Our Guide Staff

Owner / Guide – Capt. Wayne McGee
Wayne has been fishing across Alaska for the past 10 plus years. It had always been his lifelong dream to run a world class fishing operation on a prolific Alaskan river system. And that is exactly what you get on the Alagnak River with Alaska Trophy Adventures Lodge. Wayne has fished across the globe from Tiger Fish to Nile Perch in the Congo and Nile Rivers of Africa, to Atlantic Salmon and Sea Trout in Norway and Scotland! He owned a charter boat company based in Senegal, West Africa chasing Blue Marlin, Tuna and Sailfish. But it is in Alaska, in particular Bristol Bay, and now on the Wild Alagnak River, where you’ll find him sharing his passion for the beauty and bounty of this very special river with you.

Owner / Guide - Capt. Jacob Q McGee

Jacob was born in the States but grew up in different parts Africa and England. He has fished all over the world. In 2008 he came up to Southwest Alaska on a week-long father (Wayne) son fishing trip and decided to stay for the whole summer. By the next year he was guiding full time in Bristol Bay falling in love with the area. After 15+ years fishing all over across the "last frontier" and guiding in Bristol Bay he now calls Alaska his full-time home. In between serving as a pilot for ATA, managing logistics and running operations he may get the rare chance to guide a hand full of days each season.

Guide - Capt. Justin Bleicher
Raised in the Outer Banks in Eastern Carolina Justin holds an undergraduate degree in Geology from Eastern Carolina University. Justin is a duck hunting connoisseur and a world class waterfowl guide. With over 20 years as a professional guide Justin has a background in commercial fishing and has more boat time than can be counted. Probably the kindest individual you will ever meet, Justin is a very important part of our team. Justin is dubbed Head Captain and shuttle man moving both clients and gear up and down the river rain or shine. A fine boat captain and guide Justin will make your gut hurt with his hilarity and charm you with his southern hospitality. Your arm will hurt from the amount of fish you will catch with him.

Head Guide - Capt. Tyler Tharp
Raised in south Texas, Tyler found his passion for fly fishing on small trout streams in the Northwest. Since then fishing has become a way of life for him, having fished all over the West; trout bumming around Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. Getting a taste for Alaska while working at ATA, promoted Tyler to get his captain's license and he has been guiding on the Alagnak River with us ever since as a dream come true.

Guide - Capt George Souhlaris

George grew up fly fishing the lakes and streams of New England as young boy. As he got older he explored further afield, beyond his backyard as his fly fishing skills developed. Fly fishing has led him to foreign waters and cultures, providing many irreplaceable memories. What George enjoys about being a guide is that it gives him the chance to become a part of helping to make memories for someone else when in his boat. To become part of their story as they remember the trip of a lifetime and tell it to their family and friends. Having other people share his passion for fly fishing and spread it around is a source of tremendous satisfaction for George!

Guide - Capt. Nic Dahlem

Nic is from Virginia and grew up in a family of fisherman. His father runs a fish hatchery with a few fishing lakes on it. Nic came up to us on a father and son trip and got "hooked"! He asked for a job and came back to be trained on our river as part of our camp staff. The rest is history! He has been guiding ever since and doing a great job! Nic is a lot of fun to be on the river with and clients in his boat, are always thrilled with the experience Nic has provided for them.

Guide - Capt. Matt "Slam Dunk" Ducan

Matt is one "fishy" dude! He was born in the NW Pacific with a fly rod in his hand! Matt moved to Alaska at a young age and has spend his whole life "on the river"! He has guided across South Central and South East Alaska for years and the last few seasons he has been doing an amazing job at ATA Lodge!

Guide - Capt. Matthew Shepard

Matthew is from the East Coast and has been with us for a few seasons. He loves the outdoors and fly fishing. Looking for a place to "call home" in the fly fishing industry, he came up originally as part of our camp staff to "get his feet wet" and learn his craft. He quickly established himself as an essential member of our team and Matthew is a pleasure to spend time on the water with. We feel very fortunate that he has found his "home away from home" at ATA Lodge.

Guide - Capt. Sam Vassar

Sam from Texas and is another "ex client" that came up with his Dad and brother on a fishing trip to ATA Lodge. The next season he came back to guide for us here on the Alagnak Wild and Scenic River. Sam quickly demonstrated that he is a "natural" at the helm of his boat, having grown up with spending hours on the water with his father who is a Master Captain. He has a knack for finding fish too and has been doing a great job for us the last few years!

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