Kasilof River Fishing Trips
The Kasilof River is the Kenai's quieter, more intimate neighbor. Flowing out of Tustumena Lake, the Kasilof offers outstanding fishing for king salmon, sockeye, and late-season steelhead with a fraction of the boat traffic. If you're looking for a more secluded, authentic Alaskan fishing experience, the Kasilof delivers.
Drift Boat Only
The Kasilof is a motor-free river, making for a quiet, peaceful, and intimate fishing experience.
King Salmon
Known for its hatchery king salmon run in June and wild kings in July.
Steelhead
Fall steelhead fishing on the Kasilof is some of the best in Southcentral Alaska.
From the River
The Kenai's Quieter Sibling
Just 15 miles south of the Kenai lies the Kasilof — a smaller, drift-boat-only river free from the roar of outboards. Same world-class fishing. A fraction of the crowds. Your guide rows you silently through sweeping bends, sliding into holding seams where salmon stack up.
What We Target
Hatchery Kings
June–July
Hatchery-origin Kings (clipped adipose fin) can be harvested even during Kenai wild King conservation closures — making the Kasilof a critical backup fishery.
Sockeye Salmon
Late June–July
The Kasilof Sockeye run arrives slightly before the Kenai's. Spectacular, fast-paced action from the bank or the boat during peak flow.
Fall Steelhead
Aug–September
When salmon runs wind down, the Kasilof becomes a premier Steelhead destination. Incredible catch-and-release action on fly and light tackle.
A Secluded Experience
If you're put off by the "combat fishing" crowds or heavy boat traffic that sometimes defines the lower Kenai during peak runs, the Kasilof is your sanctuary. Same species, same guides, completely different atmosphere.
The One-Way Float
Because motors are banned, the Kasilof is a one-way journey downstream. We launch from the upper river near Tustumena Lake outlet and drift ~15 miles to the tidal flats — a full day of pure wilderness.
Wildlife Encounters
The Kasilof corridor is prime moose, bear, and eagle habitat. It's common to float past a moose wading in the shallows or watch a bear fish the opposite bank during Sockeye peak. Completely unplugged Alaska.