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.  Stay tuned for details on the 2026 Mixed Bag Challenge which kicks off January 1st.

Festival time just weeks away!

Cenla Fly Fishing Festival
Saturday, January 24, 2026
8:30am to 3:30pm 
Kees Park, Pineville, LA
FREE admission!!

In even-numbered years we hold our biennial Festival, a celebration of the fly fishing experience.  This event is  unique in that it's all about education, instruction, and community.

We encourage attendees to come learn about the sport, new places to fish, or how to fish them. Watch some of the top tiers from across the region tie flies, or jig makers.  Cast a fly rod and/or get casting instruction from top FFI Certified Instructors.  Learn why kayaks are an economical and very effective way to fish.  

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! 

For complete details, including schedule, list of fly tiers and jig makers, exhibitors, speakers, and much more, click on the "2026 Cenla Fest" menu above. 

Club honorees, Mixed Bag winners recognized at banquet

At our annual Christmas banquet on December 8th, 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 - Anthony Falgout
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 - Joe Vandersypen
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 - Jim Johnson
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 - Ed Jones
Awarded to that member with some combination of: active participation, personal accomplishment, promotion of the club, aid in development of others, furthering the mission of the club, assisting in club events.

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 a TFO fly rod.

Here are the 2025 MBC winners:

Bill Morrison - 49 species
Eron Borne - 36 species
Ed Jones - 31 species
Jim Johnson - 26 species
Jerry Patton - 26 species

This year, we set new records for number of entries (295) and came up one short on most participants with 24 entrants. The most entered species was bluegill followed by longear, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and green sunfish. Top flies were the: Rio Bandito, Clouser, Shrimp pattern, Hares Ear, Soft Hackle. 

Winner of the annual "Carlton Townsend Hogsucker Award" for rarest species on fly was Ed Jones who caught a Black Redhorse. Jim Johnson was also recognized for "outstanding fish" for catching a 52-inch longnose gar. 

Our 9th annual Mixed Bag Contest kicks off January 1st, 2026. Look for updates on the Mixed Bag page sometime after Christmas.