Your seasoned guides — 20+ years guiding on the Kenai River for Rainbow Trout

Josh Hayes

Hello,

My name is Josh Hayes.  I am a third generation Alaskan and a current resident of Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula.  As a young kid in the early 1980’s I was taught to fly fish the Kenai River by my father and grandfather using an 8 foot 7 weight Berkley Cherry wood fly rod.  

Being a local Alaskan Resident, I still spend the majority of my time fishing the unexploited wild rivers and wild fishes of Alaska, managing to fish over 100 days each year.  

For the past 20 years I have worked as a fly fishing guide for multiple lodges and guide services throughout Alaska.  The experience and knowledge acquired working for the most respected guides and lodges in Alaska laid the foundation on which I based Alaska Trout Guides.  

I began working for myself in the Summer of 2003 and have enjoyed the freedom, and responsibility of being a guide service Owner/Operator.  I pride myself in being honest and straight forward when it comes to fishing and guiding.  

I will not book a trip that I am not 100% confident in taking myself and I do not believe in selling a trip just to make a quick buck because the season in Alaska is short.  

If you want a straight answer on whether or not a trip is likely to be successful please feel free to contact me – regardless of your decision to fish with me or not.  I love the river, I love the fish, I love my job, and I would love to share my Home Water with you.

In 2003 I obtained a degree in Elementary Education from Alaska Pacific University.  Utilizing my teaching abilities while working as a fly fishing guide has proven very rewarding and allows all levels of anglers to enjoy a successful day on the water with me.  

Because of my teaching background kids of all ages are welcome on every trip and I am always excited to fish with, as well as instruct the next generation of anglers.  

I understand the intricacies of planning and executing the best possible Alaskan fly fishing experience and will do my best to accommodate your every need and expectation.

       - Josh

Book Your Trip Today - Phone: (907) 598-1899

Jeff Heiskall

After starting a guiding career in Alaska in 2010 Jeff has spent the last 8 years guiding the Missoula, MT area. Currently Jeff splits the fishing season between guiding the rivers around Missoula, and guiding the Upper Kenai River in Cooper Landing, AK.

“Hello, My name is Jeff Heiskell, I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. I caught my first bluegill in my grannies pond in Texas when I was 18 months old. Ever since then fishing has been my main obsession. I grew up fishing the lakes and rivers of Washington, Idaho and Montana. When I was 7 years old I caught my first trout on a fly rod and before long it became my favorite way to fish.

In 2008 I graduated high school and enrolled at the university of Montana in Missoula Montana. I studied forestry, but it turns out having access to endless amounts of quality trout water resulted in limited class attendance. After a couple years of skipping class to go fishing my grades were not up to par and I found myself trying to figure out what to do with my life. I had always wanted to fish Alaska, and being a broke college kid, spending a summer working in Alaska seemed like the only way to make it happen. I put away my notes, started making a resume and planned for a move north. I would have agreed to the first job I was offered, and yet somehow, I ended up landing a job with one of the most reputable companies in Alaska. What started as a plan to work and fish in Alaska for the summer turned into the beginning of my guiding career.

In addition to my guiding seasons the past 15 years, I have lived and traveled to some of the world’s best fisheries. I spent a few winters in Oregon swinging flies for steelhead on various coastal and inland streams, wandered around the backcountry of the South Island of New Zealand, fished for tarpon in the Florida keys and Everglades, as well as chased permit and bonefish in Honduras.

As a guide, I take pride in my patience, knowledge of different techniques and methods, and ability to take anglers of any skill level and not only put them on fish but to help them walk away with new skills and knowledge they can use the next time they’re on the water. I am also a big believer in trying hard to catch fish while also not taking things too serious and having a good time - after all, the reason we fly fish is to have fun. What started as passion for catching fish has turned into a love for teaching and sharing the experience of fishing with others.”

Book Your Trip Today - Phone: (907) 598-1899

Camden Burggrabe

Hailing originally from Marquette in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan Camden grew up fishing (and playing hockey) all over the United States. A former college hockey player and current youth hockey coach in the offseason, Camden approaches guiding anglers with a team mentality and the ability to instruct anglers of all ages and abilities. Through his tireless work ethic, eagerness to learn, and true passion for fishing Cam possesses the diverse knowledge and unique skill set to guide anglers along the entire 82 river miles of the Kenai River. Whether it be Spey (two handed), single hand, boat or bank angling, salmon or trout fishing, Camden is as versatile as anyone in the business – taking great pride in sharing his fishing experience and styles with others. When not guiding Cam can be found fishing, hunting, or hiking the local backcountry of the Kenai Peninsula. Camden brings six years of Alaska experience to Alaska Trout Guides.

Book Your Trip Today - Phone: (907) 598-1899