Jason Lesmeister brings more than 30 years of Alaska guiding experience to every day on the Kenai River, with a deep knowledge of local waters, fish behavior, and seasonal runs. Based in Cooper Landing, he’s known for thoughtful, ...
Jason Lesmeister brings more than 30 years of Alaska guiding experience to every day on the Kenai River, with a deep knowledge of local waters, fish behavior, and seasonal runs. Based in Cooper Landing, he’s known for thoughtful, ...
I’ve never written a review before but knew that I had to for this once-in-a-lifetime experience my family and I had. My bucket list trip was to fish the salmon run in Alaska. I figured it would happen after retirement - but then my college-age son said “why wait”. So I started reading reviews and Jason’s Guide Service felt right and was my first call, before I even booked our flights from Florida. I left a message and Jason quickly got back to me. After our call - I had tips on places to stay, itinerary suggestions, booked our salmon trip, etc and then the 6 months of anticipation began. Looking back on our hopes for the salmon trip - all were by blown away - despite the salmon run not being in full swing yet. Our Captain - Joe - met us at the boat ramp at 6am and we instantly felt his excitement and desire and passion to make this a most memorable trip for us 4. Within an hour we were sharing stories, admiring the beautiful scenery, wading in a glacier fed flowing river, casting like pros for upstream swimming salmon. Side Note: it was a Monday - and probably the first time in 20 years that I didn’t look at my phone for work calls, texts, or emails. I was just enjoying being present, taking it all in, and amazed too that my wife and daughter were so connected to this fishing expedition too. Seeing Captain Joe do a dance / fist pump as we rounded the bend to see that his favorite beach was not occupied - I knew we were in for some action and more good times. Sure enough we got some beautiful salmon to bring home, plus some Dolly Varden that we released. A picture tells a 1000 words: seeing our fishing guide as ecstatic as we were when we landed a salmon says it all. Overall, we couldn’t be happier to recommend Jason’s guide services. It is clear that not only are they experts at what they do, but our willing to go above and beyond to make sure you have a great experience!
J Pfendler
July 21, 2026
I’ve never written a review before but knew that I had to for this once-in-a-lifetime experience my family and I had. My bucket list trip was to fish the salmon run in Alaska. I figured it would happen after retirement - but then my college-age son said “why wait”. So I started reading reviews and Jason’s Guide Service felt right and was my first call, before I even booked our flights from Florida. I left a message and Jason quickly got back to me. After our call - I had tips on places to stay, itinerary suggestions, booked our salmon trip, etc and then the 6 months of anticipation began. Looking back on our hopes for the salmon trip - all were by blown away - despite the salmon run not being in full swing yet. Our Captain - Joe - met us at the boat ramp at 6am and we instantly felt his excitement and desire and passion to make this a most memorable trip for us 4. Within an hour we were sharing stories, admiring the beautiful scenery, wading in a glacier fed flowing river, casting like pros for upstream swimming salmon. Side Note: it was a Monday - and probably the first time in 20 years that I didn’t look at my phone for work calls, texts, or emails. I was just enjoying being present, taking it all in, and amazed too that my wife and daughter were so connected to this fishing expedition too. Seeing Captain Joe do a dance / fist pump as we rounded the bend to see that his favorite beach was not occupied - I knew we were in for some action and more good times. Sure enough we got some beautiful salmon to bring home, plus some Dolly Varden that we released. A picture tells a 1000 words: seeing our fishing guide as ecstatic as we were when we landed a salmon says it all. Overall, we couldn’t be happier to recommend Jason’s guide services. It is clear that not only are they experts at what they do, but our willing to go above and beyond to make sure you have a great experience!
J Pfendler
July 21, 2026