We often think of late Winter and Spring as the time for fishing-related events. But here in the South, Fall can be just as active. Here are some popular activities taking place both within the Council and our neighboring councils over the next 3 months.
Sept. 14 – Natchitoches Fly Tying Festival, Natchitoches. This is a new event hosted by the ArkLaTexOma Fly Tiers. Many top fly tiers from across several states will be on hand to demonstrate their tying skills. 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 (if they come along). For more info, go to the ArkLaTexOma Tiers Facebook page CLICK HERE.
Sept. 27-28 – FFI Fly Tying Group Rendezvous, Springlake Event Center, Dallas, TX. The Fly Tying Group of Fly Fishers International will hold their 2nd annual Rendezvous close to our border for 2024. This event features some of the top fly tiers from across the country and beyond showing their skills Friday and Saturday. There will also be classes on a variety of tying subjects, a banquet and fundraising event on Friday evening, and more. For more info, CLICK HERE.
Sept. 28 – National Hunting and Fishing Day. NHFD is recognized by Congress as the last Saturday in September each year. For over three decades, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has held 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.
Sept. 28 – Rio Grande Rumble. Hosted by the New Orleans Fly Fishers, it’s the largest and oldest freshwater fly fishing tournament in the South – now entering it’s 15th time. The target species is the rio grande perch, the only cichlid native to the United States, but an invasive to Louisiana. Pre-registration is now open, and onsite registration is available. Onsite registration and weigh-in will be at No Wake Outfitters 1926 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA. For details and to pre-register, go to the Rio Grande Rumble website or visit the NOFFC website at www.neworleansflyfishers.com
Oct. 18-20 – 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 flycasting.bravesites.com.
Oct. 26 – Kingfisher Classic. Lee University, Cleveland, TN. 9:00am – 4:30pm. Hosted by the FFI Southeastern Council. Now in its second year, the Classic is a celebration of fly tying featuring tiers from across the southeast states and beyond. Come and watch, or learn how to tie flies. There’s also casting demonstrations, and a silent auction of guide trips, fly gear, tying tools, art and more. For details, go to www.thekingfisherclassic.com.
Nov. 9-10 – The Round-Up (Sat) and The Gathering (Sun). Millican Reserve in College Station, TX. Hosted by Aggieland Fly Fishers and FFI Texas Council. There’s casting seminars, fly tying demos, a fishing tournament, Kids Zone, and evening dinner with entertainment. On Sunday is “The Gathering”, a day of casting continuing education for fly casting instructors and those interested in furthering their casting knowledge. Reservations are required for The Gathering, as the event is capped at 40 attendees. For details on both events, go to www.aggielandff.org.
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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.
