April 2026 activities

Pinch Hitter tied by Chris Johnson

KFF monthly fly tying session
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

KFF annual Spring Picnic
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.

4th Annual Gulf Coast Classic
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  .

Mixed Bag, Big Catch Challenge updates

Ed Jones' threadfin shad

We're starting the fourth month of our 9th annual Mixed Bag Contest. The MBC is our members-only, online tournament where size doesn't matter, but diversity does. 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. Click on "Mixed Bag" menu above for complete details.

Proof that you can catch just about anything on flies - check this photo of a Threadfin Shad caught by Ed Jones.  If it's hooked in the lips, it counts!

So far, 18 members have contributed 119 total entries - yet another record pace!  And surprise, surprise!  Bill Morrison is not leading the pack.  That honor belongs to Eron Borne with an amazing 25 different species!

While Eron is the clear frontrunner, don't let that deter you from submitting entries.  Remember that under the newest format, everyone who submits entries gets tickets in the Mixed Bag drawing - and some really nice prizes too!  Every 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's the MBC leaderboard as of April 1st 11:59pm...

Eron Borne - 25
Chris Williams - 18
Ed Jones    - 15
Bill Morrison  - 10
Jim Johnson  - 10
Frank Coe  - 9
Jerry Patton  - 8

Big Catch Challenge

Unlike our Mixed Bag, the Big Catch is a fishing contest where size does matter!  There are 4 species categories: Bass, Bream, Crappie, Trout. The top 5 entries for each species gets points, and the goal is to have the highest aggregate of points.

It's a tight race so far.  Currently Jerry Patton leads with 14 points on the strength of a 19.0" brown trout (1st) and having tied with Bill Morrison for largest bass at 16.0".  Catch Cormier is 2nd with 10 points,  anchored by the largest crappie at 13.50".  Jim Johnson is 3rd at 9 points, with the top bream at 9.0".  Bill Morrison has a close 4th place and Eron Borne is at 5th place.

Of course, the REAL purpose of the Mixed Bag and Big Catch are to give members a database of where and when to catch certain species of fish, and what flies work for those fish.  All to help us improve our success on the water.  Your participation is important!

March 2026 activities

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, March 9th

5:30 pm - Casting practice
6:30 pm - Tying begins
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube
Featured pattern: Stimulator Dry Fly

** 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.

This month, Bill Morrison will lead us as we finish our series of trout patterns with the Stimulator.  This "dry fly" pattern was originally created by Jil Slattery in 1980, with the popular version we now fish created by Randall Kaufmann in 1982.      

The Stimulator is a winged, double-hackle dry fly that floats extremely well and works great in rippled or splashy water. It can represent a variety of insects, including hoppers, caddis and even emerging stoneflies.  While this fly may look imposing to tie, with a couple of tricks, it can be somewhat simple. It demands an eye to proportion which with practice is easily attained.

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

KFF general meeting
Monday, March 23rd 

5:30 pm - casting practice
6:30 pm - program
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Special guest via Zoom:  Tim Flagler

This month, we are joined - via Zoom - by one of the world's premier fly anglers and fly tiers, Tim Flagler. Tim is a videographer by trade and owner of Tightline Productions located in New Jersey.  Incidently, it was Tim who was instrumental in helping KFF select equipment for our livestreaming of fly tying and general meetings.

While his video programs cover a wide range of topics, his specialty is fly fishing.  A renown fly tying instructor, his videos are some of the best around and his YouTube channel currently has over 126,000 subscribers and 40 million views. Almost every week he produces a new fly tying or “how to” video which appears on his Tightlinevideo YouTube channel as well as Midcurrent and the Orvis News fly fishing blog. They’re also featured on Trout Unlimited’s national website and in the Orvis Learning Center. 

In addition, he has a regular column “Beginner’s Masterclass with Tim Flagler” in Fly Tyer magazine, which selected Tim as their “Fly Tyer of the Year” for 2022.

Tim is a featured presenter at all of The Fly Fishing Show venues, as well as several other large fly fishing events.  From late Spring on, he guides for South Branch Outfitters and hosts annual trips to Patagonia, Kootenai, and northern British Columbia. 

Each month, Tim and Clark "Cheech" Pierce and Tim Rosenbauer compete in a friendly "Tie Off" livestreamed on Facebook, YouTube and Tim's own channel.  In fact, the day of our meeting, Tim will be in a tie-off... you can watch it on FACEBOOK LIVE at the Orvis Fly Fishing page or Tightline Productions page.  Time is 2:00pm CDT. 

Tim's presentation will be "What Trout Like to Eat & Flies to Feed Them".  This updated video-based presentation includes incredible underwater footage of a variety of aquatic insects, bait fish & crustaceans that trout eat in order to survive. In addition, Tim will share the fly patterns he uses to best imitate the variety of bugs discussed.

