November 2026 activities, updates

Mixed Bag & Big Catch updates

November is the final month for our Mixed Bag and Big Catch contests.  While catching a wide variety of species is a bit more difficult this month (for Mixed Bag), it's actually a prime month for big fish and a chance to get some top entries into the Big Catch.  If you're missing a trout entry, good news there also as the Little Missouri (AR) and Mountain Fork (OK) start receiving stockings this month.

We don't have the current tallies due to some technical issues, but the Mixed Bag had a record number of entries going into the month.  Remember: you do -NOT- need to be at the top of the Mixed Bag results to get a prize!  There will be several consolation prizes drawn at the Christmas Party, including the Grand Prize for all entrants.  So if you don't have an entry, go catch a fish this month and enter it!

KFF monthly fly tying session
* Tuesday, November 10, 2026

6:30 pm 
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube
Featured pattern: Dumbbell Bunny Leech
* click on the image to see larger view

* Please note this meeting is on Tuesday *

Join us on Tuesday, November 10th as Bill Morrison leads us in tying the Dumbbell Bunny Leech.  There are many variations of a bunny leech, most of which have a bead or cone head. We will tie a version with dumbbell eyes and legs, making it a great all-around pattern for anything that eats baitfish. (In the photo, the leeches are in the circle around the Bluegill Gurglers). We will tie it in black and green.

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

Sugar Day Festival
Saturday, November 14th
9:00am - 4:00pm
Kent House
3601 Bayou Rapides Rd, Alexandria, LA

The 33rd Annual Kent House Sugar Day features live music, house tours, demonstrations of blacksmithing, corn grinding, woodcrafting, and FLY TYING.  As well as vendors selling handmade arts & crafts items, live music and children’s activities! 

KFF members wishing to demo tie get FREE admission.  Please fill out the form below so we can tell them how many of us to expect.  You’re welcome to tie any pattern you wish.  
FORM:  https://forms.gle/wgmcELdBbhXYiVUS8 

KFF general meeting
Monday, November 23rd

6:30 pm 
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

Our previously scheduled speaker for this month had to cancel, so we're looking for a replacement at this time.  Please keep checking this website or our Facebook page for updates.  

As always, our meetings are open to the public.  For remote members, look for the email with Zoom meeting number and password. All others, can watch on the KFF YouTube Channel, use this link and go to Live videos - http://bit.ly/3oBk106  

UPCOMING 

We have no meetings in December.  Instead we have our annual year-end banquet. 

KFF annual Christmas Party
Monday, December 7, 2026

Location:  Brocato's 
                 5515 Coliseum Blvd in Alexandria
Time:  6:00 pm social
           6:45 pm dinner

Dinner:  menu selections and cost TBA
*  Taxes and gratuities (tips) will be paid by the club.

As always, expect great food and comradery, live music, door prizes, Club Awards, Mixed Bag Contest awards, and more.  Bring family or friends.  We'll have an invitation with more details and a registration link coming the middle of November.

October 2026 activities

KFF monthly fly tying session
* Tuesday, October 13, 2026

6:30 pm 
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube
Featured pattern: Shrimp Slurpee
* click on the image to see larger view

* Please note this meeting is on Tuesday since the library will be closed for Columbus Day.  *

Join us on Tuesday, October 13th as Chris Williams will lead up tying the Shrimp Slurpee - a unique top water shrimp pattern by Bend-It-Flies in Charleston, SC. We will tie this with a grizzly hackle tail, which should make it a killer bass pattern as well.

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, October 26th

6:30 pm 
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month, Jerry Patton and Robert Kinberger will share their adventurous bonefish trip to Utilla, Honduras.  As you might know from their previous travel presentations, this promises to be both fun and informative!  

The public is welcome! For remote members, look for the email with Zoom meeting number and password. All others, can watch on the KFF YouTube Channel, use this link and go to Live videos - http://bit.ly/3oBk106  

ALSO HAPPENING 

Rio Grande Rumble - Saturday, Oct. 10th

The Rumble was moved back a week due to severe weather forecasted for October 3rd (and which never materialized).

Hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishers, it’s the oldest freshwater fly fishing tournament in the South. The target species is the Rio Grande Cichlid.  Advance and Onsite registration is available. Weigh-in and other activities will be held at Lafreniere Park in Metairie. Registration fee $30, includes lunch and refreshments. Benefits Casting for Recovery – Southeast.  

For details and to pre-register, visit the NOFFC website at www.neworleansflyfishers.com .

KFF Casting Clinic -  Saturday, Oct. 10th

9:00 am to 12 noon, Big Island Field, City Park, Alexandria.  Whether newbie or looking to advance your casting skills, this one is for you!  Instruction will be one-on-one or one-on-two as opposed to a seminar style presentation.  This to help maximize your time casting and work on your specific needs of improvement.  No cost and open to the public.  Club rods will be available for use during the session. 

