David Stone from Boston, Massachusetts made Helfrich history this year when he spent a trip on the Rogue with the 4th generation of the Helfrich family to row him down the river. Starting with Prince Helfrich, followed by Dave, Ken and now Kelsey, the tradition of Helfrichs on the water lives on. David was joined by great friends and family for a three day trip on the Wild and Scenic Rogue.  He shared great stories with the group about his trips on the rivers with all four generations of Helfrichs.  Thank you for joining us on the river this fall David!

 

Better than average steelhead runs are expected for this upcoming year.  Removal of dams on the Rogue River System will have significant benefits to the fishery.  The Rogue River is currently under a great transformation as the fourth dam is removed this year and the river is returns to its natural free-flowing state.  For the first time in more than 100 years, the Rogue could flow unimpeded for 157 miles from the Cascade foothills to the Pacific Ocean.  The Rogue is the largest Salmon-producing stream in Oregon other than the Columbia River System and has great potential to return to its historic fishery rates. With the removal of the Savage Rapids Dam late last year, over 500 miles of spawning grounds have been opened up to Rogue River Salmon and Steelhead.  The Gold Hill Dam and the Elk Creek Dam were both removed in the summer of 2008 and the Gold Ray Dam, the final obstacle left to be removed from the river system, is scheduled for removal in late 2010.  With these outdated dams removed, the health of the Rogue River system is expected to improve exponentially.  According to the Bureau of Reclamation, we can expect to see and increase of approximately 114,000 more salmon and steelhead each year.  We are all very excited to experience improving fish populations each fall.  Come experience the Rogue in its natural free-flowing state for the first time in over 100 years.

 

Jim spends his winters in the backwoods of Idaho working as a biology technician for the Idaho Fish and Game.  Monitoring elk and deer and conducting wildlife surveys has become another passion of Jim's and keeps him busy for much of the winter. When he's not on the river or in the backwoods, Jim truly enjoys being a family man.  He and his wife Lois were proud to welcome two new grandbabies into the world this past year and have been busier than ever traveling to visit family and welcome these new little ones into the world.  Jim and Lois's generous personalities have expanded their family to include their godchildren and kids in the community. He and Lois even open up their home for foster kids from the community in times of need.