Meet Kelsey

Kelsey grew up along the banks of the McKenzie River in Western Oregon and has been boating since before she could walk. Raised in an outfitting family, she spent her childhood on river trips and working in the family business while developing a deep connection to the rivers of the Pacific Northwest.

After graduating 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, Kelsey continued building her life around guiding, rivers, and outdoor recreation.

A licensed guide since the age of 16, Kelsey now guides on many rivers throughout Oregon and Idaho, including the Middle Fork Salmon, Main Salmon, Rogue, McKenzie, and Owyhee Rivers. She spends much of her time fly-fishing for trout and steelhead from handcrafted wooden drift boats, trusting Sawyer Oars for their maneuverability, balance, and dependable performance in all water conditions.