From Soldotna, it only takes 30 minutes to reach the Kasilof River. Also known as the little brother of Kenai, the Kasilof River spans almost 17 miles. The lower part has a hatchery that produces a large abundance of king salmon along with sockeye returning and the Upper part has great sockeye salmon fishing because of its many gravel bars. To increase your chances of catching a fish, fish between mid-May and mid-September. October can also be a good time to fish for silver salmon.
Kasilof River Facts
- Compared to Kenai, the Kasilof River has less traffic, even during the summer and fall. However, you can only use a drift boat when fishing in the Kasilof River.
- The Kasilof River also offers beautiful views along side the salmon and trout. You may see moose, bald eagles, and waterfowl.
- Silver salmon season in the Kasilof is from mid-August to October, where you can catch salmon on flies, spinners or trolling plugs
What Types of Fish Are in the Kasilof River?
Expect to find four different types of salmon in the Kasilof River: king, sockeye, coho, and pink salmon. The Kasilof River is also home to steelhead, rainbow trout, whitefish spawn, and char. While sockeye are caught during the summer, you may catch steelhead and whitefish spawn if you fish during fall until winter, while char is abundant in the winter months.
Why Is Kasilof River an Excellent Place to Fish?
Being a smaller river than Kenai, the Kasilof River almost always has good days. Because it’s a drift boat-only river, it offers a more relaxed and peaceful fishing experience. Its status as a drift boat-only river adds to its appeal by ensuring a quieter, more tranquil environment. This restriction on motorized boats means that anglers can enjoy the sounds of nature and the gentle flow of the river without the disruption of engine noise.
The river’s relatively smaller size and manageable flow make it an ideal spot for both novice and experienced anglers. Its consistent fishing conditions, with fewer fluctuations in water levels and temperatures, contribute to more reliable fishing opportunities. The Kasilof is known for its healthy runs of salmon, particularly sockeye salmon, making it a popular destination for those looking to catch these prized fish.
Kasilof Fishing Regulations
When fishing between January 1 and June 30, you can catch 10 per day and 10 in possession if the fish is less than 20 inches. You are also allowed to to keep 2 kings over 20” if they are from a hatchery. All our guides know what to look for when finding out if the king is a hatchery king or a wild king. Some years Fish and Game allows us to keep one wild fish per day along with one hatchery fish if they feel the run is doing good and they will get their escapement needed for the river.
When fishing between July 1 and July 31, the following rules apply:
- You’re only allowed to catch one per day, one in possession for either hatchery-produced or naturally-produced.
- If the fish is less than 20 inches, you can catch 10 per day and 10 in possession.
Why Choose Alaska Fish On Charters for Guided Fishing Trips
Alaska Fish On Charters has over 70 years of experience guiding fishing enthusiasts in the Cook Inlet and the Kenai Peninsula River. We also offer multiple fishing packages that can suit your budget, from a 4-night fishing package to a 7-night fishing package. Our team can also customize our fishing packages for you. All lodging necessities and fishing gear are included in our packages, and our lodging is equipped with a full kitchen, allowing you to cook your fresh catch of the day. If you prefer to dine in restaurants, they’re only a few minutes from the lodging house.
Working with a company with decades of fishing experience helps ensure you’re in good hands. If you need more information about our fishing packages, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
