Evan Smith is a fly fishing guide for Drifters Lodge on the Kenai River in Alaska. Everyday he hits the water is a treat, when guiding passionate anglers of all skill levels. He feels renewed and keeps coming back because of that passion for the outdoors. When Evan isn’t guiding, he’s out on the water with his buddies fishing, or dreaming of fishing the Seychelles.
Where are your home waters? / Is this different from where you guide now?
My home waters are in West Virginia. The Guyan River, Elk River, and Ohio River Tributaries.
Where do you fish/guide?
Kenai River, Alaska.
What species of fish do you guide for?
Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, Lake Trout, Steelhead, Silver Salmon, King Salmon, and Sockeye Salmon.
When guiding clients, are you walk-in fishing, fishing shorelines, fishing from a drift boat/jet boat/prop boat? What is your specific style?
Drift Boat, walk-in/hike-in wade fishing, jet boats on larger sections, and we also float the river.
How long have you been professionally guiding?
7 years.
Who is your biggest inspiration or mentor?
Each one of my fishing buddies, because we all fish a little differently and all the techniques seem to work. Also, they inspire me each time we go out.
What is your favorite part about guiding and the thing that keeps you coming back every day?
The clients who enjoy being out there just as much as I do keep me coming back time and time again.
What was your first fishing experience? / When did you begin fly fishing?
My first fishing experience was when I was very young catching bluegill and bass in a small farm pond by my house. Then my first-time fly fishing was when I worked at a sawmill in Webster Springs, WV. I worked right next to the Elk River and would see guys fly fishing and just wanted to learn. So, I bought a rod and the rest is history.
Most embarrassing thing to happen while guiding a trip? (For you or a guest)
I once lost a stringer of sockeye on the Kenai River after a hard day of fishing… That will always be my most embarrassing moment in front of a client.
Best day on the water with clients, tell us about it.
In 2019, we had a wildfire on the Kenai Peninsula that burned over 175 thousand acres. There were several sections of the river that closed. Once the fire died down in the fall, those sections opened back up. On the opener, I took some clients to a spot where there had been no pressure and there were thousands of silver salmon holding up in front of a tributary staging to go up. It was the first and only time I have ever been able to get multiple silver salmon on top water in the Kenai River.
Dream fishing trip?
Fishing the Seychelles Islands!
What is it that draws you to fly fishing?
Just getting me outdoors and I love the challenge that fly fishing can bring.
Best and worst places you have guided clients?
I have only guided on the Kenai River, so it’s my best. Haha
What is a trick that you teach guests often?
We do a lot of roll casting from the drift boat and we typically are running 10’ – 11’ leaders, so it can be hard for some. I would say the most common thing I teach clients is how to throw a big roll cast off the side of the boat.
What is one tip you would give someone when they are trying to find a fishing guide for a trip?
Look at their reviews if you can and always ask the guide if it was their choice to fish for a day, what they would go after. You usually have the most fun with a guide that way.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a fishing guide?
Do it for the right reasons and make sure you are a patient person.
What is your favorite fly to use on the water, not necessarily the best, but your favorite? Also, what is your go-to guide fly?
I like anything that involves stripping flies until they are tight in the mouth. My go to fly on the Kenai is something we call the purple sculpin.
Favorite piece of gear you could not live without, and why?
Nippers, of course.
Let’s talk about tippet: Fluoro or Mono? Why?
I use a lot of fluorocarbon because it tends to be stronger and we have some large fish in the Kenai.
Do you prefer a specific rod manufacturer over others? Why?
I have an assortment of different rods made by different companies. I don’t think I could really pick one out other than the ones with great warranties.
What about waders… What brand are you rocking, and why?
I rock the Simms G3 waders, just because they are awesome! haha
What are you listening to on the way to the river?
I’m typically listening to my clients talking haha but when I don’t have clients with me I’m listening to country typically.
How can people connect with you? (Retail store, online store, social media handles, etc)
Instagram: @Evan_smith94
Any parting thoughts you’d like us to add?
Fly Fishing Journeys needs to come see me in Alaska!
