April 23, 2022 at Eagle Rock Lodge

49198 McKenzie Hwy Vida, OR 97426

VIDA, OR — Each year fishing guides and wooden boat fans gather on the opening day of fishing season to swap stories while admiring the McKenzie River and the unique wooden boats that were designed for these crystal-clear waters. This year’s festival will be April 23, 2022 at Eagle Rock Lodge which is located at 49198 McKenzie Hwy, Vida, Oregon on the McKenzie River between milepost 34 and 35. Come, relax, and learn about the river and the history of this influential double-ended boat from 10am – 4 pm. Admission is free.

The McKenzie River Drift Boat is designed for fishing in the pools and rowing through the rapids of Oregon’s McKenzie River. In 1926 guide Veltie Pruitt built the first very light board and batten Drift Boat that began to resemble those in use today. Later, Tom Kaarhus was the first to convert from spruce planks to new marine plywood. These McKenzie’s were made wider with a wide square end on the downriver side so two anglers could fish at one time. It was Woody Hindman who built the first boats with a prow on both ends and then in the winter of 1946, he added a squared transom on the upriver end creating the final design that most modern Drift Boats use today.

At the show you will be able to see several examples of these boats from the past, as well as modern wood drift boats built by professional boat builders and other lovers of this unique boat design.