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Kasilof River Fishing Info & Top Rated Kasilof River Fishing Guides & Lodges


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The Kasilof River is a glacier-fed river that stretches for 17-miles from Tustumena Lake to Cook Inlet. It is referred to often as the little brother to the Kenai River, and the two Blue Ribbon Rivers are just 12 miles apart. Fishing is the big draw for the Kasilof and some recreational fun too. There are no motors allowed on the river, which is different from the Kenai. These waters are primarily for drift fishers though canoe and kayaking are viable recreational activities. Fishing here is on par with the Kenai even though the Kasilof River is smaller.

Many people come solely to fish for Salmon on the Kasilof and then fall in love with the area. The area has several lakes, fantastic fishing, and you have access to the beach along Cook Inlet. Several recreation areas include camping and RV parking. Crooked Creek State Recreation Site, Johnson State Recreation Area and Kasilof RV Park are destinations for those looking for campgrounds or with trailers and RVs.

For those of you who want it a little softer, the area around Kasilof offers a mix of lodging options from luxury fishing lodges and plush B&B's to cabin rentals and even motels. The town of Kasilof is small, with a population of just 549 residents. Soldotna is only 12-miles away and offers more amenities, including grocery stores and places to restock fishing and outdoor activity supplies. The beachfront at the mouth of the Kasilof is long and offers excellent outdoor options, including fishing and clamming.

Scenic View of the Kasilof River
Scenic View of the Kasilof River

Fishing the Kasilof River

It's with good reason that the Kasilof River is known as the little brother to the Kenai River. The fish here are very similar. Anglers have access to big King Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Silver Salmon, and Steelhead. Fishing here can be successful with flies, but most anglers will choose bait when fishing for King Salmon There are opportunities to DIY fish near the mouth of the Kasilof but drift fishing with a guide is your best option because motors are not an option on this river. If you drift, someone will have to pick you up downstream. There is a boat launch at the Kasilof River State Recreation Site.

If you have been to the Kenai River, you have noticed the beautiful sky blue color. Like the Kenai, the Kasilof is glacially fed with more turbidity. Fishing here can be successful with flies, but for Kings, most anglers use bait. Fishing here is nearly 100% by drift boat even though there are some walk and wade areas. Drifting gives you better access to the fish. The hot spots for fishing are generally the lower Kasilof for two reasons. First, there is a fish hatchery on Crooked Creek that helps support the population of King Salmon, and those fish return to the hatcher and Crooked Creek, which empties into the Kasilof River near its mouth. The mouth is much like a small lake, and that makes for outstanding fishing for King Salmon, Silver Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, and Steelhead.

Expect a shallow river with a milky appearance and access to excellent fishing. The best time to target King Salmon begins in mid-May with the first run - generally hatchery fish and somewhat smaller. That run wanes in late June and early July. The second run, which is made up of wild fish, begins in mid-July. The second run of Kings is made up of big fish where 50-pound fish are not uncommon. Remember that the Kenai holds the world record for Sports-caught King Salmon, and the Kasilof is equally capable of breaking that record.

The Sockeye Salmon run begins in mid-June and, on average, has around 900,000 fish. In some years, the run starts in mid-May. The Silver Salmon season peaks around mid-August with the runs starting in late-July and early August and ending near the end of September. Steelhead fishing on the Kasilof is good but often unnoticed due to the prolific Salmon fishing. The best times to target Steelhead are April/May and then again in Oct/Nov. Don't count out early and late fishing here as the area, while cold, is accessible year-round. There are Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden here year-round, and those are fantastic targets, especially after the King season closes. Trophy Rainbow Trout in the 25-30" range and Dolly Varden, which are slightly smaller, are both available.

The Kasilof River is a fantastic fishery and very capable of matching the Kenai for fishing. The local area offers plenty of outdoor options for the whole family, and food and lodging are not challenging to find, though reservations are highly recommended. For many reasons, anglers and those who love the outdoor mark the Kasilof River as a destination each year.


