My good friend and author Bob Welch calls me "part artist, part mad scientist, and part lighthearted ambassador for the fishing wonders of Oregon".
Wood drift boats, the McKenzie River, and the art of fly fishing are things I am passionate about and enjoy sharing with my guests. That enthusiasm shows in the work I do for you on the river. Much like the boat I built for adventure, my attention to detail on the river applies to the knots we tie, the flies we fish, the food we eat, the safety standards we adhere to in the rapids, and your overall experience in some of the prettiest country you'll ever see.
I've been running these Oregon rivers in my wood boat for years - from Hell's Gate on the Willamette to Marten's on the McKenzie to Blossom Bar on the Rogue… the boat has been tested in some of the most challenging and treacherous white water in the Northwest. In the article I wrote for Salmon Steelhead Journal called Ten Most Treacherous Rivers to Run in a Wood Drift Boat, my boat the Obsession has been on most of them (and has a few scars to prove it).
To find out more about me, read Bob's column… "A river runs through one man's life"
Credentials: Licensed Oregon Outfitter & Guide, Red Cross Certified, CPR Certified, Member of the McKenzie River Guides Association, Trout Unlimited, Federation of Fly Fishers, and winner of the McKenzie Two Fly Tournament - 2009. Actively involved in: Historic River Boats Afloat, McKenzie River Museum, McKenzie River Trust. Written numerous articles & blogs for Salmon Trout Steelhead, Salmon Steelhead Journal, Caddis Fly, Sawyer Oars, Pendleton and many others.
Comments from Guests in my boat...
"My trips with Greg have always been a treat from beginning to end. From the float in the beautiful, hand crafted, mahogany and Alaskan cedar drift boat, to the bright chrome steelhead caught with his advice and guidance, I have had the ultimate steelheading experience with Greg. No one knows the river, where to find the fish, or how to handle a drift boat through Class IV rapids as well as he does and no one has a boat like his. You’ll have a great time” Dr. Dan Phillips
“I took my teenage son on a trip with Greg down the McKenzie and we had such a great time, we did it again!! The combination of good trout fishing, fun white water rapids and a fantastic lunch made for a couple of very memorable days for us. What a great Father / Son outing - those are experiences my son and I will never forget.“ Tim Cobb - Staccato C.E.O.
“Greg is Obsessed with knowing everything about Steelhead and getting them to bite a fly. He’s honed his skills on Oregon waters and more frequently than not, gets a “Fish On” for his guests. He fills his boat with enthusiasm for the outdoors and creates memorable adventures for everyone who takes a trip in the ‘Obsession’. Drift with Greg - you’ll have a great time & a new friend.” Dennis Down - Bi-Mart Chief Administrative Officer
“Our trip on Father’s Day was definitely a great and special day. My son Kyle has done A LOT of fishing for all types of fish in all parts of the country. He said that the trip with you learning the basics of fly fishing was the most fun he had fishing - - - EVER. (Catching a Bull Trout didn’t hurt.) Thank you!!”
Dr. Mark and Kyle O’Hara
“Just wanted to let you know that we had an absolute blast today! Even though it took Matt and me an eternity to finally find a date that worked, it was so worth the wait! What an awesome memory. Thank you for showing us such an amazing day!”
Matt & Lesa Widmer (Lesa gave Matt a “Float” for their Anniversary)
“I just had to write you to say thanks for an incredible day on the McKenzie. Sunday was in the top 5 best days of my fly fishing life. It was so special. Your humility, your love for the river, for your boat, for us, for stories, for fish for drifting and rowing, for serving a special lunch, were just so right and I was blessed in both an experiential and spiritual sense. I will never forget that day. May 20, 2012.” Greg Scandrett with Bob Welch.