Kasilof River Fishing

The Kasilof River: Alaska's Quieter Alternative to the Kenai

The Kasilof River flows 24 miles from Tustumena Lake to Cook Inlet and offers one of the most productive — and least crowded — fisheries on the Kenai Peninsula. Our guided Kasilof trips use drift boats for a quiet, nonmotorized fishing experience that preserves both the natural atmosphere and the fish habitat.

Species Available in the Kasilof

King salmon begin entering the Kasilof in May, with the early run peaking in late May to mid-June. Under the corrected 2026 emergency orders, hatchery-king retention was available only from May 1 through June 30, and King salmon fishing is closed during the July period. Sockeye salmon arrive in June and July. Silver salmon provide excellent fishing through September. Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden are present year-round. The Kasilof's smaller size means fish are more concentrated — when conditions are right, limits come quickly.

Guided Drift Floats: What This Means for Anglers

Guided trips on the Kasilof use nonmotorized drift boats, creating a quieter, more intimate fishing experience. Guides use traditional drift boats to float through holding water, positioning clients for precise presentations. The absence of engine noise on our drift floats means less water disturbance and more cooperative fish.

Best Access Points

The Kasilof River Boat Launch off Cohoe Loop Road is the primary put-in for guided drift trips. The lower river near the Cook Inlet mouth has some bank access. Guided trips typically float 8–12 miles of river depending on the day and conditions.