September 2026 activities

REMINDER - Our monthly club meetings are now the third Monday of the month at the East Regional Library in Youngsville.

3rd annual ALTO Flies & Pies
Friday - Saturday, Sept. 18 -19, 2026
Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame
Natchitoches, LA
 
Hosted by the ArkLaTexOma Fly Tyers in conjunction with the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival, this event features tiers from across Louisiana and other states.  There is a fee for admission - for the Museum - but demonstration tiers can come in free.

For details, go to www.arklatexomaflytyers.org
or the ArkLaTexOma Fly Tyers Facebook Page  

AFR monthly meeting
Monday, September 21st
6:00pm
East Regional Library
225 La Neuville Rd
Youngsville, LA
Open to the Public!

This month’s meeting is a Fly Tying tag team with the September 24th Bugs and Brews meeting.  Club member Anthony Falgout will cover building and painting a hard foam popper using the stippling techniques made famous by Ron Braud of the Red Stick Fly Fishers.  Stippling is a technique using dots of various sizes to create an image, or in this case pattern.  

We’ll have some poppers prepped and ready to paint and go over the various techniques.  Then at Bugs and Brews on Thursday we’ll finish up the poppers and tie on the tails.  Between both sessions you’ll get to glue the body to the hook, fill the slot, prime a base coat, stipple a pattern, and tie the tail for a complete experience with building hard foam poppers.

So bring your tying tools.  If you're new, we'll have some tools for beginners to use. The public is always welcome!  

Acadiana Bugs & Brews 
Thursday, September 24th
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle (in the shop)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public

Acadiana Bugs & Brews is an open community fly tying event, so even if not a member of AFR come join in and either tie the featured pattern or tie anything you want.  AFR members participate and are always willing to assist beginners.

At this month's Bugs & Brews, we'll finish off from the AFR meeting on Monday, and finish our hard body poppers, adding a tail.  You'll have a popper ready for action, and a few more almost completed.

National Hunting and Fishing Day
Saturday, September 26
LDWF Woodworth Education Center
660 Robinson Rd, Woodworth, LA
8:00am to 1:30pm
Free admission!

Established by Congress in 1972, National Hunting and Fishing Day is celebrated the 4th Saturday of September.  The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) celebrates NHF Day at four venues across the state, including Baton Rouge (Waddill) and Woodworth.

Admission  is free. Activities including archery, fishing, target shooting, outdoor games, live animal exhibits, educational displays, and more. There's even food and soft drinks provided at no cost.   

Kisatchie Fly Fishers will again be on hand to demonstrate fly tying and fly casting at the Woodworth location.  Members of AFR are welcome to come up and join in on the fun, or just bring their family members and enjoy the day. 

August 2026 activities

REMINDER - Our monthly club meetings are now the third Monday of the month at the East Regional Library in Youngsville.

AFR monthly meeting
Monday, August 17th
6:00pm
East Regional Library
225 La Neuville Rd
Youngsville, LA
Open to the Public!

This month’s meeting is all about Hackle!  With many new fly tiers in the club we thought we would try and clear up one of the most confusing things from our entry into tying.  

You’ve heard all the terms - dry fly hackle, wet fly hackle, soft hackle, webbed hackle, woolly bugger hackle, Spey hackle, genetic hackle, rooster hackle, hen hackle, strung hackle, barred hackle, dyed hackle, saddle hackle, hackle capes, and much much more.  All the while you probably see some of the prices for these products and begin to wonder just how much of this is really needed.  

We’ll try to explain it and provide examples of the various types and ways you can use the various feathers so you understand what you have and what you may need.  So bring your tying tools and we can also go thru some examples and techniques.  If you don’t tie, this will help as you choose fly patterns that perform as desired.  The public is always welcome.

As mentioned last month we will record this meeting to post as a video. 

Acadiana Bugs & Brews 
Thursday, August 27th
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle (in the shop)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public

Acadiana Bugs & Brews is an open community fly tying event, so even if not a member of AFR come join in and either tie the featured pattern or tie anything you want.  AFR members participate and are always willing to assist beginners.

This month’s featured fly will be a Cicada.  As both annual populations and periodic “broods” that hatch in tremendous numbers, Cicadas are a pattern you should have in your arsenal.  Pat Bienvenu will lead us in tying Hoov’s Cicada.  Created by entomologist and fly angler Greg Hoover, it matches adult cicadas of nearly all species.

