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.