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The Kasilof River begins its journey at Tustumena Lake, Alaska’s eighth-largest lake and one of the largest glacier-fed lakes in the state. Situated within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Tustumena Lake is known for its clear, cold water and deep blue color, characteristic of glacial lakes. The water flowing from Tustumena Lake into the Kasilof River brings nutrient-rich, excellent conditions supporting healthy fish populations, including salmon and trout.
From Tustumena Lake to the Kasilof Bridge, the upper Kasilof River is a drift-only section, creating a peaceful and unhurried fishing experience. This section offers fantastic access to the early salmon runs, particularly silver and sockeye salmon, which make their way from Cook Inlet to their spawning grounds. Driftboat fishing is preferred, allowing anglers to navigate the river’s narrow and winding channels while enjoying a quieter, motor-free environment. With thick spruce forests and mountains lining the banks, the upper Kasilof offers a genuinely picturesque Alaskan fishing setting.
The lower Kasilof River extends from the Kasilof Bridge to the river’s mouth at Cook Inlet. It is slightly wider and allows motorized boats, making it more accessible for those looking to cover more ground. The tidal influence creates excellent conditions for king salmon fishing, particularly during the early summer months. The lower section is famous for its accessible banks, easy boat launching sites, and proximity to local facilities, making it an ideal spot for local anglers and visitors. Tidal waters also bring fresh fish with every incoming tide, especially sockeye, coho, and king salmon.
Like other Alaskan rivers, the Kasilof experiences large pink salmon runs every other year, with even-numbered years seeing a significant influx of these fish. Pink salmon begin to enter the Kasilof in late July and are typically present through August, creating an accessible, family-friendly fishing option thanks to their abundance.
Although not as widely targeted on the Kasilof as on the Kenai, both rainbow trout and Dolly Varden are present and can be caught throughout the season, particularly in the upper river near Tustumena Lake. These species thrive on the salmon eggs released during spawning, making late summer and early fall excellent times to fish for trout.
The Kasilof River is a hidden gem for those looking to fish for Alaska’s prized salmon species and resident trout. While it doesn’t see the same high volume of fish as the Kenai, the Kasilof offers excellent fishing opportunities, with fewer crowds and often less competitive fishing conditions. Here are the primary fish species found in the Kasilof River and the best times to catch them:
Sockeye salmon start their run up the Kasilof in late June and peak in July. Known for their aggressive runs and delicious flavor, sockeye provides an exciting fishing experience. Many anglers favor the lower Kasilof for sockeye, taking advantage of the easy access and tidal influence as fresh fish continuously move upriver.
Coho, or silver salmon, arrive in the Kasilof by early August and remain through September. Silvers are highly prized for their acrobatic fight and are frequently caught in the river’s upper and lower sections. The late-season coho run attracts anglers looking for big fish with fewer people on the river, making it one of the most enjoyable times to fish the Kasilof.