As always AFR members assist beginners, and we’ll have tools and materials available to use.  The public is always welcome.

UPCOMING

3rd annual ALTO Flies & Pies
Friday - Saturday, Sept. 18 -19, 2026
Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame
Natchitoches, LA
 
Hosted by the ArkLaTexOma Fly Tyers in conjunction with the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival, this event features tiers from across Louisiana and other states.  There is a fee for admission - for the Museum - but demonstration tiers can come in free.

For details, go to www.arklatexomaflytyers.org
or the ArkLaTexOma Fly Tyers Facebook Page  

July 2026 activities

ATTENTION - We’re moving our monthly meeting location, but we want to sincerely thank Pack and Paddle for all the support these last years.  We look forward to continuing to work together and remind everyone to support your local fly shop! Because they support this community. 

AFR monthly meeting
* Monday, July 20th

* East Regional Library
225 La Neuville Rd, Youngsville, LA
6:00pm
Open to the Public

* NEW LOCATION! NEW DATE!

Join us on Monday, July 20 at the East Regional Library in Youngsville and with several new members we thought this month we would discuss fly line care. 

With the monetary and environmental cost of all things these days it’s important to maintain equipment for the long term.  Choosing the right fly line is nearly as important as choosing the fly rod. Even a great rod casts poorly with a bad fly line.  Find out what qualities make for a good fly line and how to maintain it for the long run.

Bring a fly line and any tips you have to keep your fly lines performing at their best.  We’ll discuss cleaning, storage, attaching leaders, and even fixing broken loops.

Click image for larger view

Acadiana Bugs & Brews 
Thursday, July 23rd
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle (in the shop)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public

Acadiana Bugs & Brews is an open community fly tying event, so even if not a member of AFR come join in and either tie the featured pattern or tie anything you want.  AFR members participate and are always willing to assist beginners.

We are ashamed to admit that we let June - which is Women’s Fly Fishing Month - go by without acknowledging the contributions of lady anglers, especially with AFR's history of award winning women fly tiers including Carolyn Dunn, Dena Hebert, Beverly Vidrine, and others.  

So to make up for our oversight, this month the featured fly will be Cathy Beck’s Super Bugger.  Mrs. Beck developed it on a guide trip while waiting for a tropical system to pass.  Designed to push a lot of water in the expected muddy condition and ride hook point up, it has become a great all around fly for many fresh and saltwater situations.  

As always AFR members assist beginners, and we’ll have tools and materials available to use.  The public is always welcome.

REMINDERS -

Check out Mrs Beck’s many contributions to fly fishing and don’t forget to mentor the next generation of fly fishers as Mrs Beck certainly did.   CLICK HERE.

Also, don’t forget to stop by Pack and Paddle for fly fishing and tying resources, and while you’re there thank them for their continued support of AFR!

June 2026 activities

AFR monthly meeting
Thursday, June 18th
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle (in the shop)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public

This month we’re prepping for the Father’s Day event at Moncus Park, see more info below.  We’ll finalize plans, make sure we have equipment needs covered, along with tying materials.  Then we’ll practice tying the flies that we will demonstrate.  Bring your tying equipment and we’ll tie some files so we can all learn the flies to assist on the day.

Father's Day at Moncus Park
Sunday, June 21st
10:00am to 2:00pm

In conjunction with Moncus Park, join us Father’s Day, Saturday June 21st, from 10am till 2pm, we’ll be at the pond for a Park “Pop Up”.  We’ll have rods and tying equipment to give folks some hands on experience.  We’ll also give a demo from 11-12 talking about the opportunities here in LA and the basics to get started.  We would love to see folks interested in learning to fly fish come out, but also stop by if you’re an old member we haven’t seen lately and visit.  

For more info see the park website-
https://moncuspark.org/calendar-events/fathers-day-pop-up-at-moncus-park/

Acadiana Bugs & Brews
Thursday, June 25th
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle (in the shop)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public

Acadiana Bugs & Brews is an open community fly tying event, so even if not a member of AFR come join in and either tie the featured pattern or tie anything you want.  AFR members participate and are always willing to assist beginners.  Maybe bring your favorite beverage, and enjoy a cold one while tying flies and sharing fishing tales.

