Kelsey Helfrich is a fourth-generation drift boat fly-fishing and whitewater rafting guide in Oregon and Idaho. Running a boat, and the opportunity to introduce people to the beautiful rivers of the Pacific Northwest, is her true passion in life.
Kelsey grew up along the banks of the McKenzie River in Western Oregon and has been boating since before she could walk. Growing up in an outfitting family, she was raised on river trips and working in the family business. Kelsey graduated from Oregon State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry Recreation Resource Management and a minor in Cultural and Geologic Studies of the Pacific Northwest. As she has grown, so has her love of the river and the outdoor lifestyle.
A licensed guide since the age of 16, Kelsey now guides on many rivers, including the Middle Fork of the Salmon and Main Salmon Rivers in Idaho, along with the “ wild and scenic” Rogue, McKenzie and Owyhee Rivers in Oregon. Kelsey spends most of her time on the water, guiding fly-fishing trips for trout and steelhead in one of her beautiful wood drift boats. These wooden drift boats are known for their comfort and maneuverability, and Kelsey only trusts Sawyer Oars for running these boats in any type of water condition.
More on Kelsey:
- Helfrich River Outfitter Website: helfrichoutfitter.com
- Follow Helfrich River Outfitters Facebook Page
