T J DAWSON / LAKEVIEW OUTFITTERS / PHIL HILBRUNER
WHY FISH WITH US?
At Lakeview Outfitters we carry tackle and equipment for fishing our local waters - we know what is biting, what to use and where to put it! The items that we carry, we have used for years, guiding Kenai Peninsula rivers and lakes. We have scoured the fly fishing industry to bring you the absolute best gear and specialize in carrying items that you cant find anywhere else in the state! Custom, locally tied barbless flies that are proven to hit fish, quality terminal tackle that wont let you down when that big fish eats, as well as expert knowledge and advice.
TJ (Travis) Dawson (& Lucy)
This is not just a summer job for me, fly fishing is a passion. Teaching people to catch fish on a fly rod with barb-less hooks is what I love to do. I take great pride in teaching river ethics as well as netting you that fish of a lifetime.
The difference with fishing with us and some of the larger companies is the number of guides who don't know the area. I have been guiding for 17 years, and fishing out of Cooper Landing over eight of those so I know my way around a river, specifically the Kenai. I teach Spey and Single-Hand fly casting techniques for Salmon, Trout and Steelhead. I've guided many years in Alaska and Colorado, as well as on the Oregon Coast. Bringing people close to nature is what I love to do.
Phil Hilbruner (& Kai)
I vividly remember my first day of fishing at age three when my family went to the renowned Deschutes River in Oregon. I saw my first steelhead and I was hooked - literally! At 8, I tied my first flies under the patient instruction of my father, and soon after took to the water with a fly rod.
I now choose to live in Alaska, and since 2005 have regularly fished the Kenai River and surrounding area. After attending the Kenai River Academy so I could guide on the Peninsula, I worked for local outfitters and tackle shops. I love my craft and enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for fishing. It is my goal to give every visitor a true Alaskan fishing experience.
The shop
TJ and Phil came together to form Lakeview Outfitters in 2015. TJ milled the timber and they built the shop from the ground up. Fully run on solar, the business is continually evolving and carries the reputation for sustainable and environmentally minded guides. Lakeview Outfitters promote a fully barbless stock of dry flies, nymphs, flesh patterns, and streamers as well as beads. TJ is often accompanied by Lucy, his little beagle bijon and Phil brings along river captain, Kai.
