Yakutat Lodge Fishing Guides and Captains
Yakutat fishing guides bring deep local knowledge, skill, and passion to every trip. Whether you're chasing steelhead on the Situk River or halibut in Yakutat Bay, these guides know where to go and how to get you on fish. They tailor each day on the water to match the season, the conditions, and your goals, whether that’s landing your first salmon or finally hooking a trophy steelhead.
What sets Yakutat fishing guides apart is their experience. Many have spent years fishing these waters and know the tides, river flows, and fish behavior like second nature. From fly fishing to saltwater trolling, they handle it all and make sure you have the support, and local insight to make the most of your time in Alaska. Fishing with a Yakutat guide means more than catching fish. It’s about learning the place and making memories that last.
Adam Siebenaler
Fishing Guide – Yakutat Lodge
Hometown: Waterloo, Indiana
Adam grew up in Waterloo, Indiana, and has been outdoors since he could walk—hunting and fishing alongside his dad throughout the Midwest. By 13, he was guiding pheasant hunts and spent several years working at bird hunting lodges before heading to Alaska in 2010.
His early days in Alaska included time at Waterfall Resort, a season of commercial salmon fishing, and three years power trolling for kings, coho, and lingcod in Southeast. He first came to Yakutat in 2015 and started guiding at the lodge in 2017.
He enjoys fishing both fresh and saltwater, but steelhead season on the Situk River is a personal favorite. The variety of techniques and challenge they bring keeps things interesting. Out in the ocean, kings are a go-to—whether trolling or mooching. And despite all the time in Alaska, he still holds a soft spot for bass fishing back home.
A memorable moment on the water? Helping a client land a steelhead over 40 inches after it pulled them more than 1,500 yards downstream. It’s the kind of experience that sticks with you.
His guiding style leans toward the aggressive side when it comes to gear fishing—covering water, switching techniques, and doing what it takes to stay on fish. A couple of go-to setups include jigs and Aero Puffs, but he’s always adapting based on the day.
When he’s not on the water, he’s usually catching up on rest or out fishing for himself. During the off-season, he spends time with his wife, five dogs, and two cats.
Pro tip: “Spend a little time practicing your casting before your trip. It doesn’t take much to make a big difference once you’re up here.”
Having spent years fishing all over Southeast, Adam says, "Yakutat stands out. It’s got a little bit of everything."
Capt. Mason Fortenberry
Fishing Guide – The Yakutat Lodge
Originally from Woodland, Washington, home to Lamiglas, G. Loomis, and Hawken Tackle, Capt. Mason Fortenberry grew up fishing trout and salmon on the Kalama and Lewis Rivers. His journey to Yakutat was unique: after meeting lodge owners at a sportsman’s show, he landed a fish cutter job and was guiding in Alaska just two weeks later. He’s been hooked on fishing since age four and brings over 25 years of experience, guiding on the Situk and surrounding waters for the last five seasons.
Mason’s favorite targets are steelhead, which he calls “chess, not checkers,” and lingcod, affectionately nicknamed “sea dragons” for their wild looks and aggressive nature. Known for his laid-back approach and deep knowledge, he’s dedicated to teaching and helping clients grow with every cast. His favorite memories include guiding a family who saw three eagles land above the river at once—just one of many unforgettable moments that remind him how powerful fishing can be.
His go-to rigs are a worm with hard, aggressive gobber downs for steelhead, and a jig for big ocean fish. When not guiding, Mason enjoys skiing back home but rarely strays far from the river for long. His advice to new anglers: “Please, for the love of god, get familiar with casting into tight spots and work on those roll casts!” Yakutat holds a special place in his heart. “Crazy to think back to when I was 19, so excited and scared on the way here,” he says. “Now I’m part of this amazing crew at the lodge.”
Ryan
Fishing Guide – The Yakutat Lodge
Originally from Bend, Oregon, Ryan first arrived in Yakutat to work in a fish processing plant. It didn’t take long for him to fall in love with the area and transition into guiding full-time. With eight seasons on the Situk River under his belt, Ryan is now a reliable fixture on the water and a trusted guide for clients chasing their steelhead dreams.
Steelhead are Ryan’s favorite species to target, not only for the thrill of the fight but because each fish brings its own unique challenge. He often describes them as “challenging, and each is unique,” and he carries that appreciation into every day on the river.
Ryan’s guiding style is patient and educational. He’s committed to helping anglers learn new techniques and understand fish behavior, and he’s always ready to coach at any skill level. His go-to fly? The “Dolly Llama,” a staple in his fly box.
Ask Ryan about a favorite memory, and he’ll likely share the story of a client who landed his first steelhead on a fly rod during the final day of a four-day trip. “It looked just like that scene from A River Runs Through It,” he recalls.
When he’s not guiding, Ryan enjoys skiing, golfing, and, of course, more fishing. His top advice for new anglers? “It’s a marathon, not a sprint. You’ll get there.” And as for the best river snack? At the end of a good day, nothing beats a cold beer.
Mikey
Yakutat Fishing Guide – The Yakutat Lodge
Originally from Brookings, Oregon, Mike (or “Mikey” as most know him) brings over 30 years of fishing experience to the team. He’s guided for six years, from Oregon’s coast to Alaska’s Nushagak River, and has called Yakutat home since 2022.
Steelhead are his top target for the challenge and adventure they bring. Mikey’s style is laid-back, patient, and educational, coaching anglers of all levels with calm confidence and real-world know-how.
His go-to rig is a float and jig for steelhead, or “.44 mag” for serious power, he says with a grin. Off the water, Mikey keeps it simple: sleep, eat, fish, repeat.
His advice? “If at first you don’t succeed, do what your guide said to do in the first place.” Time spent with Yakutat fishing guide Mikey is all about fun, learning, and enjoying wild, unpredictable water that’s always worth chasing.
