Merry Christmas & 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.  Being an odd year, we won't have our biennial Cenla Fly Fest in 2025.  However, as the previous post mentioned, several neighboring clubs have events scheduled.

In the meantime, love and peace to everyone from Kisatchie Fly Fishers!

Mark your 2025 calendars for these events!

It's that time of year when we break out the new calendars and start marking them up.  Here's a few dates that will be of interest.  Events with an '*' indicate club activities.

* Jan. 1 (Wed) - 8th annual KFF Mixed Bag Contest kicks off! In addition to the five top spots, we have great consolation prizes - so every entry counts! Check out the Mixed Bag page for details starting Dec. 28th.

Jan. 25 (Sat) – 3rd biennial NEW ORLEANS FLY FISHING EXPO, St. Christopher School Gymnasium, 3900 Derbigny Street, Metairie, LA.   Time: 8:00am to 4:00pm. Free Admission. Casting Seminars and instruction, fly tying demos, fishing & destination seminars, Iron Fly Tyer contest, outdoor equipment & displays, artists & vendors, raffles, auction, Kids programs.  Hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishers Club. www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

Jan. 31- Feb 2 (Fri-Sun) – 2nd annual HOME WATERS 2025 - a celebration of the Little Missouri River, Municipal Building, Murfreesboro, AR. Fri: noon-7pm, Sat: 9am - 5pm. No cost. Hosted by ArkLaTexOma Fly Tiers. Fly tying demos, fishing seminars, biologist reports, vendors, raffles and door prizes, food available. For details, see Calendar page or go to ArkLaTexOma Facebook page.

* Feb. 22 (Sat) - CENLA FLY FISHING 101, Booker-Fowler Hatchery, 8:30am - 12:30pm, LDWF Booker-Fowler Hatchery, Woodworth, LA. Hands-on sessions covering basics of fly fishing. FREE and open to the public, pre-registration is required. Go to FF101 page for details.

Mar. 8 (Sat) – 27th Annual RED STICK DAY, Waddill Outdoor Education Center, 4142 N Flannery Rd, Baton Rouge, LA. 8:30am – 3:30pm. Free admission. Seminars, tying demos, kayak demos, casting clinics, food, refreshments. Hosted by Red Stick Fly Fishers. Website: www.rsff.org.

* Mar. 20-23 (Thu - Sun) - KFF annual MARCH BROWN TRIP. Members-only trip to the Little Missouri River in southwest Arkansas for rainbow trout. Peak season for March Brown mayfly and some early caddis!

Mar. 27-29 (Thu-Sat) – 28th annual SOWBUG ROUNDUP, Baxter County Fairgrounds, Mountain Home, AR. 9am – 4pm, each day. Largest fly tying event in the country, over 120 tiers. Seminars, fly tying clinics, vendors. Special guests Pat Dorsey, Tim Flagler. Hosted by North Arkansas Fly Fishers. Website: www.sowbugroundup.org.

* Apr. 28 (Mon) - KFF SPRING PICNIC, held in lieu of monthly general meeting, see upcoming email for details.

May 2-3 (Fri-Sat) – 3rd annual FFI GULF COAST CLASSIC, Learning Campus, Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, AL.  Seminars, fly tying demos, casting clinics, raffles, Mixed Bag Challenge fishing contest. Fly Fishing film event on Saturday 4pm. Hosted by the Gulf Coast Council of Fly Fishers International. Website: www.ffigulfcoastclassic.com or www.ffigcc.org.

July 18-19 (Fri-Sat) - CADDO FLY FISHING EXPO, Jefferson County Civic Center, Jefferson, TX.  Seminars, fly tying demos, casting demos and instruction, raffles, silent auction, and more. Hosted by North Louisiana Fly Fishers. Website: www.northlaflyfishers.org.

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 or with individual achievement. Each honoree received a 15-ounce custom artwork designed coffee mug with their name and award.

New Member of the Year - Eron Borne
Given to a club member who joined over the last 18 months, and who has been very active in our club, shown a strong dedication to our sport, and a willingness to learn.

