FTU Inshore Expo to feature Enrico Puglisi

On Saturday, December 8th, Fishing Tackle Unlimited in Houston will host their 11th annual Inshore Expo at their store on 8723 Katy Freeway. Time is 10:00am to 5:00pm. The FTU Expo is a free event dedicated to light tackle and fly fishing interests. In addition to seminars by national and regional anglers and captains, there's also fly tying demos by area tiers, casting demos, and factory representatives.

Each year, the FTU Expo features a renowned name in fly fishing. Past headliners include Enrico Puglisi, Flip Pallot, Steve Rajeff, Andy Mill, Gary Loomis - to name a few. This year's headliner will be Enrico Puglisi. If you missed his appearance at FTU several years ago - or at Uptown Angler in New Orleans a few years back - then this is a great opportunity to see one of the most innovative, entertaining and informative fly tiers alive today.

Other presenters include Laguna Madre guide Ernest Cisneros, Aransas fly fishing guide JT Van Zant, and outdoors artist Chance Yarbrough. For more info, go to www.fishingtackleunlimited.com.

PnP Fly Fishing Hangout November 18th

Fly Fishing Hangout w/ SRR Factory Tour
Sunday, November 18, 2018
2:00pm - 4:30pm
Pack & Paddle, 601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
FREE event

The good folks at Pack and Paddle will be holding another of their "Fly Fishing Hangouts" next month, this time in conjunction with the Sage, Redington and Rio Factory Tour.  The Sage trailer will be on hand loaded with rods, reels and lines for folks to try out. Company reps will be on hand to talk about every aspect of Sage, Redington and Rio gear.

There will also be other activities including fly tying. The store will have a fly tying den. Folks can also check out the wide variety of fly tying materials and tools that PnP now carries.

Each attendee will have a chance to win a Redington fly rod to be given away at 4:00pm. Also, special discount coupons will be given out on all Sage, Redington and Rio products. For more info, go to www.packpaddle.com.

Midweek tidbits - Lefty Kreh auction and recognition, new LDWF pond

Lefty with Catch Cormier at 2006 Home Waters Expo

This Saturday and Sunday, October 27-28, the remains of the Lefty Kreh estate will be placed on auction online. Hundreds of rods and reels, thousands of flies, assorted gear, fishing art, signed fishing books, and much more from the estate of America's most famed and loved fly fisher who passed away in March at age 93.  Starting bids will range from $20 to around $400, depending on rarity and value. The auction will be conducted by Langs Auctions. Check live.langsauction.com for details.

While on the subject of Lefty Kreh, the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, in partnership with Trout Unlimited, has established the "Lefty Kreh Memorial Conservation Fund" to honor the legendary angler.  The Fund will provide support to important conservation projects advanced by BTT and TU, including joing projects by the two organizations that advance the fly fishing continuum, from coldwater fisheries to saltwater flats.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has a new addition to their community fishing program, a.k.a. Get Out and Fish! Sidney Hutchinson Park in Walker will be the site of a free youth fishing event on Saturday, November 3 to celebrate the addition. Ages 15 and under are eligible for prizes in two categories - Little Angler (8 and under) and Junior Angler (9-15). In addition, the first 100 youth to register will receive a goody bag and every participant will be entered into a raffle for prizes. Adults who accompany each minor will also be entered into a separate raffle. Catfish will be stocked prior to the tournament.  Like most GOAF ponds, it's likely rainbow trout will be stocked later in December.

Bull reds running wild at Grand Isle

This past Friday and Saturday, the IFA Kayak Tour National Championship was held out of Grand Isle. The objective of this saltwater-based tournament series is to earn highest points based on a daily catch of biggest redfish and biggest speckled trout. Because the format is CPR (catch, photo and release), there is no slot limit restrictions on reds. So bull reds are not only acceptable, they're targeted.

The 38 qualifying competitors had no trouble catching bull reds behing Grand Isle. According to several Facebook posts, HUNDREDS of bull reds were caught by contestants. All on artificial lures (tournament rules). While none were caught on fly rod, prospects for fly anglers should be really good until it gets too cold.

As is often the case this time of year, many of the late spawning bulls will move to the backside of barrier islands and even into the lower marshes.  It's not uncommon to find these redzillas in shallow water areas in places like Hopedale, Port Sulphur, Leeville, Weeks Island, and Lafitte.  Targeting them on fly is not only challenging, but once hooked, a long, epic battle is guaranteed!