This months featured fly will be Henry Cowen’s Silverside.  Developed to imitate the Atlantic Silverside and target salt species known to tear up flies, like bonita and false albacore, this easily tied yet durable minnow is a great intro to both braided tubing and epoxy heads.  It also imitates many small minnows here in the southeast like the Gulf and Brook Silversides as well as the Bay Anchovy.  Get the technique down and you can change colors to imitate many small baitfish with a very durable fly.  As always we’ll have tools and materials available to use, and the public is always welcome.

REMINDERS -

Don’t forget to stop by Pack and Paddle for fly fishing and tying resources, and while you’re there thank them for their support of AFR!

May 2026 activities

AFR monthly meeting
Thursday, May 21st
6:00pm
St. Julien Park Ponds
701 St Nazaire Rd, Broussard, LA
Open to the public!

We’re fly fishing this month!  Join us for a Spring evening as we continue to enjoy some daylight in the evenings. We will gather at the St Juliens Park ponds in Broussard (address above) and see if we can catch a few fish.  If you are not a member stop by, as always, the public is welcome and the club even has a few rods for tryouts.

Members, we will have a one fly tournament from 6:30 to 7:30.  Chose your fly, and a mulligan, and see who catches the most fish.  Prizes awarded for winner and big fish!  

Acadiana Bugs & Brews
Thursday, May 28th
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle (in the shop)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public

Acadiana Bugs & Brews is an open community fly tying event, so even if not a member of AFR come join in and either tie the featured pattern or tie anything you want.  AFR members participate and are always willing to assist beginners.  Maybe bring your favorite beverage, and enjoy a cold one while tying flies and sharing fishing tales.

Due to a last minute cancellation last month, we will have rescheduled AFR member Anthony Falgout who will tie a crab fly.  As always we'll have tools and materials so don't hesitate to join if you are new to tying.  We are happy to assist new tiers anytime.

REMINDERS -

Kisatchie Fly Fishers will hold their rescheduled CENLA Fly Fishing Festival on Saturday May 30th at Kees Park in Pineville.  

See their website for more info at www.kisatchiefly.org.

April 2026 activities

AFR monthly meeting
Thursday, April 16th
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle (in the shop)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public!

With daylight in the evenings bring your rod and we’ll do some casting this month.  We’ll set up some casting targets and see what we can work on.  Need some help with basic casts or maybe want to work on your double haul?  The club even has a few rods for use.

As always, this meeting is open to the public.  

Acadiana Bugs & Brews
Thursday, April 23rd
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle (in the shop)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public
Featured pattern:  Crab Fly

Acadiana Bugs & Brews is an open community fly tying event, so even if not a member of AFR come join in and either tie the featured pattern or tie anything you want.  AFR members participate and are always willing to assist beginners.  Maybe bring your favorite beverage, and enjoy a cold one while tying flies and sharing fishing tales.

This month, AFR member Anthony Falgout will tie a crab fly.  Don’t go to the marsh without a crab fly in your arsenal...  for reds, drum, sheepshead, small fiddler and blue crabs are a key part of their diet.  We'll have tools and materials so don't hesitate to join if you are new to tying.  We are happy to assist new tiers anytime.

4th Annual Gulf Coast Classic
Fly Fishing Festival
Friday-Saturday, May 1-2, 2026
The Learning Campus at Gulf State Park
Gulf Shores, AL
Admission: $15-$20 (Free for youth 16 & younger)

The 2026 Gulf Coast Classic Fly Fishing Festival returns May 1st and 2nd at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama, for a weekend built around fly fishing, education, and conservation. The Classic will feature two dozen demonstration fly tyers from across the country, showcasing a wide range of patterns and techniques for both fresh and saltwater fisheries.

The event features 15+ exhibitors and is supported by 30+ sponsors, whose contributions fuel a robust lineup of raffles, conservation auctions, and prizes for this year’s Mixed Bag Fly Fishing Tournament. Attendees can also enjoy two signature competitions—the Blind Tie Challenge and Iron Fly Tyer.

Education remains at the core of the festival, with 10+ free fly fishing seminars, a Saturday morning youth workshop, free and paid casting clinics, and 6+ paid fly tying workshops designed to help anglers improve at every level.

