Football, festivals, and fly tying… oh my! Fall offers some of the best fly fishing in the year, especially on lakes and interior coastal areas. But it’s also a busy time for events – including fly fishing activities.
Here are some activities taking place in the coming months of interest to fly anglers around the Gulf Coast.
Sept. 19 – Flies & Pies Fly Tying Event, LA Sports Hall of Fame Museum, Natchitoches, LA. Casual fly tying event hosted by the ArkLaTexOma Fly Tiers. It’s the same weekend as the world famous Meat Pie Festival so there’ll be plenty of activities for non-fishing person in your life. For more info, go to www.arklatexomaflytyers.com .
Sept. 24 – 26 – FFI FlyFest, Redding, CA. Last year, Fly Fishers International resumed their annual in-person festival featuring seminars, workshops, vendors and exhibitors, and some of the top fly fishing experts and tiers from across the country. This year’s event features nymphing expert George Daniels. For details, go to www.flyfishersinternational.org/FlyFest .
Sept. 26 – National Hunting and Fishing Day. NHFD is recognized by Congress as the last Saturday in September each year. Several states hold festivities, including Louisiana. LDWF holds celebrations at four venues statewide. Admission is free. There are hands-on activities for all ages, plus exhibits, food, and more. The Woodworth and Baton Rouge venues have fly fishing and fly tying supported by local clubs. For details, go to www.wlf.louisiana.gov .
Oct. 3 – Rio Grande Rumble. Hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishers, it’s the oldest freshwater fly fishing tournament in the South. The target species is the Rio Grande Cichlid. Pre-registration is now open, and onsite registration is available. Weigh-in and other activities will be held at Lafreniere Park in Metairie. Registration fee $30, includes lunch and refreshments. Benefits Casting for Recovery – Southeast. For details and to pre-register, visit the NOFFC website at www.neworleansflyfishers.com .
Oct. 10 – 11 – The Gathering , Millican Reserve, College Station, TX. 8:00am – 3:00pm. This gathering of casting instructors is hosted annually by Good Fly and the FFI Texas Council. It’s an opportunity for anyone who instructs to spend a day sharpening their casting and instructing skills. Lunch provided. On Saturday, from 2pm to 7pm, there’s a pre-gathering fishing and socializing for Gathering registrants at a local lake. This activity includes dinner and drinks. Spots are limited and fill quickly. For details or to register, go to www.goodfly.org
Nov. 6 – 7 – FFI Florida Fly Fishing Expo, The Plantation on Crystal River, Crystal River, FL. Hosted by the FFI Florida Council, this event will feature some of Florida’s top fly fishers and fly tyers. Fly casters will have the opportunity to participate in FFI’s Fly Casting Skills Program. Presentations will include Conservation Activities, Biology of Fly Selection and various Fly Fishing Venues in Florida. There also will be special activities for women and youth fly fishers. For more info, go to:
www.facebook.com/fly.fishers.international.florida.council .
Nov. 6 – 8 – Toledo Bend Rendezvous, North Toledo Bend State Park, Zwolle, LA. A tradition for over three decades, fly tiers and other fly fishing enthusiasts from across several states – along with their families – gather for a casual 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. For details, go to the Toledo Bend Rendezvous website at:
https://rendezvousannually.blogspot.com .
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To keep up with all these events, please routinely check our Calendar Page, or follow us on Facebook. If your club has an event open to the public, send us the details and we’ll add to the Calendar and promote here.
