October 2025 activities

Here’s a look ahead at what the RSFF crew has in store for the month of October.

NOFF Day Trip to Ship Island
Saturday, October 11

The New Orleans Fly Fishers Club is currently planning a day trip to Ship Island Saturday, October 11th and would like to extend an invitation to any members of RSFF who may be interested.  Contact AJ Rosenbohm at ajrosenbohm@gmail.com for more details.

RSFF Casting Clinic
Saturday, October 11th
9:00 am - till
Perkins Road Community Park
7122 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA

Want to improve your casting before that next big trip?  Join RSFF Casting Chair, Felipe Martinez, for this month’s RSFF Casting Clinic at Perkins Road Community Park.  The clinic begins Saturday, October 11th at 9:00am and is a great opportunity to learn some basics or bring you casting game to the next level.

With easy access to the Perkins Road Park pond and nearby Dawson Creek, you’ll even have the opportunity to wet a line once you have your casting stroke down!

RSFF General Meeting
Monday, October 13th
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library
9200 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA
Topic: Creek Fishing for Spotted Bass

This month, our speaker will be RSFF President, Brian Roberts.  Consistently at the top of the Jambalaya Challenge leader board, Brian will be sharing some tips and tricks for targeting spotted bass in Louisiana creeks — a fantastic fishing opportunity right in our own backyard.

Brian will cover:
• Species identification and seasonal behavior
• Gear and tackle recommendations
• Trip planning and scouting tips
• Productive fly patterns and techniques

Whether you’re new to creek fishing or a seasoned angler, this talk will offer valuable insights you can apply to fishing moving water almost anywhere.

Guests are welcome! Reminder that when you arrive at the Bluebonnet Library, please enter through the main entrance, the club will have signs up directing you where to go.

For those wishing to attend remotely, a separate email will be sent the morning of meeting with log-in instructions.

Flies & Flights
Wednesday, October 15th
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Rally Cap Brewing
11212 Pennywood Ave, Baton Rouge, LA
Featured Pattern: TBD

While we haven’t settled on a featured pattern as of yet, you can be sure the beer will be cold, pizza will be hot and delicious, and plenty of fish stories will be shared.  As always, we’ll have materials on hand for anyone interested in participating.

Everyone is welcome! Come enjoy some great brews, subs, and/or pizza at Rally Cap. We’ll have tools, vises, and materials available, so don’t hesitate to join us if you’re looking to learn!

F&F is an independent collective of tiers just looking to tie and enjoy a social gathering with some fine brews. While not affiliated with Red Stick, it was hatched by a few club members as an alternative to a traditional meeting environment. Everyone is welcome!

RSFF Fall Marsh Catch & Eat
Friday-Saturday, Oct. 24-25

The club's annual fall marsh fishing weekend will again take place along the Highway 1 corridor, culminating with the Saturday evening fish/shrimp fry. Host site will be Boudreaux's Motel in Leeville. RSFF still has 3 rooms available as of this post. Additional lodging in Golden Meadow. For more details, contact RSFF Saltwater Chair Randy Leonpacher at mleonpacr@bellsouth.net. 

RSFF Fly Tying Meeting
Monday, October 27th
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library  
9200 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA
Featured Patterns: Woolly Bugger Changer

Join us Monday, October 27th, as the Garfather, Ken Holmes, teaches how to tie this Next Generation Fly Pattern.

This highly articulated, 6-part woolly bugger attracts fish in fast or slow water, rivers, ponds, and lakes, in dirty water or spring creeks. It imitates crayfish, minnows, sculpin, leeches, and many other natural foods.
 
As usual, beginners and guests are welcome!  Tools, vises and materials are available for use during this session for those looking to learn. 

RSFF Sack Up for Clean Water
When:  TBA
Where: TBD

Still waiting on details for this month’s Sack Up event.  Expect a separate email with that info once it’s available.

"Our love of fly fishing is not just about uncovering amazing locations; it’s also about taking responsibility for our environment. As our consumption increase so does the litter that finds its way onto our streets, into our infrastructure, ending in our waterways. RSFF is committed to educating and advocating for responsible practices to keep all of our favorite spots pristine.” -Conservation Chair, Robinson Almeida

RSFF “Fall Fling” Casting Event
Saturday, November 8th
Perkins Road Community Park
7122 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA

Be sure to join the RSFF crew for a special Casting Clinic at Perkins Road Community Park on Saturday, November 8th.  Dubbed the “Fall Fling”, the event will feature FFI Casting Instructors ready to help you up your fly casting game.  

