Sunday, April 28, 2024

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.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

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.

Monday, April 1, 2024

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.