Category Archives: on the river

Success at the Rodeo and Cook-off

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The 2nd Annual McKenzie River Boat Rodeo was an outstanding success! Last year Marc Boyd from Oregon State Police issued 17 boat safety inspections. This year he issued 29! “Fantastic” Marc was quoted of saying in referring to the enthusiasm of the inspections. The rain poured all day and the boats kept pouring into the park! One person was heard saying “If we don’t do things in the Rain, we won’t do anything at all!”

The event held every year on the weekend before Opening Day of Fishing Season at Hendricks Bridge Park also featured The McKenzie River Guides Cook-Off! Last year Billy Pruitt’s Hot Tamales narrowly beat Jon Payne’s Grilled Spicy Chicken. This year Jon and Billy had matching final scores. The tie-breaker was decided by the single score card with the highest total… And the winner is…. Jon Payne’s “Perfectly Spiced” Chicken w/ Saffron Rice and Fresh Pineapple. Billy’s Rockin’ P Ranch Cheeseburger Pie was fantastic as was his Sweet Potato Chili and Pecan bites.

Chris Olsen “Oly” took down the “Best Desert” with his Dutch Oven Biscuits and Strawberries! George Recker and Steve Schaefers matched wits with Fried Chicken and they are still debating who’s was best. This friendly competition will continue next year.

Next years event planners are already working on making this another great day to promote river safety, tell fishing stories, compare McKenzie Driftboat styles and eat great homemade food!

Special thanks to Oregon State Police, Lane County Parks, Oregon State Marine Board, The McKenzie Guides Association members of Northwest Steelheaders and all that attended this great event.

Boat Rodeo and Outdoor Cook-Off!

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April 16th the second annual McKenzie River Guides Association Boat Rodeo and Outdoor Cook-Off.
This event is open to the public and a great chance to receive your 2011 boat safety inspection.
Also featuring a McKenzie Guides Cook-Off. These meals will be judged by Eugene radio personalities and is a great opportunity to see how experienced Guides cook delicious meals on the river. Featuring Grilled delights, Dutch oven Biscuits and other fine cuisine.

Last year it was a tight race for the Main course competition with Billy Pruitt’s tamales narrowly beating Jon Payne’s Chicken by 1/2 point. This friendly competition will continue at the 2011 event.

The event will be held at Hendricks Bridge Park, April 16th, from 9:00 to 3:00 with food judging at 1:00. The public is encourage to bring your boat to have Oregon State Police perform the annual boat safety inspection before the coming of Opening Day of Trout season April 23rd. No parking fees during the event and Lane County Parks will be providing 2011 park passes for sale.

For more information contact Jon Payne, 541-579-3474 jon@o2fish.com

River Blockage Removed

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Click this photograph to enlarge

April, 10th, 2011 the McKenzie river was cleared of a complete river blockage known as mile post 44. This obstruction was completely blocking the river in two locations. The first obstruction was just out of sight upstream of the highway near mile post 44. A single log, approximately 4.5 ft in diameter at the base was across the entire river. A single cut on the far shore from the root base allowed the tree to come to rest parallel of the bank and completely out of the current channel. This tree is now resting along the bank providing habitat many forms of aquatic life.

The second blockage was visible from the highway and took considerable more work. With a down stream safety crew put in place, a drift boat was lowered to the tree blocking the river. After spending three hours cutting the tree through it seemed it would not budge. After a shore lunch an attempt was made to cut the tree from the opposite end. It became apparent that the tree was being held in place by a second tree just under the surface. When the second tree was cut the entire mass began to moan and pop. The McKenzie river once again became clear for safe boat navigation.

A heartfelt thanks should be extended to Wade Scofield and volunteers from The McKenzie River Guides Association and McKenzie Fire and Rescue for helping making safe passage on this section of the McKenzie River.

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