Meet Our Fishing Guides
Evan Smith
Evan Smith originally from Southern WV. Grew up fishing native Brooke trout, rainbows, and browns in the Appalachian Mountains. Recent Wildlife and Fisheries resources Grad from WVU. Absolutely love being outdoors and on the water.
Jon Hulcher
Jon grew up in the Piedmont region of North Carolina fishing for bass and warm-water species until he was introduced to fly fishing by a fifth grade teacher. He immediately fell in love with the sport, fishing for everything from Trout to Tarpon and constantly searching for the next new adventure.
As an avid outdoorsman who is passionate about wildlife conservation; Jon enjoys every aspect of guiding fishermen, new and old. He attended Appalachian State University in North Carolina, where he obtained a B.S. in Sustainable Development and Biology. When he isn’t fishing; you can find Jon out hiking, traveling, tying flies or planning the next fishing destination for the off season.
Jon has guided in the mountains of North Carolina for four years, and Colorado two seasons as well. This is Jon’s fourth season as a fishing guide here at Drifters’ Lodge. He also holds a U.S. Coast Guard Masters License. He has the experience to put you on any Alaskan fish you would like to target, from powerful King Salmon to the Kenai’s famous Rainbow Trout!
Jason
Jason has fished his entire life and is one of the most talented fishing guides on the Kenai Peninsula. He has fished the waters of the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers for over nine years and teaches better than anyone. Jason loves for his clients to catch lots of fish and does everything possible to make it happen. At the end of the day, anglers have not only had a lot of fun, they have developed their fishing skills. Jason has a knack for finding the best fishing spots and he says that fishing from his drift boat is the most relaxing, yet exhilarating way to spend a day in this incredible wilderness area. When you fish with Jason, you can count on catching fish and having an unforgettable Alaskan adventure. This is Jason’s ninth year working with Drifter’s Lodge and we are fortunate to continue our association with him.
Josh Abrams
This North Carolina native has fishing in his blood. Josh grew up fishing the rivers of North Carolina and surrounding states. When he wasn’t out fishing, he was out in the yard perfecting his fly casting techniques. Three years ago, he made his way up to Alaska and hasn’t looked back since. He has been hailed by many in the industry as one of the best sticks in Alaska. His skill and knowledge of fishing is matched by few providing both novice and advanced anglers with great insight into the game of fishing. Josh sleeps, eats and breaths fishing and his love for the sport is contagious. His easy going attitude and friendly personality make fishing with Josh a pleasure. Drifters Lodge is very fortunate to have Josh among our prized collections of guides.
John Weber
John is 27 years old, born and raised in South Carolina. He grew up chasing whitetail bucks, long beard turkeys, and all different species of fresh and saltwater fish. While attending Appalachian State University in Boone, NC he picked up a fly rod and spent the rest of his school days chasing trout in the Appalachian Mountains with Jon Hulcher, also a Drifters guide.
After college, John traded in the fly rod for a backpack and spent the next four years hiking across the country, notching several hallowed treks into his belt. In 2014, the Appalachian trail from Georgia to Maine, in 2015, across Arizona on the Arizona Trail, in 2016, the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada, and in 2017, from Mexico to Canada again on the Continental Divide Trail. In total: close to 10,000 miles of steely adventure!
When you fish with John, you’ll share his sense of pure joy at being in the outdoors, and enjoy his stories from long miles logged on the trail and the river.
Ben Hulbert
Bio Coming Soon.
Jack Mister
Jack Mister was born and raised in southern Maryland. He grew up spin fishing with local legends Captains Cornette and Bartgis for striped bass, croaker, perch, large mouth bass and just about any other fish found in the Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River and their tributaries. His love for fishing expanded to the fly rod as he moved west to the mountains of Colorado. From there, he made his way north to the Kenai Peninsula where his dedication, knowledge, patience and easy-going attitude all added up to becoming a fishing guide here with us at Drifters. Jack loves what he does, and it’s easy to see as soon as you get out on the water with him.
