“There are now 15 Helfrich family members: brothers, sons, nieces, nephews and cousins – that guide across Oregon rivers. It’s a “spirit” that can also be measured by Aaron’s family ties to the McKenzie River he noted that 2014 marks 100 years of the Helfrich family guiding on the river. They have a lot of spirit when you catch them on a dry fly.” “That is the fish that made the McKenzie famous! When these native trout get to be 13 or 14 inches long, they develop a broad red band across their entire length. “That was a great take and that is one nice redside,” noted Helfrich. I set the hook and the trout burst through the surface. Suddenly, a gorgeous trout slurped it down. Under Aaron’s guidance, I cast the caddis across a riffle, lifted the fly rod and let the caddis fly drift with the current. You need to see the fish take that fly and keep it in his mouth for just a couple seconds, so you only have a couple seconds to set the hook in his lip.” “The parachute on top makes the fly very visible because if you can’t see your dry fly on the water, you’re not fishing. This day’s hatch was all about the caddis, and he offered several hand-tied dry fly creations with a highly visible “parachute.” Aaron said it’s a feature that’s key to the fly’s success. “The old theory still holds true: match the hatch! Whatever you see flying around, tie something on that looks like it.”Īaron Helfrich has caught both hatchery and wild fish throughout the McKenzie River’s 63 fishable miles that stretch from the Cascade Mountains to the Willamette Valley. Prince’s grandson, Aaron Helfrich, said that 80 years later, drift boating continues to provide the same function to help fishermen catch big fish. Every boat at this festival evolved from this particular boat, and it’s completely original.” “It was built in 1939 by Woody Hindman for local guide Prince Helfrich. “It’s called “The Trapper,” noted Gottschling. One particular drift boat dates to the 1930s and was recently restored by Wyoming boat builder Adam “Dutch” Gottschling. Nearly forty wooden drift boats are on display at the festival, some gleaming with a newness that hasn’t been rubbed off by time and use, others rugged and worn from countless river adventures. I make a poster and I let people know what’s going to happen – they show up and do their thing.” “This is a total community event! I set the date. Lodge owner and event host Randy Dersham welcomes everyone with open arms. The parade of drift boats lead to the McKenzie River Wooden Boat Festival and is held below towering Eagle Rock at the popular Eagle Rock Lodge.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |