First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone who fished with me this year. The camaraderie, friendships and memories are irreplaceable. Thanks so much for being not only a part of Alan’s Guide Service, but a part of my life as well. Because of all of you, I get to do what I love so much. Let’s take a look at the memories we created in 2011. Winter Steelhead Our winter steelhead season was a pretty decent one for both fish and conditions. Early on, the weather worked out quite well for us and for fishing. The rivers were full of water and chrome bright silver bullets. As usual, we were fishing mostly North on the Smith and Chetco. Then came our break in the weather, a bit early I might add. But nonetheless we moved south to fish closer to home. The Eel and Trinity had plenty of nice chromers running through them. I did pop back up North from time to time to fish low water conditions on the Chetco. Because of the lack of traffic, we were able to find some fish. Overall, the winter steelhead season was a good one. Spring Chinook Although this time of year I am on the Softball field coaching, I do get a few springer trips in. The trips that I did get to run were good ones, and the springer season overall was a very good one. Not just based on my trips, but also according to other guides and buddies of mine. Nice bright football sized springers and plenty of them. It’s always nice to see, as lots of springers usually means good things for the future. I also ran a few springer trips on the Upper Trinity which were good as well. The drift on the Upper Trinity is one nice hole after another and the scenery is breathtaking. A few homes around but NO highway traffic for 95% of the run, fish around and quiet surroundings, what more could you ask for? Fall Salmon and Steelhead What can I say about our Klamath season other than “WOW”!!!! What an outstanding year we had. For the most part, the fish weren’t huge but boy were there a lot of them. The action pretty much never stopped. From the time the fish woke up and started biting, it was on. We did have a few days where I just think the fish needed a break and didn’t bite quite as well, but overall the season was outstanding. The size of the fish ranged from jacks to kings up to 38 pounds. That 38 pound monster was caught by Dustin Shaw. He did an outstanding job landing that fish on the light spinning gear we use. Hats off to him! As for steelhead, I was pretty disappointed in the lack of. We would get a spurt and then nothing for too long. The good part, if there was one, was that they were large when we did get them and the half pounders were jumbos – fat and heavy but the numbers were low as well. I sure hope that turns around soon. Fall Kings After the last two seasons of outstanding king fishing on both the Smith and Chetco , everyone was in anticipation of yet another great run. Much to our surprise, Mother Nature and a smaller run made for an average season on both rivers. Lack of rain kept fish at bay and trickling in. We only had a couple decent shots at the trophies because of the lack of rain. One positive note was that they were BIG when you did get them. The largest on my boat was caught by Tim Zimmerman and weighed in at 46 pounds officially. It was one of those tough days. At the time the fish hit, we had lost two others and had one other bite. Although it was tough fishing, I think Tim would tell you the one that didn’t get away was well worth it! Back to the Top As we come back around to the start of yet another year, I look forward to a great year ahead both fishing wise and enjoying the company of all of you on and off the river. Thanks again to every one of you for being a part of Alan’s Guide Service. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family! Fish On! Alan Remember I offer gift certificates for all of those fishermen and woman in your lives. Make sure you book early for your next trip. |
2011 Newsletter
Alan's Guide Service
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