Learn fly fishing basics at these upcoming clinics

Fly fishing is a great hobby, but the learning phase can be somewhat lengthy if you don't have instruction to help guide you through the tackle, terminology, and most important, the casting basics. That's where fly fishing clinics can get beginners on the fast track.

With the closing of the Orvis store in Baton Rouge, which provided several clinics through the year, the options for those seeking a comprehensive course are fewer.  But at least two hands-on workshops are available coming in February - and both are free! 

Acadiana Fly Fishing 101 - Feb. 21

The Acadiana Fly Rodders of Lafayette will host  a "Fly Fishing 101" on Saturday, February 21st at the East Regional Lafayette Parish Library in Youngsville.  Time is 10:00am to 1:00pm. 
There is no cost, but pre-registration is required.

The agenda includes fly fishing overview, hands-on casting instruction led by FFI-Certified Instructors, hands-on knots and leaders, discussion of equipment and accessories needed for fresh and marsh fishing. For complete details or to register, go to www.acadianaflyrodders.org and click on "Fly Fish 101".
  
Cenla Fly Fishing 101 - Feb. 28

The Kisatchie Fly Fishers will host their annual "Fly Fishing 101" on Saturday, February 28th at Booker-Fowler Hatchery on Joan Stokes Rd in Forest Hill. Time is 8:30am to 12:30pm. There is no cost, but pre-registration is required.

The agenda includes fly fishing overview and terminology, hands-on casting led by FFI-Certified Instructors, hands-on knots and leaders, discussion of equipment and accessories needed for fresh and inshore saltwater fishing, and different types of flies for various fish.  For complete details or to register, go to www.kisatchiefly.org and click on "FF101".

Its rainbeaux trout time!

Every winter, rainbow trout are stocked in numerous public lakes and ponds across Louisiana, either by parish agencies or as part of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries "Get Out and Fish" community fishing program.

The first stockings began before Christmas, by East Baton Rouge Parish Recreation (BREC) in their parish lakes, along with Ascension Parish at Lamar Dixon.  Later in January, LDWF will stock ponds statewide.  A list of locations and dates is on the graphic to the left.  Click on the image to view an enlarged version.

The trout are stocked as put-and-take, with a daily limit of either four (4) or five (5).  In conjunction with their stockings, LDWF holds fishing tournaments at most of their community lakes, while BREC has a tagged fish contest.

Louisiana joins over 30 other states that have wintertime stockings of the popular coldwater species in small lakes and ponds where bank anglers have easy access. It provides a very active fishery at a time when warmwater species are fairly dormant. Whatever trout survive harvesting will likely die sometime in late March or early April when the water temperatures get too warm.

Fly anglers across the state, regardless of skill level, can be found at these ponds once the rainbeaux trout arrive. While corn, marshmallows, powerbait and other "commie tackle" might work best, once the trout become acclimated to the food life of the pond, they soon revert to those bugs. Advantage fly fishers!