North Toledo Bend Rendezvous
Friday-Sunday, Nov. 6 - 8, 2026
North Toledo Bend State Park, Zwolle, LA

A tradition for over three decades, fly tiers and other fly fishing enthusiasts from across several states – along with their families – gather for a casual weekend of fly tying and fishing with only a minimal fee to cover lodging and meals. Some are members of clubs, some are not. Rendezvous is open to all!

There are no organized activities. Everyone is welcome to come fish, tie flies, watch some of the region’s top tiers, or tie themselves. You can come for the day or the entire weekend.   If you come as a family, the rate for the entire weekend for the whole family or individual is just $40 which includes lodging. For one night lodging, the fee is $20 and for day only the fee is $10. For details, go to the Toledo Bend Rendezvous website at:
https://rendezvousannually.blogspot.com .

Sugar Day Festival
Saturday, November 14th
9:00am - 4:00pm
Kent House
3601 Bayou Rapides Rd, Alexandria, LA

The 33rd Annual Kent House Sugar Day features live music, house tours, demonstrations of blacksmithing, corn grinding, woodcrafting, and FLY TYING.  As well as vendors selling handmade arts & crafts items, live music and children’s activities! 

KFF members wishing to demo tie get FREE admission.  Please fill out the form below so we can tell them how many of us to expect.  You’re welcome to tie any pattern you wish.  
FORM:  https://forms.gle/wgmcELdBbhXYiVUS8 

September 2026 activities

Fly Tying 101
Tuesday, September 8th
  
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
Rapides Westside Library.
FREE to everyone
Open to the public, registration required

See the "Tying 101" page on menu for complete details.

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, September 14th

6:30 pm 
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube
Featured pattern: EP Fiber Clouser
* click on the image to see larger view

Join us on Monday, September 14th as Jerry Patton leads us in tying the EP Fiber Clouser.  We learned this variation of the Clouser Minnow from Duane Hada - probably the most knowledgeable smallmouth guide in the South - on a
smallmouth trip with him this past summer. It is easy to tie and has great action in the water. It worked extremely well for smallmouth and should prove just as effective for largemouth and other 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

3rd annual ALTO Flies & Pies
Friday - Saturday, Sept. 18 -19, 2026
Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame
Natchitoches, LA
 
Hosted by the ArkLaTexOma Fly Tyers in conjunction with the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival, this event features tiers from across Louisiana and other states.  There is a fee for admission - for the Museum - but demonstration tiers can come in free.

For details, go to www.arklatexomaflytyers.org
or the ArkLaTexOma Fly Tyers Facebook Page  

National Hunting and Fishing Day
Saturday, September 26
LDWF Woodworth Education Center
660 Robinson Rd, Woodworth, LA
8:00am to 1:30pm
Free admission!

Established by Congress in 1972, National Hunting and Fishing Day is celebrated the 4th Saturday of September.  The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) celebrates NHF Day at four venues across the state, including Baton Rouge (Waddill) and Woodworth.

Admission  is free. Activities including archery, fishing, target shooting, outdoor games, live animal exhibits, educational displays, and more. There's even food and soft drinks provided at no cost.   

Kisatchie Fly Fishers will once again be on hand to demonstrate fly tying and fly casting at the Woodworth location.  Any KFF members wishing to come out and volunteer, please contact Mike Carlin at jmcdatt@gmail.com .

KFF general meeting
Monday, September 28th

6:30 pm - program
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

This month, various club members will identify and demonstrate their favorite 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 the wisdom on why certain knots perform better.

The public is welcome! For remote members, look for the email with Zoom meeting number and password. All others, can watch on the KFF YouTube Channel, use this link and go to Live videos - http://bit.ly/3oBk106  

UPCOMING 

Rio Grande Rumble - Saturday, Oct. 3rd

Hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishers, it’s the oldest freshwater fly fishing tournament in the South. The target species is the Rio Grande Cichlid. Pre-registration is now open, and onsite registration is available. Weigh-in and other activities will be held at Lafreniere Park in Metairie. Registration fee $30, includes lunch and refreshments. Benefits Casting for Recovery – Southeast. For details and to pre-register, visit the NOFFC website at www.neworleansflyfishers.com .

KFF Casting Clinic -  Saturday, Oct. 10th

9:00 am to 12 noon, Big Island Field, City Park, Alexandria.  Whether newbie or looking to advance your casting skills, this one is for you!  Instruction will be one-on-one or one-on-two as opposed to a seminar style presentation.  This to help maximize your time casting and work on your specific needs of improvement.  No cost and open to the public.  Club rods will be available for use during the session. 

