Rendezvous tops October events

North Toledo Bend Rendezvous
Friday-Sunday, October 18-20, 2024
North Toledo Bend State Park, Zwolle, LA

For those unfamiliar with Rendezvous, it began 35 years ago when members of two clubs met at North Toledo Bend State Park to camp and fish. The following year, the clubs decided to rent the group facility.  Since then, fly tiers and other fly fishing enthusiasts from across several states – along with their families – have gathered for a 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.

The excellent facilities at North Toledo Bend State Park are ideal for a Fall weekend fly tying retreat. 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.

For complete details, go to flycasting.bravesites.com.

Lots happening this month!

We mentioned that September is a month of transition in our weather, and our fisheries. It's also a very busy month for regional activities.  Louisiana fly anglers have an opportunity to: demonstrate their tying and favorite patterns, watch other tiers from across the region or country, learn about coastal fisheries, teach kids and even adults about fly casting or tying basics, and/or participate in a fly fishing tournament.

Natchitoches Fly Fishing Tie-In
Saturday, September 14th
9am - 4pm
Natchitoches Chamber Building
716 Second St, Natchitoches, LA

This event is being hosted by the ArkLaTexOma Fly Tiers, an independent group of fly tiers from the four corners region. This event is free and open to the public. Many of the top tiers from across the region will be on hand to demonstrate a wide range of patterns.

According to Mike Hawkins, there's room for more tiers - contact Mike at flyfish.hawk@gmail.com.

FFI Fly Tying Group Rendezvous
Friday-Saturday, September 27-28
Springlake Event Center
Farmers Branch, Texas, TX

We provided details of the FTG Rendezvous on our August 28th post. Browse down to check it out.

3rd annual ASGA Fisheries Science Symposium
Friday, September 27th
10am - 3pm
Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans
Free admission but pre-registration required

The American Saltwater Guides Association will host their third Fisheries Science Symposium at the Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans. It will feature a comprehensive lineup of guest speakers and presentations focused on current events, research and management updates for iconic Gulf species like redfish and jack crevalle.  They'll also take a peak at artificial intelligence and it's use in the future of fisheries data.

Over the past year, ASGA was a partner with the FFI Gulf Coast Council and other allies in the battle to get sensible new regulations for red drum, speckled trout, and menhaden here in Louisiana.

While the event is free, there's a maximum capacity and a deadline of Tuesday, September 17th to register.  For more info and to register, CLICK HERE.

National Hunting and Fishing Day
Saturday, September 28th
Venues: Baton Rouge, Minden, Woodworth, Monroe
Free admission!

National Hunting and Fishing Day is celebrated nationwide the 4th Saturday of September. The day recognizes the contributions of America's hunters, anglers, and other outdoors enthusiasts.  Here in Louisiana, NHF Day is celebrated annually at four venues - Bodcau (Haughton), Bayou Black (Monroe), Waddill (Baton Rouge), and Woodworth. Activities including archery, canoeing, fishery, target shooting, outdoor games, live animal exhibits, educational displays, and more. Many of the activities are geared towards youth and family.

The Waddill and Woodworth venues feature fly fishing, casting and tying thanks to the Red Stick Fly Fishers and Kistachie Fly Fishers, respectively.

Admission to each venue is free for all ages. Time varies depending on location, but its usually 8:00am to 1:00pm or 2:00pm. For more details, go to www.wlf.louisiana.gov.

Rio Grande Rumble
Saturday, September 28th
Weigh-in: No Wake Outfitters
1926 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA
Registration: $20

New Orleans Fly Fishers Club will host their 15th annual Rio Grande Rumble Fly Fishing Rodeo. The target species is the invasive and wary Rio Grande cichlid. Categories are Longest and Most. Fishing starts at 6:52am  and ends at 12:30pm. Participants are usually treated to lunch before the awards ceremony begins.

Pre-registration is available on the NOFFC website. Anglers can also register the morning of the tournament at No Wake Outfitters. For complete details, and to pre-register, go to www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

September is here, let the transition begin

SweatFest isn't over, but now we're counting the days.  For example, here in Alexandria the average temperatures for September 1st are 92 high, 72 low. By the last day of this month the averages are 84 high, 62 low. But that's just half the story, because average humidity in September is lower as well. The combination of lower air temps and lower humidity and shorter days/longer nights means greater radiative cooling of waters.

Consider that the amount of daylight and angle of the sun today is equivalent to that of April 9th. As for radiative cooling... last year on this day the water temp here on Cotile Lake  was 90 degrees. A week later - with no cool front - it was 86 degrees. By the end of the month it was 78 degrees.

Why is this important? When water temps get below 80 degrees, fish go into their fall feeding frenzy. Bass school, redears congregate, spotted bass turn on, speckled trout move inside, crappie move to the shallows. 

So make plans now, tie those flies, get your casting tuned-up.  Great Fall fishing is about to happen!