Fly fishing Louisiana next week: Gulf Coast fly patterns

I’ve been working away at the vise this spring, getting ready for a trip down to the bayou to chase Redfish with Flywater Travel in New Orleans. I’ve never chased redfish and hadn’t found much information on fly patterns for that specific area, but that didn’t stop me. I started tying, and here are a bunch of the flies I came up with. Some articulated patterns, ripping off the Sex Dungeon, some flies that look a little like the Avalon Permit fly, and a bunch of rubber legs. Sure, I could just rely on our guides to provide flies, but what fun would that be?

Redfish Flies

We’ll have a clearer idea of what works and what doesn’t next week, and will do some instructional videos when we get back with the winners. I’ve also included some shots of offshore patterns we’re taking with us out of Venice, LA for a day chasing bull dolphin (Mahi) and tuna out in the Gulf. Stay tuned for fuzzy reports form Bourbon St.

Lots more pattern experiments below. -MS

Redfish Flies

Redfish Flies

Redfish Flies

Redfish Flies

Redfish Flies

Redfish Flies

Redfish Flies

Redfish Flies

Offshore Flies

Offshore Flies

Offshore Flies

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4 Responses to Fly fishing Louisiana next week: Gulf Coast fly patterns

  1. Joe Palanuk says:

    Thanks Matt, you just helped me rationalize why I have a lot of “those” flies in my box – when anyone asks I won’t hesitate – redfish. Some crazy stuff – I still somewhat go by the theory that big flies catch big fish!

  2. anonymous says:

    I don’t know, but I’ve heard crablike patterns tend to work well for redfish.

  3. David Jensen says:

    Matt,
    Chip Duchein is a USMC buddy of mine for 40 years. He lives in Baton Rouge. We’ve fished together in Montana; he’s damn good. LA (license plate: “Sportsman’s Paradise”) is his home waters. He is a Cajun flyfishing nut who will know what do toss at reds. His email is chipduchein@aol.com. Semper Fidelis to Chip from former Capt. Jensen will get you a response. You’ll love New Orleans, but it just gets better as you get out into the country. Music, people, are great. Don’t expect any good beer, however.
    PS: if you have any extra time in NOLA, consider a half day class at the New Orleans School of Cooking, which is in the French Quarter.

  4. tim says:

    if it has a rubber tail then it is a Stansberry…..

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