Fly Tier of the Year - Orlando Madrid
Awarded to that club member who has shown exceptional dedication to the art of fly tying, either through commitment, or significant development in their tying skills, or in enhancing the education of others, or some combination of.

Presidents Award - Cynthia Griffin
This award is chosen by the president, and recognizes someone who has given outstanding service to the club, and benefitting the membership.

Member of the Year - Rich Hudson
Awarded to that member who has fulfilled any combination of the following: frequent participant in club activities, helped organize or assist in club events, personal accomplishment, helped promote fly fishing in general, aided the development of other members, furthered the mission of our club.

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. Five places were awarded gift cards of varying amounts. 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 wide range of prizes including an Epic fly rod.

Here are the 2024 MBC winners:

Chris Williams - 34 species
Eron Borne - 26 species
Bill Morrison - 22 species
Jim Johnson - 19 species
Ed Jones - 17 species

It should be noted that Noah Hoyt, who was recognized by the FFI Gulf Coast Council for "Youth Angler of the Year" finished in 7th place with 12 species.

This year, we set new records for number of entries (228) and number of different species (47). In addition, we had the most participants since 2018 with 25 entrants.

The most entered species was bluegill followed by largemouth bass. Some of the more unusual catches included: black spotted topminnow, striped shiner, lowland cichlid, golden shiner, ironcolor shiner, orangespotted sunfish, steelcolor shiner, Atlantic croaker, Wiper, dollar sunfish. Chris Williams also achieved a personal goal: catching all four species of native Alabama black bass along with largemouth and spotted bass.

Our 8th annual Mixed Bag Contest kicks off January 1st, 2025. 

Happy Thanksgiving & Christmas Gathering reminder

This Thursday means many things to many different people. For most, it's a day of feasting with friends and family. Here in Louisiana, the dinner table will be adorned with turkey, roast, venison, duck or other hearty meat slowly cooked, along with Cajun favorites like sweet potatoes and corn machcoux. I'm getting hungry just typing this, lol!

While we do enjoy our feasting and football, we still recognize Thanksgiving as a day to give thanks for all the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us. We're thankful for all the woods, waters and wildlife we have here in the Sportsmans Paradise. And for the numerous friends we've made through our love of outdoors.

And speaking of friends, our annual club Christmas Gathering is set for Monday, December 9th. Great food, great comradery, club awards, Mixed Bag awards and drawings, door prizes, silent auction, and more!  If you've not received the email invite with the registration link, please email Catch Cormier at catch(at)laflyfish(dot)com as soon as possible.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

November 18th meeting - Midge Magic

KFF general meeting
Monday, November 18, 2024
6:30 pm - program
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

For this meeting, we'll watch a video, "Midge Magic with Davy Wotton".  In this video, the British-born Arkansas guide demonstrates, on a variety of water types, all the skills needed to catch trout feeding on midges.  He covers gear, leaders, tippets, tactics, useful line management methods, and more.  Wotton also demonstrates a variety of rigging systems and fishing them at different depths.

The timing of this video is important to those who plan to fish the Little Missouri River over the next couple of months. A sampling of stomach contents of Little Mo rainbows in January revealed that over 35% of their diet consisted of midges!

As always, the public is welcome. For those members joining us remotely, check your email for the Zoom meeting number and password. For livestreaming on the KFF YouTube Channel, use this link and go to Live videos -
http://bit.ly/3oBk106  

Sugar Day cancelled

Early this afternoon, Kent House made the decision to cancel Sugar Day this Saturday due to weather concerns.  The forecast calls for an 80 percent chance of thunderstorms, with possibly locally heavy rain in the afternoon. 

While our fly tying demonstrations - and a few other crafts activities - are indoors, about 70 percent of the many exhibits and activities are outdoors.  We share disappointment with Kent House on this decision, and look forward to next year (and hopefully, better weather).

