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