Tying Tuesday sessions

Tuesday, February 2nd
6:00pm
Lefty's Deceiver
Deadline for materials request:  Monday, Jan.  18th

* Postponed from 1/25 due to materials shipping backlog *  

The next fly pattern we will tie will be the Lefty’s Deceiver.  This is a proven fly for any species that eats baitfish and is probably only exceeded in popularity by the Clouser Minnow. We will tie a size #2 version in the popular white/chartreuse colors that should work well for bass, large trout, or saltwater. 

Link to request sample materials:
https://forms.gle/7etFHwBwTb9ZtBoy7

Tuesday, February 16th
6:00pm
Seaducer
Deadline for materials request:  Friday, Feb. 5th

Seaducers have been around since the late 19th century, and have been used for nearly every predator species from brown trout to stripers to tarpon.  Chico Fernandez used this fly to catch his world-record redfish.  The Godfather of Fly Fishing, Lefty Kreh, writes in his book, Presenting the Fly, that Seaducers are "one of the best patterns for both large and smallmouth bass that I've fished. I never make a trip without some of these in my box.".

Link to request sample materials:
https://forms.gle/7etFHwBwTb9ZtBoy7

For all sessions:

• Active participants can join via Zoom (www.zoom.us).  Download the app for use on any PC, tablet, or smartphone.  Enter the meeting ID and password to join in.
  
• Casual observers can join via live-streaming on YouTube.   No downloads necessary, just click on the link below and click on "Live" videos to watch.   If you have a YouTube app on your smartphone or tablet (almost all do), you can even cast it onto your TV  (if it has an internet connection) and watch on your TV.
• Link to KFF YouTube Channel:  http://bit.ly/3oBk106

 

Social Distance Casting sessions

Social Distance Casting
Mondays
4:30pm to dark
Big Island Field, City Park, Alexandria

Big Island has lots of space.  Please wear a mask and practice social distancing guidelines. 

 We'll continue our fun format with challenges for casters of all levels of proficiency.

• Hula Hoop Loop. See if you can throw a loop thru a hula hoop. 
• Casting Target. See if you can cast a fly into a hula hoop laying on the grass. 
• Balloon Pop. This is a test of high accuracy. See if you can hit a balloon target and make the balloon pop!

As always, there will be casting instruction and tips to improve your casting. Or participate in the Casting Skills Challenge program and earn a Bronze, Silver or Gold recognition.  Our Casting Committee led by Roger Breedlove and Chris Perkins will be very happy to guide you through the process.

January Virtual Tying Tuesday sessions

Tuesday, January 12th
6:00pm
Ozark Craw
Deadline for materials request:  Monday, Jan. 4th

Jim Johnson will lead us in tying Chris Johnson's "Ozark Craw".  This fly is a crawfish imitation which is effective on multiple species.  It's also fairly simple to tie.

Link to request sample materials:
https://forms.gle/ChMY7RZP3rXgBTGP8

For all sessions:

• Active participants can join via Zoom (www.zoom.us).  Download the app for use on any PC, tablet, or smartphone.  Enter the meeting ID and password to join in.
  
• Casual observers can join via live-streaming on YouTube.   No downloads necessary, just click on the link below and click on "Live" videos to watch.   If you have a YouTube app on your smartphone or tablet (almost all do), you can even cast it onto your TV  (if it has an internet connection) and watch on your TV.
• Link to KFF YouTube Channel:  http://bit.ly/3oBk106