Back to the IFA championship... winning his unprecented fourth title was Benton Parrot of Spanish Fort, Alabama who frequently fishes Louisiana waters. Benton's two biggest reds were 43.00 and 41.375 inches, and two trout were 17.00 and 19.00 inches. Other top five finishers were Aaron Clay, Scott Bienvenu, Matthew Vann, and Fil Spencer. Biggest red was Spencer's 44.25 inches - which based on conversion was approximately 35 pounds!

Make plans for Toledo Bend Rendezvous

Toledo Bend Rendezvous
November 2-4, 2018
North Toledo Bend State Park, Zwolle, LA

What is Rendezvous?  It's the oldest, pure fly tying event east of the Rockies, currently celebrating its 30th year. Tiers from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and elsewhere get together at North Toledo Bend State Park for a weekend to fish and tie flies. There's no planned activities, but plenty of fly tying, food, fly casting and fishing, with only a minimal fee to cover lodging and meals.

The 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 and a large main log building with A/C, picnic tables and a large barbeque trailer.

Attendees can come for a weekend (lodging and meals included) or just for the day (Saturday). The event is open to the public.

Held the first weekend of November each year, the Toledo Bend Rendezvous (aka Southern Fly Fishers Rendezvous) is co-sponsored by the IFFF Texas and Gulf Coast Councils.  For complete details, go to the Toledo Bend Rendezvous home page.

"Fish My City" to feature New Orleans

On October 12th, the Nat Geo WILD channel will premier a new series - featuring professional bass angler and TV personality Mike "Ike" Iaconelli.  "Fish My City With Mike Iaconelli" follows the Ike-man as he travels to some of the world's largest cities in search of urban fishing adventures - as well as partaking in the local history and culture.  The six-part series includes stops at Austin, Miami, New York, Taipei, London, and New Orleans.

The New Orleans episode airs on October 19th.  The Crescent City is always a special place for Iaconelli as he won the Bassmasters Classic here.  He'll be in search of three of the city's most iconic fish species.  According to the press release, Ike will be dealing with challenging weather conditions, unusual happenings in the city's flood control system, and a "fearsome historic predator that can grow to 10 feet long". Wonder what that could be?  We'll guess that among those three species is either rios or redfish or both. 

FISH MY CITY WITH MIKE IACONELLI premieres Friday, October 12, at 10/9c on Nat Geo WILD, and will premiere globally in 140 countries and 38 languages. For more info, visit www.natgeowild.com .

Rio Rodeo enjoys another strong turnout

Yesterday was the 10th annual Rio Grande Fly Fishing Rodeo, hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishers. According to Sean Gilthorpe, some 40 anglers participated, with some coming from Texas and Mississippi.

This year boundaries were extended to all public waters in Orleans and Jefferson parishes. Since it's creation, the "Longest Rio" category has existed. But for 2018, a new category was added for "Most Rios". Here were the results:

Longest Rio
1st Place - Ricky Bonczek - 9 3/4"
2nd Place - Rob Bergeron - 9 1/2"
3rd Place - Kirk Dietrich - 9 1/8"

Most Rios
Tie - Jace Bamewold (Archbishop Rummel Fishing Club) and David Karcher (member New Orleans Fly Fishers) with 21 each.

Thanks to Sean Gilthorpe for this report. The 11th annual Rio Rodeo will be scheduled sometime in the next few months.

LSU AgCenter working to make better bass fishing

According to a news release from the LSU AgCenter earlier this week, researchers at the university are working to make a better bass fishing experience for Louisiana anglers. Led by William Kelso, professor of fisheries at the School of Renewable Natural Resources, and Sabrina Taylor, a conservation geneticist in the school, their team is collecting genetic composition of bass samples from across the state.

Since the early 1980s, more than 100 million Florida-strain largemouth bass have been released into state waters. The objective has been to introduce the fast-growth and overall larger size of Florida-strain and hybridize with native Northern-strain largemouth. These hybrid fish produce the real trophies that everyone dreams of catching.

The problem is that Florida bass have not done well in all waters across the state. In fact, some of the most fished waters - such as the Atchafalaya Basin - biologists have found few genetics of the Florida bass despite heavy stockings.

