KFF monthly fly tying session
Pinch Hitter tied by Chris Johnson
Monday, April 13
5:30 pm - Casting practice
6:30 pm - Tying begins
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube
Featured pattern: Jigged Pinch Hitter
This month, Jim Johnson will lead us in tying the Jigged Pinch Hitter, another super-effective pattern by Chris Johnson, creator of the Rio Bandito. The Pinch Hitter is a crayfish pattern
with lots of movement from the rabbit and rubber legs. It works well for bass, carp, trout, and various river species.
As always, the session is open to the public. All materials are provided, and we have sets of tools for beginners to use during the session. For beginners, we can also pair you with someone who can help.
Remote members can participate using the Zoom meeting number and password sent by email. All others can watch on the KFF YouTube Channel, use this link and go to Live videos -
http://bit.ly/3oBk106
Monday, April 27
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 Recreation Area. All 2026 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. Bring your favorite beverages. We will have water and some beverages.
2. Bring a chair.
3. 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.
Fly Fishing Festival
Friday-Saturday, May 1-2, 2026
The Learning Campus at Gulf State Park
Gulf Shores, AL
Admission: $15-$20 (Free for youth 16 & younger)
The 2026 Gulf Coast Classic Fly Fishing Festival returns May 1st and 2nd at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama, for a weekend built around fly fishing, education, and conservation. The Classic will feature two dozen demonstration fly tyers from across the country, showcasing a wide range of patterns and techniques for both fresh and saltwater fisheries.
The event features 15+ exhibitors and is supported by 30+ sponsors, whose contributions fuel a robust lineup of raffles, conservation auctions, and prizes for this year’s Mixed Bag Fly Fishing Tournament. Attendees can also enjoy two signature competitions—the Blind Tie Challenge and Iron Fly Tyer.
Education remains at the core of the festival, with 10+ free fly fishing seminars, a Saturday morning youth workshop, free and paid casting clinics, and 6+ paid fly tying workshops designed to help anglers improve at every level.
A centerpiece of the weekend is the Conservation Keynote on Saturday at 4 pm, delivered by Dr. Aaron Adams of the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. Director of Science & Conservation, Dr. Adams is not only a leading voice in flats fisheries research, but also an accomplished fly fisherman and author of multiple books on the subject.
The festival concludes Saturday evening with the Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T), with tickets priced at $25, featuring a lineup of world-class fly fishing films and conservation storytelling.
For complete details, go to the Classic website at www.ffigulfcoastclassic.com .
