Kisatchie National Forest waters temporarily open

On Friday, President Trump signed House Joint Resolution 28, which provides short-term fiscal appropriations to fully fund all branches and departments of the government through February 15th. It ended the partial government shutdown that affected several agencies, including the U.S. National Forest Service.

Shortly after the bill was signed, the Kisatchie National Forest offices began re-opening several recreation areas that had been closed. Many of the lakes and ponds in these areas were inaccessible during the shutdown, but will be open now until February 15th - or longer if Congress and the White House come to terms.

Those waters include Valentine Lake, Fullerton Lake, Kisatchie Bayou, Caney Lakes, Corney Bayou, Corney Lake, Stuart Lake, Anderson Pond, Blue Hole, and Twin Lakes. In addition, NFS boat launches and fishing piers at Kincaid Lake are now reopen.

Bank and non-motorized anglers in northwest and west-central Louisiana were delighted at the news. Below average temperatures and much higher than normal rainfall has affected many lakes in these areas,  resulting in muddy to stained water and sluggish fishing. By contrast, most of the KNF waters have fairly decent water.

What's happening this week - 1/27

On Monday, the Kisatchie Fly Fishers hold their monthly general meeting at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm. Guest speaker will be Jeff Regnart, former biologist and Director of Commercial Fisheries for Alaska Game and Fish, who will present on "Fly Fishing Alaska". Public welcome. For more info, go to www.kisatchiefly.org.

Also on Monday, the Red Stick Fly Fishers hold their monthly fly tying session at Cabelas in Gonzales. Time is 7:00pm. Bring your tools, if none, the club has a few sets for use during the session. Materials are provided. For more info, go to www.rsff.org.

On Thursday, the New Orleans Fly Fishers hold their monthly meeting at Lakeshore Marina and Fuel on 7640 Lakeshore Drive. Time is 7:00pm.  Guests are welcome. For more info, go to www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

On Friday, Pack & Paddle in Lafayette will host the 2019 Fly Fishing Film Tour at their store on 601 E. Pinhook in Lafayette. Social hour starts at 5:30pm, with films starting at 6:30pm. A limited number of tickets are still available for $15. F3T is an annual event featuring anywhere from 8 to 12 independent films selected from dozens of entries, celebrating the sport of fly fishing adventure worldwide. For more info, go to www.packpaddle.com.

On Saturday, Orvis of Baton Rouge will hold another of their "Fly Tying 101" sessions at their store on Bluebonnet in Perkins-Rowe. Time is 2:00pm. FT101 is a free one-day, 2-hour hands-on clinic covering the basics of fly tying. Pre-registration is required as class size is limited. For more info, call 225-757-7286.

Fly Fishing Film Tour coming to Louisiana February 1st

What's the most fun you can have and not be fishing?  It's watching the Fly Fishing Film Tour, of course!

The Fly Fishing Film Tour is a collection of independent short films highlighting the adventure and conservation aspects of our sport. Shot across the US, Canada and around the world, these films celebrate fly fishing in all it's splendor.  F3T is shown at select venues across the country, which each  year bringing new adventures, new spectacular scenery, and new fascinating stories.

On Friday, February 1st, the 2019 edition of F3T makes its first, and possible only, showing in Louisiana. Pack and Paddle in Lafayette will host the event at their store on 601 East Pinhook. Doors open at 5:30pm for social with beer and snacks. The films kick off at 6:30pm. Along with the films there will be door prizes.

Tickets are $15 in advance and at the door. Tickets are available at Pack & Paddle or can be purchased online at the F3T website. For more info, go to www.packpaddle.com.

What's happening this week - 1/20

Of course, today everyone will be focused on the big game taking place in the Superdome. Geaux Saints! 

On Tuesday, the Kisatchie Fly Fishers hold their monthly fly tying session at the Rapides Westside Library in Alexandria. Time is 6:30pm.  The group will tie two flies, the Dragon Tail Streamer and the Christmas Tree. Bring your tools, if none, the club has a few sets for use during the session. Materials are provided. Beginners are welcome. For more info, go to www.kisatchiefly.org.

Also on Tuesday, the Contraband Flycasters will hold a rescheduled monthly meeting (postponed from last week) at St. Paul's Lutheran Community Center in Lake Charles. Fly tying and social start at 6:00pm, with meeting at 7:00pm. Voting for club officers and rainbow trout fishing at Purple Heart Park in nearby Ragley. Guests are welcome. For more info, go to www.contrabandflycasters.net.