November 4th fly tying - Fools Gold Crab

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, November 4, 2024
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

* Please note this month's tying session is moved up a week due to the Veterans Day holiday *

This month, Chris Williams will be driving up from Baton Rouge to tie the Fools Gold Crab.  This pattern, created by Johnny Miller, can be fished like a crab or a shrimp bumping off the bottom.  In Fall and Winter, when Louisiana redfish are inside and feeding on fiddler crabs, flies like the FGC are the ticket to success!

The session is open to the public. All materials are provided, and we have several sets of tools for beginners to use during the session.

Remote members can participate using the Zoom meeting number and password sent by email. All others can watch on the KFF YouTube Channel, use this link and go to Live videos -
http://bit.ly/3oBk106

October 28th meeting - Club trips

KFF general meeting
Monday, October 28, 2024

5:30 pm - casting practice
6:30 pm - program
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month we'll have a short but very important meeting - an open discussion on potential 2025 club trips.  Currently we have our 11th annual "March Brown trip" organized by the Coldwater Committee and Carlton Townsend set for March 20-23, 2025.  Details of this trip are in the latest email from Bill Morrison, but will be discussed further in the next couple of months.

The Warmwater and Saltwater Committees are looking to organize weekend or destination trips that would be of great interest to club members.  Several ideas were thrown out at the last board meeting, and we'll discuss those.   As well as take any suggestions from members for trip ideas.  We also want to add a couple of "local trips" - one day excursions to a local water such as Cane River, Toledo Bend, Calcasieu Lake, etc.  These ideas will be open for discussion as well.

As always, the public is welcome. For those members joining us remotely, check your email for the Zoom meeting number and password. If not, email Bill Morrison for this info. For livestreaming on the KFF YouTube Channel, use this link and go to Live videos -
http://bit.ly/3oBk106

October 21st fly tying - Kreelex Minnow

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, October 21, 2024

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

** Because of Columbus Day, our tying session has been moved to the 3rd Monday **

This month Jim Johnson will lead us in tying the Kreelex Minnow. Chuck Kraft developed this all-flash pattern for trout, but it has proven to take almost any gamefish out there. In fact, the Kreelex is one of the most effective and versatile light streamer patterns Bill and Jim have used over the past year. They've caught bass, crappie, gar, freshwater drum, and all manner of panfish on the pattern.

We will tie the pattern in silver/pearl and gold, so 140 denier thread in white will be best.  The version we will tie is on a #6 hook, and will be similar to the fly in the attached photo.

As always, all materials other than thread will be provided, and we will have several sets of tools for any who do not have their own.   And if you have never tied, we can pair you with someone who can help.  

For remote members near and far, you can participate using the Zoom meeting number and password sent by email. All others can watch via our YouTube livestream; search for "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" on YT.

October is the last month for casting prior to meetings due to the end of Daylight Savings Time. We'll start back of the library around 5:30pm. So get your casting coaching in while you can!

Toledo Bend Rendezvous only weeks away!

North Toledo Bend Rendezvous
Friday-Sunday, October 18-20, 2024
North Toledo Bend State Park, Zwolle, LA

For those unfamiliar with Rendezvous, it began 35 years ago when members of two clubs met at North Toledo Bend State Park to camp and fish. The following year, the clubs decided to rent the group facility.  Since then, fly tiers and other fly fishing enthusiasts from across several states – along with their families – have gathered for a weekend of fly tying and fishing with only a minimal fee to cover lodging and meals. Some are members of clubs, some are not. Rendezvous is open to all!

There are no organized activities. Everyone is welcome to come fish, tie flies, watch some of the region's top tiers, or tie themselves. You can come for the day or the entire weekend. If you come as a family, the rate for the entire weekend for the whole family or individual is just $40 which includes lodging. For one night lodging, the fee is $20 and for day only the fee is $10.

The excellent facilities at North Toledo Bend State Park are ideal for a Fall weekend fly tying retreat. 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.

For complete details, go to flycasting.bravesites.com.

