Since the day I started guiding, Ken was always there. He stood out for a couple of reasons. One, he was a guy rowing a boat amongst hundreds of power boats. Two, his clients were always catching fish. It was hard not to recognize both.  

Sadly, the time has come that I will no longer see him on the river.

2024 was the last season of Ken’s guiding career on the Kenai. 

Ken began guiding in Alaska the summer of 1986. Three years later, Ken, with his wife Elizabeth, became owners/operators of Drifter’s Landing, a full service lodge on Beaver Creek.

Even though Ken home based on the world famous Kenai River, he also guided on the Kasilof River and Cook Inlet. It was all from a drift boat, never with a motor. He didn’t want it any other way. 

It’s crazy to think that twice a week Ken would row his clients out on the ocean to target halibut. Considering the majority of the halibut charter boats run 45-60 miles out powered by twin 300hp motors, it’s an understatement to say his approach to the fishery was unique. It speaks volumes about his ability to be safe and find quality fish near-shore.  

I asked Ken why this was the year to hang up the sticks. He said after five decades of rowing a boat, his shoulders aren’t what they use to be. Sadly, the declining king salmon run is another factor.  

There are many things he’ll miss in Alaska, but Ken says he’ll miss the people the most. Not only neighbors, but the guests that stayed and fished with him at Drifter’s Landing. Many became life long friends.

Before Ken and Elizabeth left the state, the Beaver Creek neighborhood couldn’t let them leave without a proper good bye. In September, Mack and Carol hosted one last barbecue in their honor. Thanks Mack and Carol for being the great hosts that you are!

One final comment. I haven’t met a decent fishing guide who couldn’t tell a story or two. Ken has many of them and I could listen for days on end. One incident that stood out the most for him happened during a trip on the Kasilof River. Things can happen fast when you’re guiding a boat full of people, and unfortunately a treble hook found Ken’s hand. It was not just a little bit in his hand, it was deeply embedded. His only course of action was to rip it out with a pliers (it’s awfully hard to row a boat with one hand). When he tore the hook out he felt and heard a loud thump in the boat. A client saw what he had done, fainted and fell to the floor. Neither was worse for the wear and both enjoyed a good laugh afterwards.

Well, that’s it my friend. Congratulations on a stellar career. And, even though you and Elizabeth have closed the Alaska chapter of your life, your book is still being written. Long may you run!

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