Home / Our Waters / Kasilof River
Tustumena Lake to Cook Inlet
The Kasilof
River
Private trips from
$1,000
a boat
17 miles
Tustumena Lake to Cook Inlet
8th-largest
Alaska lake feeds the river
2 sections
drift-only upper, motorized lower
Fewer crowds
a quieter alternative to the Kenai
Just south of the Kenai
Kasilof River
Fishing Guides
A smaller river for anglers who want fewer boats around. The Kasilof flows about 17 miles from Tustumena Lake to Cook Inlet, with salmon and trout in a quieter, less crowded setting.
Tustumena Lake
The Source
of the Kasilof
The river begins at Tustumena Lake, Alaska’s eighth-largest lake and one of the largest glacier-fed lakes in the state. Inside the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, its clear, cold, deep-blue water feeds the Kasilof with nutrient-rich conditions that support healthy salmon and trout.
Sections of the Kasilof
Two Sections
Upper Kasilof
Tustumena Lake to Kasilof Bridge
Drift-only and motor-free, with narrow, winding channels lined by spruce forest and mountains. Good access to the early runs at a slower pace.
Boats
Drift boats only
Best for
Kings, early salmon, trout
Lower Kasilof
Kasilof Bridge to Cook Inlet
Wider, with motorized boats allowed. Each incoming tide brings fresh fish, and early summer brings good king fishing.
Boats
Motorized allowed
Best for
Kings, sockeye, coho
Fish species & seasonal runs
Seasonal Runs
The Kasilof doesn’t see the Kenai’s volume of fish, but it offers excellent fishing with fewer crowds and less competition.
Species
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
King Salmon
Late May to early July, peak June
Sockeye Salmon
Late June, peak in July
Coho (Silver) Salmon
Early August through September
Pink Salmon
Late July through August, even years
Rainbow Trout & Dollies
All season, best late summer to fall
In season
Peak
• Kings entering the Kasilof run smaller than Kenai kings but still fight hard. Drift fishing the upper river is popular for kings.
• Many anglers favor the lower river for sockeye, where easy access and the tides keep fresh fish moving upriver.
• The late coho run brings big fish with fewer people on the river.
Trip Availability
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Secure Checkout through Stripe
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Private and Shared Charters
Gift certificates
Any trip, any amount
A laid-back alternative to the Kenai
Fewer Boats
Than the Kenai
From the glacial water of Tustumena Lake, through the drift-only upper river and down to the tidal lower Kasilof, each stretch fishes differently through the season.
Kings in early summer, sockeye mid-season and coho in the fall, on a quieter river than the Kenai.
Kings in June
Sockeye in July
Coho Aug to Sept
Drift-only upper
Tidal lower
Fewer crowds
From Tripadvisor & Google
What Anglers Say
★★★★★
Neither my husband nor I had fished for salmon before and he helped us get the hang of things quickly. We ended up catching 10 sockeyes.
Shauna Jones
Google review · Kenai River
★★★★★
He suggested the Kasilof River rather than the Kenai River because it was less crowded. We shipped home 35 pounds of sockeye & had a great time.
Tripadvisor review
Half day · Kasilof River
★★★★★
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
Photo showcase
Kasilof River FAQ
Before You Book
Quick answers for planning a Kasilof River trip.
What can I catch on the Kasilof?
King, sockeye, coho and pink salmon, plus rainbow trout and Dolly Varden.
When is the best time to fish it?
Kings from late May to early July (peak June), sockeye from late June (peak July), and coho from early August.
How is it different from the Kenai?
It is smaller, about 17 miles long, with fewer fish but fewer boats and less competition. The upper river is drift-only.
How much is a Kasilof River trip?
Trips run 6 hours: $1,000 per boat for up to 4 anglers, or $250 per person for a shared seat.
When can I book a Kasilof trip?
Kasilof River trips run May 16 to September 1. Open dates show in the booking calendar.
How far is the Kasilof from Sterling?
About 30 minutes. Launch details come with your booking confirmation.
Are pink salmon worth it?
Pinks run in even-numbered years, from late July through August, in big numbers. A good option for families.
Is it good for beginners and kids?
Yes. The quieter water makes for a relaxed day, and your guide teaches everything on the water.
Kasilof River · Kenai Peninsula
Book Your
Kasilof River
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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Private boat or shared seat
Our other river and species
