Friday, December 30, 2022

2023 Mixed Bag kicks off January 1st

Our Mixed Bag Contest is back for a seventh year! The MBC kicks off Sunday, January 1st at 12:01am. If last year is any indication, expect at least 2 or 3 members to be out on opening day to nab a few entries for the contest.

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.  You only need to be a 2023 paid member of Kisatchie Fly Fishers.

For all the details on how to submit an entry, go to our "Mixed Bag" webpage.  If you're on Facebook, go to our Kisatchie Fly Fishers Members Share page and share photos of your catch as well.

Monday, December 12, 2022

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.  The new year brings many traditional club activities, in addition to our monthly meetings. In March, we have our annual Spring Picnic and Little Mo Rainbow Coalition trip, our Fly Fishing 101 in April, and our annual Summer Workshop.  Being an odd year, our biennial Cenla Fly Fest will not be held (coming back in 2024), but another biennial event - held in odd years - is well worth attending. The New Orleans Fly Fishing Expo takes place January 21st in Metairie. Check it out at www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

November 28th meeting - State of Cenla Fisheries

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, November 28, 2022

6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

Come join us for our final meeting of the year! We'll briefly talk about the Christmas Party coming up on December 5th, then get right into the presentation - which promises to be a good one!

Our guest speaker will be Rick McGuffee, Region 3 District Manager for Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Rick oversees fisheries and game management for Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides and Winn parishes. Rick last addressed our club 6 years ago.  He will talk about how LDWF samples area waters, then give a "State of the Cenla Fisheries" updating on sampling results and area lake drawdowns (like the one on Cotile Lake pictured).  Come learn about where the best places to catch certain species are in our area, as well as any other questions you may have!

As always, the public is welcome. 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

Monday, October 31, 2022

November 14th tying - Lightning Bug

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, November 14, 2022

6:00pm - Tying Basics
6:30pm - Fly of the Month
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

Since we have several new tyers, we'll have a Basic Skills/New Tyer session at 6:00pm, followed by our regular tying session at 6:30pm. The new tier session will cover the loading the bobbin, securing the hook in the vise, starting thread, maintaining thread tension, basic material tie-in and finishing the fly with a half-hitch.   (Note: this session will not be livestreamed).

Then, at 6:30, we will jump into tying the colorful Lightning Bug.  This fly is also an effective fish catcher for both trout and bluegill. One look at the fly and you realize the origin of its name. The great thing about the Lightning Bug is it lends itself to endless customization.

As always, all materials other than thread will be provided, and we have several sets of tools for beginners to use during the session. The color schemes we'll use are pink or red in sizes 70 denier or 8/0. We'll have a few spools of red thread for those who don't have these colors. 

Material list:

  • Hook:  #12 jig hook or standard nymph hook
  • Bead:  1/8” slotted tungsten bead (jig hook) or standard bead (for nymph hook)
  • Thread:  70 denier or 8/0 in your color choice.
  • Tail and Legs:  Pheasant tail – natural or brown
  • Body and Wingcase:  Large holographic tinsel in your color choice
  • Ribbing:  Brassie size wire in your color choice
  • Thorax:   Two strands of strung peacock


For Zoom participants, enter the meeting number and password sent by email. For YouTube participants, search for "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" on YT.

We look forward to sharing our final fly pattern of 2022, so do come out and join us for a fun tie!

Monday, October 24, 2022

Toledo Bend Rendezvous this weekend

A reminder that this weekend, October 28-30, marks the return of Rendezvous at North Toledo Bend State Park in Zwolle, LA.  For 33 years, one of the longest running casual gatherings of fly tiers in the country. 

Open to everyone, whether you tie flies or just enjoy watching.  The group facilities allow for overnight stays.  With only a minimal fee to cover lodging and activities. The event is open to everyone, and families are encouraged!

It’s never too late to make plans to attend.  You can read more details by going to the Rendezvous website at http://flycasting.bravesites.com/

Thursday, October 20, 2022

October 24th meeting - Fly Fishing from Kayaks

KFF monthly meeting
Monday, October 24, 2022

5:30pm - casting
6:30pm - meeting
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

Would you like to learn more about fly fishing from a kayak, the different types of fishing kayaks, how to outfit your yak for fly fishing, or even strategies on how to fly fish from a yak?  If so, then join us for our October regular meeting. Three members will bring their fishing kayak to show and will talk about their setups.  The boats will include a pedal and motor-driven Hobie, a paddle sit-on-top Bonafide, and an inflatable Bote.  

