A. Helfrich Outfitter

A. Helfrich Outfitter is Oregon's oldest continuous outfitting family, guiding anglers on the McKenzie River since 1922. Based in Springfield, Oregon, the Helfrich family is synonymous with the McKenzie River drift boat tradition and has played a central role in the development of fly fishing culture in the Pacific Northwest over the past century. The McKenzie River is one of Oregon's most iconic trout streams, a crystal-clear, spring-fed river that flows through lush forests on the western slope of the Cascades. The Helfrich family's guides take anglers on classic McKenzie drift boat trips, fishing for wild rainbow and stocked trout through stunning canyon scenery. The drift boat itself was developed on the McKenzie, and the Helfrich family has been instrumental in refining and preserving this tradition. Beyond the McKenzie, the outfitter also runs multi-day wilderness float trips on the John Day River, one of Oregon's longest free-flowing rivers. A. Helfrich Outfitter's guides bring a depth of knowledge that can only come from four generations of guiding the same waters. Their McKenzie River trips offer outstanding dry fly fishing, particularly during the famous green drake and salmonfly hatches, while their John Day expeditions provide a more remote, multi-day wilderness experience. Whether you choose a day on the McKenzie or a multi-day adventure on the John Day, a trip with Helfrich connects you to over a century of Oregon fly fishing heritage.