Kelowna Classic Winners Circle

2024 Kelowna Classic Tournament

2024 Kelowna Classic hosted 70 Anglers from across the Okanagan and as far as Alberta. Unfortunately we had the lowest Angler entries on record. Last year was 109 Anglers. I believe the weather was the main factor. Kudos to everyone that braved the cooler, wet, windy weather! As well, there were no incidents that I know of due to the rough water. Again, well done everyone for playing it safe out there! Although we were down in participants we were able to give away $2900.00 prize money for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. 5th place was added this year giving away a set of Shimano downrigger rods and line counter reels valued at $1100.00. The Jackpots were still very healthy with the $60 Jackpot at $1680, $40 Jackpot at $1160 and $20 Jackpot at $620. We had 3 more Young Anglers enter the “Youth” Jackpot this year giving away $240 bucks. I’d really like to see this Jackpot grow! 29 Rainbow Trout were entered and of those 8 were over 24″ with the largest at 27″. Last year’s winner was 31.0″. We had over 70% release rate! Burbot was a new Jackpot category this year with only 2 Anglers entering. Nobody entered a Burbot so the $80 bucks will roll over into next years’ Burbot jackpot. If little interest I will need to re-examine going forward for 2026. With the “Optional” Jackpots we had about 30% of anglers that entered. This paid off big time for Angler Brandon Palik. His Rainbow didn’t even place in the top 5, but he went “All In” and scored some big cash as the top 5 didn’t enter the Jackpots with the exception of Geoff who bought into the $20 Jackpot. I think it’s exciting, it’s a derby “within” a derby! Hopefully more Anglers will go into the Jackpots going forward, getting some serious cash flowing! One other item worth mentioning is the Ladies participating this year. 3 Ladies placed in the top 5 and Zoey took home even more cash winning the “Youth” jackpot as well with a whopper Rainbow at 25.75″. Well done Ladies!

Throughout the year, please Thank & Support our sponsors. Scotty Downriggers, Protec Petroleum, New-Line Hose & Fitting, Trout Waters, Lux Bucktails, Fishinator Lures, Aesthetic Nation Gym, Vise & Virtue Brewing, Westside Stores, Selka Boat Center.  A Huge “Thank You” to all the Anglers who participated in the 2024 – 2nd Kelowna Classic. I hope to see you all for the 3rd Annual Kelowna Classic – October 18th, 2025

Feel free to contact me via email should you have any questions or comments. rod@kelownafishing.com

Derby Winners – Entry Fee Only

1st Rainbow ($1500) – 27.00″ – Geoff Hartland

2nd Rainbow ($750) – 26.50″ – Marilyn Kakuno

3rd Rainbow ($400) – 25.875″ – Tracy Kakuno

4th Rainbow ($250) – 25.75″ – Zoey Heikel

5th Rainbow (Shimano Rod & Reel x 2) – 24.625″ – Sierra Kakuno

Jackpot Winners

$60 Jackpot – Longest Rainbow ($1680) – 24.50″ – Brandon Palik

$40 Jackpot – Longest Rainbow ($1160) – 24.50″ – Brandon Palik

$20 Jackpot – Longest Rainbow ($620) – 27.00″ – Geoff Hartland

$40 Youth Jackpot – Longest Rainbow ($240) 18 years of age or younger – 25.75″ – Zoey Heikel

$40 Jackpot – Longest Burbot ($80) – No Winner. Carries over to 2025

All winning Anglers PLEASE contact me to confirm your email address for your E-Transfers!

Prize Package Giveaway Winners

For the 2 “Trout Waters” $100 Gift certificates see Nick or Savas at the store. They have your information and will issue your GC. All other prize packages will need to be picked up at my residence in West Kelowna. Contact me prior to coming to ensure I’m home.  

Winners are – Rob Rietman, Chris Blake, Bobby Weightman, Alex Milanovic, Nevaeh Drake, Garett Johnston, Jaxon Gibson and Ronin Martin.

Kelowna Classic Winners