Researchers at LSU - ACSRR are working on a three-year project to determine what type of habitat best suits Florida strain bass. The result will be to effectively target stocking to those specific lakes. Because a lake can either support quality or quantity but seldom both, this would give Louisiana anglers a choice of fishing quality waters (stocked with Floridas) or quantity waters (stocked with Northerns). 

SweatFest 2018... the sweat just keeps on coming!

Readers may be questioning my wisdom. It wouldn't be the first time anybody has done that. But in this case, it's in reference to the weather.

A month ago, I stated that August was the last full month of SweatFest. And that September would bring us our first taste of cooler weather. Well, we're into the second half of the month and we haven't seen a hint of a cool front.

Let me define what I consider a "cool front" in Louisiana. It's based on temperatures in Alexandria (state center). When either (a)  nighttime temps dip to 60 degrees or lower, or (b) when daytime temps dip below 85 degrees AND nighttime dips below 65 degrees.

Looking at the 15-day forecast, we're not due for a cool front until September 30th. In the last decade, the first cool fronts have come on Sept 16 (2008), Sept. 3 (2009), Sept. 27 (2010), Sept. 6 (2011), Sept. 10 (2012), Sept. 22 (2013), Sept. 15 (2014), Sept. 13 (2015), Sept. 27 (2016) and Sept. 7 (2017). So this would be the latest cool front to invade our state in ten years.

Why is a cool front so important to us anglers? Fish activity is triggered by water temperature. Hot water holds less dissolved oxygen (DO). After a long, hot summer, The DO in most water bodies is very low.  Low DO means sluggish fish. Just as important, the stress placed on fish during long periods of low DO results in weight loss.  That's why Spring fish are usually bigger and healthier than late Summer fish.

As we approach the Fall equinox, a phenomenon known as radiative cooling begins. So even on these hot days, lakes are cooling down... but it's very minimal. In fact, the current water temperature here on Cotile Lake is 84 degrees - only 4 degrees less than the last day of August. The combination of hot days and high humidity are insulating the heat escape.

But a "cool front" as I described accelerates the radiative process, driving surface water temperatures into the 70s. Strong north winds associated with these fronts in combination with cool nights bring oxygen levels up. The result is "Fall Vigor". Both fresh and salt species get very active - and remain so usually until late December.

As pointed out, we've had late cool fronts before (September 27).  But we're also having record hot temperatures for the second half of September.  Today's high in Alexandria will be 97 degrees with a heat index of 104.

Before anyone screams out "global warming!", a word of caution. One indication of global warming is the extent of seasonal melt of the Arctic ice cap. The National Snow and Ice Data Center reports that this year's extent was in the "top ten" of meltoff.  But not nearly as bad as 2008, 2012, 2015, and 2016. Four of those years we had cool fronts in the first half of September. So the problem isn't as much global warming as it is a deflection in the jet stream.

There is some good news. The "love bugs" have shown up. The old timers used to tell us that when the bugs show up this time of year, it's two weeks to Fall. Over a lifetime, I've found their prophecy to be mostly correct. Let's hope it is again - people (and fish) are waiting!

This Saturday is the annual Rio Rodeo

The Rio Grande Rodeo is Louisiana's premier fly fishing tournament. Hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishers, the target species is the Rio Grande Cichlid. Considered an invasive species by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, it's actually native to south Texas - the only American cichlid. However it wasn't found in Louisiana waters until pet store (and aquarium) owners began dumping the species into the maze of waterways in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. After the massive flooding of Hurricane Katrina, rios expanded their presence in the two parishes.

Despite concerns by LDWF, rios have not displaced sunfish species as once feared. Over many decades, they've not exhibited displacement in Texas waters, so why here? In fact, their numbers have been kept in check by cold winters. And the fact that largemouth bass find them to be easy, delicious meals. 

Fly anglers have fallen in love with rios! They love to eat flies, especially wets and popping bugs. And once hooked, it's like fighting a wet cat! On light tackle - 2 thru 4 weight rods - rios can be as much fun as the law allows.

Nine years ago the New Orleans Fly Fishers organized a tournament for this species. It's been a hit ever since averaging between 30 and 50 participants. This Saturday that tradition continues. The event is open to the public. Onsite registration begins at 7:00am Saturday. All entry fish must be caught on fly tackle using artificial flies. This year, fishing is expanded to all public waters in Orleans and Jefferson parishes. Lunch and refreshments will be available for participants at the weigh-in. The registration and weigh-in will be at the intersection of Henry Thomas Drive and Palm Drive.

For complete rules and maps of legal fishing areas, go to www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

This Saturday is National Hunting and Fishing Day

Established by Congress in 1972, National Hunting and Fishing Day is celebrated the 4th Saturday of September. The day recognizes the contributions of America's hunters, anglers, and other outdoors enthusiasts, with events in 37 states.

Here in Louisiana, NHF Day is celebrated annually at four venues - Bodcau, Monroe, Baton Rouge, and Woodworth - with attendance at each in the thousands. 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, and there's even food and soft drinks provided at no cost.

The Waddill, Bodcau and Woodworth venues will feature fly fishing, casting and tying thanks to the Red Stick Fly Fishers, North Louisiana Fly Fishers and Kistachie Fly Fishers. Admission to each venue is free for all ages. Time is 9:00am to 2:00pm. For more details, check out the post in our Events Forum or go to www.wlf.louisiana.gov.

Keeping an eye on the Gulf

This weekend's low pressure system over the northern Gulf has given us our only taste of hurricane season so far. But the majority of storms that hit the northern Gulf Coast take place in September, so no sigh of relief yet. And now we may have our first storm.

A tropical wave in the Bahamas is slowing moving northwest. The National Hurricane Center has given it an 81 percent chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm. If it's a storm, the name will be Gordon.

Like most low-pressure systems in the Atlantic and Caribbean this year, development has been slow due to wind-shear, and milder water temperatures. But once it moves into the Gulf, this system will find more ideal conditions. In fact, it's forward speed may be the only thing preventing it from reaching hurricane strength.

Starting Monday, we'll be posting all updates on this storm on our Facebook page.

September is here, let the transition begin

While SweatFest 2018 isn't over, it soon will be. For example, the averages for today in Alexandria are 92 high, 72 low. By the last day of this month the averages are 84 high, 62 low. But that's 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. It's about to happen!

Activities wise, there are a couple of major events taking place this month.

The 10th annual Rio Grande Fly Fishing Rodeo - hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishers - is the largest and oldest freshwater fly fishing tournament on the Gulf Coast. It takes place Saturday, September 22nd. The target species is the rio grande perch, the only cichlid native to the United States, but which was non-native to Louisiana. Pre-registration ends soon, but onsite registration will be available. More details can be found on www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

September 22nd is also National Hunting and Fishing Day. NHF Day celebrations are hosted by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at four venues, and average over 8,000 attendees. Admission is free. There are hands-on activities for all ages, plus exhibits, food, and more. The Minden, Woodworth, and Baton Rouge venues will have fly fishing and fly tying supported by local clubs.

Rajeff, McCormick shine at ACA Casting Nationals

Maxine McCormick. Photo courtesy of ACA.

The American Casting Association held its 110th National Championships the week of July 25-28 in Valpariso, Indiana. Participants from across the country came to compete in casting competitions involving both conventional and fly tackle.

In the last few years, the ACA Nationals have been of high interest to flycasters everywhere. First, because of renewed interest among fly clubs in casting games.  Second, because of the numerous records set by Steve Rajeff, one of the greatest fly - and conventional - casters of all time. Rajeff's record 243-foot single-handed distance cast is jaw-dropping!  Finally, there's the extraordinary accomplishments of 14-year old Maxine McCormick, who has been the subject of countless national news stories.  And who many think will be the greatest female fly caster since the legendary Joan Wulff.

Yesterday, the ACA posted the official results of the competition.

In the men's fly competition, it was once again a battle royale between Rajeff and Henry Mittel.  Rajeff came 1st in the 2-handed Distance with 240 feet, followed by Pat McFadden at 236 and Mittel at 235.  In the 1-handed Distance, Rajeff was first with 208, followed by Mittel with 204, and Keith Pryor 156. 

In 2-handed Distance, Keith Sharp won Senior men with 204 feet.  Pam Peters won Womens with 147, and Maxine McCormick won Intermediates with 146.  In 1-handed Distance, Keith Sharp won Mens with 170 feet, Peters won Womens with 119 feet, and McCormick won Intermediates with 130 feet.

The Accuracy Division of the ACA Nationals focuses on hitting five targets of varying distance in sequence.  A perfect score is 100 points.

In Dry Fly Accuracy, Chris Korich won Mens with 99, Larry Moffett won Senior Men with 95, Pam Peters won Women with 97, Alice Gillibert won Senior Women with 89, Maxine McCormick won Intermediates with 96.

In Trout Fly Accuracy, Steve Rajeff won Men with a perfect 100, Charles Phillips won Senior Men with 95, Pam Peters won Women with 89, Elaine Gong won Senior Women with 93.  Maxine McCormick broke another record in the Intermediates with a near-perfect score of 99.  Had she competed in the Mens Division, she would've finished 2nd.

Ride The Bull this weekend

This Friday and Saturday is the 9th annual "Ride The Bull" kayak fishing rodeo out of Bridgeside Marina on Grand Isle. The world's largest kayak fishing tournament, RTB was the brainchild of Danny and Kristen Wray. After Kristen's untimely passing, CCA Louisiana agreed to take the reigns. The event is one of the most celebrated fishing events of the year, with between 500 and 760 participants from across the country and globe, and thousands in prizes.

The tournament remains the same, with the goal being to catch the heaviest bull red.  There is some basic skill and proper tackle involved in catching and landing a bull red, but beyond that, this is a tournament of chance. And that's what makes it so attractive - that anyone can win! When a red is caught, one of several CCA scout boats is flagged down. The boat takes the red back to the marina to be weighed, tagged and released.

Every imaginable watercraft can be seen at this event, from kayaks to pirogues to canoes to standup paddleboards to roundabouts. With so many participants, it's a great opportunity to see just about every type of kayak, every type of rigging and every type of transport.

Friday evening is the Captain's meeting and dinner, with Saturday the tournament and awards. It's a shotgun start, weather permitting. The early regisration period is over, however onsite registration begins Friday evening and up to tournament time on Saturday. Entry fee is $85 and includes entry, dinner, t-shirt and CCA membership for 1 year (or extended). For more info, go to www.ccalouisiana.com.

Saturday Snippets - 8/18

Sheep herders can't wait for the PAC Fall Fly

BHA member survey results.  This week, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers - one of the fastest growing organizations in the country with over 24,000 members - released results of a demographic survey.  It found that  nearly 70 percent of its members are under 45 years old, and that political affiliation ranges the gamut - 33% independent, 23% Republican, 20% Democrat.  The significance of this cannot be overstated:  this shows that young outdoors men and women of ALL viewpoints support the protection of public lands and waters.  BHA has been very active here in Louisiana, and supports public access to open tidal waters.  For more on this survey, click here.

PAC Kayak Fall Fly tournament.  With the success of the two "Fly Fishin For the Mission" tournaments benefitting the Mission Six non-profit,  Eddie Mullen of PAC Kayak Rentals and Matthew Roberts of Troll Squad / Mission Six have organized a fall event.  Date is Saturday, October 13.  This one is a bit different in that it'll be a CPR (catch-photo-release) using the Tourney X app to "weigh-in" catches.  Most total inches instead of weight.  As with FFFTM, there's separate Kayak and Boat divisions.  But two categories - Redfish (2 longest slot reds) and Mixed Bag (longest 1 each red, speck, drum, sheepshead).  The Mixed Bag addition is drawing lots of interest especially among speckled trout and "goat" enthusiasts.  For more info, go to www.packayakrentals.com.

Friday Fly Tying.  Allen Fly Fishing started as a small scale manufacturer of fly reels with direct sales online.  They've grown in size and expanded their product line to include rods, apparel, hooks, beads, and more.  They're also working to promote fly tying with a series of videos they call "Friday Fly Tying".  Each Friday, Allen subscribers on Instagram and Facebook get notification of a new pattern.  The first dozen and more are simple but effective patterns.  The list will continue to grow.  Beginner tiers can check out the video archive by clicking here.

Counting down to cooler water.  Fall officially begins a month from now. Some will say it really doesn't begin in Louisiana until the first week of October.  But if you own a swimming pool, you know all about radiative cooling - and that it begins the first full week of September. Water temperature is what it's all about.  First time it dips below 80 degrees is when freshwater fishing in north and central Louisiana turns back on. Especially for bass, crappie and redear.  Next week's cool front won't do much - highs will still be near 90 and lows in the upper 60s.  But let's see how water temps respond.  As of today, the temperature here on Cotile Lake was a tepid 86.5 degrees.

