JEFF
I was born in Houston, Texas. As soon as I can recall I wanted to get out of the city.
Hunting and fishing are passions of mine. I have fished freshwater lakes, grew up a lot of my life on the Colorado river, fished salt water both in the bays and offshore Gulf of Mexico over the years. I was also fortunate enough to move to our rural property in La Grange TX.
In 1986 I visited Alaska for the first time, catching silver salmon and trout on the Kenai River and driving most of the state and the Alcan highway up and back. I could not get away from the desire for Alaska and have been graced to fish and hunt from the Southeast up to the arctic circle, and out to the peninsula. We have caught all the salmon species, halibut and most of the trout/char/grayling all over the state also. In 1995 I married the love of my life, Carolyn. We honeymooned in Alaska where she caught her first King salmon of appx 45 pounds in the Kenai River.
Currently the Sr. Guide / Operations and logistics lead for Phantom Tri-River Charters in Talkeetna, Alaska’s River Wild Adventures out of Farewell as a moose, sheep, bear, bison guide, and for Frosty View Lodge out of Cold Bay, for Brown Bear. I enjoy teaching both hunting and fishing to anyone that’s willing to listen. And I try my best to explain the why of everything we do, rather than just the typical “do this” attitude.
I also turned 60 in January of 2025.
ANDREW
I grew up in Southern California and was introduced to fly fishing in the beautiful Eastern Sierras. From the first cast I was hooked catching brown trout, Lahontan cutthroat, and rainbow trout. Once I finished my service time in the United States Marine Corps, I packed up everything and made the move to the Texas Hill country where I have been doing guided fly fishing and conventional as well. My target species during summer are large mouth, small mouth bass, sun fish and spotted Gar. During wintertime I am out chasing trout on the Guadalupe River. Now I am happy to be the Lead Guide at Phantom Tri-River Charters Alaska and have decided to make Alaska my new home in 2025!
ANTHONY
I am a lifelong Alaskan and a proud third-year fishing guide. Growing up fishing the pristine rivers and lakes of Alaska, I’ve developed a deep knowledge of this states breathtaking wilderness and waters. Sharing my passion for fishing is the highlight of my work, and there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your face light up as you reel in your catch. If I’m not on the water, you can find me in the classroom studying for my civil engineering degree.
AMANDA
I started at Phantom as a deckhand in 2024. I am a Wisconsin Native but moved to Alaska in 2015 for an adventure and never looked back. I had started fishing with my Dad before I could walk, from lake to river to ice fishing. When I moved up to Alaska, Salmon and trout became my biggest target. Any weekend I’m not working as a Xray tech, you can find me on the river, rafting and looking for fish!
NATE
Professional fishing guide with Phantom Tri-River Charters, brings over a decade of fly-fishing expertise to the waters of the Susitna River and its tributaries. Hailing from Moose Lake, MN, where I am School Teacher; I have been fly fishing since 2012, with extensive experience across Alaska, the Midwest, and the Western U.S., including Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington. A U.S. Army Veteran, Where I served in Iraq during “Operation New Dawn,” driving over 7,500 accident-free miles, for which I was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Driver’s Badge. When I’m not guiding, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends. Whether you’re after trout, salmon, grayling, or char, my passion for fishing and dedication to providing a memorable experience make me a trusted guide on Alaska’s scenic waters.
SAM
Growing up in Delaware, I got my first taste of fishing in neighborhood ponds via bike with my friends fishing for largemouth bass. After 8th grade my family made the decision to move up to Vermont. It’s here where I fell in love with Smallmouth bass and trout in the many streams and lakes that Vermont had to offer. After finishing High School I went on to play college hockey in my home state at the University of Delaware. When it was not hockey season you could find me in the salt on the Chesapeake Bay fly-fishing for Striped bass, Redfish, and Speckled Trout. During the summers in between school, I would take teammates out with me on my boat and share with them the Chesapeake Bay’s rich history, ecology, and most importantly the fish that lived there. It was these summers that made me realize I wanted to be a guide. After finishing school at the University of Delaware I found Phantom Charters and was asked to join the team. This will be my first season in Alaska and I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to guide in one of the most beautiful and abundant fisheries in the world.
VALERI
I am a born and raised Texan now making Alaska my new home in 2025. I grew up spending most of my time outdoors in the Texas backcountry. Some of the hobbies I enjoy are traveling, experiencing new cultures and trying new cuisines. On my days off you can catch me exploring with my dog Star Lord, gardening, or cooking up a new recipe. My role at Phantom Tri-River Charters is Operations, this means I will be the one assisting you with booking your charters or giving you advice in our Fly Shop on what the fish are hitting on during your visit. My goal is to show everyone I meet, the beauty of Alaska, along with sharing my knowledge of plants, fish and other Alaskan history. I look forward to helping you create the experience of a lifetime!