A centerpiece of the weekend is the Conservation Keynote on Saturday at 4 pm, delivered by Dr. Aaron Adams of the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. Director of Science & Conservation, Dr. Adams is not only a leading voice in flats fisheries research, but also an accomplished fly fisherman and author of multiple books on the subject.

The festival concludes Saturday evening with the Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T), with tickets priced at $25, featuring a lineup of world-class fly fishing films and conservation storytelling.  And an opportunity to win a grand prize Winston fly rod - all attendees are eligible!

For complete details, go to the Classic website at www.ffigulfcoastclassic.com  .

March 2026 activities

Early this month - Saturday, March 7th - our friends in the Red Stick Fly Fishers club in Baton Rouge will host their 31st annual Red Stick Day fly fishing festival at LDWF Waddill Outdoors Center on Flannery Rd.  Time is 8:30am to 3:00pm.  Admission is free!

This event features interesting seminars, fly tying demonstrations by some of the area's best fly tiers, casting demos and instruction, a giant raffle, and a fantastic jambalaya lunch.  Oh, and there's fishing on the premises so bring your tackle!

AFR monthly meeting
Thursday, March 19th
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle (in the shop)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public!

Joining us this month is Brac Salyers, Fisheries Biologist Manager with the LA Departement of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).  Brac will discuss the recent Atchafalaya Basin public survey, the overall basin bass fishery, and the Department’s efforts to manage this valuable resource.  

You don’t want to miss this one. As always, the public is welcome.

Acadiana Bugs & Brews
Thursday, March 26th
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle (in the shop)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public
Featured pattern:  Mop Fly

Acadiana Bugs & Brews is an open community fly tying event, so even if not a member of AFR come join in and either tie the featured pattern or tie anything you want.  AFR members participate and are always willing to assist beginners.  Maybe bring your favorite beverage, and enjoy a cold one while tying flies and sharing fishing tales.

This month, Pat Bienvenu will demonstrate a Mop fly.  Made from those microfiber mop or dust cloths, it’s a basic pattern that imitates a larvae or grub. You’ll find yourself scouring the cleaning isle (pun intended).  We'll also have tools and materials so don't hesitate to join if you are new to tying.  We are happy to assist new tiers anytime.

February 2026 activities

AFR monthly meeting
Thursday, February 19th
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle (in the shop)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public!

This month we'll discuss the upcoming Fly Fishing 101 event and prep for the various activities.  If you are new to fly fishing or interested in an introduction see our FF101 page and sign up.  It’s free, but registration is required.  

Additionally, we will discuss interest in upcoming spring trip/picnic.  As always, the public is welcome.

Acadiana Bugs & Brews
Thursday, February 26th
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle (in the shop)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public

Acadiana Bugs & Brews is an open community fly tying event. While not affiliated with AFR, several of our members participate and assist beginners.  Bring your favorite beverage, and enjoy a cold one while tying flies and sharing fishing tales.

This month, with Sac-au-lait biting and spring bedding brim on the horizon, we will tie the simple but effective Hester Fluff Butt. Attributed to Red Stick Fly Fishers member, Mark Hester, it was an early fly rod version of the tube jig and has been diversified with different hook styles and materials.  It’s been great under an indicator for Sac-au-lait and brim. We'll also have tools and materials so don't hesitate to join if you are new to tying.  We are happy to assist new tiers anytime.

REMINDERS 

It’s conclave season, so check out the Calendar for upcoming events. One that has been around for over 30+ years is "Red Stick Day". Hosted by the Red Stick Fly Fishers club, it will be held Saturday, March 7th in Baton Rouge.  Details can be found at their website at www.rsff.org.

Also, look for a possible re-schedule of the CENLA Fly Fish Festival in Pineville that was canceled due to the winter storm.  For updates on that event, go to www.kisatchiefly.org .

Finally, the Gulf Coast Council of Fly Fishers International - of which AFR is a member club - will hold their 4th annual Gulf Coast Classic on Friday-Saturday, May 1st and 2nd at the Learning Center of Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, AL.  This event features some of the nation's and region's top fly tiers and expert anglers.  Registration begins in February.  Check it out at www.ffigulfcoastclassic.com.

These events are great hands on experience with knowledgeable folks willing to share.

January 2026 activities

AFR monthly meeting
Thursday, January 15th
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle (in the shop)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public!