Saturday Snippets - 8/11

Drawdowns kill aquatic weeds and oxidize lake bottoms

Fish of the Year. This weekend, the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association holds their annual convention and awards banquet in Gonzales. At the banquet, LOWA will recognize - as they do every year - the most significant catch of the previous year in both Rod & Reel and Fly Fishing Divisions. Winners were announced recently. Top catch in the Rod & Reel Division was a 140-pound amberjack taken out of Venice by Chris Legrand of Slidell. It was a new state record for the species. Top catch in the Fly Fish Division was a 9.66-pound sheepshead taken by visiting angler Micheal Lee Clark of Hanahan, South Carolina. Clark caught the big "goat" in January 2017 in the Delacroix marsh while fishing with Capt. Lucas Bissett of Low Tide Charters. The new state record sheepshead ate a Bissett's Mud Bug fly. Congratulations to Chris and Micheal!

National Hunting and Fishing Day. This past week, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries sent out exhibitor notices for NHF Day on September 22nd. NHF Day is celebrated nationwide on the 4th Saturday of September. It was established by Congress to recognize the contributions of anglers, hunters and other outdoors enthusiasts to conservation. Here in Louisiana, LDWF hosts outdoors celebrations at four venues: Waddill (Baton Rouge), Bodcau (Minden), Cenla (Woodworth), and Monroe. Admission is free. There's numerous activities, exhibitors and plenty of food and refreshments.  The Bodcau, Woodworth and Waddill venues feature fly casting, fly tying, and knots courtesy of local fly fishing clubs. For more info, go to www.wlf.louisiana.gov.

CCA STAR. We're into the final weeks of the summer-long CCA STAR tournament, and all the speckled trout divisions - especially Fly and Kayak - have been negatively impacted by two factors. First, it's been a very tough year for specks. Most blame the brutal winter we had. Second, many anglers are boycotting STAR in response to CCA's opposition to a bill allowing tidal water access. Whatever the factors may be, recent good reports of speck catches from Grand Isle (east) and Big Lake (west) may mean changes to the leaderboard soon.

2019 Calendar. It's looking like a busy first half of 2019 for fly fishing events across the state and region. Most are long-running events such as the Natchitoches Fishing Expo, Rizzolo Fly Tying Festival and Red Stick Day. But there are a few new ones, including the first-ever New Orleans Fly Fishers conclave (which we're excited about). As for kayak fishing tournaments, most dates won't be set until December - with the exception of Paddlepalooza which could announced in the next few weeks.

Drawdowns. This week began a drawdown of Black and Clear Lakes in Natchitoches Parish in an effort to combat giant salvania and improve fish habitat by exposing banks heavy in organic material to oxidation. The gates will be left open until January 29th.  Meanwhile, Vernon Lake near Leesville remains 8 feet below pool. Meanwhile, Vernon Lake remains at low levels and will continue until next Spring. In this case, the issue is continued restoration of a dam that was damaged by Hurricane Harvey.

Coastal fishing report.  Excellent redfish action continues across the coast.  But speckled trout remains below average.  And those targeting trout are having to put up with a trio of unwanted species -   ladyfish, gafftop catfish, and hardhead catfish.  Cooler weather will drive these undesirables back into the Gulf, but that'll be several more weeks.  Along the beaches and passes, white trout and spanish mackeral are giving fly anglers a cheap thrill, with the occasional jack crevalle giving them a workout. Now is NOT the time to be using anything less than an 8-weight in open waters!  There's a lot of sheepshead activity along marsh grass even in the middle of the day, so keep that as an option. Of course, weather is a major factor.  Late August means calm, hot days with frequent lightning storms. Hydrate often and stay alert!

Special events this week - 8/5

Another very light week ahead, as summer starts to wind down.

On Thursday, Pack & Paddle will hold a special seminar, "Learn to Ride The Bull - Kayak Fishing Edition" at their store on 601 East Pinhook in Lafayette. Time is 6:00pm. This free seminar will cover the different strategies necessary when fishing for bull reds as opposed to slot reds. With additional tips for the upcoming "Ride The Bull" kayak fishing tournament on August 25th. For more info, go to www.packpaddle.com.

