The offseason is here anglers. The season came to an end rather quickly. It seems like just a few weeks ago I had just arrived here from Michigan and was bass fishing the Potholes in the Basin. The Yakima was a bit interesting this late summer and fall season. We had the lowest water flows since 2015. Many anglers and guides had not seen it this low. The river fished as to be expected after a lot of pressure from the spring and summer and the low water coming in quick in late August.
We had a busy season. I ran 53 days this spring and 71 since August 1st. I took from May 15 through August 1st off. I spent time with my son, my partner, and time for myself. I haven’t had a summer to myself in over 10 years so I was happy to have a part of it to myself. A habit I will continue next July when I take a good chunk off for fishing and not guiding.
I ain’t getting any younger. I haven’t got to fish much these past 10 seasons. A few days here and there. This year I finally had more than 30 days on water for myself and not for clients and that was a personal goal I made for myself and my mental health. The guide grind can wear on you. I have the skill and the physical ability to chase fish better than I did when I was in my 20s and I am planning on taking advantage of that in the years to come.
This offseason is one that comes with less stress on some fronts and new stress on others. I am ending my season doing well financially and it seems that finally, post covid and 10 years in business the business and hard work is paying off. Its nice and I have all my clients and the anglers that follow me and read my blogs to thank for it.
Now I am going to get heavy for a second and this seems the best place to put this out there.
I came back early this season for one main reason. My mother was diagnosed with Brain Cancer. Many clients know this as we have talked in the boat. I also just posted a gofundme link in my instagram for it and got some questions about things. I keep this kind of stuff pretty close to the chest. I am here in Cle Elum staying with my parents while we fight her cancer. It is going well, we caught it very early, and things are positive. That’s what I will say about it. We have good support and family around us. Not the easiest thing to talk about and also something I didn’t bring to work with me much but for a few clients. We all use the river to heal in our ways.
This offseason is one that I am not taking for granted. Last year was a little tough out in Michigan and the whole Florida ordeal. Kristen and I are very happy to be back and looking forward to this offseason. We both miss the saltwater. Not Florida but we miss the vibe of the salt. Puget Sound is our next big thing. Kristen is very very seasoned on it and I am a novice. This winter is for exploring that fishery with my new skiff. Bass fishing with it has been amazing, but it was bought for the salt. Now I didn’t care for Florida and I have more southern saltwater to explore….but that is for another offseason. We are playing close to home this time. I want to add it to my guiding roster and I still need hours for my captains license.
Steelhead is also on the roster this offseason. Not for guiding. I won’t guide for them but I will chase them from time to time. Kristen and I have a Grand Ronde Trip coming up, a trip down to Oregon at some point, and the OP in February. Some fishing for us. I am looking forward to all of it.
The offseason is also a time for fly tying, blogging, working on back end business stuff, and programming for next season. It’s a full time job just a little slower in the offseason. Trips are booking up for next season. I am starting to see things book out into the Fall for 2025 already. When I started this gig 10 years ago I never thought it would get to this level here on the Yakima. I am thankful it has. Thankful to my clients. I have become a much better guide because of them and they in turn and become amazing and gifted anglers. It is a joy to work on the Yakima and share it with clients and anglers.
The offseason is also a time for reflection. This year has been busy, travel heavy, on river and off river life has had its trials and tests. The life I set out to have as a young trout bum putting passion into business and making something of nothing has come to fruition. I come into the offseason with a different and more all encompassing sense of myself, my business, my skillsets, and my passion for fly fishing. I have a new and different energy. Could be my age, but really my experience. I spent a good chunk of the last 16 months out of my comfort zone. Coming back to Washington and the Yakima I am more inspired by this place and more invigorated to explore and share it.
I am looking forward to the down time while I have it. The transition to the offseason takes some time. It can be hard coming off of performing, producing, hunting, and rowing for guide season pretty cold turkey as October ends. The Body and Mind get restless as the season eases off. The cabin fever sets in every few weeks or so, like a weird claustrophobia. I have a hard time sitting still for too long. I have also grown to love travel and like the moving around a little bit. Less this offseason but a few light excursions to keep the mind sane. Some time to fish for myself, to see my kids, to spend time with my partner, and just relax and be somewhat still, its important to take the time to rest. To fully rest.
I look forward to 2025, its already filling up. Going to be another big busy season. I will see ya on the other side of the offseason anglers. Check back soon. We get back to regular blogs and fly tying and talking about trout this winter.
Tamarack
Tamarack's Guide Service 