This month we'll discuss the local wintertime rainbeaux trout stockings by the LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, as well as trade tips and tricks for successful stillwater trout outings right here in Acadiana. 

As always, the public is welcome.

Acadiana Bugs & Brews
Thursday, January 22nd
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle (in the shop)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public

Acadiana Bugs & Brews is an open community fly tying event. While not affiliated with AFR, several of our members participate and assist beginners.  Bring your favorite beverage, and enjoy a cold one while tying flies and sharing fishing tales.

This month, in keeping with winter trout stockings. we’ll tie a Parachute Adams.  Noted as one of the best all around dry flies, it’s a pattern that imitates nothing specific but seems to be similar to a lot of mayflies. Whatever it seems to be, it works for trout or brim!  

As always, AB&B is open to the public. We'll also have tools and materials for some so don't hesitate to join if you are new to tying.  We are happy to assist new tiers 

REMINDERS

It’s conclave season, so check out the Calendar for upcoming events such as the Cenla Fly Fishing Festival on Saturday January 24th from 8:30am to 3:30pm at Kees Park in Pineville, LA. These events are a great way to learn whether you’re new to the sport or an old hand.  For details, go to www.kisatchiefly.org .

Also stay tuned for info on another upcoming Fly Fishing 101 session.

Merry Christmas and Joyous New Year!

Here's wishing all our Acadiana Fly Rodders club members and friends, and all of their families, a most blessed holiday season. Hope everyone finds something under the Christmas tree they can use for their piscatorial pursuits in the coming year.

While Christmas is a season of festivity, let's not forget the reason for the season: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us….” John 1:14. Please be giving to those in need, and pray for those who are less fortunate, for those in suffering, and for those away from their families this season.

We also wish everyone a prosperous and healthy New Year.  With the new year brings a flurry of regional events - please see the Calendar page for the activities and dates.  Also, our club has a few things planned for early 2026, so stay tuned! 

 

December 2025 activities

AFR monthly meeting
Thursday, December 18th
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle (in the shop)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public!

This month we'll gather to tie flies and reminisce about the wonderful  times we've had fly fishing over the last year, so bring something to tie, a favorite beverage and some stories and we'll have some snacks to enjoy an evening of fellowship.

Also, bring your favorite fly for the year and we'll gamblers draw for swaps!  If you don't tie or are a new fly fisher, don't worry we'll have something for you as well!

Acadiana Bugs & Brews

Due to the Christmas holiday, there's no meeting this month. So enjoy Christmas with family and friends. Come January, we'll get back to tying. 

Reminders:

Please provide your opinions to your elected and appointed representatives on the proposed changes to the State's Menhaden Exclusion Zone.  Info can be found at the FFI Gulf Coast Council website at www.ffigcc.org.

Also, there's still time to take the survey for the LDWF Black Bass Angler Survey, with results to be used for the new Black Bass Management Plan. CLICK HERE        

November 2025 activities

AFR monthly meeting
Thursday, November 20th
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle (in the shop)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public!

This month we'll begin the meeting by briefly discussing our recent Fly Fish 101 efforts and possible improvements for the Spring.  

Then we'll tie a fly - Jack Gartside's Sparrow.  This is a classic fly that Jack designed to be nothing in particular and yet a bit of everything.  It's a bit nymph, baitfish, or hopper depending how you fish it and it's as effective here on our warmwater species as the coldwater trout Jack designed it for.  I've even heard folks talk about larger sizes catching in the salt.

We'll also have tools and materials so don't hesitate to join if you are new.  We are happy to assist new tiers anytime. As always, the public is welcome.

Acadiana Bugs & Brews

Due to the holidays, there's no meeting this month or next.  Enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas and we'll get back to tying in the new year.

REMINDERS:

Please check our Facebook page as well as the FFI Gulf Coast Council Facebook page for latest info on possible changes to the state's Menhaden Exclusion Zone, and any actions that may be needed to protect our coastal fisheries.

Also, please note that Arkansas has temporarily changed some of the trout regulations due to hatchery issues that will likely reduce stockings over the next year. This will impact stockings on the Little Missouri River as well. Consider this if planning any trips this winter.

October 2025 activities

AFR monthly meeting
Thursday, October 16
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle (in the shop)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public!