September 23rd meeting - Tenkara 101

KFF general meeting
Monday, September 23, 2024

5:30 pm - casting practice (weather permitting)
6:30 pm - program
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month we have a special guest joining us via Zoom. Karin Miller is the owner/founder of Zen Tenkara, the only 100 percent woman-owned rod company, a renown expert in the centuries-old method of fishing known as Tenkara. She's caught a wide variety of species, proving that it's not just a small stream application.  Karin will give us a basic overview of tenkara and what's possible using this method.  This promises to be a great program!

As always, the public is welcome. For those members joining us remotely, check your email for the Zoom meeting number and password. If not, email Bill Morrison for this info. For livestreaming on the KFF YouTube Channel, use this link and go to Live videos -
http://bit.ly/3oBk106

* Special note to members: check your email for a special limited-time offer from Zen Tenkara * 

September 9th fly tying - Bad Hair Day

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, September 9th
5:30pm - casting practice
6:30pm - tying session starts
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

This month Jim Johnson will lead us in tying the Bad Hair Day. Created by Dave Pinczkowski, this streamer with it's baitfish profile and darting motion has been popular for a wide variety of species, from steelhead to bass to even saltwater. We last tied this fly four years ago, and since then, many new members have asked about it after hearing of its success in the Mixed Bag Contest.

The session is open to the public. All materials other than thread are provided, and we have several sets of tools for beginners to use during the session.

For remote members near and far, you can participate using the Zoom meeting number and password sent by email. All others can watch via our YouTube livestream; search for "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" on YT.

We finally have some cooler weather coming for casting prior to the meeting. We'll start back of the library around 5:30pm.

Mixed Bag Standings - August 28th

Our 7th annual Mixed Bag Contest is setting new records! For those new to this contest, the MBC is our members-only, online tournament where size doesn't matter, but diversity does. Yes, it's DEI... Diverse species, Equal chance to win something, and Inclusive for all members! Click on the "Mixed Bag" menu above for complete details.

With only about 3 months left in the contest, we have a grand total of 191 entries from 25 participants. The species range from Dollar Sunfish to Spanish Mackerel to Common Carp to Steelcolor Shiner to Alligator Gar.  Along with lots of all species of trout, bass, sunfish, and catfish. Our members are once again proving you can catch ANY species of fish on fly!

Here are the current leaders:

•  Chris Williams - 29
•  Eron Borne - 24
•  Bill Morrison - 18
•  Jim Johnson - 15
•  Noah Hoyt, Ed Jones - 12
•  Jeff Albrecht - 11
• and lots of folks with between 4 to 9 species.

There's still plenty of opportunity to submit entries. The cooler months ahead should provide more action as well. Remember that - even if you don't finish in the top standings - there are several consolation drawings with a few really nice prizes too. Each entry gets 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!

August 26th meeting - Casting Faults and Fixes

KFF general meeting
Monday, August 26, 2024

5:30 pm - casting practice (weather permitting)
6:30 pm - program
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

For our August program, we get to watch a video on our meeting room's new large screen TV.  "Casting Faults and Fixes" by Mel Krieger is an oldie but a goodie - one of the best instructionals on what causes various casting issues and how to fix them.  We'll watch about 40 minutes of the video, then have a roundtable forum by club casting gurus. For those new to fly fishing, or others looking to improve their casting, this promises to be an enlightening program!

As always, the public is welcome. For the Zoom connection, email Bill Morrison for meeting number and password.  For livestreaming on the KFF YouTube Channel, use this link and go to Live videos -
http://bit.ly/3oBk106 

August 12th fly tying - Dirty Harry

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, August 12, 2024
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

This month we'll tie the Dirty Harry – a small streamer pattern that looks like a cross between a traditional carp fly and a fluff butt crappie jig. However, its also an effective shrimp and crab imitation. KFF member Chris Williams ties the version in his linked blog post and has already used it with success this winter in the saltwater.

The session is open to the public. All materials other than thread are provided, and we have several sets of tools for beginners to use during the session.

For our remote members near and far, can participate using the Zoom meeting number and password sent by email. All others can watch via our YouTube livestream; search for "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" on YT.

Casting prior to this meeting has been canceled.