August 2026 activities

KFF monthly fly tying session
* Tuesday, August 11th

6:30 pm 
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube
Featured pattern: Curly Tail Krystal Bugger
* click on the image to see larger view

** Please note the date change as the library was unavailable on the 2nd Monday **

Join us on Tuesday, August 11th as Jeff Albrecht leads us in tying a Krystal Bugger with a curly tail, a pattern Jeff has originated.  With a flash body and a rubber twister tail, it's an attractor pattern good for any number of species, both saltwater and warmwater.  

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, August 24th 
6:30 pm 
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Topic:  Fly Fishing Rios in the Big Easy

Join us August 24th as we welcome A.J. Rosenbohm via Zoom.  A.J. is president of the Gulf Coast Council (GCC) of Fly Fishers International (FFI), and a past president of New Orleans Fly Fishers.  A longtime accomplished fly anglers, he's also a nationally recognized commercial fly tier and will soon be opening a new fly shop in the metro area.

A.J. will present on fly fishing for Rio Grande cichlids in and around the New Orleans area.  Rios are the only cichlids native to the United States (west Texas), but became widespread in southeast Louisiana due to aquarium releases.  Catching these wary fish takes patience, but once they eat your fly, "it's like hooking into a wet cat".  

A.J. will share his secrets to catching these fish, especially the larger "brainiacs", and will also discuss the NOFF club's annual Rio Rumble coming up on October 3rd (KFF members are invited). 

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    

UPCOMING 

Fly Tying 101 - Tuesday, Sept. 8th.   

Time 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm.  Rapides Westside Library.  Free to KFF members.  $10 materials fee for non-members. Registration required, as class limited to 15 students.  See the "Tying 101" page on menu for complete details.

3rd annual ALTO Flies & Pies - Friday - Saturday, Sept. 18 -19

Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, Natchitoches, LA. Hosted by the ArkLaTexOma Fly Tyers in conjunction with the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival.  For details, go to www.arklatexomaflytyers.org
or the ArkLaTexOma Fly Tyers Facebook Page.

KFF Casting Clinic -  Saturday, Oct. 10th

9:00 am to 12 noon, Big Island Field, City Park, Alexandria.  Whether newbie or looking to advance your casting skills, this one is for you!  Instruction will be one-on-one or one-on-two as opposed to a seminar style presentation.  This to help maximize your time casting and work on your specific needs of improvement.  No cost and open to the public.  Club rods will be available for use during the session.

 

July 2026 activities

KFF monthly fly tying session
* Tuesday, July 14th

6:30 pm 
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube
Featured pattern: Sam's One Bug
* click on the image to see larger view

** Please note the date change as the library was unavailable on the 2nd Monday **

This month Jim Johnson will lead us in tying the Sam's One Bug.  This classic foam bass and bluegill pattern was created by Sam Blevins around 1984. Sam named the fly “One Bug” after catching 100+ bream, three smallmouth, and five largemouth on the same fly and noting that he needed only one fly to fish all day. We will tie one similar to the photo. 

Incidently, Sam's son Wade continues the legacy by tying these bugs at the Atlanta Fly Fishing Show and other venues. For more info about the origin of this pattern, check out this podcast featuring Wade Blevins.  CLICK HERE.

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

2026 KFF Summer Workshop
Tying Poppers - with Anthony Falgout

Saturday, July 18, 2026
9:30 am to 1:00 pm
Ft. Randolph - Buhlow Historic Site
135 Riverfront St, Pineville, LA 
 
Registration required, Class Fee $55.  Limited to 10 tiers.  

As of July 1st, we only had 5 club members signed up, so the workshop is now open to ALL tiers!

Details:

• Hands-on demonstration and painting six poppers for each student.
• At the end of the class, each student will have one fully completed popper with instructions to complete the remaining ones.
• Materials needed to complete the six poppers.
• A tool kit to take home for each student to continue the fun.
• Class should run for 3-4 hours depending on skill level of class.

Materials and instruction will be provided to students. Students should bring their own vise, tools, and thread. Anthony will let us know what color and denier thread we'll be using.  Refreshments will be provided.

To register, click this link:  CLICK HERE

KFF general meeting
Monday, July 27th 
6:30 pm 
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Topic:  The True Weight of your Fly Rod

Join us July 27th as we welcome Rush Clay from the North Louisiana Fly Fishers club.  Rush specializes in using the Common Cents System (CCS) for both custom built and factory rods. The CCS was created by Dr. William Hanneman, a world renowned gemmologist who first published his unique system in 2002, that uses pennies to make a relatively accurate determination of the "weight" action of a fly rod or rod blank.

Rush will discuss the origin of CCS and how it works.  Then he will do evaluations of various rods that attendees bring.  Attendees are encouraged to bring one or two of their rods they wish to be evaluated.  

REMEMBER!  The fly line is as important as the rod in making a good cast.  Knowing the proper weight line to use on your rod can make a big difference in your casting.