On Thursday, the New Orleans Fly Fishers hold the 2nd of their twice-monthly fly tying sessions at St. Francis Xavier Church Hall on 444 Metairie Road. Time is 7:00pm. Bring your tools, if none, the club has sets for use during the session. Bring $1 for materials. For more info, go to www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

On Saturday, it's the annual Orvis Baton Rouge "Travel Day" at their store on 7601 Bluebonnet in Perkins-Rowe. Time is 10:00am to 5:00pm. Admission is free. Meet and speak with representatives of Orvis-endorsed lodges and fly fishing guides from across North America and the Caribbean. Programs on the hour. For more info, go to www.orvis.com/baton-rouge.

Winter 2019: news of it's demise was premature

A week ago everyone was saying what a mild winter we're having, and that Spring would be here early.  My poor lizard blood - which can't take cold very well - was hoping they were right.  Especially after having a great speckled trout trip to the marsh - and reading of many others!

As if outraged by those comments, Mother Nature has responded with a swift kick to our collective groin. The polar vortex that has descended upon us in Louisiana this weekend led to the cancellation or postponement of several fishing events including the very popular Minimalist Challenge kayak tournament.  Sadly, it's the first of a trio to come over the next two weeks.

For most parishes north of Highway 190, we can except several days of highs in the 40s over the next two weeks, with 1-2 slightly warmer days between fronts. Lows will be in the 20s and 30s. Things will be slightly warmer on the coast.

Low air temperatures bring low water temperatures and that negatively affects the metabolism of fish.  But the real problem is the wind associated with these systems.  A second look at the forecast revealed that we're in for breezy conditions over the next 15 days.

Let's hope the weather service's accuracy - or lack thereof - continues and this prolonged cold spell doesn't happen.  But if it does, I'm prepared.  Just bought another box of hooks and looking forward to tying up more flies for the season ahead.

What's happening this week - 1/13

On Monday, the Red Stick Fly Fishers hold their monthly general meeting at the Wildlife and Fisheries building on Quail Drive in Baton Rouge. Time is 7:00pm. The public is welcome. For more info, go to www.rsff.org.

On Tuesday, the Contraband Fly Casters hold their monthly meeting at St. Paul Lutheran Church on 1620 East Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles. Fly tying and discussion at 6:00pm, meeting at 7:00pm.  Guests are welcome. For more info, go to www.contrabandflycasters.net.

Also on Tuesday, the Lafayette Kayak Fishing Club holds their monthly meeting at Pack and Paddle on 601 East Pinhook in Lafayette. Time is 6:00pm. On the agenda: upcoming calendar of tournaments, 2019 CPR Challenge, tackle tips, and fishing reports. For more info, go to www.lafayettekayakfishing.com.

On Thursday, the New Orleans Fly Fishers hold the 1st of their twice-monthly fly tying sessions at St. Francis Xavier Church Hall on 444 Metairie Road. Time is 7:00pm. Bring your tools, if none, the club has sets for use during the session. Bring $1 for materials. For more info, go to www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

On Saturday, Orvis BR will hold a "Fly Tying 101" clinic at their store. Time is 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Orvis FT101 is a one-day, 2-hour hands-on clinic covering the basics of fly tying. Materials and tools provided. There is NO cost, but pre-registration is required as class size limited. For more info, call (225) 757-7286.

Largest annual fly tying expo coming Feb. 9th

Click on image above to enlarge

We're now one month away from one of the biggest and oldest fly fishing events in our region. Hosted by the Texas Fly Fishers of Houston, the Dr. Ed Rizzolo Fly Tying Festival features the largest group of fly tiers of any event on the Gulf Coast.  The festival will once again be held at Bethany Christian Church Community Center on 3223 Westheimer. Admission is $10 adults, seniors $8, family $15, under 18 $5, and free for Scouts.

In addition to anywhere from 70 to 100 fly tiers demonstrating their favorite patterns,  there are also several seminars during the day. There are exhibitors, including rod companies and demo casting. A barbecue lunch is available.

Each year, TFF brings in a prominent name in fly tying as their headliner. This year's special guest is Pat Cohen. With a background as a graphic designer and tattoo artist, Pat started tying flies 10 years ago and has ascended to one of the most recognized deer hair tiers in the world. His innovation in patterns as well as tying tools is not limited to deer hair either. As an angler, Pat is well accomplished at hooking up on largemouth, smallmouth, pike and carp. He's a member of numerous pro teams, including Epic Fly Rods, Peak Vises, Cortland Lines, Jackson Kayaks, to name just a few.

