The Story of a Trout

The Kenai River called Kahtnu in the “Dena’ina” language, is the longest river in the Kenai Peninsula of south central Alaska. It runs 82 miles (132 km) westward from Kenai Lake in the Kenai Mountains, through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Skilak Lake to its outlet into the Cook Inlet of the Pacific Ocean near Kenai and Soldotna. The flows of it’s meltwater converge in the town of Cooper Landing. Best known for its abundant King Salmon runs which draw in crowds from around the world, there is another fish in this river that captivates anglers...

Each summer, millions of Pacific Salmon return to their natal Kenai, bringing with them a vital store of energy from the ocean. Years of intense feeding in the North Pacific has allowed them to double in size many times before heeding the instinctual urge to come home and spawn. Protein that once took the form of krill or herring is now transformed into pulsing salmon flesh on a one way mission to reproduce. Once the salmon’s first life expires, another begins. A proverbial life after death, the deceased salmon and their eggs provide sustenance for another of the river’s inhabitants, trophy winning Rainbow Trout.

For years, the Rainbow Trout were largely overlooked by anglers whose attention was taken by the Salmon run. That was until 1984 when Curt “Trout” Muse decided to uplift his entire life and follow his dream. Alongside his wife Judy, they moved to Cooper Landing and opened Alaska Troutfitters, a specialized store and guiding service that would help shape the future of the Kenai. Curt’s undying passion in life was teaching others the joy and wonder of fishing the Kenai River and its surrounding areas. Through his years, Curt innovated and pioneered Fly Fishing techniques for the Kenai River and beyond. His skills with a fly rod and his drive to teach others was unequaled. An advocate on the Cooper Landing Fish and Game Advisory Committee, Curt understood the importance of preserving the Kinai’s ecosystem and fisheries for future generations. Overtime, Curt’s love and obsession for fishing Trout would earn him the title of Master Guide and he would be bestowed the nickname “Curt Trout” by those who knew him.

Shortly after opening Alaska Troutfitters, Curt was joined by two budding fishing guides, Dusty Byrd, and Billy Coulilette. The two would later get married and become part of Curt’s extended family, spending more than a decade alongside him, learning his techniques and philosophy.

In the late 90’s, Curt’s health began to deteriorate and fishing became physically challenging. Not to be disheartened, he developed new fishing techniques that would allow him to continue pursuing his passion and opening the world of possibility to others who required alternative fishing techniques. In 2003, Dusty and Billy would take on more duties, and ultimately become owners of Alaska Troutfitters.

In this film, we take a look at the life of a man whose personality, passion, and advocacy for trout fishing helped shape the culture of a town and river, and whose contribution to a sport resonates today.

This is, the story of a trout.

Executive Producer: Gareth Leah (@gazleah )
Director: Gareth Leah (@gazleah )
Story Producer: Jack Hessler (@jah_he)
Director of Photography: Kai Czarnowski (@kaiczarnowski)
Drone: Gareth Leah (@gazleah )
Photographer: Gareth Leah (@gazleah )
Editor: Henry Allison (@henry.g.allison)