Meet Captain Jason Simmons

Twenty Years of Technical Expertise and Local Knowledge on the Kenai River

Jason Simmons didn’t just move to Alaska two decades ago; he became a student of its most complex river systems. Originally from Utah, Jason relocated to the Last Frontier to pursue a life defined by the rhythm of the water. After years of honing his technical skills alongside the region’s premier outfits, he established Alaska Salmon Guides to offer a more intentional, personalized guiding experience. With over 20 years of professional experience at the helm, Jason has developed an instinctual understanding of the Kenai River and Kasilof River, navigating their glacial currents with the precision that only thousands of hours on the water can produce.

What truly defines a day with Jason is his focus on the educational side of angling. He believes that a great guide is a great teacher, approaching every drift with a patient, organized demeanor that puts both novices and seasoned fly-fishers at ease. For Jason, the success of a guided trip is measured by the guest's confidence behind the rod. Whether he is explaining the subtle science of an egg-drop drift for trophy rainbow trout or the specific timing of a sockeye run, his goal is to ensure that every person who steps off his boat leaves as a more capable and knowledgeable angler than when they arrived.

Living and working in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge has instilled in Jason a deep-seated respect for the local ecosystem. He views himself as a steward of these "bucket-list" waters, committed to sharing the majesty of Alaska’s massive salmon runs and unspoiled natural beauty with travelers from around the globe. His reputation on the Kenai Peninsula is built on 100% effort and a genuine passion for the sport, ensuring that your time on the river is spent in the most productive holes, surrounded by the incredible wildlife and turquoise scenery that make this region world-famous.

The Vessel: Our Custom 20-Foot Willie Drift Boat

The quality of your experience is directly tied to the equipment we use, which is why we operate a state-of-the-art 20-foot Willie Drift Boat. Specifically engineered for the unique demands of the Kenai and Kasilof rivers, this vessel offers a stable, high-performance platform for up to four guests. The boat’s design allows for a quiet, intimate journey through the river's most pristine stretches, making it just as effective for high-action salmon fishing as it is for a dedicated scenic boat tour. Maintained to the highest professional standards and outfitted with premium tackle, our boat ensures that you can focus entirely on the scenery and the strike while navigating Alaska's legendary waters in comfort and safety.

Alaska Salmon Guides Available Trips

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Expertise & Attributes

20 Years of Experience

fishing Attributes

Master Guide

Nature / Wildlife Views

Freshwater Fishing

Good with New Anglers

Good with Families

Good with Kids

Gear & Equipment

Available Fishing Gear

Reels

Rods

Good to Knows

Trip Includes:

Expert Instruction: Benefit from friendly, professional guides with extensive local knowledge.
Safety Standards: Full peace of mind with First Aid and CPR-certified staff.
Premium Fleet: Fish from clean, comfortable 20-foot drift boats designed for the Kenai.
High-End Equipment: Access to top-of-the-line rods, reels, and all necessary tackle.
Wading Gear: Waterproof wading boots provided for your convenience.
Safety Gear: USCG-approved life jackets for every passenger on board.
Catch Processing: Professional fish cleaning services included at the end of your trip.

What to bring:

Alaska Fishing License: Ensure you have a valid license and a King Salmon Stamp if targeting Kings.

Food and Beverages: Pack a sack lunch, snacks, and enough drinks to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Camera: Bring a camera or smartphone to capture your trophy catch and local wildlife.

Rain Gear: High-quality waterproof jackets and pants are essential for Alaska's unpredictable weather.

Layered Clothing: Wear warm clothes and moisture-wicking layers to stay comfortable on the water.

Sun and Bug Protection: Bring sunglasses (polarized recommended), sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.

Getting to the Upper Kenai Boat Launch

Depart Anchorage: Head south on the New Seward Highway for approximately 90 miles.
The Interchange: Turn right onto the Sterling Highway (Hwy 1) following the signs for Soldotna, Kenai, and Homer.
Arrival in Cooper Landing: Continue on the Sterling Highway for 10 miles. As you enter the town of Cooper Landing, you will cross a large, prominent bridge over the Kenai River.
The Final Turn: Immediately after crossing the bridge, take an instant right toward the public boat launch.
Meeting Point: Follow the road down to the water; look for Jason Simmons and the Alaska Salmon Guides drift boat.

Alaska Sport Fishing License Requirements

Who Needs One: All residents and nonresidents age 16 or older must possess a valid sport fishing license for all Alaska personal use and sport fisheries.
King Salmon Stamps: If your charter is targeting King Salmon, a King Salmon Stamp is required in addition to your standard fishing license.
Where to Buy: Licenses and stamps are easily accessible and can be purchased through several convenient methods:
Online: Visit the official state website to print your license at home.
Local Retailers: Most Alaskan sporting goods stores and bait shops provide over-the-counter sales.
State Offices: Licenses are available at all Fish and Game office locations.

DEPOSIT: A deposit is required for all bookings and will be applied at checkout

BALANCE: The remaining balance is due on the trip date as either Credit or Cash.

GUEST CANCELLATION: In the event that you must cancel your booking, you must do so 14 days prior to your trip date to receive a refund on your deposit. Rescheduling is encouraged and dependent on guide availability.

GUIDE CANCELLATION: In the rare event that your guide must cancel due to inclement weather, health, or equipment issues, you will have the option to reschedule your charter for a later date or receive a refund on your deposit.

TIPPING: Tips to your guide are greatly appreciated for your quality trip.

Vehicle

Willie Boats

Boat Type: Motorboat (engine-powered)

Boat Guest Capacity: 4

Boat Length: 20

Manufacturer Name: Willie Drift Boat

Model Year: 2020

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 5

Maximum Cruising Speed: 8

Boat Registration: Not Given