Weather permitting, this will be our last casting session prior to meetings until Daylight Savings Time returns in Spring.  We'll begin 5:30pm behind the library.

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

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

October 10th tying - Redfish Rattle

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, October 10, 2022

5:30pm - casting on back lawn
6:30pm - session begins
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

For October, we have another relatively simple pattern that comes as a recommendation from our own Chris Williams, the Redfish Rattle.  While the redfish version of the fly is tied in white/tan to imitate shrimp, we will tie it in the red/white colors that Chris has found effective for warm/freshwater species such as bass, pickerel, and more.

As always, all materials other than thread will be provided, and we have several sets of tools for beginners to use during the session.

Weather permitting, we'll have casting practice from 5:30pm – 6:30pm on the lawn to the rear of the library.  If you have specific casting problems to work on or just want to get in some guided practice, there will be people there who can help.

For Zoom participants, enter the meeting number and password sent by email. For YouTube participants, search for "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" on YT.

Sunday, September 25, 2022

September 26th meeting - Small group fly tying

KFF monthly meeting
Monday, September 26, 2022

5:00pm - casting
6:30pm - meeting
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

This meeting will include a short business meeting followed by small group fly tying like we did at our May meeting. After our business agenda, we'll gather in small groups with each group led by a member who will tie a specific fly and proceed at a pace conducive to beginners or those looking to hone a specific skill set.  The club will support with some materials, vises and tools.

Casting weather should be good as a cool front is expected to pass Monday morning. Casting practice will begin at 5:30pm behind the library.

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

Sunday, September 18, 2022

Cenla NHF Day this Saturday

National Hunting and Fishing Day is a national event celebrated on the fourth Saturday in September. It was established by Congress in 1972 to celebrate the conservation contributions of our nation's hunters and anglers.  For over 30 years, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has celebrated NHFD at four venues across the state, including their Woodworth location.

Kisatchie Fly Fishers is proud to once again be part of the Cenla NHFD activities at Woodworth.  We will doing fly tying demos, hands-on tying, hands-on fly casting, and talking about fly fishing, including opportunities in the Cenla area, and beyond.

2022 Cenla National Hunting and Fishing Day
Saturday, September 24

8:00am - 1:30pm
LDWF Woodworth Outdoor Education Center
661 Robinson Rd, Woodworth, LA
FREE admission!

Unlike previous years, LDWF will not be providing food to attendees. However, there will be several food trucks onsite to provide lunch. Also, LDWF will provide bottled to participants and refreshments to volunteers and exhibitors.

Thursday, September 1, 2022

September 12th tying - Bluegill Bully Spider

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, September 12, 2022

5:30pm -  casting on back lawn
6:30pm - session begins
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

For September, we will tie a modified version of Terry and Roxanne Wilson's famous Bluegill Bully Spider.  This version was first tied by A.J. Rosenbohm, President of the FFI Gulf Coast Council.  Bill Morrison and Jim Johnson did well with this fly while fishing in New Orleans City Park for the Rio Grande Cichlid.

This is an easy and effective fly to tie, suitable for both beginners and advanced tiers.  All materials other than thread will be provided, and we have several sets of tools for beginners to use during the session.

For Zoom participants, enter the meeting number and password sent by email. For YouTube participants, search for "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" on YT.

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Mixed Bag Contest - update August 17th

Joel Dinnat's white bass
Our 5th annual Mixed Bag Contest is at the halfway point and we're up to 139 entries. The MBC is our members-only, months-long online tournament where size doesn't matter, but diversity does.

And while the top place will win a dedicated prize, the new format gives out more prizes for the drawing. Each entry represents one ticket in the drawing. For example, enter 4 species in the Mixed Bag and you get 4 tickets in the drawing. More entries = greater chances to win! So get out there and catch fish!

Prizes are cool, but the real winner of the Mixed Bag is you, the angler. It's a database for finding a good location to catch a particular species, and what flies might work best.

