June 23, 2025
King Salmon Running Strong on the Kasilof River
Kasilof River hatchery King Salmon returns saw a massive surge this week, with strong counts recorded daily at the Crooked Creek weir. Drift boat anglers targeting the lower Kasilof enjoyed exceptional fishing with steady limits.
Water clarity averaged 3 to 4 feet with water temperatures steady at 54°F. While the Kenai River wild King fishery remained restricted under state conservation orders, the Kasilof non-motorized drift boat fishery delivered prime action for trophy king seekers.
Kasilof King Tactics
Backtrolling Mag Lip 4.5 plugs wrapped with fresh sardine fillets was the top producer in deep gravel slots. Our guides focused on the stretch between the Sterling Highway Bridge and Tustumena Lake outlet, positioning drift boats in river seams where Kings rest.
Drift Boat Advantage
Without motor noise, drift boats on the Kasilof get right on top of holding Kings. Keep your plug working in the bottom 18 inches of the water column to trigger aggressive territorial strikes.
Early Sockeye Return
The first run of Sockeye Salmon also began building in the lower river, offering bonus action for multi-species trips. Sockeye limits were easily achieved along gravel bars during morning tides.
Techniques That Worked This Week
- Backtrolling Mag Lip 4.5 plugs wrapped with sardine fillets
- Bouncing cured salmon egg clusters with fish-flashers
- Side-drifting herring under a jet diver in deep creek channels