Robin Alexander (Leaburg) is a river guide, fly fisher, and storyteller. A member of the McKenzie River Guides Association, he has deep and extensive knowledge of the history and lore of the McKenzie River.
Bio
A former logger and millworker, Alexander became a McKenzie River guide after the mill he worked at for 14 years was shut down during environmental protections of the Spotted Owl’s old growth habitat. At his wife’s suggestion, he bought fishing equipment and talked to his friend and river guide, Ken Helfrich, under whose father Alexander began to work on the Rogue River. He later worked for Ken on the Lower Main Salmon River, where he became known for storytelling. He regales fishing clients with stories of Finn Rock, cougar sightings, and fishing incidents. Alexander also enjoys recounting tales about the local landscape and people, such as the legend of Harry Hayes, a character who worked as a trapper and was said to have captured children. According to Robin Alexander, one of the main qualities of being a good river guide is being a people person. “You don’t have to be the best fisher on the river, but you have to be entertaining.” He spends a lot of time with new clients, getting a full understanding of their particular skill level. Part of showing visitors how to fish this region also includes educating them about “catch and release,” a way to enjoy fishing when harvesting isn’t permitted. To do so requires knowledge and ingenuity, which comes only through experience. For example, guides often make their own fish-release tools. Alexander’s version, called the Guide’s Choice Fish Release, allows a person to release fish without touching them. Leaving the oil on their bodies increases fish survival. Alexander expresses a deep respect for the McKenzie and gratitude for getting to be a “steward of the river” for over 20 years. Like other guides in the McKenzie River Association, he takes care of the river and is involved in clean-up and other conservation efforts.