Here are the current standings:
  • Chris Williams - 24
  • Bill Morrison - 19
  • Jim Johnson - 15
  • Carlton Townsend - 13
  • Glen Cormier - 12
  • Jeff Albrecht - 7
  • Jim Guillory - 7
  • Robert Hughes - 7
Also: Phillip Cole - 6, Doug Bell - 5, Joel Dinnat - 5, Rich Hudson - 4, Tom Zabasky - 4, Keith Breazeale - 3, Rick Maddox - 2, Mike Carlin - 2, Pitt Merryman - 1, Preston Keiser - 1

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

August 22nd meeting - Big Easy Rios

KFF monthly meeting
Monday, August 22, 2022

5:30pm - casting
6:30pm - meeting
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

This month's program will be a presentation by Bill Morrison, Jim Johnson and Catch Cormier.  Jim and Bill recently fished for Rio Grande Cichlids (aka Rio Grande Perch) with AJ Rosenbohm in New Orleans City Park.  Jim and Bill will speak of that June fishing trip and specifically, fishing in City Park.  Catch will add his thoughts on the Rodeo from the perspective of being a two time tournament winner.  Bill will propose a KFF club trip down to NOLA for the tournament which takes place on October 1st.

We'll also discuss our plans for Cenla National Hunting & Fishing Day (Sept. 24).

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

Thursday, August 4, 2022

August 8th fly tying - Clouser Swimming Nymph

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, August 8, 2022

5:30pm -  casting on back lawn
6:30pm - session begins
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

This month, Chris Williams will be here in person to lead us in tying the Clouser Swimming Nymph. According to Chris, most carp patterns are weighted so the hook point and tail are up. But his research found one major exception: Bob Clouser's Swimming Nymph. This fly was designed for smallmouth, but despite an active retrieve this fly has also been a carp killer.

This fly can also be a good crawfish imitation, especially in the preferred colors of rust/orange or olive. It can also be weighted or unweighted depending on fishing in grass or hard bottom.

All materials other than thread will be provided, and we have several sets of tools for beginners to use during the session.

For Zoom participants, enter the meeting number and password sent by email. For YouTube participants, search for "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" on YT.

Thursday, July 21, 2022

July 25th meeting - A Caribbean Fishing Adventure

KFF monthly meeting
Monday, July 25, 2022

5:30pm - casting
6:30pm - meeting
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

For this meeting, we'll have the program that was scheduled for our June meeting, but cancelled due to the library closure.  Rob Ratcliff will talk on his recent fly fishing trip to Cuba.  Rob and his compadres pursued a variety of tropical species including bonefish, tarpon, permit and more. He'll also share some photos of the city and country life and give his take on a country few Americans have visited.

After the presentations, we'll have a raffle for some outstanding flies tied by KFF members and donated by Richard Dewees.  You need to be present to win.

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


Monday, July 4, 2022

July 11th fly tying - Hula Worm

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, July 11, 2022

5:30pm -  casting on back lawn
6:30pm - session begins
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

This month, we will tie the Hula Worm bass fly, a scaled-back derivative of the Jiggy Worm. This is a new fly for us, and it should be an excellent bass fly.  It can be tied in any color, and by varying the size of the cone-head, different sink rates can be attained for varying water depths and conditions.

For anyone new to tying or looking to get into it, this will be a good session to participate. There are only three materials to tie in, and the techniques used are great foundational tying skills. Olive thread is best, but black or brown should also work well - 6/0 or 140 denier will be best.   Also, if you have a grill or cigarette lighter, please bring it to heat and taper the tip of the tail.  If not, we will have several to share.

All materials other than thread will be provided, and we have several sets of tools for beginners to use during the session.

For Zoom participants, enter the meeting number and password sent by email. For YouTube participants, search for "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" on YT.

Monday, June 27, 2022

June 28th meeting cancelled

Our meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 28th is canceled due to Library closure.  An employee tested positive for Covid-19 which resulted the in library closing until Thursday, June 30th.  The library will reopen on Thursday as long as no other employee  test

For the time being we will plan to slip the program planned for Tuesday evening to Monday ,July 25th, pending speaker availabilities.  More to follow.

Next fly tying is still scheduled for Monday, July 11th at 6:30 pm.

Friday, June 3, 2022

June 13th fly tying - Red-Faced Wobbler

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, June 13, 2022

5:30pm -  casting on back lawn
6:30pm - session begins
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

This month, Jim Johnson will lead us in tying the Red-Faced Wobbler. This pattern was developed by Iowa fly angler Ward Bean for smallmouth bass. Though it was originally developed for smallmouth, it should be a great largemouth and general small streamer pattern.