July 22nd meeting - What's new for 2024

KFF general meeting
Monday, July 22, 2024

5:30 pm - casting practice (weather permitting)
6:30 pm - program
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

A tradition continues. As with each July, our own Glen 'Catch' Cormier attends ICAST - the world's largest sport fishing trade show - and reports back to us what's new in the world of fly fishing, kayak fishing, and fishing in general. He'll fill us in on the "State of the Sport" and the most interesting products from ICAST.

As always, the public is welcome. For the Zoom connection, email Bill Morrison for meeting number and password.  For livestreaming on the KFF YouTube Channel, use this link and go to Live videos - http://bit.ly/3oBk106

July 8th fly tying - Circus Peanut

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, July 8, 2024
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

This month, we will tie one of the most popular articulated streamers, the Circus Peanut.  The Circus Peanut was developed by Russ Madden when he worked for Kelly Galloup at his fly shop in Traverse City, MI.  It was one of the earlier articulated streamers and remains very popular to this day.

We will tie the pattern in olive, so 140 denier thread in olive, tan, or black will be best.  The Circus Peanut is a perfect pattern to learn how to tie articulated streamers, as the body of the fly is fairly simple to tie.  It is basically a Woolly Bugger on the back hook, and a Woolly Worm (Woolly Bugger without a tail) on the front hook.  The version we will tie is similar to the one in the attached photo, and we will discuss several techniques for tying articulated patterns.
 
The session is open to the public. All materials other than thread are provided, and we have several sets of tools for beginners to use during the session.
 
For our remote members near and far, enter the Zoom meeting number and password sent by email. All others worldwide can watch via our YouTube livestream; search for "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" on YT.

Weather permitting, we will have casting practice on the back lawn at 5:30pm.

June 24th meeting - LDWF fish stockings

KFF general meeting
Monday, June 24, 2024

5:30 pm - casting practice (weather permitting)
6:30 pm - program
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month, we welcome guest speaker Talon Jeppson, LDWF's hatchery system supervisor. A native of Salt Lake City, Talon graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Ecology and minored in Fisheries Sciences at Utah State University before getting a Masters in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology from Clemson. He was hired as a fisheries biologist by LDWF in 2019 for the hatchery, and in December 2023 became supervisor.  

After a brief presentation on the workings of the state hatchery, Talon will discuss and take questions on area stockings.  Here's an opportunity to find out where the future best fishing spots might be.

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

June 10th fly tying - Hot Lips Gurgler

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, June 10, 2024
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

Jack Gartside’s Gurgler has long been a mainstay for topwater bass and saltwater fishing.  Ron Begnaud shared this version with Flip Siragusa and John Williams of Pack and Paddle.  John also ties a very small version that would be great for panfish as well as bass.

The session is open to the public. All materials other than thread are provided, and we have several sets of tools for beginners to use during the session.

For our remote members near and far, enter the Zoom meeting number and password sent by email. All others worldwide can watch via our YouTube livestream; search for "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" on YT.

Weather permitting, we will have casting practice on the back lawn at 5:30pm.

May 20th meeting - Bayou Shirts, Classic recap

KFF general meeting
Monday, May 20, 2024

5:30 pm - casting practice (weather permitting)
6:30 pm - program
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month we have two short presentations.  First, Alan Trammell of Bayou Shirts will talk about the screen printing and other services that he offers for club members to have logos on t-shirts, caps, polo shirts, and other items. He will bring samples for us to see. Check out the sidebar to see the caps with KFF logo and for Alan's website.  

The second short presentation will be a recap of the recent Gulf Coast Classic in Gulf Shores. Bill Morrison, Mike Carlin and Catch Cormier all attended and will share their feedback on what turned out to be a great event for the Gulf Coast Council of Fly Fishers International (KFF is a member club).

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 
 

May 13th fly tying - Flashtail Clouser

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, May 13, 2024
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

This month, Catch Cormier will lead us in tying a less well-know variation of the famous and popular Clouser Minnow, the Flashtail Clouser. For those times when fish want a bit more flash, this pattern should come through.  We will tie two versions: one with peacock herl and one without.

