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. They’ll help you fish with confidence as they navigate the Kenai to their favorite spots and share their special tips and tricks.
Dave Maternowski, Program Manager
Dave grew up in Wisconsin and received a degree from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse in Geography and Environmental Studies. He honed the fishing skills he developed growing up there in western Wisconsin along the banks of the Mississippi River and in small, spring-fed streams. He first came to Alaska in 2014 to work for us and returned the following season as an upper Kenai guide. Whether you consider yourself an expert or a beginner, Dave will tailor your fishing experience to suit your needs. In the off-season Dave lives and works in Girdwood, Alaska.
Rob Wasko-Klink, Senior Fishing Guide
Rob has been returning to guide with Kenai Riverside Fishing since 2016! After studying Biology in college, Rob followed his heart to the wild places of Alaska. He spends his winters working in education in Alaska, skiing and fishing when he can, and occasionally guiding in the Florida Keys. Rob loves all kinds of fishing but has a particular affliction for the fly; from dry flies to spey rods, he loves to get anglers trying new things. He continues to enjoy sharing days on the Kenai with anglers of all backgrounds, interests and experiences!
Téa Elliott-Fox, Fishing Guide
Téa was born in Soldotna, Alaska, coming from a large fishing family. She grew up swinging for sockeye and bringing kings and silvers to the boat up and down the Kenai River. Her family then relocated to a small town in Oklahoma where she went on to row for the University of Oklahoma and obtain her Bachelor’s in Native American Studies and Environmental Science. After college, Téa came back to Alaska to pursue her love of fishing on the Kenai and is now actively showing off just how plentiful the Kenai River can be.
Walker Nambu, Fishing Guide
Walker grew up fishing the lakes, ponds and rivers of Massachusetts before heading to Florida in 2010, where he earned his bachelor’s in Marine Science at Eckerd College and a master’s in Marine Biology at Florida Atlantic University. Walker has studied sharks for over ten years, including great whites in South Africa and various species in the Bahamas, as well as black tip reef sharks in partnership with a National Geographic project in the Maldives. Walker guides in Islamorada, Florida during the winter season and focuses on a variety of fish species including tarpon, snook, permit, and bonefish. A long way from the crystal-clear waters and white sand, he found himself falling in love with the Kenai River, its wildlife and world-class fishing. Walker’s enthusiasm and long sleeve of tricks make for a fun and successful day on the water!
Madison Michaelson, Fishing Guide
Madison was raised on the lakes of Minnesota, where her love for fishing and the outdoors was born. After obtaining her bachelor’s in Environmental Studies, she began working as an environmental educator, which brought her and her husband to northwest Montana. After soaking up her free time in Montana skiing, hiking, rafting and fly fishing, Madison was drawn to the 49th state and began spending her summers in Alaska fishing the Kenai. Madison and her husband made the permanent move to Alaska in 2022 and call the small town of Sterling home. Madison’s love for fishing the Kenai River inspired her decision to become a professional guide, and she loves sharing the beauty of Alaska with others.