The backbone, brains, and flavor of the operation are a couple of stellar humans from Kodiak Island and Washington State; Stig Ygnve and Erik Heeter. They are the ones who make living in the bush comfortable, keep your belly full, give insightful knowledge, and make sure there is a smile on your face all day long! Without the past and present employees, Wild Ayakulik wouldn't be possible.
Stig Yngve
36 years old and proud to be a born and raised Kodiak Islander. In the beginning, Stig's fascination with the Ayakulik was quite simple: to be as far removed from society as possible and catch wild Alaskan salmon on a fly rod. That dream has been fulfilled a thousand times over and a thousand times again! Stig has spent most of his adult life on the Ayakulik. As a salmon and steelhead scientist for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (2008-2013), or as a Fishing and Bear viewing guide at both the Alpenview Outcamp under Dave Jones, and Ayakulik River Lodge under Tom Simkowski (2011-present). He previously ran his own fishing and wildlife viewing outfit, Ramblin’ On The Rock, from 2015-present. It is with great pride that Stig has been given the opportunity to carry on the rich Ayakulik history of Dave Jones and AlpenView, offering a wilderness experience like no other; WILD AYAKULIK!
Erik Heeter
Erik is 30 years old and grew up in Woodinville, Washington. He has been a fishing guide on Kodiak Island for seven years in both fresh and salt water. Erik found his passion for fishing at a young age, both his father and grandfathers were instrumental in his learning. It wasn’t until later in life where his passion turned into what some would call a healthy addiction. At 20 years old, while attending Western Washington University he picked up his first fly rod. Erik’s life was forever changed. He has spent most of his time since that point on the water learning, practicing, fishing, and guiding. He somehow managed to graduate and earn his degree while chasing steelhead between classes and studying. After college, Erik was offered a position at AlpenView Wilderness Lodge guiding under Dave Jones. He immediately fell in love with Kodiak Island and the Ayakulik, its amazing fishing, unbelievable wildlife, and rugged topography. The opportunity to partner with Stig in the camp and carry on what Dave cultivated was a no-brainer for him. Wild Ayakulik for life! During the offseason he resides in Central Oregon and enjoys snowboarding, surfing, camping, cooking, and of course chasing steelhead and trout with a fly rod.