Pat was featured guest at the Lake Charles expo in July. Many who saw him then are looking forward to seeing him again in Houston. Mark the date - that's Saturday, February 9th.  

What's happening this week - 1/6

On Tuesday, the North Louisiana Fly Fishers hold their monthly meeting at the Red River National Wildlife Refuge in Bossier City. Gathering starts at 6:00pm, meeting at 6:45pm, program at 7:00pm.   Mark Trombetta  will  give  a  presentation  on  fishing  Belize.   For more info, go to www.northlaflyfishers.org.

On Saturday, Pack and Paddle in Lafayette will hold a "Kayak Rigging Seminar and Boat Show" at their store on 601 East Pinhook. Time is 11:00am to 2:00pm. The event is free. Several boat owners with rigging experience for both conventional and fly fishing will be on hand. During the event, a 2019 Outback will be rigged for a fishfinder as demonstration. Also, new 2019 models from a wide range of kayak companies will be on display. Free beer and grilled burgers and dogs will be available. For more info, go to www.packpaddle.com.

Also on Saturday, it's the 2nd annual Select-A-Fly Challenge at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, Texas. Time is 7:30am to 3:30pm. Entry fee is a $40 donation (extra mulligan fly $20). A friendly competition for stocked rainbow trout benefitting the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. Nice prizes including TFO rods. This event was rescheduled from December. For more info, go to the TPWD TFFC page.

Also on Saturday, Orvis of Baton Rouge will hold another of their "Fly Fishing 101" sessions at their store at 7601 Bluebonnet. Time is 8:00am to 10:30am. Orvis FF101 is a one day, 2.5 hour clinic designed to introduce the basics of fly fishing and fly casting.  It includes hands-on rigging and casting instruction. There is NO cost, but pre-registration required as class size limited. For more info, call (225) 757-7286.

Later on Saturday, Orvis BR will hold a "Fly Tying 101" clinic at their store. Time is 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Orvis FT101 is a one-day, 2-hour hands-on clinic covering the basics of fly tying. Materials and tools provided. There is NO cost, but pre-registration is required as class size limited. For more info, call (225) 757-7286.

What's happening this weekend - 1/4

Two activities happening this weekend, both at Pack & Paddle in Lafayette.

On Saturday (tomorrow), they'll host a "Fly Tying Level 1" at their store on 601 East Pinhook. Time is 9:30am to 11:30am. Cost is $20. Covered will be fly tying tools and how to use them, followed by hands-on instruction on tying two flies effective for Louisiana.

On Sunday, PnP will host "Fly Fishing FUNdamentals" at their store. Time is 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Cost is $40. This clinic covers the basics of our sport, including gear, flies, rigging, knots and basic casting.

Pre-registration is required as class size is limited to five (5) students. For more info or to register, call 337-232-5854 or go to www.packpaddle.com.

Now is the time for all good fly tiers...

To come to the aid of their favorite clubs and causes. Spring is "conclave" season, those 1-2 day fly fishing events, often sponsored by clubs, that feature programs, fly tying demos, casting demos, exhibitors, and more. All are open to the public, and most are free.

All of these events hold raffles, silent auctions, and other fundraising activities. Part of the revenue is used to offset the cost of the event, allowing for free admission to the public.  The rest of the proceeds go to the club's educational goals, conservation projects, and/or some local charity.

The most popular items in raffles are boxes of flies.  With cold, wet weather forecast the next few weeks, take this opportunity to tie flies for the season ahead. And as you do, put a few aside for donation to one or more events.  A box of 6 to 10 flies makes a great raffle item!  If your skill is unique, then that donation will likely go to a Gamblers Draw or silent auction.

Check the LFF Calendar out for upcoming events. Make plans to attend at least one this winter/spring, and if you tie flies, please donate at least a box or two of your flies. Thanks!

Welcome to 2019

First off, wishing all our LFF Community and their loved ones the best wishes for a safe, healthy, and prosperous year ahead. For my fellow fly flingers - may your loops be tight and your flies get victimized often!  For my fellow kayak anglers - may the waters be calm and your butts stay dry! And to all my fellow anglers - may there be many great fishing stories to tell, even if some are borderline truth.

As you can see from the Calendar page, there are many great activities coming up this Spring for those of us who pursue fish on the fly and/or from a paddlecraft.  Hope to see some of you at one or more of these events... or on the water!