This month meeting will cover some club business and preparations for our Fly Fishing 101 on Sat. Oct. 25th. Join us to help educate others and please spread the word that our free Fly Fishing 101 seminar is coming up next month on Saturday October 25th at the Lafayette Parish Eastside Regional Library from 10:00am to 1:00pm.  Pre-registration is required. Please visit our Fly Fishing 101 page for details.

As always the public is welcome.  Come early for some retail therapy at Pack and Paddle.

Acadiana Bugs & Brews
Thursday, October 23
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle (in the shop)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public

Acadiana Bugs & Brews is an open community fly tying event. While not affiliated with AFR, several of our members participate and assist beginners.  Bring your favorite beverage, and enjoy a cold one while tying flies and sharing fishing tales.

This month is an Open Tying Month. Come tie on your own, bring what you are tying and let us see it.  We'll also have tools and materials for some simple flies so don't hesitate to join if you are new.  We are happy to assist new tiers anytime.

As always, Acadiana Bugs & Brews is open to the public. We’ll have materials and extra tools for any beginners interested in learning to tie. 

Acadiana Fly Fishing 101
Saturday, October 25, 2025

Time: 10:15am - 1:00pm
Lafayette Parish - East Regional Library
215 La Neuville Rd, Youngsville, LA

We're hosting a free Fly Fishing 101 clinic on Saturday, October 25th at Lafayette Parish East Regional Library in Youngsville.  Time is 10am to 1pm.  This FREE hands-on workshop is an opportunity to learn about fly fishing, or improve your knowledge and skill in the sport. 

There are sessions covering: equipment and flies for freshwater and marsh fishing, hands-on knots and leaders, and hands-on casting guided by certified casting instructors. Refreshments and hand-outs are provided. Equipment will be provided for use during the clinic, however if you own a fly rod, please bring it.
 
Pre-registration is required. To learn more or to register, click on "Fly Fishing 101" in the menu above.
  

September 2025 activities

AFR monthly meeting
Thursday, September 18
6:00pm
* Pack & Paddle, 601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Guests are welcome!

* Please note we are now meeting inside Pack & Paddle store -not- the Outpost in the back. The Outpost is no longer available for any use by anyone. *

As a fly fishing club, we subscribe to the "all fish in all waters" philosophy.  However, being in south Louisiana limits our experiences with coldwater trout - the species most associated with fly fishing - to winter stockings of local ponds. If we wish to enjoy the more typical flowing rivers, then significant travel can be required - but not entirely!

Join us this month as our guest speaker, Carlton Townsend, provides insight on a close-to-home year-round trout river - the Little Missouri in southwest Arkansas. Carlton is Coldwater Chair for the Kisatchie Fly Fishers, and has significant experience fishing the "Little Mo". Just a little more than five hours from Lafayette, this river offers good fishing for beginners and experienced anglers alike, with easy access. So come get some great info on this opportunity from a knowledgeable source!

As always the public is welcome.  Come early for some retail therapy at Pack and Paddle.

Acadiana Bugs & Brews
Thursday, September 25
6:00pm
* Pack & Paddle, 601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public

* Please note AB&B is no longer gathering inside Pack & Paddle Outpost.  We'll now meet inside the store.  *

Acadiana Bugs & Brews is an open community fly tying event. While not affiliated with AFR, several of our members participate and assist beginners.  Bring your favorite beverage, and enjoy a cold one while tying flies and sharing fishing tales.

This month Pat Bienvenu will lead us in tying the Propaganda Bass Fly.  Pat was introduced to this fly thru the Red Stick Fly Fishers, and it's touted as a bass fly that matched the conventional bass fishing Ned Rig.  However, RSFF's Fly Tying Chair David Rogers has also had good success using it for Black Drum. 

As always, AB&B is open to the public. We’ll have materials and extra tools for any beginners interested in learning to tie. So come and tie the featured fly, or just bring whatever you're tying and enjoy some conversation and cold beverages. 

Fly Fishing 101 reminder

AFR will host a FREE introduction to fly fishing clinic on Saturday, October 28th at the Lafayette Parish Eastside Regional Library.  Location is 215 La Neuville Rd in Youngsville. Time is 10:15am to 1:00pm. 

Pre-registration is required. Please visit our Fly Fishing 101 page for details, or to register. 

Make plans now for Flies & Pies!