Be sure to check an upcoming email for more details about the event.

Make plans now for Rendezvous!

North Toledo Bend Rendezvous
Friday-Sunday, Oct. 31 - Nov. 2, 2025
North Toledo Bend State Park, Zwolle, LA

For those unfamiliar with Rendezvous, it began 36 years ago when members of two clubs met at North Toledo Bend State Park to camp and fish. The following year, the clubs decided to rent the group facility.  Since then, fly tiers and other fly fishing enthusiasts from across several states – along with their families – have gathered for a 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.

The excellent facilities at North Toledo Bend State Park are ideal for a Fall weekend fly tying retreat. 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.

For complete details, CLICK HERE.

September 2025 activities

RSFF SackUp for Clean Water x CRCL
Saturday, September 6th
9:00am - 1:00pm
6207 E St Bernard Hwy, Violet, LA
Activity: Oyster Shell Bagging Event

Join the RSFF #SackUp crew this Saturday, September 6th, as we team up with our friends at Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL) for an Oyster Shell Bagging event in Violet, LA.

Launched in 2014, CRCL’s Oyster Shell Recycling Program recycles shells from participating New Orleans-based restaurants and uses those shells to help restore oyster reefs and shoreline habitat across Coastal Louisiana. As conservation-focused anglers this is a perfect opportunity to give back to our community and help preserve quality coastal angling opportunities for years to come.

Contact Robinson at the email below or visit CRCL.org for more information.

RSFF General Meeting
Monday, September 8th
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library
9200 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA
Topic: LDWF Outreach Programs

For our September general meeting, LDWF Fisheries Outreach Biologist Josh Porter will discuss LDWF's many statewide outreach activities, including the Aquatic VIP Program, the "Get Out and Fish!" program, and the LDWF Fishing Course Series currently offered, as well as other fisheries programs of interest to the club.

Guests are welcome! Reminder that when you arrive at the Bluebonnet Library, please enter through the main entrance, the club will have signs up directing you where to go.

For those wishing to attend remotely, a separate email will be sent the morning of meeting with log-in instructions.

RSFF Casting Clinic
Saturday, September 13th
8:30 am - till
Perkins Road Community Park
7122 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge

Cancelled this month.

Flies & Flights
Wednesday, September 17th
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Rally Cap Brewing
11212 Pennywood Ave, Baton Rouge, LA
Featured Pattern: TBD

While we haven’t settled on a featured pattern as of yet, you can be sure the beer will be cold, pizza will be hot and delicious, and plenty of fish stories will be shared.  As always, we’ll have materials on hand for anyone interested in participating.

Everyone is welcome! Come enjoy some great brews, subs, and/or pizza at Rally Cap. We’ll have tools, vises, and materials available, so don’t hesitate to join us if you’re looking to learn!

F&F is an independent collective of tiers just looking to tie and enjoy a social gathering with some fine brews. While not affiliated with Red Stick, it was hatched by a few club members as an alternative to a traditional meeting environment. Everyone is welcome!

RSFF Fly Tying Meeting
Monday, September 23rd
7:00pm - until
* Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library  
9200 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA
Featured Patterns: Balanced Water Worm

* Please note: as of June, RSFF fly tying sessions are now held at the Bluebonnet Regional Library *

Join us Monday, September 23rd, as Fly Tying Chair, David Rogers, leads us through a tutorial on the Balanced Water Worm. According to David, “Worms are cool but balanced ones are cooler!”

A perfect fly for presenting close to the bottom, David tested this pattern during his last trip to Colorado with great success. Simple to tie, this worm is effective for both cold and warm water species.

As usual, beginners and guests are welcome!  Tools, vises and materials are available for use during this session for those looking to learn. 

National Hunting and Fishing Day
Saturday, September 27th
8:00 am - 1:00pm
Waddill Wildlife Refuge 
4142 N Flannery Rd, Baton Rouge, LA

Since 1994, RSFF has been an active participant in this event. It recognizes a national day created by congress to celebrate the contributions of America's hunters, anglers and outdoorsmen. LDWF holds festivities at four locations across the state, including here at Waddill.
 
