Home / Fishing Trips / Kasilof King Salmon
Peak season: May and June
Kasilof River
King Fishing
Trips
Private trips from
$1,000
a boat
20 to 50 lb
typical Kasilof kings, some bigger
May & June
peak king season
Fewer crowds
a quieter river than the Kenai
Troll, drift, fly
three ways we fish kings
Kasilof River kings
King Fishing
on the Kasilof
King salmon are Alaska’s largest salmon, and Kasilof kings typically run 20 to 50 pounds, with some even larger. Every hook-up is a test of strength and patience.
Flowing from Tustumena Lake to Cook Inlet, the glacier-fed Kasilof is a quieter alternative to the busier Kenai. Our guides know where Kasilof kings hold through the run, so you fish for a big king without the crowds.
When to come
Best Time to Fish
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Peak: May and June
King season kicks off in May and peaks through May and June. After the kings, the Kasilof fills with sockeye through the summer, then silvers in late summer and early fall.
Techniques that work
How We Fish Kings
Trolling
One of three proven methods for Kasilof kings. Your guide picks the approach for the day.
Drift fishing
Drifting the river’s top spots, which our guides know well.
Fly fishing
For anglers who want to hook a king on a fly rod.
License
Anglers 16 and older need an Alaska fishing license plus a king salmon stamp, online or at local shops.
Trip Availability
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Secure Checkout through Stripe
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Private and Shared Charters
Gift certificates
Any trip, any amount
Why the Kasilof for kings
A Quieter River
for Kings
Unlike the larger Kenai River, the Kasilof is a quieter river with fewer boats, a good choice if you want less crowding without giving up the chance at a big king.
Kasilof king runs peak in May and June. The river is glacier-fed, flowing from Tustumena Lake to Cook Inlet, about 30 minutes south of our home base in Sterling.
20 to 50 lb kings
Less crowded than the Kenai
Glacier-fed from Tustumena Lake
Peak May and June
Fishing with Kenai Cowboys
What’s Included
Boat, guide and gear for Kasilof kings, and your catch filleted at the end of the day.
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All gear included
Rods, reels, tackle and bait set up for king salmon.
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Professional fish cleaning
After your trip we clean, fillet and prepare your fish for transport, ready to take home or cook up fresh.
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Local guides
Your guide knows the Kasilof’s king water and how to fish it.
★★★★★
Our family of 5 had an excellent adventure with Captain Mark on the Kasilof River fishing for King salmon! Captain Mark kept our spirits and energy up even during the wet weather.
Allyn S.
Tripadvisor · Kasilof kings
★★★★★
After everyone else on the boat caught their limit, Captain Matty made sure I wouldn’t be left out. He worked extra hard to put me on the biggest fish of my life.
Pat L
Trip with Captain Matty
★★★★★
Spent a half day with Matt and Nick, both were super polite and attentive. Did everything they could to get us on fish, and they did a great job. Can’t wait to return next year!
Mike C
Half day with Matt and Nick
Kasilof King FAQ
Before You Book
Answers to the most common questions about king fishing on the Kasilof.
When is king season on the Kasilof?
King season starts in May and peaks in May and June. Kasilof River trips run from May 16.
Do I need a king salmon stamp?
Yes. Anglers 16 and older need an Alaska fishing license plus a king salmon stamp, both available online or at local shops.
Can I keep the king I catch?
Kings have specific catch-and-release regulations to protect the run. Your guide covers the latest rules for the season and helps with proper handling.
How big are Kasilof kings?
Most run 20 to 50 pounds, with some even larger.
How do you fish for kings?
Trolling, drift fishing and fly fishing. Your guide picks the approach for the conditions on the day.
How much is a Kasilof king trip?
A 6-hour Kasilof trip is $1,000 per boat for up to 4 anglers, or $250 per person for a shared seat.
How is the Kasilof different from the Kenai?
It is a smaller, quieter river, about 30 minutes from Sterling. You fish with fewer boats around without giving up the chance at a big king.
Where do Kasilof trips meet?
Kasilof River launch details come with your booking confirmation. The river is about 30 minutes south of our home base in Sterling.
Peak: May and June
Book Your
King Trip
Private Boat
6 hours · up to 4 anglers
$1,000
per boat
Shared Seat
6 hours · join a shared boat
$250
per person
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All gear included
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Fish cleaned & filleted
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Kasilof River