ALTO Fly Fishing Fair
Saturday, September 20, 2025
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
First Baptist Church of Natchitoches Gym
508 Second St., Natchitoches, LA
FREE admission

Building on the success of last year's inaugural event, the ArkLaTexOma Fly Tiers group (ALTO) is holding their 2nd annual "Flies & Pies" tying event in conjunction with the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival.  This year, the event will be held in a new location  just a couple blocks from the heart of the Festival - which is an attraction all to itself.

Along with some of the best fly tiers from across the region, the festival will have presentations including: Jerald Lewis on Fly Fishing for Bream, Burley Johnson on Creating Bass Poppers, and Mike Hawkins on Making Furled Leaders.  The new location has an outdoor casting area as well. So if you need a free casting lesson, or tune up, there will be two FFI Certified Casting Instructors on hand.

While this event is FREE to attend, the group will be taking up a Love Offering to present to First Baptist Church for the use of their facilities.

For more details, go to the ALTO website at www.arklatexomaflytyers.com .  Or check them out on their Facebook page (link)  

Register now for the Rio Rumble

16th annual Rio Grande Rumble
Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Start: 7:00am (first light for pre-registered)
End: 12:30pm (weigh-in)
Event site: No Wake Outfitters
1926 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA
$25 entry fee, includes lunch and refreshments

Hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishers Club, the Rumble is the longest running freshwater fly fishing tournament on the Gulf Coast. Target species is the Rio Grande cichlid. This native of south Texas has become widespread in extreme southeast Louisiana and is considered invasive. For fly anglers, it’s an opportunity to put their skills up against a wary species that “fights like a wet cat”.

All entry fish must be caught on flies and fly tackle. Categories are “Longest Rio” and “Most Rios Caught”. Net proceeds from the tournament go to Casting For Recovery.

The rodeo is open to all fly anglers. Registration deadline is 8:00am on October 4th. Both onsite registration and weigh-in will be at No Wake Outfitters in Metairie. There will also be a Zoom seminar on fishing for the Rio Grande Cichlid. Date and time of the online seminar will be announced shortly.

For complete details, including tournament rules, and to register online, go to the NOFFC website at www.neworleansflyfishers.com.

August 2025 activities

AFR monthly meeting
Thursday, August 21
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle Outpost (behind P&P)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Guests are welcome!

Join us this month as we discuss articulated flies. Whether you tie 'em or buy 'em, they have become a popular choice for just about every species.  From small articulated nymphs to hooks full of marabou and deer hair, we'll listen to some of the popular articulated fly designers and discuss the ins and outs of why and how to articulate flies that achieve the action you wants.  

Even if you don't tie flies, we can all hopefully better understand the styles and actions of these popular group of flies and recognize how to use them in fishing situations.  Also, if you have a favorite articulated fly bring it and share it with the group.

As always the public is welcome!  Come early for some retail therapy at Pack and Paddle.

Acadiana Bugs & Brews
Thursday, August 28
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle Outpost, 601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public

Acadiana Bugs & Brews is an open community fly tying event. While not affiliated with AFR, several of our members participate and assist beginners.  Bring your favorite beverage, and enjoy a cold one while tying flies and sharing fishing tales.

In keeping with the theme on articulated flies, the featured pattern this month will be Russ Madden's Circus Peanut.  An early design that is simple to tie but catches fish.  As always, we'll have materials for anyone interested in tying along.

As always, AB&B is open to the public. We’ll have materials and extra tools for any beginners interested in learning to tie. So come and tie the Circus Peanut, or just bring whatever you're tying and enjoy some conversation and cold beverages. 

Fly Fishing 101 announcement

AFR will host a FREE introduction to fly fishing clinic on Saturday, October 28th at the Lafayette Parish Eastside Regional Library.  Location is 215 La Neuville Rd in Youngsville. Time is 10:00am to 1:00pm. 

The workshop will include hands-on instruction on casting and leaders and knots. The session will be led by FFI Certified Instructors,  with emphasis on equipment and accessories needed for fresh and inshore saltwater fishing. Handouts will also be provided.

Details can be found on our "Fly Fishing 101" page.

July 2025 activities

AFR monthly meeting
Thursday, July 17
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle Outpost (behind P&P)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Guests are welcome!

