Summer Workshop recap

Our club held it's annual Summer Workshop this past Saturday and once again, it was a big success. Seventeen members were able to make it and got to enjoy and learn from Chris Morris of Little Rock, owner of Arkansas Drift guide service and guide on the Little Red River near Heber Springs. 

Chris, a Fly Fishers International Certified Casting Instructor, started the day with casting clinic. Although cut a bit short by the rain, we learned several new techniques for improving our casting.  Later we moved inside where Chris gave a slideshow on fishing the Little Red for rainbow and brown trout under various conditions. 

After a short break, Chris took to the vise and demonstrated several of his favorite fly patterns, ranging from simple nymphs to big streamers for larger fish.  Again, the presentation was very entertaining and enlightening.

The Little Red is about 6 hours away from Alexandria.  If you're looking for a trip on this great tailwater fishery, with a great guide, check out Chris' website at www.arkansasdrift.com

July 24th meeting - What's New for 2018

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, July 24, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

Once again, Glen Cormier attended the Fly Tackle Dealer / ICAST trade show earlier this month and has lots of new products to report on.  He'll give us a slide presentation on "New Products for 2018" covering fly fishing, kayak fishing and accessories. He'll also give us a "State of the Sport" summary  giving the latest stats and trends in fly fishing. 

Also, this is the last meeting before our Summer Workshop with Chris Morris.  We'll go over final details.

As always, our meetings are open to the public. Bring a friend!

July 17th fly tying

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, July 17, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

Something different this month for our tying session.  Pack and Paddle in Lafayette is expanding their fly fishing section to carry tying supplies and materials.  John Williams has asked us to give him a list of the most often needed materials we use so he can keep those in stock.  We'll discuss and prioritize materials for the list. 

Also, with the upcoming North Louisiana Fly Fishers Masters Series this Saturday, July 22nd, in Bossier City, we'll be selling the last allotment of our tickets at this meeting.

Also, we'll be distributing the first shipment of popping bugs made by club members via special order. Some of the bugs are still on backorder, but we have enough to keep the bream happy for now!

See everyone Monday night!

June 26 general meeting

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, June 26, 2017
6:00pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

** Please note we're meeting a half-hour early this month - 6:00pm - so attendees can catch as much of the LSU - Florida College World Series game 1 as possible.  Geaux Tigers!  **

Back in May, a few of our members made a trip to the San Juan River in New Mexico, considered one of the best trout waters in the country. For this month, Bill Morrison will lead a presentation featuring pictures from the trip. Other members of the trip will join Bill in discussing the river, flies, accomodations, and more. Expect some great stories - fish and otherwise!

Also on the agenda: July events including Summer Club Workshop with Chris Morris, and the North Louisiana club Masters Series featuring George Daniel  (we still have tickets - bring your money!).

As always, our meetings are open to the public. Bring a friend!

Coming in July - George Daniel and Chris Morris

George Daniel

This summer, Kisatchie members have an opportunity to learn from  not one - but two - of the top trout specialists in the country!

On July 22nd, George Daniel of Pennsylvania will be special guest for the North Louisiana Fly Fishers 5th annual "Masters Series". The event will take place at the Red River National Wildlife Refuge in Bossier City. Daniel is an internationally-acclaimed trout guide, author and instructor. He was 7-time member of Fly Fishing Team USA competing in international tournaments and is currently a coach for the Youth USA Team. His presentations at the Atlanta Fly Fishing Show were SRO!

Seats are limited! Fortunately because KFF is an event sponsor we have 10 tickets available to members. Make that 9. Make that 8.  Yes, they're going that fast.  Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at club meetings. The ticket includes admission, lunch and refreshments.

Chris Morris

A week later - on July 29th - the Kisatchie Fly Fishers will hold another of our popular Summer Workshops featuring Chris Morris. Chris is owner of Arkansas Drift Guide Service and an FFI Certified Casting Instructor. His specialty is big trout on the famed Little Red River, but he also does carp on the fly. He's been a popular speaker and featured tier at clubs, commercial shows, and FFF events across the country.

Chris will be doing a casting clinic, a presentation or two, and some fly tying.  We'll have refreshments and possibly lunch.

There is no fee for this workshop, but seats are limited due to space. Club members get first shot; after June 15 we'll open it up to members of other clubs if space allows.  Email Gene Taylor if you wish to attend.

June 19 fly tying - Bass Bully

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, June 19, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month Gene Taylor will lead us in tying the Bass Bully. Created by warmwater expert, author and fly tier Terry Wilson, the Bass Bully is great for largemouth and smallmouth. Best colors are olive, rust, black and chartreuse. It can emulate a sculpin, madtom, or salamander. It works best by letting it sink, then retrieving with a strip-pause-strip.

As always, beginners are welcome!  If you don't have tying tools, the club has a few sets for use during these sessions.  Materials are provided.

May 22nd meeting - Brandon Jennings

KFF monthly general meeting
Monday, May 22, 2017
6:30pm
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

For this month, we are excited to have Brandon Jennings as our guest speaker. Brandon is from Winn Parish and is the founder of the Bayou State Crappie Association. A crappie pro angler, he's a pro staff member for Crappie Psychic lures, NuCanoe kayaks, Trophy Ridge and several other fishing product companies. He's been a featured speaker on crappie fishing at numerous events.

Earlier this year, Brandon teamed up wtih the Union Parish Chamber of Commerce to hold the first-ever "Catch A Special Thrill" C.A.S.T. More than 100 folks took part to help a big group of special needs kids enjoy some fishing and boat riding.

Brandon will talk about tips and techniques for crappie fishing. Regardless of tackle used, there's a lot to learn about this popular and sometimes elusive species!

As always, the meeting is open to the public.

Fly of the Month: Blood Dot Egg

At the May fly tying session, Dan Fromme led the group of 11 tiers in tying the Blood Dot Egg Fly. The name "Blood Dot" could be used to describe the red dot on top the pattern, but it's actually the name of  it's creator, Jeff Blood. Blood is a well-known steelhead guru from Pennsylvania who 30 years ago observed that steelhead eggs had a distinct orange marking on one side. While the pattern was created for steelhead, it's been exceptionally good for all species of trout.

There are a couple of variations to tying this fly, but here's a video on the technique Dan used (and which doesn't require a special tool).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj7hMthKGP0