Joe Conachen has registered the club for a spot where we'll demonstrate fly tying and fly casting, and promote fly fishing in general. So far, Joe, David Rogers and Felipe Martinez have all volunteered to represent the club, and Joe is looking for anyone else who might be interested. If interested in being an "official volunteer" and get a free t-shirt, contact Joe ASAP. Non-official volunteers are also welcome, but aren't eligible for the t-shirt and raffle prizes.

Please reach out to Joe no later than Thursday afternoon so he can put in the order.  Joe can be reached by email at jconachen09@gmail.com. 

Details about the event can be found at: 
https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/nhfd

RSFF Fall 2025 Warmwater Catch & Eat
Friday-Sunday, October 3rd - 5th
Lakeview Lodge on Lake Concordia
Ferriday, LA

Like our Spring warmwater weekend trip, the fishing takes place on Lake Concordia, with Lakeview Lodge as our central location. Participants can fish by boat, puddle craft or from the bank.    

In addition to the fishing, one of the high points of this trip is the Saturday evening fish fry and Sunday morning group Big Breakfast.  For all other meals you are on your own.  

Interested RSFF members - or members of other recognized clubs - should contact Randy Leonpacher at RMLeonpacr@bellsouth.net for more details.
 

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

RSFF Casting Clinic  -  CANCELLED!
Saturday, August 9th

Weather permitting, we'll hold our next one in September.  

RSFF General Meeting
Monday, August 11th

7:00pm - 9:00pm
Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library
9200 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA
Topic:  Building Furled Leaders with Sydney Dobson

For those unfamiliar with Furled Leaders, these leaders are constructed by twisting together multiple strands of monofilament to create a tapered, rope-like structure.  Furled leaders are known for their flexibility, low memory, good turnover, and ability to provide a drag-free drift. 

Sydney Dobson will show us how to create your own furled leaders. Here's an opportunity to learn a new skill and save on the cost and hassle of constantly purchasing pre-packaged leaders.  

Visitors are welcome! Reminder that when you arrive at the Bluebonnet Library, please enter through the main entrance, the club will have signs up directing you where to go.

For those wishing to attend remotely, a separate email will be sent the morning of meeting with log-in instructions.

Flies & Flights
Wednesday, August 20th
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Rally Cap Brewing
11212 Pennywood Ave, Baton Rouge, LA
Featured Pattern: TBD

While we haven’t settled on a featured pattern as of yet, you can be sure the beer will be cold, pizza will be hot and delicious, and plenty of fish stories will be shared.  As always, we’ll have materials on hand for anyone interested in participating.

Everyone is welcome! Come enjoy some great brews, subs, and/or pizza at Rally Cap. We’ll have tools, vises, and materials available, so don’t hesitate to join us if you’re looking to learn!

F&F is an independent collective of tiers just looking to tie and enjoy a social gathering with some fine brews. While not affiliated with Red Stick, it was hatched by a few club members as an alternative to a traditional meeting environment. Everyone is welcome!

RSFF Fly Tying Meeting
Monday, August 25th
7:00pm - until
* Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library  
9200 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA
Featured Patterns: Tube Flies

* Please note: as of June, RSFF fly tying sessions are now held at the Bluebonnet Regional Library *

This month, Sydney Dobson leads us through a tutorial on how to tie tube flies.  Tied on a tube instead of a traditional hook shank, this style of fly design offers several advantages, including versatility in hook choice, ease of changing hook styles and sizes, and the ability to protect the fly from damage during a fight with a fish. Sydney will be tying an articulated squid as an example. No need for a special vise, a simple jig will be provided.

As usual, beginners and guests are welcome!  Tools, vises and materials are available for use during this session for those looking to learn. 

Sackup for Clean Water

No #SackUp this month, but RSFF’s waterway cleanup event will be back next month as Conservation Chair, Robinson Almeida, has a collaborative event with our friends at CRCL in the works.  Stay tuned for more details.
 

July 2025 activities

Ongoing this month: club raffle for a great cause!

A reminder that we currently have a raffle for a great cause!  Red Stick Fly Fishers is raising funds to help purchase fly rod outfits for Casting for Recovery’s Southeast regional events, teaming up with our friends with the New Orleans and Kisatchie clubs - each of whom has already raised over $1,000 through their club raffles!