We'll tie it in white and red rather than the white, chartreuse, and red in the image, so 140 denier or 210 flat waxed thread in red or black will work.   If you have never tied a Clouser, or if it’s been a while, this will be a great session to learn what many call the most effective baitfish pattern ever.

The session is open to the public. All materials other than thread are provided, and we have several sets of tools for beginners to use during the session.

For our remote members near and far, enter the Zoom meeting number and password sent by email. All others can watch via our YouTube livestream; search for "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" on YT.

Weather permitting, we will have casting practice on the back lawn at 5:30pm.

Mixed Bag Standings - April 27th

Our 7th 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. Click on "Mixed Bag" menu above for complete details.

The objective is to catch as many different species on fly rod and flies over the course of 11 months, over a limited geographical area. Proof that you can catch just about anything on flies - check this photo of Ed Jones catching a gizzard shad on a Clouser Minnow!

So far, there are 84 total entries. Like almost every year, Chris Williams and Bill Morrison are up at the top of the standings. But don't let that deter you! Remember that under the new format we started a couple of years ago, there are many more consolation drawings - and some really nice prizes too!  Each entry gets 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 - 17
Bill Morrison - 16
Jim Johnson - 10
Joel Dinnat - 7
Noah Hoyt - 6
Carlton Townsend - 6

Also: Robert Hughes -5, Eron Borne -4, Ed Jones -4, Tyler Hoyt -4, Orlando Madrid -3, Jeff Albrecht -2, Rich Hudson -2, Barbara Carlin -1, Glen Cormier -1, Maedbh Ryan -1, Mike Carlin -1.

April 8th fly tying - Chubby Chernobyl

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, April 8, 2024
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 are tying the Chubby Chernobyl, a very popular hopper/ant/stonefly pattern that is often the floating dry fly in a dry/dropper setup.  Cheech Pierce of Fly Fish Food goes so far as to say it,”…could be the best fly created ever…...ever, ever, ever, ever…”. It is an extremely versatile pattern that can be tied in almost any color, in sizes from 4-16, and with a variety of wing and foam configurations and thicknesses.

It is tied similarly to other foam hopper/ant patterns with a dubbed underbody, foam body, and rubber legs.  It differs from most other patterns with its signature upright double wings that make it highly visible in low light or fast water.

We will tie it in tan (see image), so 140 denier thread in tan or brown will be best.  We will use these materials:

• hook: size 6
• tail:  Krystal Flash 
• underbody: Ice Dub 
• body 3mm foam
• legs: brown rubber legging
• wing:  EP Fibers

The session is open to the public. All materials other than thread are provided, and we have several sets of tools for beginners to use during the session.  For members who cannot attend, enter the Zoom meeting number and password sent by email. All others can watch via our YouTube livestream; search for "Kisatchie Fly Fishers" on YT.

Weather permitting, we will have casting practice on the back lawn at 5:30pm.

April 15th - annual "On The Water Picnic"

KFF annual Spring Picnic
Monday, April 15, 2024
Cotile Lake Recreation Area
(weather permitting)

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

In lieu of our general meeting at the library, this month we'll hold our annual Spring Picnic at Cotile Lake.  2024 paid 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 on the adjacent lawn area.

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 "Fly Fishers" and they'll let you in free.
2.  Bring your favorite beverages. We will have water and some beverages.
3.  Bring a chair.
4.  Optional:  bring your fly rod and flies, and 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.

March 25th meeting - Knots & Leaders

KFF general meeting
Monday, March 25, 2024

5:30 pm - casting practice
6:30 pm - program
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month, Robert Hughes will lead us in a hands-on clinic for various knots for connecting leaders, flies, and fly line/backing. As well as tips and suggestions for which knots work best in different situations. If you're new to the club or to fly fishing, this is must meeting. Even if you're a veteran fly angler, you'll appreciate some of Robert's wisdom on why certain knots perform better.

Come early for casting practice or coaching on the back lawn.  

