It is with great sorrow that we mention the drowning at Martin’s Rapid this past Fathers Day. It is our hope that this will only stress river safety and the use of life jackets in unfamiliar waters. Per Oregon State Law, PFD’s must be worn by all Guides and guests while boating through Class #3 rapids.

McKenzie River Guides are some of the best river boatman in the world and are required to obey this law; yet, private boaters unfamiliar with certain aspects of class #3 and #4 rapids are not required to wear PFD’s. The McKenzie River Guide Association would like to stress the use of PFD’s to promote river safety and enjoyment of our river resources in the Pacific Northwest.

Also please become aware of the “Free Life Jacket” program. Life Jackets are available to the general public for day use at Mathers Market, McKenzie Feed and Tackle, Leaburg Store, and Vida Country Store. Stop by any of these stores and make sure children playing along the river use them! This program is sponsored by The McKenzie River Guides Association and McKenzie Fire and Rescue.
Be safe and enjoy the summer.

<*)}}}}}><{ John Payne

A dangerous log is in the river at Heavens Gate Cottages and blocks passage near the right shore. After running Cook’s Rapid, navigate to river left. Hazard is approx. 1.2 miles below Finn Rock put in.

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Wow! Where did April go?

Seems like just last week we were preparing for the Guides Wives Dinner and Auction. A very special evening shared with fellow guides, friends, family and newest honorary member to MRGA, Hall of Fame Baseball player the great Bobby Doerr. Bobby was so nice for attending the dinner and it was very special for us to meet such a gracious person. Thank you Bobby for all you’ve done to help fishing in Oregon. Special thanks to Koffler Boats, Oregon Paddle Sports, Cabela’s, Sotar and all the others that helped make our auction a success.

The 3rd annual McKenzie River Boat Rodeo was another success this year. The weather was fantastic! A great turnout with almost 40 boats inspected by Officer Marc Boyd. McKenzie Fire and Rescue have always been a huge help with this event and this year provided whitewater rescue demonstrations and plenty of river safety information. It is with the help of McKenzie Fire and Rescue that the “Free-Life-Jacket” program is a success.

Many thanks to the cooks that prepared delicious meals for this event. Once again Jon Payne and Billy Pruitt stared each other straight in the eye for the 4th Annual Cook-Off. This year Billy Pruitt takes home the trophy for best cook. His “special” chili and hot corn bread w/ butter & honey narrowly beat Jon’s Sage/Basil Chicken w/ saffron rice. Look for Jon going after the trophy next year. George Recker prepared his famous Fried Chicken and Alice Burke baked a 19” Dutch Oven Biscuits! Fantastic! Thanks to McKenzie Feed and Tackle and McKenzie Fire and Rescue for providing the judges. Someone heard Jon say, “Billy must pay them more than I do”. Also, congratulations to Dana Burwell for winning a new Steelhead Drifting Rod in the raffle!

The 7th Annual McKenzie River Wooden Boat Festival enjoyed more good weather and a great turnout. It’s neat to see how the current McKenzie Driftboat has evolved over the years. The most beautifulboats to have ever graced the McKenzie River on display. Many thanks go to Randy Dersham and Debbie for holding the event at The Eagle Rock Lodge. MRGA members Steve and Debbie Schaefers, Sherill Helfrich, Don Wouda, Dave Schaefers, Gary Williams kept the Burgers and Hotdogs coming through the event. Many thanks to Bob Jensen and The Wild Duck for his contribution.

As April turns into May, let’s celebrate the 200 years since Donald MacKenzie’s discovery of the McKenzie River. Be safe and enjoy the river we love.