For anyone new to tying or looking to get into it, this will be a good session to participate. Unlike our last couple of tying sessions, there are only a few materials to tie in, and the techniques used are all great foundational tying skills.   

All materials other than thread will be provided, and we have several sets of tools for any who do not have their own. Bring your own thread - either 6/0 or 140 denier red (white will also work).  

Material list:

  • hook: Mustad 9674 or equivalent
  • underbody: 10 wraps of .025 lead wire (or 18 of .015)
  • tail: marabou
  • tail flash: Lite Brite or Flashabou
  • body: pearl Estaz
  • collar: red Hen Neck Feather (or Hackle)

For Zoom participants, enter the meeting number and password sent by email. For YouTube participants, search for "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" on YT.

Sunday, May 22, 2022

May 23rd meeting - Tying Skills

KFF monthly meeting
Monday, May 23, 2022

5:00pm - casting
6:30pm - meeting
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

For our May meeting, we'll try something different.  After our business agenda, we'll gather in small groups with each group led by a member who will tie a specific fly and proceed at a pace conducive to beginners or those looking to hone a specific skill set.  We'll try to keep the group size to four members each.  We'll see how this works out and encourage feedback from those who participate.

Among the items on the business agenda:  Mixed Bag report, Summer Workshop, membership report, fishing reports.

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

Thursday, May 19, 2022

Changes for Social Casting

Social Casting
5:00 pm to 6:20 pm

PRIOR TO CLUB MEETINGS only
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Province, Alexandria

Our "Social Distance Casting" is now "Social Casting" with the pandemic effectively over. Of course, you can learn to distance cast at Social Casting - or learn about many other casts. Of if you're new to fly fishing, we have certified instructors and other experienced flycasters who can teach you the basic casts (roll cast & standard cast).

Another change is date and location. Starting next week, Social Casting will ONLY be prior to club meetings (usually 2nd & 4th Monday of each month). Location will be the back lawn of the Westside Library. The Casting Committee believes this change will allow us to have more instructors available.

As always, we'll have our casting games (Hula Hoop Loop and Casting Target) as well as participation in the Casting Skills Challenge club program.  If you're a member of Fly Fishers International (FFI), you can also receive an FFI casting award.
 

Tuesday, May 3, 2022

May 9th tying - Mays Full Motion Crawfish

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, May 9, 2022

5:00pm -  casting on back lawn
6:30pm - session begins
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

This month, we'll  tie the May's  Full Motion Crawfish.  Ontario-based guide Steve May, with the help of fellow guide Ken Collins, developed this fly with trophy smallmouth in mind. Of course,, it works great for largemouth and spotted bass also, as well as carp.

Darin Lee of Opelousas tied this pattern (shown in photo) at the Red Stick Fly Fishers club Red Stick Day event in early March.  While the pattern includes quite a few different materials (see below), most are pretty straightforward to tie on.  Black, brown, rust, or orange thread in 140 denier or 6/0 will work well, though 70 denier will also work.

All materials will be provided, and we have several sets of tools for any who do not have their own.  As always, beginners and guests are welcome!

May’s Full-Motion Crawfish material list:

  • Gamakatsu Jig 60 degree hook size #1
  • Hareline Brass Dumbbell Eyes – black/medium (use different sizes, lead, or bead-chain for different sink rates)
  • Fuzzy Foam – Crawfish Orange – cut to about a hook gap wide and 1” longer than hook
  • Pheasant Tail fibers – natural.  (Sub tan Voodoo fibers for more durable antennae)
  • Antron Yarn – black
  • Cross-cut rabbit strips – crawfish orange
  • Silicone legs orange/orange-black flake
  • Mono eyes (any color) or plastic shrimp eyes – black. 
  • Hareline Hare’e Ice Dub – brown


Sunday, May 1, 2022

Mixed Bag Contest - update May 1st

Our 5th annual Mixed Bag Contest is off to another great start! The MBC is our members-only, online tournament where size doesn't matter, but diversity does. Despite some difficult weather conditions this Spring where the wind fan seemed to be stuck on high, members were able to make some notable catches. Things will only get better as weather stabilizes and a wide variety of sunfish species start to bed.

Like last year at this time, Chris Williams has shot into the early lead. However, you don't need to catch as many as Chris (few folks do) to have a chance to be a winner.  The new format - with only the top place awarded and many more prize drawings - means each entry has a much better chance of winning.

Each entry represents one ticket in the drawing. For example, enter 4 species in the Mixed Bag and you get 4 tickets in the drawing. More entries = greater chances to win!

