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LAKEVIEW OUTFITTERS
COMMITTED TO CONSERVATION
Phil Hilbruner, and Travis (TJ) Dawson founded Lakeview Outfitters in 2015 with a simple goal. To promote a more positive catch and release angling ethic, focused on conservation and reducing angler impact. Having seen the damage done by catch and release angling with barbed hooks, and other practices, we were of the opinion that something needed to be done. We believe it is every angler's responsibility to take every measure possible to limit their impact on the ecosystem while enjoying our fisheries. We hope to educate and set an example for other anglers and guides through our guiding practices, storefront, and volunteerism. From building our shop with as much local material as possible, to selling only barbless flies, or sourcing environmentally friendly alternatives to lead weights and raw lead anchors, we have been true to this idea, considering conservation first in every decision we make. TJ has since married and moved to New Zealand, but our commitment to conservation remains. We hope you will join us in our mission.
VOLUNTEERISM IN ACTION
At Lakeview Outfitters, we believe it is our duty to give back to the resources that give us so much. One of the best ways to have a positive impact on our fisheries is by volunteering through Streamwatch, a local organization comitted to preserving Kenai Peninsula aquatic habitats. Streamwatch is a collaborative effort between the US Forest Service, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Kenai Watershed Forum and local volunteers. Through Streamwatch, we have the opportunity to protect high-impact areas of the Kenai River, Russian River, Kasilof River, and other Kenai Peninsula streams.
A day of volunteering with Streamwatch involves visiting the most highly impacted areas of rivers on the Kenai Peninsula to pick up trash, repair boardwalks and fences that protect our habitat, and interact with visitors, helping to keep them informed. While doing this, we have the opportunity to educate anglers about the importance of protecting the streamside riparian vegetation, bear and human interaction, fishing regulations and more. To maintain status as a Streamwatch Ambassador, volunteers are required to commit a minimum of 24 hours of service each season.
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There are more than 300 licensed guides on the Kenai River alone, more still on the rest of the peninsula. Of all these guides, we are the only ones to actively participate and volunteer through the Streamwatch Ambassador program. This is not a brag, it is a challenge. We would love to see our colleagues on the river join us in Streamwatch, doing so would be a benefit to the rivers, fish, anglers and our businesses.
Phil and TJ after a day of volunteering on the Russian River.
Phil Hilbruner (& Kai)
As the Owner of Lakeview Outfitters, and an ambassador of the sport of fly fishing, Phil is invested in seeing to it that you have the best possible trip. With over 13 years of experience guiding the Kenai, he has created a unique program, providing guests with unforgettable memories.
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Phil grew up in Oregon, where he developed a love for fly tying and fly fishing at a young age. As a kid, you might have found him pursuing trout and steelhead on rivers and lakes around Mt. Hood. In 2005, Phil moved to Alaska and quickly fell in love with the Kenai river, Cooper Landing and the surrounding area.
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Phil is passionate about the fishery, believing that it should be enjoyed in a sustainable manner that conserves and protects it for future generations. Along with guiding, Phil spends time volunteering for Streamwatch, helping to clean up, restore and protect high-impact sites on the Kenai and Russian rivers.
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Phil enjoys introducing new anglers to fly fishing, helping them build skills while catching fish and having fun! He loves to row the river and experienced anglers will appreciate his command of the drift boat, while they make casts into places most anglers don't get to. He is usually accompanied by his "deckhand" Kai, a well-mannered Husky/lab who is certain to steal your heart.
Carolyn Knapper (& Jax)
Carolyn wears a lot of hats around Lakeview Outfitters—shop manager, retreat host, yoga guide, and resident salmon nerd (her words, not ours). With a background in salmon biology and over a decade of experience working in fisheries across Canada and Alaska, she brings a scientific curiosity and deep care to every part of the business.
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Carolyn first came to Alaska in 2023 for a fisheries job on the Copper River and quickly fell in love with the state—and with time on the Kenai. In 2024, she joined Lakeview full-time, bringing along her pup Jax, who’s now learning the ropes from Kai (with plenty of puppy enthusiasm). Carolyn also runs a business teaching Indigenous youth biology and outdoor skills, and she’s currently finishing her master’s research on sockeye salmon in British Columbia.
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When she’s not helping guests find the perfect fly, she’s probably foraging in the forest, rolling out her yoga mat, or scheming up the next adventure. Carolyn is the creative force behind Steelhead Sirens, our upcoming women’s-only fishing retreat, where she’ll lead yoga sessions and help anglers of all levels connect more deeply with the river, the fish, and themselves.
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Jax is our junior deckhand in training—he’s wild about fish, loyal to the bone, and always ready for the next float.