Often we are asked, "What can you fish for with fly rod here in South Louisiana?". And the answer is just about anything! If you're one of those "all fish, all waters" anglers. then you don’t want to miss this month’s meeting as Ken Holmes of the Red Stick Fly Fishers will join us to talk about Fly Fishing for Gar.  It’s been said he has “devoted an absurd amount of time” pursuing gar and we’re sure he’ll provide plenty of insight and motivation to give any of the 4 species available right here in LA a shot with your fly rod.

Lagniappe: Ken will also show a short video he and some friends have made about their gar tournament called "The Golden Gar'.

As always the public is welcome!  Come early for some retail therapy at Pack and Paddle.

Acadiana Bugs & Brews
Thursday, July 24
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle Outpost, 601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public

Acadiana Bugs & Brews is an open community fly tying event. While not affiliated with AFR, several of our members participate and assist beginners.  Bring your favorite beverage, and enjoy a cold one while tying flies and sharing fishing tales.

This month's featured fly is the Slow Sinking Spider. Created by Stephen Robert of Houma, it's a great fly for those times a slow tantalizing fall is what the fish want, and with a contrasting body and wiggling leg, the fish seems to want it often.  Glen "Catch" Cormier lists it among his 7 must have panfish flies.  Best yet, it's an easy, durable tie. 

As always, AB&B is open to the public. We’ll have materials and extra tools for any beginners interested in learning to tie. So come and tie the SSS, or just bring whatever you're tying and enjoy some conversation and cold beverages.

Flip Siragusa, AFR president, passes

It is with great sadness that we share that Flip Siragusa passed away this Monday, June 9th, after a courageous bout with leukemia and associated complications. Flip was president of Acadiana Fly Rodders and a prolific fly tier who had demonstrated at various events, as well as taught tying workshops through Pack & Paddle and at FFI events. He had also served as Fly Tying Director for the Gulf Coast Council of Fly Fishers International.  

Flip began flyfishing and tying flies as a youngster. He would make rudimentary popping bugs with cork bottle tops, chicken feathers, and paint. During his 30 year career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, he renewed his interest in fly fishing, expanding his tying skills and even began making his own rods.  His repertoire of over a hundred fly patterns ranged from dry flies to deer hair bugs to offshore flies, but his favorites were foam bugs and his variation of the Waldner Spoon Fly.   He also created the Zatarian Shrimp, the Pont Breaux Crawfish, and several other flies.

Flip was equally delighted with catching bream in local ponds as he was sightcasting to redfish in skinny water. The best part of being around him was hearing his many outdoors stories, both from his personal experience in the field as well as those shared to him by the “old timers”, which told the little known history of Louisiana localities and outdoor traditions.

A memorial service is being planned for later this summer. We ask that you please keep Janese and the rest of the Siragusa family in your prayers.

June 2025 activities

AFR monthly meeting
Thursday, June 19th
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle Outpost (behind P&P)
601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette

Join us Thursday June 19th at 6pm in the Pack and Paddle Outpost (behind the shop).  We’ll use Daylight Savings Time to our advantage and work on the double haul cast.  The double haul is a great technique that increases your line speed, yielding more distance to your cast.  It's also very effective for overcoming wind and is widely used in saltwater fly fishing.  So come learn this important casting technique, then practice, practice, practice.

As always guests are welcome and come early for some retail therapy at Pack and Paddle.

Acadiana Bugs & Brews
Thursday, June 26th
6:00pm
Pack & Paddle Outpost, 601 E. Pinhook, Lafayette
Open to the public

Acadiana Bugs & Brews is an open community fly tying event. While not affiliated with AFR, several of our members participate and assist beginners.  Bring your favorite beverage, and enjoy a cold one while tying flies and sharing fishing tales.

This month we are thinking of surf fishing and will have tools and materials available to demo the Thunder Creek Minnow.  In the right colors it is a great Bay Anchovy, Glass Minnow imitation for those times a small slow sinking minnow is the approach. It was originated in freshwater and tied to imitate several different minnow species by changing the colors, so once mastered, the options are many.

Tied with bucktail using the "bullet" head or reverse tied technique, this will open up possibilities for reverse tying many other flies and materials such as marabou and craft fur minnows or deer and elk hair hoppers.  CLICK on the image above for a larger view of the TCM.

The public is always welcome and we will have materials and tools to learn on.  So everyone join us at the Pack and Paddle Outpost, behind the shop on Thursday the 26th at 6pm.