Here are the current standings:

Chris Williams - 14
Glen Cormier - 10
Bill Morrison - 8
Jeff Albrecht - 6
Carlton Townsend - 6
Doug Bell - 5
Robert Hughes - 5

Also: Jim Johnson - 3, Tom Zabasky - 3, Hunter Lonsberry - 2, Mike Carlin - 2, Rich Hudson - 2, Rick Maddox - 2, Preston Keiser - 1, Pitt Merryman - 1, Joel Dinnat - 1

Most interesting catches so far: Glen Cormier - spotted sucker, Doug Bell - carp, Chris Williams - orangespotted sunfish and skipjack herring, Jeff Albrecht - smallmouth bass.

Again, we're not even at the halfway mark of the Mixed Bag. So plenty of opportunities for ALL members to jump in and get a shot at the drawing for prizes, or even win the MBC outright!

Monday, April 25, 2022

April 25th meeting - 25 On The Fly

KFF monthly meeting
Monday, April 25, 2022

5:00pm - casting
6:30pm - meeting
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

For our April meeting we have a presentation by Chris Williams  entitled "25 on the Fly: A Fly Fishing Scavenger Hunt".  This will be an outstanding presentation by one of our most talented fly fishers and fly tyers.

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

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

April 11th fly tying - Harry's Hairy Bug

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, April 11, 2022

5:00pm - casting on the library grounds
6:30pm - tying session begins
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Tying session livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

This month, we'll be tying "Harry's Hairy Bug".  This fly was created by a past member of the Acadiana Fly Rodders and has been popularized by AFR member Ray Boudreaux.  It's a great pattern for both trout and panfish.

As always, beginners are welcome!  All materials are provided. Bring your tools, for those without, we have several sets for use during these sessions.  

Masks are optional when indoors at the library. For Zoom participants, enter the meeting number and password sent by email. For YouTube participants, search for "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" on YT.

Monday, March 21, 2022

March 28th - annual "On The Water Picnic"

KFF annual Spring Picnic
Monday, March 28, 2022

Cotile Lake Recreation Area
(weather permitting)

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

In lieu of our March meeting, we'll hold our annual Spring Picnic at Cotile Lake.  Kisatchie 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 6:30pm, 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.  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 the staff at the entrance that you are with "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" and they'll let you in free.
2.  Bring your favorite beverages. We'll have bottled water.
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 much food to bring.

Monday, March 7, 2022

March 14th fly tying - A&W emerger

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, March 14, 2022

6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

This month, Bill Morrison will lead us in tying a version of Jeff Guerin's A&W Emerger pattern. Jeff developed this buggy pattern specifically for the March Brown hatch on the Little Missouri River in south Arkansas. While we'll tie in March Brown colors in size #14, different colors and sizes also work well at time.  Fish the A&W by stripping it slowly just under the surface and watch out - the eats can be very aggressive!  This fly in black and chartreuse version could also be used for bluegill.

All materials will be provided, and we will have several sets of tools for any who do not have their own.  Cream thread is used for this fly, but brown also works as well.  Size 70 or 140 denier is good.

Masks are optional when indoors at the library. For Zoom participants, enter the meeting number and password sent by email. For YouTube participants, search for "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" on YT.

Friday, February 25, 2022

KFF February 28 meeting - Knots

KFF monthly meeting
Monday, February 28, 2022

6:30 pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom

This month's agenda will begin with a short session on club business items.  Afterwards, Robert Hughes and Chris Perkins will conduct a hands-on fly fishing knots tying clinic. This session will be very informative and useful for both new and veteran flyfishers.

Upcoming events:

  • Mar 11-12 - Gulf Coast Council Sweetwater Classic, McComb, MS
  • Mar 13 - Daylight Savings Time begins
  • Mar 14 - KFF Fly Tying, A&W Emerger
  • Mar 28 - KFF annual Spring Picnic at Cotile Lake Rec Area
  • Mar 31 - Apr 3 - March Brown trip to the Little Mo, Arkansas
  • Apr 11 - Fly Tying (TBA)
  • Apr 23 - Fly Fishing 101, Booker-Fowler Hatchery

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

Monday, February 7, 2022

February 17th fly tying - Bream Killer

KFF monthly fly tying session
* Thursday, February 17, 2022

6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

* please note the date change due to Valentines Day *

From Bill Morrison, Tying Committee Chair: 
This month, Jim Johnson will lead us in tying the Bream Killer, an effective bluegill/panfish pattern that is similar to a slow-sinking spider with the addition of a hair wing.  This will be a fun and relatively easy tie (especially compared to the Parachute Adams last month!), and we hope to have time to tie two copies.

