Monday, September 23, 2019

Reminder that Rio Rodeo returns October 5th

11th annual Rio Grande Rodeo
Saturday, October 5th, 2019
7:00am to 8:00am - on site registration
8:00am to 12:00pm - fishing
12:00pm - weigh-in deadline

$10 entry fee, includes lunch and refreshments

Sponsored by the New Orleans Fly Fishers Club, the Rio Rodeo is now into it’s second decade,  bigger and better than ever! This tournament is fly fishing only for the elusive Rio Grande Cichlid.  All entry fish must be caught on artificial flies.  It's open to the public.  All proceeds go to Casting for Recovery.  

Onsite registration and weigh-in will be at the intersection of Henry Thomas Drive and Celebration Drive (under the oak trees across from the Blue Rose art sculpture). Look for the NOFF sign and tent.

Two categories will be awarded:

Longest rio wins top prize and bragging rights for the year.
Most rios caught by a fly fisher takes first prize in the second category.

The Rio Grande Perch is native to south Texas and northeast Mexico, making it America’s only native cichlid.  During the 1990s, it began appearing in waterways in Orleans, Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes, likely the result of aquarium dumpings.  Since rios are more cold-tolerant than other cichlids, most are able to survive the mild winters of southeast Louisiana. 


Rios make excellent fly fishing quarry on light tackle. While not the greatest fighters, they can get up to 2 pounds and “fight like a wet cat”.  They are also very wary, making presentation and choice of fly critical.

For complete details, go to www.neworleansflyfishers.com.