Doug Caven (Springfield) is a second-generation river guide who has been fishing the McKenzie River since 1962. He specializes in fly-fishing for trout and is a member and former president of the McKenzie River Guides Association. Fishing the McKenzie involves a special boat, specialty rods, and often hand-tied flies.
Bio
Doug Caven has been drift-boat fishing since 1962 and guiding since the 1990s. He grew up fishing the McKenzie River with his father. Caven senior started guiding after World War II alongside the legendary Prince Helfrich, McKenzie River Guiding pioneer and inventor of the McKenzie River Drift Boat. The distinctive skiff has a wide body and sharply pitched bow that make it less likely that passengers will get wet on the fast-moving McKenzie River. Before a trip, Doug Caven sets up two rods for dry fly fishing, and two rods for wet fly fishing. His guided trips feature custom-made Lamiglas® fly rods from a Washington-based company started by fly fishermen in 1949 to build nimble and finely tuned rods. Fishing flies of either type resemble the insects that fish like to eat. Fly fishers use dry flies, which often have additional decorations, on the surface of the water; they also use wet flies, which sink underneath. Oars are also important tools of the trade, and Caven notes that their quality is every bit as important as the iconic drift boats for navigating a successful fishing trip. McKenzie guides are also known for the tasty homecooked meals they make for their clients and their ability to entertain with local lore. On a one-day trip, Caven pan-fries the catch for a tasty supper. On multi-day bookings, he sets up a Dutch oven to prepare hot meals for his clients. For Caven, guiding is about, “sharing this be beautiful place that we get to have with people and encouraging them to really appreciate what it is we have here, and how important it is to take care of it.” He regards his avocation as a wonderful opportunity to meet people from all over the world and from all walks of life. A member of the McKenzie River Guides Association since the 1990s, Caven has served as president and charity fishing trip coordinator; that program offers free trips to foster children, cancer survivors, and veterans. Doug Caven is also a member of the Coastal Conservation Association and is dedicated to protecting Oregon’s many rivers and promoting local guides.
