About your guide 

Austin Lawless

I hold a U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain’s License and am certified in CPR, First Aid, and as a Wilderness First Responder (WFR). I also earned my degree in Outdoor Recreation and Leadership Management from Northern Michigan University in 2025. 

I have over three years of professional guiding experience, with a strong focus on safety and making sure every trip runs smoothly. In 2023, I began guiding full-time in Alaska, spending two seasons at one lodge. Following graduation in 2025, I returned to Alaska for an additional guiding season, where I led overnight fly-out fishing trips and managed client safety in remote environments. These experiences strengthened my confidence in professional outdoor operations, leadership, and emergency preparedness. As your river fish guide, I will bring the same high standards to every trip.