Looking Back at Another Season - Recap 2024-25
Our seasons often vary here in the Pacific Northwest, but this year, our local rivers close on the 31st. With three inches of rain forecasted over the next 72 hours, it’s unlikely I’ll get to spend any more time on our local rivers until they reopen in late spring. This season, for me, was all about exploring new water.
The places I explored weren’t just off the beaten path they were downright difficult to reach. There is no question that there will be a time in my life when these places just aren't an option. Thankfully I found them in my 30s and will fish them for as long as I possibly can.
Each of our local systems, even when targeting the same species, presents new challenges. The learning curve is real, and adapting to these unique fisheries is part of the fun. Cutthroat fishing all summer long was phenomenal. It remains my favorite fishery, and there were moments that were truly amazing this season. From our classic Spawn patterns to skating dry flies, it was a go-go-go season.
Chum and coho season started off strong, but ultimately, it didn’t quite meet my expectations. Serious rain events kept us off the water from time to time, and when things settled, the timing just didn’t line up. Steelhead fishing, on the other hand, had the potential to be incredible, but in December, I took on the role of Executive Director for Pacific County Tourism (Washington’s Evergreen Coast). This very real and demanding job which has dramatically shifted my ability to spend time on the water. I managed to get out a handful of times, and nearly every outing was incredible!
As steelhead season comes to an end, you can already see the chum fry out migrating, with cutthroat gorging themselves a sight that made it impossible not to catch a few just before the final whistle. These rivers in Southwest Washington hold incredible stories, endless promise for memories, and provide a complete escape from the noise.
Even our most popular river by a long shot remains an escape. Just last Tuesday, I stopped by and saw two fly anglers on a raft. They told me they caught six steelhead and didn’t see another person all day. This blog won’t change that. We’ve been promoting fishing down here for over five years, and nothing has changed. There are still so many places to get away from people, and endless opportunities for exploration. We haven’t even come close to discovering everything, but after another year, this place continues to amaze—and every season, we learn more.