** IMPORTANT: this meeting will only be available remotely to 2026 members via ZOOM.  We will -NOT- be broadcasting or recording this meeting to YouTube per the speaker's request.  ** 

Also happening this month... 

31st annual Red Stick Day
Saturday, March 7th 
8:30am - 3:30pm
Waddilll Wildlife Refuge
4142 N Flannery Rd, Baton Rouge)
FREE admission!

Our friends in the Red Stick Fly Fishers club in Baton Rouge will be holding their annual festival the first Saturday in March.  The event includes programs, fly tying demonstrations, casting seminars and instruction, and more.  Best of all, admission is FREE!

Fly tying begins at 8:30am and continues through the day. Some of the region's top fly tiers will be on hand.  There are free refreshments during the day.  A lunch prepared by award-winning Jambalaya cook Ken Holmes will be provided for a nominal cost. Then there's the big raffle and Gamblers Draw for flies, tackle, equipment, and other items that help benefit the club's education and conservation projects.

For more details, go to www.rsff.org and click on "Red Stick Day".

February 23rd general meeting - Big Catch, Survey, New products

KFF general meeting
Monday, February 23rd 
6:30 pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom & YouTube

Join us for our first general meeting of 2026 (our January meeting was cancelled due to weather). This month we will have 3 short presentations of interest to all members.

First, Bill Morrison will give an overview and take questions on our new "Big Catch" Challenge which kicks off February 21st. 

Second, Catch will give a short presentation on some of the many new items he saw and tested at the Denver Fly Fishing Show earlier this month.  

Finally, Catch Cormier will give the results of the Club Survey and touch on the items of most interest to club members.  Open discussion of the items will follow.

A reminder that 2026 dues are due!  They remain at only $25 per family... for now.  You can pay at our meetings OR online through our membership page.  

Also... we have a very special program lined up for our March  meeting - ONLY 2026 members will be able to view remotely (no YouTube either).  You will NOT want to miss it, so pay those dues!

As always, the public is welcome! Remote members can participate using the Zoom meeting number and password sent by email. The livestream is also available on our YouTube Channel. Click this link and go to Live videos -
http://bit.ly/3oBk106

Introducing the Big Catch

Kisatchie Fly Fishers is excited to announce a new annual contest, the Big Catch Challenge.  Unlike our Mixed Bag Contest, this is a fishing contest where size does matter!  This contest is open to all KFF members. There is no entry fee required.

Our Big Catch Challenge kicks off February 21st and ends November 30th at 11:59pm. Winners will be announced and participants will be eligible for prizes drawn at our annual Christmas party in December. 

The Big Catch Challenge is designed to see who is the club’s best lunker lander.  There will be 4 species categories: 

    Black Bass -  largemouth, smallmouth, Redeye, etc
    Bream        -  bluegill, redear, warmouth, etc
    Crappie      -  black, white
    Trout          -  coldwater trout e.g., rainbow, brown, etc

At our February general meeting, the KFF Tournament Committee will give specific details and answer any questions about the Big Catch.  In the meantime, you can learn about the rules on the "Big Catch" page (click on the menu item above).

February 9th fly tying - Tan Bead Belly

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, February 9th
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube

This month Bill Morrison leads us in tying Jeff Guerin’s Tan Bead Belly - one of Jeff's staple patterns for the Little Missouri.  It can imitate caddis, March Browns, or other insects.  

What makes this fly different from nearly all the trout nymphs we've tied is that the bead is tied near the middle of the hook rather than behind the hook eye. This gives the bead the impression of an air bubble. The pattern has classic soft hackle lines and fishes well under an indicator or stripped or pulled just below the surface.

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. The video is also available on our YouTube Channel. Click this link and go to Live videos - http://bit.ly/3oBk106  

Cenla Fly Fishing Festival reset for May 30th

Cenla Fly Fishing Festival
Saturday, May 30, 2026

8:30am to 3:30pm 
Kees Park, Pineville, LA
FREE admission!!

We were all disappointed that our Festival in January had to be canceled due to a winter storm watch.  The good news is that now have a NEW date for our Fest - Saturday, May 30th.  And promises from the weatherman that this time there's an extremely small chance of frozen precipitation.

So mark your calendar, tell your friends, and come enjoy a celebration of the fly fishing experience.  Watch some of the top tiers from across the region tie flies and jigs.  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! 

We'll be posting the new schedule, speakers, and tiers for the event in the weeks ahead.  Click on the "2026 Cenla Fest" menu  for details.

January 26th meeting cancelled

In addition to the cancellation of our Cenla Fly Fishing Festival on Saturday due to weather concerns, the Rapides Parish Police Jury has announced closure of all offices and facilities, which includes the parish libraries.  For that reason - as well as continued travel concerns due to possible lingering icy roads - the club has cancelled our January general meeting set for Monday, the 26th.  See you all in February!