Kasilof River Fishing – Drift Boat Magic in Alaska’s Hidden Gem

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3/4 Day Fishing Trips

Tired of the crowds on the Kenai?

Want a slower-paced, more intimate fishing experience with plenty of action? The Kasilof River delivers big-time—especially for anglers chasing sockeye salmon, king salmon, and silver salmon from the quiet comfort of a drift boat.


🌲 Why Fish the Kasilof River?

Just south of the Kenai River, the Kasilof offers:

  • No motorized boat traffic – only drift boats allowed

  • Secluded scenery and a more relaxed vibe

  • Strong sockeye and silver runs plus hatchery kings

  • Ideal water for fly or spin fishing

This river flows through wild country, offering peaceful floats and consistent fishing action, especially during the peak salmon runs.


🐟 What Species Can You Catch on the Kasilof?

Depending on when you visit, the Kasilof River gives you a crack at:

  • Sockeye Salmon (June–July) – great numbers and great meat

  • Hatchery King Salmon (June–early July) – available for harvest

  • Silver Salmon (late August–October) – hot fall fishing and light crowds

  • Steelhead (October) – elusive and exciting

The late-season king salmon are often overlooked, but Kasilof kings are strong, bright, and harvestable—a rare combo in Southcentral Alaska.


🚣‍♂️ Drift Boat Fishing – Alaska at Its Best

With no motors allowed, your guide rows you downriver for a quiet, connected experience. You’ll hear birdsong, watch eagles soar, and drift past moose and bears in their natural habitat.

And the best part? The fish are right there, in easy casting range. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a total beginner, drift boat fishing on the Kasilof is peaceful, productive, and unforgettable.


💡 Tip: Combine the Kenai and Kasilof for a Multi-Day Adventure

Can’t decide between rivers? You don’t have to. Book a 2- or 3-day package and fish both. Enjoy the high-energy Kenai one day and the laid-back Kasilof the next—it’s the ultimate way to experience the diversity of Alaska salmon fishing.


📅 Book Early – Peak Dates Go Fast!

The Kasilof is smaller and more limited than the Kenai, so guided drift boat trips fill up quickly—especially for peak sockeye and silver runs.

📞 Call Ian today at (907) 301-6957
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Book online: kenaiflyfish.com
📲 Follow @kenaiflyfish on Instagram & Facebook

 
 

Kenai River Fish Species

Rainbow Trout

Kenai River rainbows can be well over 30 inches and up to 20lbs!

Dolly Varden Char

Dollies range of all sizes and can reach up to about 12 lbs.

Steelhead

Steelhead are very uniform in shape and average around 28 inches. These amazing, acrobatic fish are often a fly fisherman’s favorite to target.

King Salmon

The Kenai River is open to motorized boats, allowing us chase the bite, and stay on the fish!

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye salmon (also called red salmon) are the most popular salmon to catch on the Kenai Peninsula.

Coho Salmon

Ranging anywhere from 5-20lbs, coho are acrobatic and are probably the most aggressive salmon out there.

Pink Salmon

Pinks are completely underrated, they are extremely aggressive to catch and come in by the millions!

Halibut

Guided ocean fishing on the world-famous Kenai Peninsula