January 24th proclaimed as "Cenla Fly Fishing Day"

An historic moment occurred at Tuesday's meeting of the Pineville City Council. Mayor Clarence Fields proclaimed Saturday, January 24th as "Cenla Fly Fishing Day".  FYI, that's the day of the first-ever Cenla Fly Fishing Festival hosted by Kisatchie Fly Fishers at Kees Park in Pineville.  In the proclamation, Mayor Fields - himself an avid bass angler and occasional flycaster - recognized the numerous opportunities for fly fishing in central Louisiana, and the fact that many of the state's freshwater fly rod division records come from the area.  Afterwards, Mayor Fields handed a framed copy of the proclamation to KFF president, Glen 'Catch' Cormier.  Thanks to Mayor Fields and everyone on the council, especially KFF member Christy Frederic, for this great recognition!

Cenla Fly Fest - 12 days and counting!

Our first-ever "conclave" is less than 2 weeks away - Saturday, January 24th - and the list of tiers is impressive.  We also have a great lineup of speakers and several exhibitors.  On Thursday we'll post the lineup of programs, speakers, and fly tiers.  So mark your calendars for January 24 and don't miss it!

KFF Christmas Gathering - Dec. 15th

In lieu of our regular meeting, the club has decided to gather for dinner that evening. Come join us for great food and conversation! 

 

Date: Monday, December 15

Location: Copelands, 2421 S MacArthur Dr, Alexandria, LA

Time: 6:30pm

Dutch Treat

For menu selections, http://www.copelandsofneworleans.com/menu-alexandria-la

You can bring a spouse, guest, sibling, etc.

Dress is casual (but no waders!)

RSVP required... DEADLINE Sunday, December 14... email Catch Cormier

Nov. 24th meeting - LDWF biologist Rickey Moses

Our next meeting will be on Monday, November 24, 2014 at 6:30pm at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria.  The public is welcome, so bring a guest if you can.

Our special guest speaker will be LDWF regional biologist Rickey Moses who will talk about area fisheries, including results of their recent surveys.  Here's a golden opportunity to learn where the fish are!

Also on the agenda:  fishing reports, update on the Cenla Fly Fishing Festival, and updates on proposed club trips.

November 18 fly tying - Estaz Charlie

Our next fly tying session will take place on Tuesday, November 18, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria.  Time is 6:30pm. The public is invited.

The pattern this month will be the Estaz Charlie. Bob Nauheim's Crazy Charlie is one of the most effective saltwater flies ever created. In the early 90s, Kyle Moppert and Mike LaFleur each created separate versions of this pattern utilizing estaz for the body (in lieu of transparent ribbing) to give it greater flash and appeal to specks and reds.  The popular version used today uses craft fur in the wing instead of kip tail.  This is a great wintertime pattern!

Bring your tools if you have some, materials will be provided.  For those without tools, the club has 3 sets of tools for use only during tying sessions.  See ya there!  

October 27 meeting

Our next meeting will be on Monday, October 27, 2014 at 6:30pm at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria.  The public is welcome, so bring a guest if you can.

For this meeting, we'll watch the video of Lefty Kreh on fly casting that we had to postpone from earlier this summer.  Lefty is the dean of fly fishers... his video contains numerous tips to help improve your casting.  Following the video, we'll have open discussion of casting topics.

Also on the agenda:  fishing reports, update on the Cenla Fly Fishing Festival, other upcoming events including Rendezvous, and updates on proposed club trips.

Note: our November 24th meeting will feature LDWF regional biologist Rickey Moses who will talk about area fisheries, including results of their current surveys.  Make plans now to attend this one!

Make plans for Rendezvous October 31st - November 2nd

What is Rendezvous?  Twenty-six years ago, a group of fly fishermen from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and elsewhere decided to get together for a weekend to fish and tie flies.  They found the facilities at North Toledo Bend State Park to be ideal.  Since then, the tradition has continued and grown.  There's no planned activities, but plenty of fly tying, food, fly casting and fishing, with only a minimal fee to cover lodging and meals.  The activities take place at the park's group facility, which features a commercial kitchen and dining hall, and lodging available for up to 150 people in 5 heated log bunkhouses (30 beds each). There's also a heated central shower and restroom building with nice night lighting on all the sidewalks and a large main log building with A/C, picnic tables and a large barbeque trailer.

Held the first weekend of November each year, the Toledo Bend Rendezvous (aka Southern Fly Fishers Rendezvous) is co-sponsored by the IFFF Texas and Gulf Coast Councils.  It remains one of the top fly tying events in the country, with many of the attendees featured at regional and national expos.

For complete details, go to the Toledo Bend Rendezvous home page

October 20 Fly Tying - Clouser Minnow

Our next fly tying session will take place on Monday, October 20, at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria.  Time is 6:30pm. The public is invited.

The pattern this month will be the Clouser Minnow.  Developed by Bob Clouser for smallmouth bass, it may be the most universal pattern ever created.  Lefty Kreh claims to have caught 87 different species on this fly, and our response is "That's all?".  Here in Louisiana, Clousers are the best fly for speckled trout, sand trout, and white bass, and a good fly for redfish.  It's also a great pattern for schooling largemouth. It's also fairly easy to tie.

Bring your tools if you have some, materials will be provided.  For those without tools, the club has 3 sets of tools for use only during tying sessions.  See ya there!