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  

March 11th fly tying - Jigged Micro-Bugger

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, March 11, 2024
6:30 pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month's pattern is the Jigged Micro-Bugger. It's a small (size 14), jigged version of the venerable Woolybugger that works well for panfish, trout, smallmouth bass, etc.. It's a quick and easy tie, but the small size dictates a few changes from the traditional methods used for standard woolybuggers.

The session is open to everyone. Newbies will enjoy tying this pattern. Materials are provided. Bring your tools, or if none, the club has tools for use during these sessions.

As always, we broadcast the sessions live via Zoom for those who cannot attend. The livestream will be posted to the Kisatchie Fly Fishers YouTube channel. If you would like to join the Zoom but do not have the link, please email Bill Morrison.

** Note: Monday is our first meeting in Daylight Savings Time, so we'll begin fly casting prior to all meetings, starting at 5:30pm. We cast on the grounds behind the library.   

Feb. 26th general meeting - A Western Adventure

KFF general meeting
Monday, February 26, 2024
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month, our own Carlton Townsend will lead a power point presentation on a western fly-fishing trip that he, Rick Maddox, Tom Zabaski, and Robert Hughes made in September of last year.  They fished 6 quality rivers across 5 states over a period of 3 weeks.  They also traveled through some of the most scenic country and mountain ranges in the US. Mark this on your calendar - it's a program everyone will enjoy!  

Also on the agenda: fishing reports, updates on the Little Mo club trip in April, Fly Fishing 101, and a proposed club trip for smallmouth bass.

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  

February 12th fly tying - Hares Ear Soft Hackle

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, February 12, 2024
6:30 pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month, we'll tie the ubiquitous and easy-to tie Hare’s Ear Soft Hackle. This is one of the most versatile patterns for all trout and panfish. We'll tie two versions of it: first, a basic version and second, a flashier version similiar to the Guide's Choice Hares Ear but simplier to tie. 

Newcomers are welcome to participate or watch. As always, all materials other than thread will be provided, and we have several sets of tools for any who do not have their own.  As for the thread, a denier 70 or 140 in black or brown will work.  However, we'll be demoing both patterns with a hot spot, so you might want to bring a red, orange or pink if you wish to do likewise.

As always, we broadcast the sessions live via Zoom for those who cannot attend. The livestream will be posted to the Kisatchie Fly Fishers YouTube channel. If you would like to join the Zoom but do not have the link, please email Bill Morrison.   

Tying Committee announces "Flies of the Month" - updated 2/2/24

As with last year, the KFF Fly Tying Committee met and planned out their monthly patterns for 2024, and that list is below.  While the list is subject to change, the patterns selected represent a variety of tying skills and are appropriate for the types of fishing many club members do at different times of the year.  With a mix of nymphs, topwater, streamer and saltwater patterns, we hope these are both interesting and helpful in developing our tying skills.
 
As mentioned previously, the club now has a 55-inch 4K definition television which, along with the 4K camera we bought last year, gives our participants the ultimate tools to aid in watching and learning. We hope you will join us for tying in 2024!

January 22nd: Robert’s Surprise (Robert Hughes) – Our own Robert Hughes has created two patterns that have proven very successful on the Little Missouri River this winter.   And he has developed a very unique tying technique for building a body that you will definitely want to see.

February 12th:  Hare’s Ear Soft Hackle – Two Ways – The ubiquitous and easy-to tie Hare’s Ear Soft Hackle is one of the most versatile patterns for all trout and panfish and we will tie two versions of it; one a basic version and the second a tricked-out version And we will learn a couple of techniques along the way.  

March 11th:  Jigged Micro-Bugger – A small (#14), jigged version of the venerable Wooly Bugger that has worked well on panfish, trout, and smallmouth bass.  It’s a quick and easy tie, but the small size dictates a few changes from the traditional methods for the pattern.

April 8th:  Chubby Chernobyl – Few top-water flies have achieved the widespread popularity of the Chubby. It works great as a warm water pattern, hopper, and the top fly for hopper-dropper setups.

