Our Guides are more than 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 new wife 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.
Joe Smallwood
Joe has worked on the Kenai River since 2003; he spent the first year as a raft guide with Alaska Wildland Adventures, and spent his evenings and personal days fishing to learn as much as possible from our veteran sportfishing guide staff. The following year, Joe came back as a sportfishing guide with Kenai River Sportfishing Lodge, a position he has maintained in the years since. In addition to his considerable fishing experience (Joe has also worked on a commercial fishing boat in Southeast Alaska), Joe also has a history of carpentry and sailing.
Jake Mahon
Like Joe, Jake began as a raft guide, and took it upon himself to learn the skills needed to guide fishing on the Upper Kenai. In the past, Jake has worked as a wildlife fighter, work crew supervisor and research supervisor, although his favorite "office" is undoubtedly the Kenai River - last year, Jake spent almost 30 personal days fishing the Kenai.
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