All materials will be provided, and we will have several sets of tools for any who do not have their own.  Olive thread is used for this fly, but black also works as well.  Either 70 or 140 denier will work.  For your reference, I have included a material list below. I hope to see you on the 17th for this fun tie!  Thanks and tight lines!"

Material list for Bream Killer in Olive – these are the materials we will use, but almost anything will work.

  • #14 curved nymph hook such as the Daiichi 1260 or similar
  • .020 lead wire
  • Olive or black thread: 70 or 140 denier
  • Olive Wooly Bugger medium chenille
  • Squirrel tail
  • Round rubber legs – we will use medium size in white, but almost any color will work.

* please note: as this time, masks are optional at the library *

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Festival time is here!

Cenla Fly Fishing & Light Tackle Festival
Saturday, January 29, 2022
8:30am to 3:30pm 
Kees Park, Pineville, LA
FREE admission!!

Every even-numbered year we hold our biennial Festival, a celebration of the light tackle lifestyle.  This event is a unique experience, vastly different from most outdoors shows.  With the Festival, it's all about education, instruction, and community.

We encourage attendees to come learn about new places to fish, how to fish them. Watch some of the top tiers from across the region tie flies, or make jigs.  Cast a fly rod or a spinning rod, or learn how a local rod company builds rods. Get casting instruction from top FFI certified instructors.  Learn why kayaks are an economical and very effective way to fish to fish the marsh.  

And please take part in our giant raffle and fundraiser to raise money for our friends at The Food Bank of Central Louisiana - and help feed some hungry families! Speaking of food, we'll have a pastalaya cooked by our own Greg Babin for just five bucks - including drink.

For complete details, including schedule, list of fly tiers and jig makers, exhibitors, speakers, and much more, click on the "2022 Fest" menu above.

Thursday, January 20, 2022

KFF January meeting - Cenla Fest, ICAST report

KFF monthly meeting
Monday, January 24, 2022

6:00pm     * note change in meeting time *
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom 

This month, our meeting will kickoff at 6:00 pm instead of 6:30.  The earlier start is to facilitate final preparations for our biennial Cenla Fly Fishing and Light Tackle Festival which takes place later in the week - Saturday, January 29th at Kees Park in Pineville.  

We'll start the meeting with details on the Fest and proceed to where members can help.  

Areas include:

  • setting up electrical cords for fly tiers
  • greeting tiers and vendors and assisting them carry equipment into building
  • volunteering at registration, membership, donation tables to allow breaks
  • other actions to help make the event run smoothly for attendees
  • donations for our club raffle, gamblers draw and silent auction

So that the meeting isn't just serious business, we'll follow up with a 30-minute two-part presentation by Glen 'Catch' Cormier from ICAST 2021 back in July.

  •  Ten best and worst new fly fishing products / accessories 
  •  State of the Sport - Fly Fishing statistics 2020

We need a strong turnout at this meeting to help get our festival organized.  Please make every effort to attend. As always, our meetings are open to the public!

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

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

January 10th fly tying - Parachute Adams

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, January 10, 2022

6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

From Bill Morrison: we will tie the #14 Parachute Adams in a March Brown color as shown in the photo. This color should be especially good for those early morning or just-before-dark risers on the Little Missouri during our club March Brown trip (March 31-April 3). It is identical to the “regular” grey Parachute Adams, so the skills learned in tying this version will directly apply to the regular Parachute Adams.
 
The Parachute Adams is sort of the “gumbo” of fly tying. It seems that everyone has their own recipe and methods - though tiers may not be as passionate about their recipes as gumbo cooks! To many, the most challenging piece of the fly is tying the parachute post and there seems to be an almost infinite number of methods posted on the Internet. I struggled with this for a long time as well until I discovered an easy method to hold the post and wrap the thread.
 
As always, beginners and guests are welcome!  All materials will be provided, and we will have several sets of tools for any who do not have their own.  For more information, email me at kffcpr@gmail.com.

On-site attendees should bring a mask as the library requires masks when indoors. For Zoom participants, enter the meeting number and password sent by email.