The Cenla area has numerous lakes and streams ideal for fly fishing and even kayak fishing. The marshes of Louisiana are a fly angler's paradise! Just about all freshwater and saltwater species in our state can be caught on flies and fly tackle. The key is to find clear water, as this greatly improves the odds of catching fish on flies.
What flies are recommended for freshwater?
For bream and crappie, try woolybuggers, jitterbees, popping bugs, fluff butts, San Juan worms, and beadhead nymphs. For bass, try poppers, woolybuggers, sqwirm worms, baitfish and crawfish patterns.
What flies are recommended for saltwater?
Redfish love charlies, poppers, crab patterns, spoon flies, rattle rousers, and bendbacks. Specks like shrimp and baitfish patterns, especially clousers. A clouser fished 2-3 feet under a VOSI (fly rodders popping cork) is deadly on marsh trout!
Are there rainbow trout in Louisiana?
Except for winter stockings in a few parishes, no. However, there are two year-round trout rivers in the Ouachita Mountains, less than 5 hours north of Alexandria. The Little Missouri River (AR) and Mountain Fork (OK), are popular destinations for Cenla fly anglers. Make the slightly longer drive to north Arkansas and you're into some of the best rainbow and brown trout waters in America on the White, Norfork, Spring, and Little Red Rivers.
What tackle do I need for fly fishing?
A complete fly fishing outfit consists of rod, reel, fly line, backing, and leader.
- Rod: your choice of rod will depend on the species, the size flies you cast, and whether you need to cast far or into a wind. Typically a 5-weight rod is a good overall freshwater choice, while an 8-weight rod covers most inshore saltwater.
- Reel: just about any reel will work for bream, crappie and bass. For saltwater use, you want a reel that is anodized (corrosion proof) and which has a good drag.
- Fly line: for most Louisiana waters, a weight-forward floating fly line - designated as WF-F - is about all you need. For offshore or deep water, an intermediate or full sinking line might be appropriate. Most important, you want a line that remains somewhat stiff even in hot weather... one with a hard coating and a braided or core.
- Backing: this connects the back end of your fly line to the reel. It provides additional capacity since fly lines are only 80-100 feet long. Backing comes in 20-pound and 30-pound braided dacron.
- Leader: this is the monofilament (or flourocarbon) between the fly line and the fly. Leaders are usually tapered and consist of a thicker butt section (tied to the fly line) and thinner tippet section (tied to the fly). Leader length depends on several factors, but most often is 6 to 9 feet long.
As much as you want to spend! For example, some custom bamboo rods can cost thousands. However most beginners will be pleased that starter outfits from Bass Pro and Cabelas run under $100 and feature graphite rods (recommended) and large-arbor disc-drag reels (recommended). A better bargain are rods from Temple Fork Outfitters, Echo, Redington, and even Orvis that cost under $200 and feature lifetime warranties. Break the rod for any reason, send it back with a shipping fee, and get a new or repaired rod. The key is to try before you buy and determine what works best for your budget.
What is the key to catching fish on fly rod?
Presentation. Familiarize yourself with the best flies for the species, location, and time of year. Work on casting accuracy. Be able to make a good cast to the fish with as few false casts as possible.
Why are paddlecraft so popular among fly anglers?
Fishing from paddlecraft - kayaks and canoes - continues to be the fastest growing participation sport in America. It offers a very cost-effective, healthy and stealthy alternative to motorboats. And besides, it's just plain fun! The Cenla region abounds with waters ideal for paddling. Our coast is the Redfish Capital of the World, where a hookup can result in a "Cajun Sleigh Ride". Many of the pioneers of kayak fishing were fly anglers who discovered that paddlecraft fit perfectly with the fly fishing approach. KFF members interested in paddling are encouraged to join one of the following clubs: Darbonne Kayak Club, Bayou Pirates Kayak Fishing Club, Lafayette Kayak Fishing Club, Bayou Coast Kayak Fishing Club. Some of these clubs have tournaments with fly rod categories.
Why should I join a club?
A club provides a continuous learning environment and an opportunity to share experiences with others. We also help to promote both our sport to the community by conducting clinics, and working with various groups. Your dues help to make our participation in these events possible.
Where can I get more help?
The internet is a great resource for all things related to fly fishing and fly tying. There are many hundreds of websites, forums, and videos to search and find answers. Ever since 1420, when Dame Juliana Berners - the Mother of Fly Fishing - described the sport in great detail in her book, "Treatise of Fishing With An Angle", no sport has been written more than ours. Online and chain bookstores have hundreds of titles to choose from, and the public library carries a good selection as well.
Still, books and internet are no replacement for personal interaction. In addition to meetings and special clinics conducted by Kisatchie Fly Fishers, many fly fishing clubs in Louisiana and east Texas hold events open to the public. The most popular of these are day-long expos, sometimes known as "conclaves". Conclaves feature programs, fly tying, casting, exhibits and more. Check our website calendar for dates and times.