Top Rated Kasilof River Fishing Guides & Lodges

Jimmie Jack's 'Original' Alaska Lodge
Jimmie Jack's 'Original' Alaska Lodge
All-Inclusive Top Quality Guided Freshwater & Saltwater Fishing Trips | Expect a High Quality Experience Both On & Off the Water at an Affordable Price!
327 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $4,000 to $4,500 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Current Special: $500 off any available 2023 dates!
Package: Signature Seven Package - June/July/Aug/Sept
Cooper Landing Fishing Guide
Cooper Landing Fishing Guide
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time angler interested in a fishing trip in Alaska, we are the Kenai River Guide Service for you.
114 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Package: Full Day of Salmon Fishing - $295 Per Person
Package: Half Day of Salmon Fishing - $195 Per Person
Alaskan Fishing Adventures
Alaskan Fishing Adventures
Top Rated Alaska Fishing & Adventure Lodge | Something for Everyone - Perfect for Families, Couples, Groups or the Die-Hard Angler!
115 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Current Special: Early June - Crazy for Unlimited Cod
Current Special: Last 2 Weeks of June - Castaway Cabins Special
Salmon Catcher Fishing Lodge
Salmon Catcher Fishing Lodge
Experience a fully guided fishing & adventure trip in one of the Kenai Peninsula’s premier fishing lodges offering outdoorsmen and families luxury accommodations in the finest handcrafted spruce log cabins
126 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Current Special: Premium Fishing Package - 5, 6 or 7 Night Stay - Mention This Ad & Save 20% in May/June (10% in July/August)
Current Special: Executive Fishing Package - 5, 6 or 7 Night Stay - Mention This Ad & Save 20% in May/June/July/August
Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker
Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker
Top-Rated Fishing Guides & Affordable Lodging Packages | Kenai River, Cook Inlet & Remote-Fly Out Fishing
111 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Half Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person; $500 to $599 Per Person
Kenai Drift Anglers
Kenai Drift Anglers
At Kenai Drift Anglers, we are dedicated to providing the best Alaska fishing experience possible
52 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person; $300 to $399 Per Person
Package: Full Day of Guided Fishing
Package: Half Day of Guided Fishing
Jimmie Jack's Alaska SeaScape Lodge
Jimmie Jack's Alaska SeaScape Lodge
All-Inclusive Fishing Trips Combined with Five-Star Luxury Accommodations | Freshwater Fishing, Saltwater Fishing & Fly-Out Fishing Options along with Fine Dining, Wine & Drinks When You Get Back!
81 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $5,500 to $6,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $5,000 to $5,500 Per Person
Package: SeaScape All Inclusive Package
Soldotna B&B Trophy Lodge
Soldotna B&B Trophy Lodge
Top Rated Alaska Fishing & Adventure Lodge | Whether you are looking to fish, canoe, hike or just enjoy Alaska, we have packages for you.
250 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
Half Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Full Day: $300 to $399 Per Person; $400 to $499 Per Person
Package: Fly Fishermen's Focus
Package: Everything But the Kenai Sink
Alaska FishOn! Charters
Alaska FishOn! Charters
Affordable Kenai Peninsula Fishing & Lodging Packages | Kenai River, Kasilof River, Cook Inlet & Fly-In Fishing Options
71 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $500 to $1,000 Per Person
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Current Special: 4-Day Salmon & Halibut 'Captain's Special' Package (August & Sept)
Captain Bligh's Lodge & Guide Service
Captain Bligh's Lodge & Guide Service
2 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $150 to $199 Per Person; $200 to $299 Per Person
King of the River
King of the River
26 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $300 to $399 Per Person
Eric Loomis Fishing
Eric Loomis Fishing
11 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Fishology Alaska
Fishology Alaska
110 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person; $300 to $399 Per Person
Ninilchik Charters
Ninilchik Charters
809 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Alaska Streamers
Alaska Streamers
24 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Alaska Kenai Fishing for Fun
Alaska Kenai Fishing for Fun
242 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person; $400 to $499 Per Person
Alaska Eagle Head Resort
Alaska Eagle Head Resort
14 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Alaskan Angling Adventures
Alaskan Angling Adventures
110 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person; $200 to $299 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Chugach Backcountry
Chugach Backcountry
36 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Crooked Creek Retreat
Crooked Creek Retreat
81 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
Alaska Drift Away Fishing
Alaska Drift Away Fishing
110 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Kasilof River Cabins
Kasilof River Cabins
2 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
ACE Fishing Adventures
ACE Fishing Adventures
22 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Chadwick’s Fishing Guide Service
Chadwick’s Fishing Guide Service
103 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Full Day: $300 to $399 Per Person; $200 to $299 Per Person
Kenai River Recon
Kenai River Recon
10 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Kenai Wild Fishing
Kenai Wild Fishing
46 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Alaska Fish Catcher Lodge & Outfitter
Alaska Fish Catcher Lodge & Outfitter
6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Jim Rusk Fishing Guide
Jim Rusk Fishing Guide
14 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Silverfin Guide Service
Silverfin Guide Service
38 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Double Haul Fly Fishing
Double Haul Fly Fishing
31 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Alaskan Widespread Fishing Adventures
Alaskan Widespread Fishing Adventures
126 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Kenai River Cowboys
Kenai River Cowboys
78 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person

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