Welcome to August! Top 8 things about this month.

1) This is the last full month of "SweatFest", the festival nobody likes to celebrate! It's also the worst month - we typically get several days or more of temperatures 100 degrees or higher. Add in the humidity, and it can be brutal. Fish early in the day, and hydrate often.

2) We're now in the peak of hurricane season. The period from August 1st to October 15th accounts for 91 percent of the named Atlantic storms. August alone accounts for nearly 30 percent. Last month, the National Hurricane Center downgraded their earlier prediction for an above-average season. However, it looks like the Gulf Coast may get some tropical moisture starting this weekend.

3) It's a quiet month for fly fishing activities. In fact, the only significant event anywhere in the country is the National Fly Fishing Fair hosted by Fly Fishers International (formerly the Federation of Fly Fishers). The expo will be held August 7-11 in Boise, Idaho.

4) Kayak fishing is also fairly quiet with one major exception: the 9th annual Ride the Bull out of Bridgeside Marina in Grand Isle August 24-25. Originated by Danny and Kristen Wray, RTB grew to become the world's largest kayak fishing tournament. After Kristen lost her battle with cancer, CCA Louisiana agreed to take the reigns. Registration has picked up in the last week and I expect a good turnout, even if far below the tournament record (753).

5) It's bull red season. And the reason why "Ride the Bull" is held this month. Bulls will be thick in the passes as the spawning cycle peaks. Along the beaches, passes, and even into interior lakes, August and September are the best times to hit a "redfish blitz". Schools of reds - sometimes in the thousands - will be busting up pogies on the surface. A bit of advise... something I learned the hard way when Tiger Jake and I crossed paths with a redfish blitz the first time - only one fly angler hook up at a time!

6) This is the best month for pelagic species. Spanish mackeral and bluefish are in the passes. Jack crevalle are active in bays and interior lakes. Bluewater is close in, and dolphin are plentiful. Close to shore are cobia, king mackeral, mangrove snapper. The bad news: it's also the worst month for the nasties - ladyfish, gafftop catfish, and vibrio. Bring antibacterial spray!

7) August is also the last full month for the CCA STAR tournament, which ends on Labor Day. Participation in the Kayak and Fly Fishing divisions has been low this year due to the fallout from this past legislative session and CCA's opposition to the tidal waters public access bill. Regardless, August is always a difficult month for fly anglers to catch large speckled trout. In hot water, the fish are more nocturnal and feed sporadically.

8) Football season kicks off this month. Colleges begin practice next week, and a few games are scheduled late in the month. NFL practices have already started and preseason games begin next week. As always, we're excited for our Saints and all of our college teams and hoping they have a great season!

6th annual "Masters Series" this Saturday

Kelly Galloup to headline 2018 Series

There are two major fly fishing events held each summer in Louisiana. One is the Contraband Fly Fishing Expo, held two weeks ago in Westlake. Hosted by the Contraband Fly Fishers, this year's event was very well organized and a big success! Folks are still talking about it.

The second major event of the summer is the annual "Masters Series" held at the Red River National Wildlife Refuge in Bossier City. Hosted by the North Louisiana Fly Fishers of Shreveport, the Series is much different than the conclaves (expos) put on by other clubs. It's basically a day-long seminar conducted by the headliner. Segments include programs, a casting demonstration, fly tying demonstration, and more.

The headliner is usually one of the big names in fly fishing, one who has made major contributions to our sport, and/or brings a wealth of information for improving our success as anglers. Past headliners have included: Dave Whitlock, Davy Wotton, Bob Clouser, and George Daniel.

This year NLFF is proud to present Kelly Galloup. Galloup is co-owner and  guide of Slide Inn Lodge on Montana's Madison River. Galloup started tying flies at age 13, he currently has over 40 recognized patterns. His biggest contributions have been the articulated streamers now recognized as the ticket to big predatory fish.

In addition, Kelly has written two books, Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout and Cripples and Spinners.  He's been published in nearly every fly fishing periodical in the country, and was a host of Fly Fish TV on the Outdoor Life Network.

The Masters Series is a limited ticket event, with only 75 tickets sold. Tickets are $40 each and include lunch and refreshments. As of today, only a handful of tickets are still available. Anyone wishing to get in,  please contact Scott Irwin at 318-469-0854 asap.