Our guides are more than just guides ~ they're our most important asset.
They love what they do and return to work with us year after year. What do these years of experience mean for you? You'll fish with confidence as our guides navigate the Kenai to their favorite spots and share their special tips and tricks for reeling in a hard-fighting silver or trophy king.

Kyle "Lenny" Kolodziejski
After earning a BS in Geology and Environmental Studies from Beloit College, Kyle had the opportunity to visit Alaska and was struck by the beauty of the land and, of course, the incredible fishing. In 2001, Kyle moved north for good, coming to work for Alaska Wildland Adventures (AWA) in Denali National Park and gaining the lasting nickname "Lenny." The following summer, he relocated to Cooper Landing where he became the Sportfishing Program Director for AWA's Kenai River Sportfishing Lodge. Lenny handles a lot of behind-the-scenes management and river conservation advocacy, but his favorite part of the job is still getting out on the river with guests as a sportfishing guide. When he's not casting lines on the Kenai, Lenny lives in the small town of Moose Pass with his wife, son and two dogs.

George Malacuso
George first came to work for Kenai River Sportfishing Lodge in 1987 and has returned every season since for an amazing record of over 20 years of guiding on the Kenai River. Needless to say, George knows the Kenai like the back of his hand, whether he's driftboat fishing on the Upper River or working as a Lower River powerboat guide.

Russ Hughes
Russ has been a sportfishing guide with Kenai River Sportfishing Lodge since 1994. While he has spent considerable time behind the oars in a driftboat over the last 15 years, he now primarily pursues kings and silver salmon as a powerboat guide on the Lower Kenai. Even on his days off, you're likely to find Russ out on the river; in between guiding, Russ puts in at least 15 days of personal fishing on the Kenai River and nearby waterways.

Todd Harris
In addition to his ten years of experience guiding guests on the Kenai River, Todd has also guided on the Deschutes River in Oregon for Steelhead and Trout. Todd specializes in fly fishing and each year dedicates about 30 personal days to fishing. He counts among his favorite guiding experiences taking out President and Mrs. Carter for a day of reeling in salmon on the Kenai River during their trip to Alaska with Alaska Wildland Adventures.

Jake Mahon
Jake grew up in Oregon and considers his home waters the Rogue and North Umpqua Rivers. He has been fishing for salmon, trout, and steelhead for over 20 years and guiding on the Kenai since 2006. Jake's experience has led to a particularly versatile approach and the need for many different rods and reels. In June and July you will find him switching boats between the Upper Kenai for sockeye and trout and the Lower Kenai for kings. During August and September Jake trolls herring in Resurrection Bay, back-bounces eggs and plugs on the Lower, and casts flies and spinners for silvers on the Upper and Middle Kenai. When he's not targeting salmon he'll be fly fishing for trophy trout through September. During the Alaska winter, Jake seeks refuge in Oregon or Maui but is probably still fishing. Jake's long term goals include completing his doctorate in psychology and developing fishing programs for youth.