Our Staff

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  Rus Schwausch (“Big Worm”)

  Owner / Guide

  Rus has been fishing, adventuring and guiding in Alaska since 1995. Little did he know – hell, he was only 23 – that his first trip to Alaska, a 100 mile unguided float trip with his buddies, would send his life in a completely new direction. He’s a former engineer, turned fishing guide, turned outfitter. Plus, he’s a Wilderness First Responder and U.S. Coast Guard licensed. Read more about his Alaska fishing guide story here.

  
  
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  Carrie Schwausch

  Co-Owner and General

  Carrie spent 10 years working as an engineer, then 11 years as a firefighter. Her next adventure is flying helicopters. Yes, it’s Alaska’s fault! In 2019 she flew sightseeing tours in Ketchikan, AK, in 2021 the Black Hills of SD, and for 2022 she’s flying for NorthStar Trekking in Juneau, AK. She supports the camps during the summer months, and in her spare time enjoys riding dirt bikes, hiking, birding, reading and camping.

  
  
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  Phillip Crossley (“Savage Mutha”)

  Chef, 2022

  We’re all very lucky – Phil is back for 2022! He cooked for us in ’07 , ’08, ’11 and ’16, then took a break from Alaska while he finished up school, had a kid and started his own gluten-free waffle business, then cooked for us again in ’21. Born in Kansas City, Phil began cooking around age 12. “My first experience was making crepes with my brother for his home economics class… I haven’t stopped cooking since.” Phil has cooked from KS to CO to FL and, of course, AK. He currently resides in Austin, TX.

  
  
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  Don Mutert (“Obi-Don”)

  Head Guide, 2022

  Don grew up in IL but moved to Bozeman, MT in 2015 to pursue a degree in Film and Photography. More likely it was just because he has a passion for the outdoors, fly fishing and bow hunting! Being a fly fishing guide is definitely in his blood – his uncle guided for years on the Alaska Peninsula, and someday Don hopes to run his own guiding business. Plus, he’s a Wilderness First Responder and working on his U.S. Coast Guard 6-pack license.

  
  
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  Davis Black (“Cookie”)

  Guide, 2022

  Davis currently lives in Bozeman, MT but grew up immersed in the outdoors of western TN, where he learned to love fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and climbing. At the UT Knoxville, he obtained a degree in Wildlife, Fisheries and Forestry. During college summers, Davis spent time fishing and exploring in southwest MT, where he accompanied guests on the region’s premier waters.

  
  
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  Peter Sclafani (“Junebug”)

  Guide, 2022

  Peter grew up in Louisiana chasing speckled trout and redfish on the Gulf Coast, then moved to Bozeman, MT in 2017 to pursue trout in the numerous area rivers. When not fishing, hunting, skiing or climbing, he works as a carpenter building timber frame homes throughout MT. Peter paid his dues as the Apprentice Guide in 2021 and now’s he back as a full-time guide for 2022!

  
  
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  Paul Marr (“Frog”)

  Camp Helper/Apprentice Guide, 2022

  Paul grew up in Memphis, TN but moved to Denver, CO to attend college… and climb, fish and camp amongst the Rockies. He was originally inspired by the mountains after his older cousin spent time climbing in South America. But the mountains kept calling after his sister visited Norway. Eventually he embarked on his own trips through NOLS to the Pacific NW and The Yukon. After this summer’s Alaska adventure, he’ll spend time in Patagonia earning college credit.

  
  

Employment Opportunities

If you think you have what it takes to work in a rugged, remote and unforgiving environment that will challenge you both physically and mentally, please contact us about potential staff openings.

Everybody thinks they want to work in Alaska, but the work is NOT for everybody. Our work is perpetual and strenuous and is anything but your “great Alaskan vacation.” We need professional, hard working, serious, team oriented (no ego-maniacs), non-alcoholic and drug free people with a passion for fishing, the outdoors and hospitality.

Email all inquiries and resumes to [email protected].