To support the effort, Brian Roberts has generously donated a custom 6-wt fly rod built specifically for this cause. Here are the details:

•     9’ 6-weight fly rod
•     Ideal for bass, but also great for trout or light saltwater fishing
•     Medium-fast action (hard to find and fun to cast!)
•     Built with a full wells grip and fighting butt

Raffle tickets are $10 each.  The drawing will take place at the August 11th meeting.  You can check out the rod in person - Brian will be bringing to all upcoming RSFF events so you can cast it yourself and see the craftmanship up close!

How to buy tickets:
- Cash
- Checks payable to RSFF
- Venmo (contact Brian at roberts.brian84@gmail.com for details)

Only 100 tickets will be sold, and as of this posting, less than 3 dozen remain. So don't procrastinate!

RSFF General Meeting
Monday, July 14th

7:00pm - 9:00pm
Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library
9200 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA

Our Jambalaya Challenge is more than just a contest. The submissions create a database that can reveal many things, including what fish can be caught, what locations, what times of the year, and on what flies.  Brian Roberts has taken the results of prior years Challenge and sliced, diced and julian-fried the data. 

For our July meeting, Brian will present on the most popular / successful flies for different species in Louisiana. 

Visitors are welcome! Reminder that when you arrive at the Bluebonnet Library, please enter through the main entrance, the club will have signs up directing you where to go.

For those wishing to attend remotely, a separate email will be sent the morning of meeting with log-in instructions.

Flies & Flights
Wednesday, July 16th
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Rally Cap Brewing
11212 Pennywood Ave, Baton Rouge, LA
Featured Pattern: TBD

Join us for this month’s Flies & Flights where we’ll be tying the Panfish Wiggler - a downsized version of Spring's Wiggler, a popular steelhead pattern.  This smaller version is a great option for sunfish and sacalait.

Everyone is welcome! Come enjoy some great brews, subs, and/or pizza at Rally Cap. We’ll have tools, vises, and materials available, so don’t hesitate to join us if you’re looking to learn!

F&F is an independent collective of tiers just looking to tie and enjoy a social gathering with some fine brews. While not affiliated with Red Stick, it was hatched by a few club members as an alternative to a traditional meeting environment. Everyone is welcome!

RSFF Casting Clinic
Saturday, July 19th
9:00 am - till
Perkins Road Community Park
7122 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA

Want to improve your casting before that next big trip?  Join RSFF Casting Chair, Felipe Martinez, for this month’s RSFF Casting Clinic at Perkins Road Community Park.  The clinic begins at 9AM and is a great opportunity to learn some basics or bring you casting game to the next level.

With easy access to the Perkins Road Park pond and nearby Dawson Creek, you’ll even have the opportunity to wet a line once you have your casting stroke down!

RSFF SackUp for Clean Water
Saturday, July 26th
9:00 AM - till
Howell Community Park
5509 Winbourne Ave, Baton Rouge, LA

This month’s RSFF #SackUpForCleanWater event will be held on Saturday, July 26th at Howell Community Park!

In addition to cleaning up one of our local waterways, this meetup offers a great opportunity for anglers to hopefully add a few species to your Jambalaya Challenge list!

Our love of fly fishing is not just about uncovering amazing locations; it’s also about taking responsibility for our environment. As our consumption increase so does the litter that finds its way onto our streets, into our infrastructure, ending in our waterways. RSFF is committed to educating and advocating for responsible practices to keep all of our favorite spots pristine.” 
- Conservation Chair, Robinson Almeida

RSFF Fly Tying Meeting
Monday, July 28th
7:00pm - until
* Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library  
9200 Bluebonnet Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA
Featured Patterns: Sam's One Bug

* Please note: as of June, RSFF fly tying sessions are now held at the Bluebonnet Regional Library *

This month, Brad Dunne leads us through a tutorial of Sam’s One Bug — a durable, topwater foam fly originally created by Craig “Sam” Blevins in the 1980s for bass and panfish. Designed to outlast traditional balsa poppers, it uses closed-cell foam for a buoyant, crack-resistant body and features silicone legs and a marabou tail for irresistible surface action. 

Known for catching over 100 fish on a single fly, it’s been passed down and refined by Sam’s son, Wade Blevins. Though not commercially available, the pattern is widely shared among fly tiers and remains a favorite for its simplicity, effectiveness, and longevity.  Don’t miss out on your opportunity to add this must have pattern to your summer streamer box.

As usual, beginners and guests are welcome!  Tools, vises and materials are available for use during this session for those looking to learn.