Jon Payne or better known as ‘JP’ is known and loved as a character on the river. Jon grew up in Olympia, Washington and currently resides in Eugene, Oregon. “I learned to fish as soon as I was able to hold a pole. Tying fishing line to a favorite stick was my first rod. Growing up on Puget Sound allowed me to fish whenever I wanted. Prowling streams on the Olympic peninsula was a favorite growing up, as was leaning to row a Drift boat. As I got older, the Drift boat became a tool to get down river and fish out of. After moving to Eugene in 1997 the Drift boat became a toy to play on the McKenzie River.”
After 17 years in the Bar/Tavern business and fishing for fun in all his spare time; Jon finally was finally able to become a guide and dedicate himself to his passion in 1999. Helfrich Guide Jon PayneHe began working for Helfrich River Outfitters in 2006 and he now guides the Middle Fork and Main Salmon, Rogue and McKenzie Rivers. “My first Middle fork trip was in 2002 and I’m excited for many more seasons to come!”
Jon also guides on the John Day, Alsea, Siuslaw, Umpqua, Elk, Sixes, Willamette and Santiam Rivers. In his down time he continues to pursue his ardor for fishing and Drift boats. “I have named all my Drift boats “Miss Kay” in honor of my grandmother, who let me row a boat as soon as I was able. I spent hours and hours rowing my Grandma Kay around Puget Sound. My current Drift boat is named ‘Miss Kay III’.”