Willamette Valley Outfitters

Willamette Valley Outfitters (operating under A. Helfrich Outfitters, LLC) guides hunting expeditions across Oregon's backcountry. They offer 5 and 7-day elk hunts specifically for archers on public lands, providing experienced guides, camp setup, and meals so you bring the weapon and the determination.

For hunters seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, they guide bighorn sheep hunts in the John Day River Unit. They operate under a BLM permit for this specialized hunt. Hunters must draw their own tags before booking.

• •Full camp setup and meals
• •Expert guides through Oregon backcountry
• •Customized hunt planning based on your needs and experience level
• •Both archery and rifle hunts available
• •Bighorn sheep hunts (John Day River Unit)

Willamette Valley Outfitters runs guided fishing trips on some of Oregon's most productive rivers. Their primary fishery is the Siletz River in Polk County—a 67-mile river that flows from Siuslaw National Forest, known as a "Fisherman's Paradise."

Chinook Salmon (Kings & Springers) - Fall Kings: October through mid-November on Siletz River - Spring Chinook (Springers): April through June on Willamette River - Summer and fall runs on Columbia River - Known for being some of the tastiest salmon on Earth

Coho Salmon (Silvers) - August runs at Buoy 10 (Columbia River) - Prized for their spirited fight and aerial displays - Two-hour trip from Portland

Steelhead (Rainbow Trout) - Winter steelhead: December through April on Siletz River - Year-round opportunity due to steelhead's multiple spawning runs - Requires patience and technique—guides know where to find them

Buoy 10 marks the world-famous fishery about two hours northwest of Portland. It hosts the Northwest's largest salmon return. Willamette Valley Outfitters guides trips from August 1-31 for both Chinook and Coho. The fishing is heavy but productive—thousands of anglers show up, but there's usually plenty of fish to go around.

"There's usually more than enough fish to go around, making this an ideal spot to revel in camaraderie."

Siletz River — A winding 67-mile course beginning in Polk County's Siuslaw National Forest, roughly 20 miles from the ocean. Year-round fishing for both salmon and steelhead.

Willamette River — 187 miles from Eugene to Portland. The watershed supported humans 10,000+ years ago. Spring Chinook fishing practically in downtown Portland (April-June), then move south to Eugene area for summer salmon and steelhead.

Columbia River — The largest river in the Northwest, forming the Oregon-Washington border. Historically used as a fur trade route. Now home to some of the best-tasting salmon in the world, with both Springers and fall Kings.

McKenzie River — Known for brilliant turquoise waters and scenic beauty.

All other rivers — Winchester Bay, Umpqua River, Siuslaw River, Elk & Sixes Rivers, and John Day River all offer productive fishing for salmon and steelhead depending on season.

Based in the Willamette Valley region of Oregon (Eugene area), Willamette Valley Outfitters combines deep knowledge of Oregon's fisheries and backcountry hunting grounds. Salmon and steelhead fishing traditions stretch back thousands of years in Oregon—the company taps into that cultural heritage while providing modern guide services.