As we come closer with each day to the end of yet another year, we reflect on all the memories that were created during that time. For me, it’s always a time to reflect on
the good times with new and old friends that I was able to spend time on the water with throughout the year. I am so very thankful for each and every one of you. The time we spend on the water and the relationships that we build over the years are very special. This is my time to thank all of you for fishing with me and for the friendships.
Before we get started with what happened throughout the year, I would like to thank
all of my sponsors for their support and quality products they provide for me throughout the year. Douglas rods, Pavati, Willie Boats, Pline, Beckman, Owner Hooks, Okuma, Yakima Baits, RMI, Mad River Manufacturing and BnR Tackle. Without these companies and their support, I would not be able to provide you with the quality gear that you fish with in my boats. So please support these companies when possible.
Time to look at what transpired throughout 2024.
Winter Steelhead
Another great year of rainfall helped our steelhead with their journey upstream. We had some really good fishing in 2024 with some large fish in the mix. The fish were also in very good shape and chrome bright. The only downfall that I can come up with, but not really, is with all of the high water the fishable options were limited most of the season. When I say, not really, I mean when this happens, especially for multiple years, it makes for some epic fishing on those river systems that we didn’t get to fish when we get a year with less than normal rainfall. So be patient, let Mother Nature produce some great fishing for us in the future. Let the other rivers recuperate for a couple years. You won’t be disappointed.
Trout and Kokanee
My Redding season was nothing short of AMAZING! The Trout fishing on the river started out with a bang. Good numbers and good flows on the river were helping to produce some good fishing for the first part of my time in Redding. As the powers from above began to mess with the flows, the fishing got tougher and tougher. So I switched gears and began concentrating my efforts more and more on the lakes. Whiskeytown fished well, with a nice grade of Kokanee being the norm. Lots of fish this year in the 15-17 inch range. With a few pushing 20 inches. Shasta was outstanding. The Rainbows and Browns were FAT and FEISTY! Lots of 20 plus inch fish were caught. Just an amazing season this year on the lakes.
Fall Steelhead and Salmon
I started out my season fishing the Klamath in August. The first 2 weeks produced some decent fishing. Mostly for steelhead. I made the transition to the Rogue on the 18th of August. But the last week I fished the Klamath was LIGHTS OUT! The steelhead fishing was world class. But it wasn’t meant to last and it was a good thing I left when I did. The dam removal project made its way downriver shortly after I took off and the river was blown out for the rest of the season and is still in the process of cleaning itself out. We will see what time does and how long it takes for the river to recover from the dam removal process. Keep your fingers crossed, it’s going to get interesting. As for the Rogue. I fished both upriver and down in the estuary. Both with success. There were definitely some nice Kings around this year. Several 40# fish were caught. Lots in the 30’s and the average fish was in the 20-25# class. Simply beautiful specimens and boy can they put up a fight. Good eating fish as well. Overall, the Rogue had a good run of fish this year.
Late Fall Salmon
Wow! Talk about BIG fish. The Smith and Chetco produced some dandy’s this year. A few legit 50# Kings were caught. Quite a few in the 40# class and the average was 20-25#. The river conditions were ideal this year. Lots of weather provided for some great fishing conditions. Combine that with a good run of big fish and BINGO, you will have good fishing. The power and strength of these late fall fish is just crazy! It’s what drives all of us die hard fisherman into a frenzy!
We have come to the end of another year and I am looking forward to 2025. We are off to a good start weather wise; lets hope it continues throughout the winter. I look forward to fishing with all of you soon. I hope everyone has a Happy Holiday Season. I will see you on the water.
Tight Lines.
Alan
P.S. Just a friendly reminder. I have gift Certificates available for Christmas and any other time you may need a gift for a family member or friend.
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