Alaska Fishing and Lodging

Alaska Fishing and Lodging is owned by Tyland Vanlier, who moved to Alaska in the late 1980s at about age 21 and began guiding on the Kenai River while working at a local tackle shop. His guide roster has included Mike Patterson, a fourth-generation Alaskan with a 100-ton US Coast Guard Master's license who has guided halibut trips since 1993.

The Soldotna operation pairs equipped guest cabins with guided trips for king, silver, and sockeye salmon, rainbow trout, and halibut. The lodge leans on personal service and repeat business — by its own count, eight out of ten customers are returning guests.