May 13th:  Flash-Tail Clouser – A heavily flashed version of the Clouser Minnow that is said to be the fly fishing version of slow-rolled spinnerbait for bass. We will tie a version similar to the one in this.

June 10th:  Hot Lips Gurgler/Gurgler – Jack Gartside’s Gurgler has long been a mainstay for topwater bass and saltwater fishing.  John Williams of Pack and Paddle and KFF member Flip Siragusa learned this version from Ron Begnaud.  John also ties a very small version that would be great for panfish and bass.

July 8th:  Circus Peanut Articulated Streamer – The front and rear sections of this pattern created by Russ Madden (while working for Kelly Galloup) are simple to tie, which allows us to focus on the articulation piece. We will tie a more full-bodied version of the pattern, but our primary focus with this tie is to learn a technique for articulated streamers.

August 12th:  Dirty Harry – a small streamer pattern that, though it looks like a cross between a traditional carp fly and a fluff butt crappie jig, is an effective shrimp and crab imitation. Our own Chris Williams ties the version in his linked blog post and has already used it with success this winter in the saltwater. And I’m looking forward to trying it in our late-summer warm water.

September 9th:  Bad Hair Day – Jim Johnson discovered this pattern from musky guide Dave Pinczkowski and adapted it for our warm water.  Bill can vouch for the effectiveness of this pattern, as it's usually the very first pattern he ties on when streamer fishing. Anything that eats baitfish will eat this pattern.

October 21st:  Crease Fly –   This well-known topwater pattern uses some cool techniques for making the body of the fly.  Chris Williams will make the drive up to lead the tie. 

November 4th:  Fools Gold Crab – Fall and winter in Louisiana is prime redfish season, and crab patterns are a go-to for many.  The Fools Gold Crab designed by Johnny Miller can be fished like a crab or shrimp bumping it along the bottom in short strips. Chris Williams is making the long drive for a second time to lead us in tying this pattern.

January 22nd fly tying - Robert's Surprise

KFF monthly fly tying session
* Monday, January 22, 2024
6:30 pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

* Please note that this month's tying session was moved to the 4th Monday instead of the usual 2nd Monday *

For our first tying meeting of 2024, Robert Hughes will lead us in tying “Robert’s Surprise” - as Bill Morrison calls it.  That's because Robert is keeping it super duper secret about what he'll be tying so the Ruskies don't get hold of it first!  But he did give us a clue: he'll actually tie two flies, the first of which is his own creation, and the second a variation of a popular pattern. Both patterns have been extremely effective on catching trout on the Little Missouri tailwater! He also has a special technique for tying one of these that some of us have never seen or read about, so you don’t want to miss this one.

We're also excited to announce that the club has a new 55” television to view our tying and meetings in 2024!

Newcomers are welcome to participate or watch. As always, all materials other than thread will be provided, and we have several sets of tools for any who do not have their own.

As always, we broadcast the sessions live via Zoom for those who cannot attend. The livestream will be posted to the Kisatchie Fly Fishers YouTube channel. If you would like to join the Zoom but do not have the link, please email Bill Morrison.   

January 10th general meeting - Festival and local trout

KFF general meeting
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

* Note this is a general meeting and on a Wednesday! Our fly tying will be on the 4th Monday... in February we'll go back to fly tying 2nd Monday and general meeting on 4th Monday *

For our first club meeting of 2024, we'll have a brief presentation followed by open discussion on our upcoming Cenla Fly Fishing Festival on January 20th featuring Duane Hada. We'd like members to attend and offer any last minute ideas or suggestions. And to think about "Volunteer" in some capacity for this event.

Also on the agenda:  A report on the Rainbeaux Trout stocking program for Lakes Buhlow and Parc Natchitoches, and elsewhere.

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  

2024 Mixed Bag Contest is live!

Our Mixed Bag Contest is back for a ninth year! The MBC kicked off yesterday, January 1st at 12:01 am. If you caught any fish on New Year's Day, don't worry, you still have 30 days to enter it in.  

The 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 2024 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.