Live Hydrology Data
Water Dashboard
Live USGS telemetry for the Kenai and Kasilof rivers. Flow rates dictate where fish hold, water clarity, and safe drift boat operations.
USGS: 15258000
Kenai River at Cooper Landing
kenai River
Discharge (CFS)
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Gage Height (ft)
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USGS: 15266300
Kenai River at Soldotna
kenai River
Discharge (CFS)
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Gage Height (ft)
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USGS: 15242000
Kasilof River near Kasilof
kasilof River
Discharge (CFS)
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Gage Height (ft)
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How to Read the Water
Kenai River (Soldotna)
During the summer, the Kenai at Soldotna typically flows between 10,000 and 15,000 CFS. As glaciers melt in late summer, flow rates increase.
- Below 10k CFS: Very low. Clearer water, fish hold in deeper slots.
- 12k - 14k CFS: Prime summer flow. Bank access is good.
- Above 16k CFS: High water. Debris in river, bank fishing becomes difficult as gravel bars flood.
Kasilof River
The Kasilof is a smaller, tighter river. Summer flows usually range from 2,500 to 5,000 CFS.
- Below 2,500 CFS: Low water. Rocky sections require technical rowing.
- 3,000 - 4,500 CFS: Ideal drift conditions.
- Above 5,000 CFS: Very high. Fast water limits holding spots for resting salmon.
New Feature
Tide Intelligence
The lower Kenai and Kasilof rivers are heavily influenced by Cook Inlet tides. Tides dictate the bite windows and salmon movement. Access our new interactive tide dashboard and strategic bite window map.
View Live Tides