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  

UPCOMING 

Fly Tying 101 - Tuesday, Sept. 8th.   

Time 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm.  Rapides Westside Library.  Free to KFF members.  $10 materials fee for non-members. Registration required, as class limited to 15 students.  See the "Tying 101" page on menu for complete details.

3rd annual ALTO Flies & Pies - Friday - Saturday, Sept. 18 -19

Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, Natchitoches, LA. Hosted by the ArkLaTexOma Fly Tyers in conjunction with the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival.  For details, go to www.arklatexomaflytyers.org
or the ArkLaTexOma Fly Tyers Facebook Page.

KFF Casting Clinic -  Saturday, Oct. 10th

9:00 am to 12 noon, Big Island Field, City Park, Alexandria.  Whether newbie or looking to advance your casting skills, this one is for you!  Instruction will be one-on-one or one-on-two as opposed to a seminar style presentation.  This to help maximize your time casting and work on your specific needs of improvement.  No cost and open to the public.  Club rods will be available for use during the session.

June 22nd general meeting - The Five Essentials

KFF general meeting
Monday, June 22nd 

5:30 pm - casting on lawn, weather permitting
6:30 pm - meeting
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom & YouTube

This month we pay tribute to world-renowned flycasting instructor and outdoorsman Bill Gammel, who passed away earlier this month.  Bill and his dad Jay wrote the groundbreaking booklet, "The Five Essentials of Fly Casting" in 1990, which has since become the foundation for teaching effective casting, used by instructors worldwide.

We'll first walk through a brief powerpoint featuring two videos, one by Bill and another by one of Europe's top casting instructors, on The Five Essentials.  Then our panel of club casting gurus will elaborate on each of the principles, with some live demonstration possible as well.

If you're new to flycasting, or looking to improve your casting skills, DO NOT MISS THIS MEETING!  Come ready to ask questions and learn what it takes to make an effective cast every time!

Also on the agenda:  Recap of our Cenla Fly Fest, updates on Mixed Bag and Big Catch contests, details on the Summer Workshop in July, Fishing Reports and more.

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   

June 8th fly tying - Flugenzombie

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, June 8th

5:30 pm - Casting practice (weather permitting)
6:30 pm - Tying begins
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube
Featured pattern: Flugenzombie
* click on the image to see larger view

Continuing with our warm water series this summer, we'll be tying the Flugenzombie, an articulated streamer created by the guys at Fly Fish Food.  It has incredible action and movement in the water, and though a number of folks use it for gar, in various colors and sizes, it is also a great bass pattern.  If you've never tied an articulated streamer, this is a great pattern in which to learn.  It's basically two wooly buggers tied together with a few additions on the front.

Leading us this session will be Conner Lewing from Baton Rouge.   Conner was the fishing manager at Orvis in Baton Rouge before it closed, and is a national-level fly tier.   Conner is making the drive up from Baton Rouge, so let’s greet him with a good turnout!

We will be cutting articulation wire, so bring a pair of old scissors or small wire cutters if you have them.  We will tie the pattern in black and white, so 140 denier black or white thread will work.  
  
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  

May 2026 activities

KFF monthly fly tying session
Monday, May 11th

5:30 pm - Casting practice
6:30 pm - Tying begins
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria
Also livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube
Featured pattern: Bass Gurgler
* click on the image to see larger view

This month Bill Morrison will lead us in tying a top water pattern, a bass / warmwater version of the Redfish Gurgler as sold by Space Coast Flies.  Their variation -as pictured above - is a saltwater version of the popular Gartside Gurgler.  However, we will tie this fly in colors favored by bass, pickerel, and other warmwater 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 general meeting
* Monday, May 18th  (3rd Monday)

5:30 pm - casting practice
6:30 pm - program
Rapides Westside Library, 5416 Provine, Alexandria

* Please note the date change as the library will be closed for the 4th Monday, Memorial Day *

Join us May 18th as we welcome Zane LeBlanc as our guest speaker.  Zane is Black Bass Coordinator for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF). He will present on the LDWF's Black Bass Management Plan (BBMP) to guide conservation, management, and fishing opportunities for Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, and Florida Bass across Louisiana.

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

Cenla Fly Fishing Festival
Saturday, May 30, 2026

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

In even-numbered years we hold our biennial Festival, a celebration of the fly fishing experience.  This event is  unique in that it's all about education, instruction, and community.  

Originally scheduled for January, the 2026 event had to be postponed to May 30th due to a winter weather event that occurred that weekend.

We encourage attendees to come learn about the sport, new places to fish, or how to fish them. Watch some of the top tiers from across the region tie flies, or jig makers.  Cast a fly rod and/or get casting instruction from top FFI Certified Instructors.  

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! 

For complete details, including schedule, list of fly tiers, exhibitors, speakers, and much more, click on the "2026 Cenla Fest" menu above.